Morphine - Live At The Warfield 1997 flac mp3 download

I haven't seen this mentioned, I'm curious if anyone knows how the numbering works on this album? Was there a starting number other than, well 0001? ie, I have 26xx printed on the back, though the pressing is limited to 2555?

It is limited to 2555 but according to the label, the numbering sequence at the printer got messed up because a run of jackets had to be tossed so that pushed the total number past 2555 on the actual jackets. The printer can’t go backwards with the numbering sequence

Huhn...I think this pressing sounds GREAT! It's a little unnerving at first, which makes sense after reading the review here from a couple of engineers. If this was gleaned from a 4 track? Wow! I'm impressed. Anyway, after the first track my audio "suspension of disbelief" was activated and this felt like a live performance. I have a good setup and can crank records pretty loud and this one passes the crank test. I love when records don't break the illusion and remind you that you're listening to a record. If you put this on in the background or whatever, you'll fool yourself into thinking you're there or the band is outside. This is why pressings with audible surface noise and other issues drives me nuts. Vinyl, when done right, should give no clue it's vinyl. Why? because the sound is supposed to be superior to other mediums. Yes, I know that's a huge and long debate but it's true. And if you're a non-believer, well, you just haven't heard a decent enough pressing on a decent enough system yet. My fave on here is French Fries With pepper. Crank that one and thank me later. :D Oh! And the thick as a brick gatefold is AWESOME! It's super glossy, the photos are great and everything is high rez. This album kicks ass. If you dig Morphine at all it's a must have.

Having worked a bit with the band during this time, I can clarify that this is not a full multi-track recording. If I remember correctly, the recording is a 4-Track direct mix (stereo board mix, plus two on-stage ambient mics). I was at the sound check and remember talking to the sound guy, as he gave me a SBD patch to my DAT. Comparing my raw board recording to this, it is the identical mix, with the exception of some minor enhancements in equalization, noise reduction, etc - really the most that can be accomplished with a 2-Track stereo recording. That said, to my engineer's ears, this is a good recording for 2-Track. It's always hit and miss with live recordings; some folks prefer NO crowd (i.e. straight board feed), while others prefer a nice matrix with a live house but with a clean board feed. While I understand the comments in other reviews, I think most are a little too critical, as this is quite an enjoyable recording. As an FYI, the Warfield is not the greatest of recording environments when it comes to ambient mics. Would it have been better as a 16 track multi-track recording? Sure, but don't pass up the opportunity to get this if you have the chance. 2500 units is not a huge quantity, and considering there are very few vinyl releases from Morphine, just do it.

Disregard the reviewer below. I produced music professionally for 15 years and you can not make iPhone recordings that sound better. That is a very uneducated and preposterous statement. The instruments and vocals are very clear and defined in this recording and the performance is awesome! Where Kage1974 is partially correct, is that there is not much "room" microphone mixed into the recording. That could be for numerous unbeknownst reasons. This recording was either "live to two tracks" or this was mixed many years ago. If this was a multi- track recording, you can do the math(2500 or so pressed) and know there was no budget to remix it. I do wish there was a little more low end, and I wish the drums were just a bit louder in the mix. But, all things being weighed, this is a phenomenal release! I saw them on that tour. Listening to this brought me back to a magical place.

I agree that the recording sounds purely like a board feed but I think the quality is pretty impressive compared to my Morphine bootlegs from the 90s from my snail mail trading days. There could certainly be some more room reverb but for a board feed from a little venue I think this sounds pretty good. I definitely think that the recording is lacking energy and depth, though. I was extremely excited for this set and have listened to it a few times...it's enjoyable but I was hoping for a bit more.

I'll take 'preposterous' but allow me to elaborate on my statement. I've seen some pretty good quality videos recorded on phones from live performances that represent the sound and feeling of a live 'in the room' performance. This record sounds like they took feeds from the board and did very little with them. A/B the version of Honey White from this record to the studio version. At least we can agree on the sound though. Just so you know, I've been in the music business as a performer/writer/producer for 25 years and counting but that's here nor there. Cheers.

Whomever mixed and mastered this either had little to work with or worse, misguided ears. A live performance on record should try to bring you into that room. I've seen Morphine live and this record is no where near that. It pains me to say this but it might have sounded better from a nice iPhone recording had they existed then.... an anemic presentation but still a 'must' for fans.

Seminal band, great performance. Mix lacks low frequencies but certainly a must for any fan.

I was just going to comment and probably still will.... yeah the original recordings have more presence.

Guys, still for sale at Newbury Comics. Do not pay over $40 for this. Some people are crazy.

As of today, 11/25, Newbury still has copies, but they're $39.99 + $6 shipping. At least one seller has it $5 cheaper here.