Neil Young News: Archives Open Thread: Thursday, 6/4/09

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Thursday, June 04, 2009

Archives Open Thread: Thursday, 6/4/09

1st night with Neil Young Archives by John R., New York

Here's today's daily open thread on the Neil Young Archives where you can post thoughts and questions.

Archives Guy seems to be checking in on occasion as time permits. But if you know the answer to folks' questions, please try and help out, to free up AG to focus on newer issues.

Got a report? Drop a comment below. No registration required.

Also, see The Neil Young Archives.

And -- as always -- see Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About The Neil Young Archives But Were Afraid To Ask.

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131 Comments:

At 6/04/2009 08:49:00 AM, Thrasher said...: Folks,

Just a friendly reminder regarding Archives questions and Archives Guy.

Please remember that Archives Guy is a technical production engineer type.

He is not in the marketing, customer service, shipping & handling dept.

Many issues are completely out of his hands.

With that said, feel free to air concerns but try not direct them to AG for resolution. Try and be cool and patient and relax and breathe deep.

He is here primarily to handle issues around playback and enjoyment of the Archives.

Again, feel free to post here your concerns. But also try and resolve through your distributor. If you ordered from WB site, call 866-430-6230.

If still no satisfaction, post issue with your email. AG and his folks have been real good about making things right.

Lastly, we know there are tons of positive stories out there. But they're too busy enjoying NYA to post. But let us know if you come up for air something positive & fun!

Otherwise, don't let it bring you down, it's only the NYA working out the kinks.

peace & love,

t
At 6/04/2009 08:53:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Dude, you looked like you almost spilled your beer on the set. careful, man.

happy camper
ps - Saranac?! figures for an upstater...
At 6/04/2009 09:09:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy -

I am finding that navigating the set is sometimes a VERY slow process. For example, when I select something from the file cabinet, it takes several minutes to load my selection. I have a JVC XV-BP1 blu-ray player. There do not seem to be any firmware updates that I can find (I could be wrong). Did your team test this player? I saw earlier with a guy that had a Sharp player that you were aware of his player's issues through testing with that device. Any help would be appreciated. By the way, you all did a fantastic job with the Archives - truly amazing!

Art, Plymouth MN
At 6/04/2009 09:43:00 AM, prince-o said...: Got through the Riverboat disc last night and it's fantastic! Also did part of the 2nd Topanga disc and hearing this stuff in hi-res is great.

For the Archives Guy, and apologies if this has been asked and covered before and I didn't find it: Are some of the versions that play in the song folder different from the versions that play with the video? Some of them sound like the resolution or encoding of the track are different and some sound like they are different versions altogether, faster or slower, etc. I wonder if this may be a function of the processing when you're only listening to a track with limited video content playing as opposed to hearing it with a lot of interective content the player (PS3 160GB in my case) is trying to decode as well. Or possibly just the perception of my ears when I'm not exclusively focused on the music ;-)
At 6/04/2009 10:05:00 AM, hutlock said...: HI everyone!

Still waiting for my DVD version to get here but I had a few questions in the meantime...

1) I notice a lot of folks with issues with the Blu-Ray version of the box... has anyone had any technical trouble navigating with the DVD version?

2) Let's say I have a problem with glue or getting the wrong discs or something, but I bought my box from someone OTHER than WB or Amazon... can I still call that WB customer service number for resolution?

Thanks -- can't wait for my box to arrive and be able to join the conversation a bit more!!!
At 6/04/2009 10:07:00 AM, because sound matters.... said...: have a usual revox b285 amp. with just red/white chinch input. do you recommend just a chinch cable to connect with a low-budget bluray players analog audio output (in my case the samsung bpd1500). or is it necessary for a good sound to use a pre-amp with digital inputs and analog outputs. on the q&a its recommended to check the bluray players audio settings. my manual says that there are no audio settings for the analog output.

what a june in europe. waiting for the archives box an looking forward to some shows again!!!
At 6/04/2009 10:14:00 AM, Anonymous said...: i have a complaint about the packaging. first off, does the box REALLY need to be this big? a lot of wasted material here. when i pull out the actual slip box with the blu rays in it it gets stuck on the lip (because it folds in half). the blu rays are shoved in there so tight you have to bang the sucker on the counter to get them to come out. but my real complaint is this. THE BOOK. it smells TERRIBLE, like i can hardly be around it for more than 5 minutes because of the toxic fumes coming off it. i've figured out that it's the faux leather that's causing the toxic smell. has anyone else had this problem?

as for the actual archives, i don't know about that. my blu ray player should be hear (sp) today!

-NAG
At 6/04/2009 10:20:00 AM, randall smith said...: is there a chance that he will release the 24/196 content for use on a computer-based setup? Then we can use better DAC's than the PS3 is capable of.

Thanks

Randall
At 6/04/2009 10:32:00 AM, Anonymous said...: i'm a big fan of the smell of books
and this one's up there with the best of them.
gorgeous.
and there's some good pics and stuff in there too.
actually the whole thing is amazing.
i watched all the barn clips last night - far out!

sorry if we seem ungrateful at times,
i suppose we always thought it would be ALL outtakes, mysterious,lost songs,
but this is a different to that,
which i understand now.
it's such a brilliant and innovative approach it makes my kness wobbly.
who would thought it would happen to us?!

thanks!
nick
At 6/04/2009 10:33:00 AM, Sean said...: I did the dance of joy when I got mine the other day, couldn't believe its finally here! Looks, sounds and is pretty amazing. I thought I would be able to get through it pretty quickly but last night I was only able to skim through a disc and a half in the few hours I had to look through it. Not complaining at all! The EKTIN tracks sound awesome.
At 6/04/2009 10:44:00 AM, craigh said...: i need a little help i know ag said accessing the hidden tracks on the dvd was simple but i have trying for about an hour and i must be missing the obvious can anyone help thanks
At 6/04/2009 10:47:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Stumbled upon an interesting video clip in the archives. The clip shows a conversation between Joel Bernstein and NY about how the audiences have changed over the years, specifically in their response to new material. As a relatively new NY fan (first saw him live in 1996) my frame of reference is rather limited. I certainly have gone to concerts with a wishlist of songs on my mind, but have always left thoroughly satisfied. In fact their have been times where I was upset that there was not more attention given to the newer material. I will never forget seeing him play songs like "Out of Control", "Looking Forward" etc. etc. during his solo acoustic tour of 1999. I was able to make it to all three nights in Chicago, and each night he played a great mixture of old and new. While I did not care for some of the newer songs played on this most recent tour, I had no problem with him playing those songs. Neil has earned the right to play whatever the hell he wants. If you don't like it, don't go to the show. In Neil's words "F_ck the audience."

Poster w/o a Handle
At 6/04/2009 10:48:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy -

I have a LG BD370. Topanga 2 and North Country works 100%, but I have a problem with Topanga 1, 3 and The Early Years discs. Whenever I try to pick songs from the file cabinet the screen goes blank and i have to pull the players plug. I can play the songs in the play all -option, but lots of the extra stuff is located in the file cabinet, so this is a major problem.

