Haile I Hymn - Chapters I & II

[kalcidis]

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I recently found the second chapter of this album (Tree Roots LP, 1988) and figured that since it's one of my favourite sets ever that I had to have it.

I've listened to both back to back and must admit that I was expecting a rather more radical mix between the two. But I can't even say that I hear no differences to speak of in many parts.

The first song on Chapter II has a beautiful flute which I really think lifts the song. It's clearly my favourite of the two. »Zion Hut« has the keys (is it an ordinary piano?) a little more in the front. Barely noticeable but it's a beautiful effect as the keys come through sporadically almost as melodic rain drops. Also the electric guitar is given a slightly more prominent part towards the end (and perhaps even earlier too). I'm not really convinced it is the stronger version of the two. But is a good variation still.

The two other songs however are more or less identical to my ears. Am I missing anything here?

What are your views on the two sets? Which is your favourite and where have you noticed any differences in the mix.

But most of all ... I'm so glad that I found the second chapter because it had me revisiting one of the most incredible reggae albums I've ever heard. What a wonderful and spiritual set.

[kalcidis]

I posted this 10 minutes ago and still haven't got any answers!

... no but really. Just wanted to say that I noticed that most songs seem to be a bit longer too on Chapter II. Not much. But when I downloaded the mp3's to also have in my walkman I saw that »Zion Hut« was almost half a minute longer. Would never had noticed this by just listening to the albums on vinyl ... 25 seconds aren't as obvious when the songs are 13+ minutes I guess. »I'm A Levi« is the only one that's shorter in Chapter II (by 20 seconds).

[VersCont]

I haven't bought or heard a Chapter II release, but it sounds like it may be the same as the first Tree Roots CD version of Chapter One (but without the bonuses)?

That CD is different from the original both in the mix and the length of some tracks.

One thing to note is that the CD has all three Chapters of Zion Hut. On the LP, the track fades out at the end of the second part even though the lyrics continue on the sleeve.

The Zion Hut lyrics also appear AFTER those for I Am A Levi. So the LP was probably intended to have 3 tracks on Side A with Zion Hut alone filling the second side. But then they cut down the running time after the artwork had gone to print. Or something like that...

[kalcidis]

I think that might be correct (Chapter I on CD from Tree Roots being the same). Can't say that the vinyl has all three chapters though. Would love to hear the CD-version of the song. Sounds really cool!

[jahadambom]

I can't remember which is which, but I used to own both copies on vinyl: One was the Island press and one was the Tree Roots press (I want to say Island-I & Tree Roots-II). But to my recollection, they were identical -the only noticable difference was the label pressing. Everything else was the same. Can't realy speak about the CD though...

[Chaz]

To make things even more confusing, I have the album on vinyl on the Island label and susequently bought it on CD for a friend - it was again on Island, but a different mix!

I now have the Tree Roots CD but have been unable to compare it to the Island CD as friend no longer has it.

[prince777]

Both LPs 1 & 2 I compared once ago and I do prefer the first Chapter much more. The difference between the Chapters 1 & 2 is mainly the mixing, to my ears. Can't recall the differences exactly anymore since I passed the Chapter II LP, but II has a different and less flowing mix. Some instruments on II are mixed with more volume.

[blackarkrock]

I also have that Tree Roots CD (1989, w/bonus tracks).
The main difference to me is a different vocal take on Jah Is No Secret!
On the original Island LP he starts singing "This a heavy load...",
on the CD it´s "This heavy..."
Also, on the CD the tracks run a bit slower. This sound more natural to me -
maybe Island sped up the original LP? (remember Marcus Garvey...?)

(I haven´t heard the Chapter 2 LP,
so I don´t know if it´s the same as the Tree Roots CD)

[VersCont]

I think that might be correct (Chapter I on CD from Tree Roots being the same). Can't say that the vinyl has all three chapters though. Would love to hear the CD-version of the song. Sounds really cool!

...then try sending me a PM?

[skunkride]

Have both on vinyl, there are 2 tunes on chapter II which have some instrument overdubs on them - flute parts that are not on chapter I & maybe some guitar. I think the other 2 tunes are exactly the same as the Island version but might be wrong, been a while since i compared them...anyway, love both.