Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page. Here you will find answers to the most common questions.
Who are Meridian Music Archives?
Meridian Music Archives is an independent music reference publishing project focused on documenting major recording catalogues in a clear, listener-focused format.
Rather than traditional discographies or collector checklists, the guides are designed as practical listening companions — helping listeners understand the differences between mixes, remasters, remixes, alternate takes, demos and live recordings, and where to find them.
The project is independently researched and is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by any artist, record label or rights holder.
How was this guide compiled?
Each guide is compiled through extensive cross-referencing of released material across albums, singles, box sets, anniversary editions, archival releases and digital releases.
Research draws on:
- Official releases and liner notes
- Contemporary and archival releases
- Session documentation and release histories
- Comparative listening analysis across different mixes and masterings
- Established reference works and historical sources
Every entry is individually reviewed and written to focus on differences that meaningfully affect the listening experience.
Did you use AI?
AI tools were occasionally used during editing, formatting and drafting assistance. However, all research, listening comparisons, version identification, verification and final editorial decisions were performed manually.
Every guide is curated, reviewed and assembled by human researchers and listeners.
Do you support languages other than English?
Currently the guides are available only in English.
Support for additional languages may be explored in the future depending on demand.
Are more artist guides planned?
Yes. Additional archives are currently in development.
Planned and proposed projects include:
- Beatles Solo Recordings
- Elvis Presley
- Bob Dylan
- Other major catalogues with complex release histories
Future projects will depend on research scope, demand and available source material.
How often are guides updated?
Guides may be updated periodically to incorporate:
- Newly released remixes or archival material
- Corrections or clarifications
- Expanded references or indexing improvements
Because major archival releases are often unpredictable, updates are issued when meaningful additions justify a revised edition rather than on a fixed schedule.
Why isn’t the guide sold through Amazon or other marketplaces?
The guides are currently distributed directly as downloadable PDFs.
Direct distribution allows:
- Faster updates and revisions
- Better formatting control
- Lower pricing
- Direct customer support
- Protection against unauthorised redistribution
It also allows the guides to remain highly detailed without the formatting limitations imposed by some marketplace platforms.
Why is the guide only available as a PDF?
The guides are heavily indexed, fully searchable and extensively hyperlinked. PDF currently provides the best balance of:
- Consistent formatting
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Internal navigation
- Print support
- Long-term archival readability
Other formats may be considered in the future, but PDF presently offers the most reliable reading experience for this type of reference publication.
Recommended PDF Viewer
For the best experience, we recommend viewing the guide with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad and Android. The guide contains extensive hyperlinks, bookmarks and indexing, and Adobe Reader provides the most consistent navigation experience across platforms.
While most modern PDF readers should work, some browser-based PDF viewers and mobile apps may not fully support all navigation features or may handle hyperlinks differently. For best results, download the PDF and open it in a dedicated PDF reader rather than viewing it directly in a web browser.
https://get.adobe.com/reader/ – Recommended free PDF viewer for the best experience with bookmarks and hyperlinks.
Is there a printed edition?
Not at present.
The current editions are designed specifically for digital reading and reference use. While the PDFs can be printed for personal use, no official printed editions are currently planned.
How does this guide differ from free online resources?
Most online resources focus either on:
- Basic release listings
- Highly technical discographies
- Fan discussions
- Incomplete or inconsistent version information
These guides aim to bridge the gap between technical documentation and practical listening guidance.
Rather than simply listing releases, the guides explain:
- Which versions actually differ
- How they differ sonically
- Which releases contain them
- Which versions are generally considered most significant or best sounding
The result is a structured, listener-focused reference designed for exploration rather than database browsing.
What About Unofficial Recordings?
The guides include carefully selected unofficial recordings that offer significant historical or listening value. These include home demos, studio outtakes, rehearsal performances and other key recordings, such as the Beatles’ Hamburg recordings, early home demos and selected January 1969 Get Back/Let It Be session recordings.
They are not intended to be comprehensive guides to bootlegs or unofficial releases. Many unofficial recordings exist in multiple copies, with uncertain provenance, varying audio quality and constantly changing circulation histories.
Only recordings that meaningfully document important songs, performances or stages in an artist’s creative development are included. This curated approach keeps the guides focused, accurate and practical while providing a broader picture of each artist’s recorded legacy.
Are these guides intended for collectors or casual listeners?
Both.
The guides are detailed enough for collectors and long-time fans, while remaining accessible to listeners simply wanting to understand which versions exist and where to begin.
Do I need specialist audio equipment to hear the differences?
No. Many differences are audible on ordinary headphones, speakers or streaming services.
However, higher-quality playback equipment may reveal additional detail in certain mixes or masterings.
Are streaming releases included?
Yes — where relevant.
Many modern remixes, remasters and archival releases are now widely available through streaming platforms, and these are included alongside physical releases where appropriate.
Do the guides include subjective opinions?
The guides aim to remain balanced and listener-focused.
Where opinions are expressed — such as noting a widely preferred mix or particularly notable mastering — they are presented as informed listening observations rather than absolute judgments.
Will purchasers receive future updates automatically?
Minor corrections may occasionally be updated without charge.
Major revised editions or substantially expanded versions may be released separately depending on the scale of new material added.
Is this guide licensed for personal use only?
Yes.
Purchased guides are licensed for personal use only and may not be redistributed, uploaded, shared publicly or resold.
Each purchased copy contains identifying watermark information linked to the original purchaser.
Does the guide contain copyrighted audio or lyrics?
No.
The guides contain commentary, analysis, indexing and release reference information only. No copyrighted audio or full lyric reproductions are included.
I found an error or omission. Can I contact you?
Yes. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, catalogues of this scale can evolve over time.
Feedback and corrections are always welcome via the contact details provided on the website.
Research & Further Resources
The guides published by Meridian Music Archives are independently researched using official releases, recognised reference works and respected historical resources.
Books
Mark Lewisohn – The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions (1988)
Mark Lewisohn – The Complete Beatles Chronicle (1992)
Ian MacDonald – (Beatles) Revolution in the Head (2005 edition)
Ernst Jorgensen – Elvis Presley: A Life in Music–The Complete Recording Sessions (1998)
Websites
The Beatles Official Website – Official news, official catalogue and current releases.
Beatles Bible – Detailed reference covering songs, albums, recording history and release chronology.
https://www.elvisthemusic.com/ Elvis Presley official website news, releases and catalogue information.