Endre
At 6/04/2009 10:51:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Samsung BDP1500, Just wondering how the BR Archives are playing on the Samsung BDP1500, any constructive comments would be appreciated.

Doug
At 6/04/2009 10:52:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy -

I have a LG BD370. Topanga 2 and North Country works 100%, but I have a problem with Topanga 1, 3 and The Early Years discs. Whenever I try to pick songs from the file cabinet the screen goes blank and I have to pull the players plug. I can play the songs in the play all -option, but lots of the extra stuff is located in the file cabinet, so this is a major problem.

Endre
At 6/04/2009 10:55:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I have a new Samsung BDP-3600...should I expect ANY tech glitches?
At 6/04/2009 11:02:00 AM, stephengilmour said...: Archives guy - HELP!!!!

I also have an LG BD370 blu ray player and am having the same problems as Endre listed above - please help! This is spoiling my viewing and navigating and I now wonder with these troubles if the DVD set may not have been better.

I need help - I bought the set from Amazon Germany and cant send back as would cost me £60 in postage (I'm in the UK) - please please help!!
At 6/04/2009 11:10:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Hello Stephengilmour!

Since you have the same problems i guess it is the LG-player which is the problem and not the disc...

Archives guy - please contact LG and make them make a patch or something!!

Its a freaking new player on the market, I thought it was ultrasafe! ( Maybe it is so new they dont have made any patches / upgrades )

Endre
At 6/04/2009 11:10:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Dough: I have a Samsung BDP1500. No issues/problems whatsoever - so far. This whole thing is simply amazing and I'm far from finished going through it all yet.

Thor
At 6/04/2009 11:11:00 AM, DK said...: Neil Young: so how is everything going on Thrasher's Wheat?

Archives Guy: well, they kind of like the work we've done but they are really upset about not having the MP3's on day one

Neil Young: but what about the amazing sound quality of the set they paid $300 for?

Archives Guy: they don't seem to
care about that

Neil Young: wow that doesn't make much sense

Archives Guy: and another thing, they don't like the smell of Archives either
At 6/04/2009 11:21:00 AM, Anonymous said...: dk, say what you will. i think i got a bum package. my book is seriously toxic smelling...it's outside airing out right now.

but i'm not sending it back!

-NAG
At 6/04/2009 11:30:00 AM, stephengilmour said...: Endre - thanks for this - please can you keep me posted on this issue! I just bought this as a new 'you can't break it dvd too!'

My email is gilmourstephen@hotmail.com if you get any news before me. Archives guy please tell me what is wrong on the LG BD370 - this has cost me almost $600 for player and BR set!!
At 6/04/2009 11:31:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I'm gonna wait for the Super Duper High Definition version of Vol.1 to come out...
-Izzy
At 6/04/2009 11:32:00 AM, stephengilmour said...: Dear All and AG (and NY),

Does anyone have a direct email address for the NYA technical support or an email for Archives Guy - i want to have the issue with the BD370 (LG) resolved asap.

thanks
At 6/04/2009 11:43:00 AM, Brett said...: Blogger hutlock said...

1) I notice a lot of folks with issues with the Blu-Ray version of the box... has anyone had any technical trouble navigating with the DVD version?

NO Problems with my DVD version.
I've been through them all(took the day off work yesterday!)

Great sound. Unique smell.
Only negative... the Disc Packages are jammed in tightly and can rip along the spine
At 6/04/2009 11:56:00 AM, Luc said...: Waiting here in Belgium on my Archives.
When they arrive, I'll need to buy a HDTV and a Blu ray player.
When you get updates and new stuff on the net, does it store on the harddisk of the Blu ray player ? Or how does it work ?
Do i need to buy an axternal harddisk ?
Can anyone explain this (luxury) problem to me?
At 6/04/2009 12:04:00 PM, stephengilmour said...: Archives guy - please can you investigate and resolve the problem for me and Endre witrh regards the LG BD370 player - ive spent a fortune on player and blu ray box and hoped this wouldnt happen - it is BD Live with ethernet cable etc but like Endre says there are problems navigating the fils in those discs Topanga 1 and 3, and early years! I do need help ASAP!! Thank you thank you - long may you run! (PS Mine is the European edition) PPS If archives guy is not on today does anyone have a direct email to him - thanks!
At 6/04/2009 12:15:00 PM, Patch of Ground Person said...: AG,

Coming up for air for a few quick comments. The release date coincided with the last day of school (I'm a teacher) so I've been going through the discs pretty much since...

The archives worked perfect for me (PS3). Packaging is perfect as well. I love the extras like the notepad and the poster. I'm making a frame for it in my woodshop...

The look and feel of the archives is awesome. I like all of the old equipment like the tape deck, microphones, the file folders, the notebook pages with the lyrics.

Another thing I really like is the presentation of the interviews. When there is an interview, a green sinusoid wave shows when the person is speaking. How did you get that, ProTools? I'm going to use this when I teach sinusoids in Precalculus next year.

One last thing. I'm surprised how many times Graham Nash is credited with an artifact. Did he follow Neil around in the seventies picking up his trash? Really, I'm wondering how he came into possession of all of these Neil artifacts...

Thanks. Now back to watch Journey through the Past for the first time...

Jeff
Patch of Ground Person
At 6/04/2009 01:05:00 PM, Five Hairs High said...: For more information on the archives check out Neil Young's Post Informer http://www.neilyoungarchives.com/post/post-informer.html

Great insights from NY on his past.
At 6/04/2009 01:17:00 PM, Anonymous said...: AG;
Are you a Virgo? You seem totally like a Virgo to me, all experty and such...
At 6/04/2009 01:23:00 PM, BecauseSoundMatters said...: Still waiting on a friend....
At 6/04/2009 01:39:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Sign?

Not a Virgo..but that is funny.

Back in a while to address archives issues...
At 6/04/2009 01:44:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: DK- that's funny.

to paraphase something from the Year Of The Horse album:
"smell the archives on this one.."

personally, I like the way the book smells but know that that scent will mellow over time as the faux leather off-gasses.
At 6/04/2009 01:45:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Endre & Stephen (and AG),

Sounds like the issue you're having is the same issue I'm having with my JVC blu-ray player. I have only tried Disc 0, so don't know about the other discs you had problems with. I should mention that if I waited long enough (several minutes - 3-4 or so), the item I selected from the file cabinet would eventually appear, but it was inordinately long to wait. I tend to blame the player first, but that's why I asked AG. I should also mention that the same thing happened after viewing some video clips within the menus from individual songs (though with a bit shorter wait time), but NOT when I would look at photos, memorabilia, etc.

Art - Plymouth, MN
At 6/04/2009 01:47:00 PM, Love And Only Love said...: Made this post on Rust and thought to share it here.

I have the dreaded "glue spot" problem to varying degrees on all of the first 5 discs (0 - 4), all others appear to be in pristine condition (5 - 9). I have contacted Archives customer support, as AG suggested at: toll free - 866-430-6230. The customer support rep was extremely friendly and helpful... she stated that a meeting was scheduled for this afternoon and I would be receiving a call when they determined which course of action to take. I really seems to me that they are making every effort to rectify the situation.

