Dallas Morning News music critic Mario Tarradell checks in with his take on the newly issued and virtually inescapable remastered version of the Beatles’ catalog. Unlike past instances where I’ve taken Mario to task, there isn’t a line or section that stands out. It’s actually not too bad, and adroitly covers most of the bases (how it sounds, where it’s at, how much it costs, etc.). But — and you knew that was coming — it lacks any real critical authority, because of too many qualifiers.
For instance:
Even the casual Beatles fan would recognize the importance of the band’s initial four albums remastered and in stereo, which is arguably a huge improvement over the original mono versions.
And:
Revolver, considered by many fans to be the Beatles’ finest album, also jumps out of the speakers.
I read those two passages and I wonder: Is the stereo version a huge improvement or not? Do you, Mario, consider Revolver to be the Beatles’ finest album? I don’t think there is necessarily a right or wrong answer to those questions, because it is an opinion. I just would like to see an actual opinion there without any sort of C.Y.A. tactics.
