Simple Minds announces a “Ruby” edition of Once Upon a Time for its 40th anniversary – Review of the new edition

To mark its 40th anniversary, Simple Minds has announced the release of the “Ruby” edition of its Once Upon a Time album, available digitally on online platforms from Friday January 29. The great novelty of this “Ruby” edition is the inclusion of the flagship track “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, remastered at the famous Abbey Road studios in London. remastered at London’s famous Abbey Road Studios.

This edition will be followed later in the year by physical versions and other anniversary reissues, and hopefully a Dolby Atmos version like those planned for the “Sparkle In The Rain” and “New Gold Dream” albums.

While we await these physical editions and a full test including other versions, here’s a first review of this “Ruby” edition.

Tidal MAX – 2025

Presentation

This is the Tidal MAX edition presented in FLAC 24 bits 96 kHz.

Waveform and Spectrum: DR9 (min DR8, max DR9)

Tidal Max s Flac waveform has a reduced dynamic range, with the use of a dynamic limiter, as confirmed by the DR9.

The spectrogram of the Tidal Max shows that the signal goes up to 48 kHz, due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency used. An exception is the song “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, which cuts off at 22 kHz at the top of the spectrum.

The graphs below represent the spectrum of the Tidal MAX – 2025.
The spectrum of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” shows that the signal attenuates at 22 kHz, not fully exploiting the frequencies beyond, as can be seen in the spectrum below the song “Alive And Kicking”.

Synthesis and listening

This stereo remastered version comes as no surprise, featuring a dynamically compressed version with an average DR9 (DR8 minimum). Although this remains a rather moderate dynamic compression compared to other current productions, it does have an impact on the sound rendering. We’ll be able to make a comparison with the other versions of the album when the 40th anniversary editions are released.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Restitution: ●●●oo (3)

Sample 1 : “Alive And Kicking” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 2 : “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” 24 bits 96 kHz:

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Detail of the ratings :

• Dynamic :
  1. Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
  2. Compression of the present dynamics, DR between 7 and 9.
  3. Correct piece DR >=10
  4. No dynamic compression (DR >12), dynamic rendering
  5. No dynamic compression, high DR and very dynamic sound rendering
• Spectrum :
  1. Spectrum cut and less than 15 khz
  2. Spectrum cut at 15 khz
  3. Spectrum not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
  4. Spectrum conforming to the original (but not HD)
  5. Spectrum conforming to the original with HD resolution (higher than 24kHz)
• Surface noise (only for vinyl):
  1. Continuous audible noise
  2. Audible surface noise except on passages with a high level of noise
  3. Reduced surface noise, barely audible on low level crossings
  4. Low surface noise, very good quality
  5. Very low surface noise, no defects, almost inaudible on the quiet passages (exceptional disc)
• Spatialization :
  • Between 0 and 5 for 5.1 or 7.1 channels configuration
  • Between 0 and 10 for Atmos configuration (7.1.4)
  • For more information on spatialization, you can read the article describing this parameter here.
• Restitution :
  1. Low quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  2. Average quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  3. Quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Good record.
  4. High quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Very high level disc.
  5. Maximum quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Exceptional disc.