I have not purchased the PS3 yet (will do ASAP) so the MP3s available at 5:00 PM PDT tonight will carry me through... I sure hope they don't want me to return the entire set... it truly is a feast for the eyes and the book is phenominal!

Peace and love,
Ron
At 6/04/2009 02:17:00 PM, Anonymous said...: The Glue Issue:

I think the problem with the glue could be solved. Something went wrong at the binder/printer. They probably put the speed of the machine too high. All my sleeves have some marks of glue in the center for about 12 mm. Some of the discs have liitle glue dots.

David posted the following message earlear on TW:

"  Removing glue from CDs is simple and easy. If a klutz like me can do this, you can too.   Get a little isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and a non-abrasive cloth. (Toilet paper is okay but do NOT use a paper towel.) Wet the cloth with the alcohol and rub the spot GENTLY, circular motion. In about 30 second the glue will come right off.   I did this to the 3 CDs that had a bit of glue. Glue is now gone and they play fine.  "

Maybe we should make an instruction video for this and post it on YouTube or Vimeo. Anyway it's sounds a bit stupid to me to send all the discs back. Solve your problems if you can solve them easy?

The Smell Issue 1:
I don't know about the book because I still have NOT received my Blu-Ray set.... (I bought the cd's because i could not wait any longer...)

The Smell Issue 2:
Nobody has been talking about the smell of the sleeves!!!! It's is really the first time as far as I know that they don't smell anymore. The sleeves are printed with waterink or printed waterless (without water). The printing quality is so supercool and beautiful. This should be the standard for all upcoming NY material! (Please Neil, we want quallity, if you like it or not.) The previous Massey Hall and Fillmore sleeves were still printed with oil based inks. Have a look at the difference. And smell both versions. Oil versus water.

Because Sound Matters
At 6/04/2009 02:26:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy...

Has Neil really gotten as fat as he looks?!

Bob
At 6/04/2009 02:33:00 PM, BecauseSoundMatters said...: Come on Bob. He will practice a work-out at a giant gym in Paris tonight. And after all he is looking good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_nnsmP_S9s
At 6/04/2009 02:41:00 PM, Love And Only Love said...: Thanks, Because Sound Matters, I was thinking of giving that a try... but since I have no way to test/play the BR disc (yet), I will wait until I get the PS3... wouldn't want to cause any damage and void replacement, if necessary. The glue spots on my discs are very small to begin with... perhaps a mixture of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% filtered water with a microfiber cloth...

Peace,
Ron
At 6/04/2009 02:52:00 PM, BecauseSoundMatters said...: Ron,
The glue spots on my discs are also very small. It really looks like a problem with the glue machine at the binder. But one thing: the glue spots are all on the non-printed side of the disc! The story about removing the glue with alcohol will work on this side of the disc. Don't know how it works on the other (printed) side. Should be careful with the printed side. Maybe Archives Guy should test it first...

Because Sound Matters
At 6/04/2009 03:02:00 PM, ove And Only Love said...: Thanks again BSM, the glue spots here are the same small, on the non-printed side and looks like a packaging snafu.
At 6/04/2009 03:18:00 PM, Mark said...: The glue spots don't bother me so much, it was the 6 foot long Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)that freaked me out... It took me over an hour to get him to let go of the book...or maybe that was just a result of the tequila and model cement, I don't know for sure...
At 6/04/2009 03:22:00 PM, stephengilmour said...: Hey Archives Guy,

I hope you've not left us here all alone now tthe launch date has passed - please please resolve my BD370 LG issue - i'm so down here not being able to access the filing cabinets! Please also help the JVC guy - a lot of us have endured a lot of credit card debt to buy the kit and the blu ray sets and need them to work - please get back to us - ps my email is gilmourstephen@hotmail.com - thanks! Steve
At 6/04/2009 03:23:00 PM, Anonymous said...: The Diamondback Rattlesnake fell in love with the book? Wow, that book does smell really attractive.
At 6/04/2009 03:34:00 PM, SONY said...: John R. must be a 4%er -

ONLY 3 BEERS?!

(just funnin' John)

I've had those Saranacs......smooooth
At 6/04/2009 03:35:00 PM, EP said...: Archive Guy:

I am thoroughly enjoying the box. Great Job to the team.

I have the same question as someone yesterday:

When the song info screen opens (off the File Cabinet), there is a moment of hesitation after the screen image loads, and the song starts about a second into the track.

(example: if a song starts with a count in, the "1" of "1 2 3 4" will not be heard...in other cases, the first 1/2 bar of music will be missing)

It's not a big deal, but I'm wondering if there is a setting I should look for, or sit back and let it go (if that is the designed intent).

When listening to songs outside the File Cabinet, the track plays from the start...maybe it's a cache issue due to the loading of info?

BLURAY, PS3, Yamaha, HDMI user.

Notwithstanding, wonderful product!

EP
At 6/04/2009 03:36:00 PM, designschicago said...: Get that motherf*cking snake out of the motherf*cking Archives!

Seriously, Ron, that sucks!

I also phoned the NYA phone number.

They were helpful BUT, know, that it is specifically about disc related issues: glue, damaged sets, etc. or so I was told.

My problem is no Archives, nor has the status been changed anytime in the last several weeks.

NYA helpline gal (props to you, Julia) gave me a direct # to WBR Customer Service--of which email response has been zip.

The number is: 866-759-4843

WBR Customer Service merely re-read the website status with no additional information. In fact, she suggested that stock might be short.

So I wait. I hope. I pray. At least no glue spots...

-designschicago
At 6/04/2009 03:44:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Steve dude...did you check the actual site http://www.lge.com/us/tv-audio-video/video/LG-blu-ray-dvd-player-BD370.jsp
there is most likely an answer or update you need.
AG has always given warnings about updating your BD Players, it may be that simple of a fix.
Give it a shot if you haven't.

LIVE RUST
At 6/04/2009 03:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Bought the DVD version. Three of the 10 discs turned out to be CDs. Will call Reprise now. But first: had anyone else had this problem?
At 6/04/2009 03:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: EP, I have a PS3 but so far only the Preview Disc.
Have not had a single problem thus far.
I would most likely go over the actual PS3 Settings to see if there is something there causing the problem.
Read over the Set Up on the Archives Disc and see if things on your PS3 fit the bill.
There's Video Settings, Audio Setting...etc. which I am sure you are aware of.
Hopefully that's where the issue lies.

LIVE RUST
just hoping to be of some sort of help is all.
At 6/04/2009 03:52:00 PM, stephengilmour said...: LIVE RUST - yeah thanks man, i have downloaded the one firmware update there which improves dvd playback - however that has made no difference - obviously my blu ray set is a region 2 as is my LG BD370 player - i am not sure if endre is a region 1 - but both have the same problems - oh archive guy where art thou?
At 6/04/2009 03:56:00 PM, BecauseSoundMatters said...: To 6/04/2009 03:51:00 PM, Anonymous

There were a couple of other people here on TW that had the same problem with mixed discs. Some of them had CD's and got a couple of DVD's. Maybe we can start an exchange community... i don't know. You have to contact WB customer service: 866-430-6230 in the US of A
At 6/04/2009 03:58:00 PM, BecauseSoundMatters said...: Archives Guy is busy solving problems with MP3 files.
Can you imagine... MP3 files... He probably will be back in an hour because he had made up a deadline for himself. BSM
At 6/04/2009 04:02:00 PM, EP said...: @ LIVE RUST

Good to know it's likely a setting. If so, I'll track it down (gone through the PS3 settings once, the Reciever is next).

