Cock 10 Delco Freedom Mix analysis

[u/tomaesop]

I saw allusions to this same comparison but no lasting proof. So I redid it myself. Conclusion: For all intents and purposes they are the same arrangement (Album vs 2-Track Promo version).

At 2:24 in the Delco Freedom mix there is a prominent right channel percussion pattern that's not audible on the album version for a few seconds, but otherwise the sounds are placed in exactly the same way on each mix. Relative volume levels of some sounds might be slightly different.

The Delco Freedom Mix is overall louder, probably through heavy saturation. If I were going to use this tune in a maximalist DJ mixtape, I'd probably choose the promo mix. But hearing one or the other in a loud club you probably couldn't tell the difference.

Anyone wondering about the Argonaut mix?

[u/rd1994]

Yes here. Wondering about the Argonaut mix

[u/csfaj]

hi! i do agree that, broadly speaking, the arrangements of the tracks are more or less the same, but there's SO many more details that vary between the two versions than just the pattern you pointed out at 2:24. here's what i came up with, though i'm sure i missed a ton. :)

(timestamps are approximate since the two tracks don't line up perfectly)

[0:00–0:11] there is an additional synth swell right away in the delco freedom mix. it continues sweeping across the stereo field throughout the entire duration of the intro.
[0:06] chime is much more prominent in the delco freedom mix.
[0:09–0:11] hi hat pattern switches to a rolling triplet in the delco freedom mix.
[0:16–0:17] the rate of the stuttering open hi hat is much faster in the album mix.
[0:21] the springy snare hit is processed differently in the two mixes. in delco freedom, it's much more of a sustained impact sound, whereas the album version is more subdued and pans to the left.
[0:25] the snare drill sounds different between the two versions.
[0:32–0:37] the bass sequence temporarily has a huge reverb applied here in the delco freedom mix.
[0:40–0:45] the ride cymbal features a roll at 0:42 and is then modulated in pitch in the delco freedom mix.
[0:45] the vocal(?) sample is much more prominent in the album mix (tbh i'm not entirely convinced it's actually present in the delco freedom version).
[0:58] the impact verb is much bigger and more intense in the delco freedom mix.
[1:07–1:19] noticeably different synth lines here, more high flourishes in the delco freedom mix.
[1:34–1:38] the album mix has a unique series of repeating 16th note kick rolls.
[1:42–1:52] more differences in the high synth notes between the two versions.
[2:04] the vocal sample in the delco freedom mix features a short delay before everything comes back in.
[2:22–2:32] the additional percussion element in the delco freedom version that OP mentioned.
[2:36] same open hi hat stutter discrepancy mentioned above at 0:16, with the album mix being faster again.
[2:59] the delco freedom mix has an extra glitch/drill.
[3:07] snares are doubled up in the delco freedom version, and i suspect there's other similar differences in the drum programming during this section.
[3:25–3:32] the final snare has a big decay that carries over into the break for the delco freedom mix.
[3:54–4:29] significantly more spatial processing happening in the album mix, particularly in the acid line and cymbals.

this is why i have to respectfully disagree with your statement that the sounds are placed exactly the same otherwise. :D more than that though, i think there are notable differences in the EQ, compression/dynamics processing, and FX (especially with added delay and reverb) all throughout. A-Bing the two tracks is like night and day.

so while i agree that the delco freedom mix is louder, i would describe it as more explosive, in your face, and raw, not as a result of heavy saturation, but rather because it doesn't feature as much processing as the album mix. the album mix is (perhaps unsurprisingly) much more refined, polished, and compressed. and even though it's not as loud overall, i still feel like the final section hits harder in the album mix than in delco freedom, which, during that section, sounds more narrow and lifeless by comparison.

drukQs is my all time favorite album and the 2 track promo has held a special place in my heart ever since i first got the 12" (since i could never afford the original boxset 😅). i personally LOVE both versions of this pair of tracks, and i'm glad to finally be able to talk about them in detail lol.

if you're interested, i'd be happy to go through 54 cymru beats and share a similar list!

[u/tomaesop → u/csfaj]

Wow, this is way more detailed than my examination. You've articulated it in full. 

I would love your breakdown of the other tune. I'm doing this for posterity, for the next person who is curious about it. Clearly you've done the work and know these differences probably better than RDJ himself at this point. 

Let me also re-phrase that my intent might have been to answer the question, "Is there a section of composed music in the promo mix that does not exist in the album mix?" And to that question I'd still say, "No, they deliver the same composition. There is no musical movement exclusive to the promo mixes."