Thanks.

EP
At 6/04/2009 04:07:00 PM, Anonymous said...: "obviously my blu ray set is a region 2 as is my LG BD370 player - i am not sure if endre is a region 1"

Dude, Blu-ray doesn't have numbered Region encoding. It will either be Region A (US), B (Europe) , or free.
At 6/04/2009 04:10:00 PM, W2RJO said...: SONY.. I'm not sure if I'm a 4%er.... but I had a "few more" Saranacs that in the picture.

You don't need beer to enjoy NYA! Right now I'm listening errr... umm... I mean "experiencing" Topanga 3 with a glass of iced tea and a turkey sandwich w/ roasted peppers and Thousand Island dressing.

Have fun all!

John R
Poland, NY
At 6/04/2009 04:11:00 PM, Anonymous said...: ... and according to the Archives Guy it's region code free.
At 6/04/2009 04:11:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Looks like the team should have left well enough alone and produced only the Bluray, like neil wanted.

But you guys wanted all this complicated BS with cd's and dvd's and mp3's.

Now look what's happened...you have a real reason to complain.

Computer Cowboy
At 6/04/2009 04:12:00 PM, Anonymous said...: The photos from Fillmore make me realize how absolutely thin Neil was at his prime...(nice to see the photos with the Danny)...seeing the you-tube of Neil in France makes me realize that he is human after all... apparently while so far from home, somebody got him a cheeseburger and a new rolling stone...
At 6/04/2009 04:21:00 PM, stephengilmour said...: Thanks all - what I meant was my BD370 LG player was Region coded for Europe - just if that helped the AG at all? Ultimately I still have trouble accessing those files as does Endre and Archives Guy - please man get back to me.

Thanks
At 6/04/2009 04:32:00 PM, Mark said...: "designschicago said...
Get that motherf*cking snake out of the motherf*cking Archives!"

Lighten up Francis...
At 6/04/2009 04:33:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Warner doesn't region lock any of their Blu-ray releases, Archives included.
At 6/04/2009 04:33:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Computer Cowboy-

Glue/bindery issues, whether 1 isolated case or more, are totally unrelated as to the media packed within.
At 6/04/2009 04:35:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Stephengilmour

I did as the jvc-guy said....When I pick songs from the cabinet I just waited.. and it did come up after 4-5 minutes..and after that I could easily skip songs in the cabinet...so this way i can get all the extra stuff...

Endre
At 6/04/2009 04:42:00 PM, craigh said...: CAN ANY ONE HELP ME WITH ACCESSING THE HIDDEN TRACKS ON THE DVD THANKS
At 6/04/2009 04:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hey, the picture above ought to have empty Falstaff or Mickey's Big mouth, since after shelling out $340 for a collection of 3 disks already released (Fillmore, Canterbury and Massey), plus a bunch of songs already released on albums, we're left realizing that we paid $340 for Riverboat and JTTP, plus a few alternative versions of some good songs that we don't have a lot of spare kopeks to spring for the more expensive brewski's - I am just hoping that the BD-Live delivers some value... and believe me, I am a super NY fan (I must own 50 bootlegs, and I've seen him 18 times) - The whole archive, volume 1, experience is: "I've been waiting so long" and I "expected to fly" but now feel as if I'm "just pissing in the wind." Believe me, I'll be a lot more skeptical with volume 2... It's beginnign to look as if Volume 1 and 2 should have been combined into one... for $340 that is...
At 6/04/2009 04:59:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Thanks Thor, I'll be checking it out tonight.

Dough
At 6/04/2009 05:05:00 PM, D.I. Kertis said...: "Looks like the team should have left well enough alone and produced only the Bluray, like neil wanted."

Would have left lots of people who can't afford to spend $600 in one go out, don't you think?

Please don't tell me the blu-ray owners are going to get elitist about this...
At 6/04/2009 05:07:00 PM, Love And Only Love said...: Hey all, just got off the phone with customer support regarding the glue spot issue... they are going replace all affected discs! Don't have to send anything back or jump through any hoops... you will have to verify that your order though and it could take up to 2 weeks for the replacements to arrive... giving me time to score that PS3. ;)

I'm a very happy customer and give kudos to Neil, Archives Guy, Donna (customer service rep) and the record company execs for working so hard to Make it good!

Job well done and thanks!

Peace and love,
Ron
At 6/04/2009 05:10:00 PM, Doug Allentown said...: Archives Guy,

Thanks for your earlier reply even though my lack of bass problem has you stumped too. I do not think it is a "plumbing" issue. Here is some additional info:

I get plenty of bass when playing a regular CD on my new Blu-Ray player and I get nice bass when playing JTTP using the 5.1 choice from the menu.

My receiver is a Sony STR-DE997.

Any ideas?

Thanks and once again great job on Archives!

Doug Allentown
At 6/04/2009 05:25:00 PM, Dmitri Karamazov said...: My solution to the “Archives decision” was to buy the CD set, and I have ordered the book and JTTP separately. It’s nice knowing that I can purchase individual CDs or DVDs as gifts too.

Eventually I will graduate to the Blu Ray version. (As Neil said, “When I get big, I’m gonna get an electric guitar. When I get real big.” (heh heh) It has helped me a lot; reading these posts is definitely helping the Blu Ray decision.

Anyway, I guess I have Thrasher’s Wheat to THANK for the fact that we have a set CD at all, so Thank You Thrasher’s Wheat.

And the CDs simply sound GLORIOUS. “I’ve Been Waiting for You”, “Broken Arrow”, the live “Heart of Gold” all sound so gosh darn GLORIOUS. I mean, listening to the guitar, organ and bass on “I’ve Been Waiting for You” just blows my mind, to use an old phrase.

As great as all the Beatles and Dylan archival releases have been, yes, the NYA tops them all.

“Did you see them? Did you see them?”

P.S. Glad my advice on “glue” helped. “Please take my advice.”

-- David
At 6/04/2009 05:38:00 PM, Rasputin1981 said...: These questions are to all the other Archives users out there. I don't expect AG to answer of this stuff... I know he has hands full with much more important matters...

Does an Archives Wiki Exist? It would be helpful to have a place where you can find out EVERYTHING on this set. I understand the fun of poking around but for those that don't find that fun, it would be nice if folks can put something together... For instance, I've spent 40 minutes looking for the mono "Flying on the Ground" on DISC 1 and it doesn't seem to be anywhere! I can't find an alligator clip or anything... Also, are the only videos on the first three discs Neil opening the old letter and the Hollywood palace clip? I can't find anything else...
At 6/04/2009 06:03:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dough wrote:

>I get plenty of bass when playing a regular CD on my new Blu-Ray player and I get nice bass when playing JTTP using the 5.1 choice from the menu.

I think the reason is that the rest of the Archives has pcm 2.0 sound while the JTTP disc has a designated subwoofer track (the 1 in 5.1) On my Yamaha amp the L and R speakers are lid but not the sub and rear speakers. It's stereo, not surround. (Except for JTTP) The reason you have sound in the sub when playing CD's is probably because you have applied a dolby prologic or dts movie/music program on your amp. This will create a 5.1 soundfield (again, the 1 in 5.1 is the sub) However if you play a CD using straight or pure direct mode (the terms differs from amp to amp I suppose) you will get sound only in the left and right speakers (stereo), not in the sub.

- Thor
At 6/04/2009 06:17:00 PM, Anonymous said...: True about the glue.

Really, I'm just saying it's possible it was rushed to accomodate us.

I'm not elitist, I'm completist.

Computer Cowboy
At 6/04/2009 06:40:00 PM, Anonymous said...: The Archives - RIP OFF!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-10256034-47.html

Neil Young Archives Blu-ray: Rip off?
by Steve Guttenberg

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The box is jam-packed with stuff, but is a little short on unreleased musical content.

It's pricey. The "Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972" Blu ray box goes for $349; the DVD is $250; and the CD set a mere $100. The Blu-ray box contains a sprawling 11-disc collection. Young's been working on this set for what feels like decades; was it worth the wait?

There's a beautifully bound, embossed-"leather," covered book with tons of cool pictures. Hard-core fans will love it, everyone else will look through it once and be done with it.

There's only one unreleased live disc, "Live at the Riverboat 1969." The Blu ray box also includes "Live at Canterbury House" (not a Blu-ray, just a DVD and CD), "Live at the Fillmore East 1970," and "Live at Massey Hall 1971," which have been individually released over the past couple of years. I already bought them, as I'm sure many fans have. What a rip off to make us buy them again.

Most discs have music running times of under 60 minutes, so why oh why didn't Neil fill up more of the discs' capacity, or did he just need to justify an exorbitant MSRP? $350 for 11 discs? Strange, Hollywood movies that cost hundreds of millions of dollars to make retail for under 20 bucks a pop, so why does Neil charge $31 for a disc for music he made nearly 40 years ago? Rip off.
At 6/04/2009 06:55:00 PM, punkdavid said...: Steve Guttenberg is tardeded.
At 6/04/2009 06:55:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Archives Guy - are you otherwise known as "Will Mitchell"?
At 6/04/2009 07:15:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Steve Gutenberg? The dweeb from police academy? Nuff said.
At 6/04/2009 07:17:00 PM, Dmitri Karamazov said...: Archives Guy's real name is:
Archie ves'Guy!
At 6/04/2009 08:03:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: It's 5pm PST and I'm still working on your precious MP3 files.
Do you have any idea how painful it is to the ears to listen to 116 MP3 files back to back to back? OUCH!

When we are happy with them, they will be up for you to download. You will be informed.

Will Mitchell? No, but that's funny and I'll mention it to him next time we work together.

-Archives Guy
At 6/04/2009 08:10:00 PM, Cynthia said...: I am SOOO thrilled to have my Blu-Ray Archives set in my house, but since I don't have a Blu-Ray player yet, I was hoping the MP3s would tie me over and that's the only reason I want my "precious MP3s". This coming from a strict vinyl listener and the only reason I got Archives on Blu-Ray is because there wasn't a vinyl option.

I can't thank you enough for finally releasing the Archives and can't wait to actually hear the music inside the box!!!
At 6/04/2009 08:23:00 PM, It's... said...: AG:
I think you better hire an extra person for the phone desk ;).
On one of the stickers at the plastic around the box it says 128 audio tracks. The person who wrote that probably thought the hidden tracks were included in the download as well.
At 6/04/2009 08:25:00 PM, Doug said...: Hello. AG, I have a question. Why did you all decide to go with PCM audio instead of DTS-MA (BD-Live downloads excepted)? I have some ideas and would like to see if they're right. :)

Thanks.
At 6/04/2009 09:17:00 PM, richflynn17 said...: Mr Archives Guy,
I know you are stressed out beyond all belief. I found "Emperor of Wyoming" and I found some other "hidden tracks," but I can't find the "hidden version" of "I Wonder" to save my life. I hate MP3, but I am looking forward to it, just so I can hear even a crappy compressed version of the songs I can't find on the DVDs.

Let me say, however, that I have listened to everything--some more than once and this only at 24/96--it is amazing and I have already gotten more than my money's worth.

I really wish I could afford to upgrade all my equipment and hear the blu-ray version, but I'm not quite that affluent at present.
At 6/04/2009 09:22:00 PM, MrCupp said...: wow. some of you people are CRAZY!

i understand being upset if your discs dont play but complaining about the smell and freaking out over MP3s when you bought a HIGH DEF box set is insane!
i bought the bluray set and have enjoyed every moment listening/viewing/exploring it on my PS3. the book fucking RULES. the sound is mindblowing. seriously! comparing the songs on the buffalo springfield box to what comes out of my speakers when i play the BRD is hard to do- there is a WORLD of difference between what BRD can do and all other digital formats. so so awesome...

the mp3 thing is a cool bonus but im not sure i even want to hear the mp3s at work when i have a killer HD audio experience waiting for me at home. it really goes to show how screwed the peoples ears are from what the music industry did to music formats...

ok, had to vent. i hope everyone with a real problem gets it resolved quickly and cheaply because the box is A TRUE JOY.

+jeff
At 6/04/2009 09:29:00 PM, Anonymous said...: >I can't find the "hidden version" of "I Wonder"

Go to the file cabinet and choose I'll Love you Forever. Click around and press the feather on the right side (or was it the left side?)

- Thor
At 6/04/2009 09:35:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I have a Sony BDP S550 player and have no issues with the Archives. I have it cabled from the ethernet port to the net port on my wireless router. When I plugged in the memory for the player, turned on the player, everything went smoooooothly and voila, the first BD live download was present on the timeline. Very easy to use by my standards. thanks Archive Guy. Your tips have been invaluable. Thanks Neil, now, let the Horse out of the barn.
At 6/04/2009 09:37:00 PM, Mick said...: richflynn17 ..

Think AG has answered this before,
I think from memory , the MP3 download does not include any of the hidden tracks or bdlive tracks . It only has the original tracks a per the cd set.
At 6/04/2009 09:41:00 PM, Mike said...: Just an FYI, I forgot to post this earlier, but PBS is playing the Neil Young:Don't be Denied "American Masters" show - I taped it earlier in HD, looks like it's only repeating again at 1AM - check your local listings...
At 6/04/2009 09:51:00 PM, Brett said...: Hidden Track/Video/clip tips:

(I have the DVD version)

Keep clicking around with your remote folks... up, down, left, right...

- Open the MORE menu
- Take a day off work
- Check the TIMELINE
- Open each Song folder... look for roach clips/feathers/audio log info tabs
- Look in the folders with Album title names
- The Book: in the Archives Selected Tracks section... the hidden tracks are listed starting with.. ie... 1.XX, or 6.XX (they aren't highlighted in yellow)
At 6/04/2009 09:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Looks like they just postponed the MP3s for another day. It is ridiculous: We all paid premium price for high fidelity, but we're all waiting for MP3s.
At 6/04/2009 10:11:00 PM, D.I. Kertis said...: Exciting news (at least for me)-- tracking my Amazon order, it looks as though my Archives DVD has arrived at my local post office! I'm thinking tomorrow might be the day...
At 6/04/2009 10:19:00 PM, zejt said...: Ordered March 23, from Neil site still waiting.
At 6/04/2009 10:24:00 PM, richflynn17 said...: Anonymous Brett said...

Hidden Track/Video/clip tips:

(I have the DVD version)

Keep clicking around with your remote folks... up, down, left, right...

- Open the MORE menu
- Take a day off work
- Check the TIMELINE
- Open each Song folder... look for roach clips/feathers/audio log info tabs
- Look in the folders with Album title names
- The Book: in the Archives Selected Tracks section... the hidden tracks are listed starting with.. ie... 1.XX, or 6.XX (they aren't highlighted in yellow)

6/04/2009 09:51:00 PM

Brett,
This might be an amusing activity for many of you, but I find it annoying. All I want is to access the music without a lot of horseshit.

As I said before, this is great stuff, but it tries my patience to have to futz around with roach clips and feathers & the like.

I KNOW what hidden tracks are supposed to be there. i just think the whole idea of hidden tracks is idiotic. I want to hear the music without hours of fruitless clicking.
At 6/04/2009 10:48:00 PM, D.I. Kertis said...: This comment has been removed by the author.
At 6/04/2009 10:48:00 PM, D.I. Kertis said...: Computer Cowboy,

Re: "I'm not elitist, I'm completist."

If you were speaking to me, know that I meant meant no personal offense, and in fact my remark was partially joking. I say partially because I really do sense the potential for some class division based on these different editions of NYA1 and what each does and doe not include. Not that I'm seeing any of it here or now-- it just seems POSSIBLE.

Also--and you have to understand this from the point of view of someone who is not blu-ray equipped and really, really doesn't feel like waiting any longer than absolutely necessary and so has ordered the DVD set--I think to just do it with blu-ray would have been too exclusive for Shakey's huge fan base. It might have been advantageous to the view, but at the expense of the many. Not that many people are equipped for this new technology, nor want to be right now, especially for the sake of one item (even an item like this), especially when, even if they did buy the machine, their full enjoyment of the NYA1 would be limited to the facility of one machine.

So to say the Archives should have been limited to the blu-ray format only, does remind me of the self-serving elite minority of a medieval community who want things done simply so as to advance them, regardless of what would benefit the majority of peasants. It's an extreme example, I know--if you're that poor, you have no business purchasing NYA1 in any format--but I think it's true to some extent. Not that I'm saying everyone who owns a blu-ray set is a selfish tyrant. It's just that it's very easy for a Neil Young fan to be inward-thinking about a release like this, and perfectly understandable.

Kind regards,

D. I. Kertis
At 6/04/2009 10:59:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Ahhh, yes, the Archives, an artifact long-suffering fans have been waiting for for an eternity...and now that they're here, what's happening?

A cacophony of complaints!!!!

It's sad, pathetic, though somewhat predictable, that Neil would treat his fans to a Science Experiment.

Neil, just give us the music, the unreleased tracks, and let us enjoy this. Do it like Dylan has with the Bootleg Series.

It is pathetic - let me say it again, PATHETIC - that Neil has released so little unreleased material while at the same time also re-charging us once again for albums already released (Massey, Fillmore). PATHETIC.

Oh, yea, with BluRay Live, Neil will drop archival nuggets into our lap. One problem - we can only listen to these via the BluRay player..and ONLY if our player is connected to the Internet. Say what?

What if i want to listen to these on my roof deck, where i don't have an Internet connection?

Give me a break Neil!

The 96-percenters can justify it all they want, but it reeks of GREED and Impracticality!

Hey Dr. Dip - how do you like dem apples?

COUGH UP THE BUCK$!

Johnny Rocket!!!
At 6/04/2009 11:19:00 PM, Mick said...: To the Rocket Man ,

You have made it clear on many occasions that you think the archives is a jip!. I for one respect your right to say that, dont agree with it or your reasons , but so be it!. However, what is becoming veryu boring, is that you feel the need to come to this site every day and spout the same thing over and over again. We get it your not happy, but I dont think anyone wants to hear it over and over again from the same person . Suggest you get over it and realise Neil did not design the set based on your recommendations/thoughts/ideas but on his. Time to get over it ...

I did rebuy massey and fillmore by getting the bluray set, but like everyone I had the option to only buy individual discs if I thought the box set was a rip off for that reason!!.

Cheers,

Mick
At 6/04/2009 11:21:00 PM, Found the feathers said...: Roach clips? Man, I found the feathers and then just started looking for them without trying anything else. Looks like I'll have to go back through all the song cards one more time.

I took notes of all the stuff I found so far. There sure are a lot of versions of "Birds" on this set. That's not a complaint by any means.

Hint: Check out the screen for "Till The Morning Comes"
At 6/04/2009 11:40:00 PM, Doug said...: Not to rub it in but I made my own MP3s (and FLACs) today from the BR set. :) It took long enough but was well worth it for when I don't feel like pulling out the discs.

(No, before anybody asks, I won't tell you how to rip the BRs, other than one hint: it's not the analog hole. I also won't share the files. Patience pays off, my friends.)
At 6/05/2009 12:12:00 AM, Darth Malt said...: Does anyone know if there's a story behind the design of the books faux leather cover?
At 6/05/2009 01:12:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Hey Archives Guy,

Yeah, we know mp3s are an inferior sound option but some of us haven't shelled out for a blu-ray player yet, or want to listen to the tracks not sitting at our video game console or TV. Thanks for the help on the questions but really, can you quit your condescending attitude toward people asking about the mp3s?
At 6/05/2009 01:23:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Jonny Rocket represents the 4%ers and the reality is that as Bob Marley once sang, "you can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all the people all the time" ... Bottom line, Neil has once again delivered his art at a level beyond anything out there ... he's pushing new frontiers on many levels ... the continuous involvement of Archives Guy is an amazing expression of the incredible dedication of Neil and Co. ... the 96% ers know that this whole archives adventure represents a new frontier of enjoying Neil and his life's passion and that the cost of this set has nothing to do with greed ,,, Neil will never recoup his investment in the Archives and I don't think he cares either ... as a final comment, the choices and mix and match options, the mp3 download which the team is making available despite the quality going against their grain, is an incredibly powerful testament to how committed Neil and co. is to the hard core fan base ... this whole process has been revolutionary and represents new ground in the closeness of a relationship between an artist and their fan base. It is such an incredible time to be a Neil fan

"I'm still living
in the dream we had,
For me it's not over..."

Dan
At 6/05/2009 02:44:00 AM, Anonymous said...: on a side note,the L.A. times says neil young plans to release all his future individual albums in this format.
At 6/05/2009 06:42:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Johnny Rocket is not the only one complaining about the Archives, there are plenty others.

Look at the Ratings on Amazon....3 Stars on avg (not 5). Look at the Sales Ranks.....not good, BluRay, last i checked was No. 475 in its category.

It's OK if people have a difference of opinion. There are many things to be excited about, but at the same time, many disappointments (the quality control problems, on a set this expensive, are unacceptable).

I'm sitting this one out til things get better.

I will wait for a free Ripped copy on bit torrent.

Cheers
At 6/05/2009 06:47:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Over time, i think fans will get tired of listening, exploring this set while watching TV.

The appeal will wear off.

I have the Neil DVD releases from Massey and Fillmore, and NEVER throw them in the DVD player. I do, however, listen to the CDs or MP3s 96% more of the time.

It's just easier and less complicated.

Remember that Neil fans...
At 6/05/2009 06:52:00 AM, Anonymous said...: "Look at the Ratings on Amazon....3 Stars on avg (not 5)."

These ratings on Amazon date from earlier this year!
People started rating The Archives on Amazon without any knowledge on how they might sound or look.
At 6/05/2009 07:00:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Could you imagine if Filmore and Massey Hall were NOT in the set? And you had to pay extra to buy the dvd versions. That would kinda annoy me. Well, not really, I'm too happy about the music to be annoyed. But I do wish Canterbury House was in the BlueRay.
Syscrusher
At 6/05/2009 07:15:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Ultimately, i will purchase the BluRay version, but given the many headaches long-time fans are enduring right now, i'm gonna patiently sit on the sidelines and wait for improvement before i plunge in.

To purchase the set, and upgrade my home theater system, i'm looking at a $1500 spend, and i just can't afford to make a mistake of this magnitude.

Sorry Neil, i aint no rich hippy, like you....

BTW, i saw you in concert recently, and you were well worth the price of admission!!!
At 6/05/2009 07:45:00 AM, UK Mike said...: Johnnie Rocket knows the deal.
At 6/05/2009 07:52:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Hey Rotten Johnnie Rocket, which remastered songs from the Archives did you buy on Amazon?
At 6/05/2009 08:20:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I havent purchased any of the remastered songs on Amazon.

Why?
At 6/05/2009 08:42:00 AM, Darth Malt said...: At 6/05/2009 06:47:00 AM, Anonymous said...
"Over time, i think fans will get tired of listening, exploring this set while watching TV.

The appeal will wear off.

I have the Neil DVD releases from Massey and Fillmore, and NEVER throw them in the DVD player. I do, however, listen to the CDs or MP3s 96% more of the time.

It's just easier and less complicated.

Remember that Neil fans..."

I never listen to the CD's - only the DVD's for the sound quality. The only thing I used the CD's for is ripping to MP3. Especially on Massey Hall the differece in sound quality is noticeable even after an evening of beer and tequila.
At 6/05/2009 09:37:00 AM, Anonymous said...: For those of you complaining about MP3s, why didn't you (or why don't you) just buy the CD set? You obviously do not care about sound quality but frankly the CDs sound fantastic, and you can easily make your MP3s from your CDs. And the CD set is less than $70 at Amazon.
At 6/05/2009 09:48:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Why didn't i buy the CD set?

i'll tell ya - there is not enough unreleased material on the CDs to justify the purchase. I currently own a good deal that's on there (wow, how nice would it be to have duplicate MP3 copies of Massey and Fillmore) - there's a smattering of true unreleased material that i would love to have.

My guess is that Neil will release a lot of great unreleased material as part of BluRay live....but the problem there is the only way you can listen to it is if your BluRay player is connected to a live internet connection.

Try taking those songs with you when you travel....not gonna happen.

Truly bizarre.

Hopefully in the future Neil will package up all the unreleased material, in one package, then i'd buy that.

i have no interest buying a studio version of Southern Man again...and again....and again....
At 6/05/2009 09:54:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I can't believe folks are looking at the Amazon review ratings (without reading through them) and deducing that people are unhappy with the set. People started writing those "non-review" reviews months ago without having the set in their hands. Someone would give one star and say "I think it costs too much" or "why isn't it coming out on CD" (before the CD release was announced.) You can't look at the negative reviews on Amazon and come to the conclusion that many people don't like the Archives. I wish Amazon would do away with their "review" system just for this reason. It's far too easy for people to post anything there under the guise of a review. Many people there treat
the reviews like it is a forum. Amazon provides a forum also but many people don't use it and write general comments under the reviews section instead.

Joe
At 6/05/2009 10:07:00 AM, josephsirgey said...: Just a quick notice to everyone to be careful, my books binding already started to come unglued at the top (and I'm only about 50 pages in) :(
At 6/05/2009 10:08:00 AM, Anonymous said...: There are some people on Amazon unhappy with the sets. There are multiple one-star reviews from folks who presumably own it.

big deal....can't please everyone.

I've never seen a boxed set debated this fervently. I was expecting unanimous 5-star reviews, but apparently that is hardly the case.

Some folks have deep dissatisfaction with this offering.

Can't say i blame em....for having an opinion, that is.
At 6/05/2009 10:46:00 AM, Mark said...: My car wouldn't start this morning - f*^king box set!!!!!!!
At 6/05/2009 11:17:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Archives was finally released in stores in Ireland today. don't know how it sounds as none of the computers in work play DVDs but the set looks brilliant and smells... interesting. and what a pleasant surprise to find sugar mountain in there too. looking forward to as great weekend now, after i vote.
At 6/05/2009 11:21:00 AM, Steve L said...: I have had the set on blu since Tuesday and is indeed amazing. Other than turning it off to watch the excellent PBS documentary the other night, the archives have been my only viewing/listening (other than some recent shows while at work). True, the packaging is both cool and a nightmare. The blu holder does get stuck, and the box with the mp3 card actually seems like it isn't supposed to move. Luckily, I read that there was something in there.
I have been playing it on my PS3 and have not yet had any problems. I have 7.1 system, but listen to it through good headphones (not earbuds) to try to get the purest sound. It is warm and wonderful. I'm glad he went with PCM instead of either Dolby HD or DTS, which impose a "sound" on the music (listen to the Shine a Light blu-ray and switch between and you will hear that the DTS is much more bass heavy. My 14 year old twins have been sitting with me, and they are amazed with the music, sure, but also with the depth and interactivity of the set.

Oh, I tried the set on a computer with a blu-ray drive, and Power DVD doesn't work at all. I downloaded the recommended Arc Soft Total Media trial, and it works pretty well, and quickly. But you really need a pretty powerful computer with a dedicated graphics card to handle the load. I wish the screens were mouse accessible, instead of having to use the virtual remote, but that is a small thing.

One question. Given Neil's admirable dedication to sound quality, why are the downloads limited to mp3s, instead of allowing FLAC downloads with CD quality sound? Frankly, if people want to steal the music, that will be possible, so why limit the quality for those of us who want to take the music on the go?

No real complaints from me otherwise. I love the set and am very grateful to Neil for his work and dedication. On suggestion: could you get together with the Dead people and share the technology? Give them some pointers? Like Neil, everything has been saved, and they would be a great band to receive what will always be known as the "Neil" treatment from here on in.
At 6/05/2009 12:10:00 PM, BrotherWill said...: I love this box set and don't have one single complaint!

I love all of the detail and appreciate all of the blood and sweat that it took Neil over 40 years to create this massive work. Everyone that I've showed can't believe how unbelievable amazing this thing is. I really don't understand why so many are upset. Don't buy it then. Who's forcing you to? If you like the songs included and are an audiophile that thinks hearing the original release of "Old Man" as if you were in the recording booth in Nashville is worth all of the money, then buy it. And if you want to hear an alternate mix of "I've Been Waiting for You" or a new version of "Dance, Dance, Dance" or "Bad Fog of Loneliness" - then buy it. If its not worth your money, then don't buy it.

So you know, I don't have a steady job and am just barely getting by. In order to afford this $300 set and a Playstaytion 3 from Craigslist to watch it, I sold things. Clothes. Lots of clothes on eBay. I'm not a rich kid. But if you love music, and specifically Neil Young, then you'll figure out a way to get what you want. Just because you don't have the $600 bucks to get a PS3 and Achives on Blu-Ray, doesn't mean its not worth it.

Thank you for hearing me Archives Guy, Thrasher and Neil Young.

Now find that old guitar you don't play or some old shoes you don't wear and sell em on eBay. People want your junk and you want The Archives on Blu-Ray.
At 6/05/2009 12:16:00 PM, Dusty Duds said...: This comment has been removed by the author.
At 6/05/2009 12:19:00 PM, Dusty Duds said...: Just a few observations about what've read I've read thus far:

1) What's the deal with people complaining about the lack of unreleased material? It's my understanding that there really isn't a whole lot from this period ('63-'72) to begin with. I agree that there is rehash of what we already have, but I don't feel like we've been had in regards to this unreleased stuff. Maybe the remasters should have justbeen part of the package to begin with...

2) The MP3s. This is something that should have been ironed out prior to the release. I bought the BR set even though I don't have a player yet, mainly because I see them as an investment. That said, it seemed to make even more sense to pre-order in order to get the MP3s. The explanation that NY views them as prizes in the bottom of a cereal box really doesn't hold any weight for the majority of us. I understand that MP3 is a format that NY--and a lot of other folks--don't particularly like, certainly not for his Archives. However, I think he failed to take into account the fact that mp3s are the most viable way to listen to music during the everyday hustle and bustle. Even if I had a BR player now, I would be hard pressed to sit down for an extended period of time to soak in the full experience. Bottom line: if you advertise a prize in the cereal box it really should be there when you
take it home. If NY's camp considers it a throwaway, they shouldn't be advertising it to entice buyers.
At 6/05/2009 01:35:00 PM, BDLive Confused said...: It's been a great couple days of listening to Archives. I'm happy with it. However, I don't get why there's so much secrecy with the BD-Live downloads. I understand about keeping future downloads under wraps but I'm more concerned about the one that's already out there.

I downloaded the first one but I had to go digging around to find out what it was and where to find it. After searching around for awhile, I finally found the blue push pin on the timeline, but I thought it was just the "I Wonder" hidden track and not the bd-live download.

Are there directions for the bd-live stuff (how to find or a FAQ) somewhere I'm not seeing? Had I known I was looking for blue push pins on the timeline I could have saved myself alot of time and frustration.

I get the whole digging around/experience thing, but this shouldn't be a test to see if I recognize any changes after each new download.

Hopefully I just missed a tutorial or explaination somewhere.

- BD-live Confused!
At 6/05/2009 01:55:00 PM, Mike C said...: Hey, just wanted to write and say how much I am enjoying the Archives Vol. 1. I got the Blu-Ray version and while I have seen some glitches, they have been minor and I expect they'll be fixed when Sony releases a new patch to their PS3 firmware. I love the attention to detail, particularly the view that you get of seeing the record being played or the reel to reel player's tape moving over the tape heads and going onto the other reel. It would have been easy to skimp and run a loop of video, but that isn't the case.

The audio is fantastic. It fills my living room with sound. I can't wait for Archives II. Just give us some time to save up some money!
At 6/05/2009 02:12:00 PM, Worthless Recluse said...: Another happy Irish customer here. Picked up my DVD set in HMV this morning. I had reserved one, called in to confirm the reserve the following day to find there was no record of it, and reserved it again, so I was half expecting further delays or a box of mixed glue-covered cds and bluray discs! Luckily everything was present and correct.

So far have gotten through Topanga 2, disc 0 and Topanga 3 in that order - sacrilege for some perhaps. The remasters are jaw-droppingly good, and some of the extras are really amazing. The book is great too. I'll have more to say after I delve further into the set.

My only gripe (well apart from the bizarre omissions!) is the packaging - looks great and is well designed in theory but EVERYTHING is stuffed in too tight. The "stash drawer" wouln't come out, after pulling at it the top panel came off (luckily it stuck back on) & it took me about 10 solid minutes to get it out using a butter knife, gravity and prayer. The book is very hard to get out after it has been unwrapped, and you have to beat on the disc holder to get the discs out.... but we already know this. Given the large box (which I like) there's no reason for such hardship. Having already coducted some failed experiments with string, I'm going to get some black paper and make little custom handles for the book and drawer.

And I don't care if the MP3s aren't available til 2010. The music sounds amazing and I'm so happy to be finally able to immerse myself in this unparallelled set. Well done to all involved.
At 6/05/2009 02:15:00 PM, Archives Guy said...: Friday June 5th:

Might have your MP3 downloads ready later today.....

"Quality, whether you want it or not"
* even if it's just MP3 quality.

-Archives Guy
At 6/05/2009 02:34:00 PM, Anonymous said...: What is particularly striking to me with the Blu-ray audio is how much it sounds like reel-to-reel. It is perhaps the "warmest' tonality I have heard from a digital source.

The ability to check out the related material while the songs are playing is a great demonstration of the interactivity of Blu-ray technology. The immersion effect is very effective.

Great job!
At 6/06/2009 03:30:00 AM, Lippy said...: Hi Gang!
I got the local music store (www.millvalleymusic.com)guy to reserve me a DVD copy of the archives, and it has been BLISS since I opened the package.

I was just NOT prepared for the lush quality of the DVD audio (and I'm not even listening at the highest quality setting suggested because my DVD player will only play the PCM files at the lower setting)compared to what I've had in the house (iTunes - burned MP3s from shittily mastered CDs). The sound quality alone is impetus enough for me to sqaut down between those speakers and take a well-deserved trip through Neil-Land (Hey! I waited 20 years for this set!)

I've only gone through the first 5 discs as of yet (I'm lovingly pouring over all of their treasures) but look forward to the rest of the set.

As for the MOP#s, yeah.. I'm bummed that they aren't available as of yet, but I can wait. But PLEASE, don't make me wait ANOTHER 20 years for 'em!

:>

=Lippy
www.lippy.com
At 6/06/2009 08:05:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Saturday morning, June 6, still waiting for the mp3 download link...I don't understand.

Phil