My daughter is in Florida this week so I have put an order in to Acoustic Sounds for a few LPs to bring back to the UK. Amongst those I've ordered is Ry Cooder and V.M. Bhatt 'A Meeting By The River' Acoustec Remaster on 45rpm. Does anybody have any experience of this recording? The reviews are excellent. I've also ordered 'Getz and Gilberto' on 45rpm. This is an album I have a few Verve copies of but none are of great quality.

Back on the Neil Young topic; the recent discussions have prompted me to revisit the 'Sleeps With Angels" album. Like 'Harvest Moon' this is a digital recording released 2 years later. Although not as thin as the HM recording the reproduction still has that 'somethings missing' digital quality to it.

It is on EMI. A very nice package with hi-res also.

http://www.amazon.com/Aqualung...329832901&sr=8-2

I do confess i have this loitering in my collection. For some reason it never grabbed me on first iisten. Maybe i will give it a spin later to see what i really think of it.

Thanks Lontano for the link. It seems that the EMI are doing the right thing as their Pink Floyd issues are also excellent.

Couple of weeks ago, Steve J mentioned that some of the Classic Records titles are still available. I meant to order this Ella's 'Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!' a few years back and never did. So steve gave me a reminder to get this for real this time.

Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie!: Ella Fitzgerald

Label: Classic Records
200g QUIEX SV-P ( Super Vinyl-Profile )/ MGVS 4053-200G/Stereo/USA
Re-mastering by: Bernie Grundman ( BD initial in the deadwax )
Release date: 2009

Sound Quality:

Compared to the original mono, the reissue might lose a touch of image focus ( this is something early 60s mono records do so well I've noticed )  but every other aspect this reissue is almost identical in overall presentation. Added bonuses include very quiet background and gone is a sibilance problem I had on my mono issue. Ella's voice is tactile and natural unlike that Japanese Toshiba reissue of 'Ella in Berlin'. You can feel the snap on the bass line but they didn't compromise anything else. It's possible that they had a well kept first generation master tape to work with as those wonderful inner details are present on my original copy as well. I don't know how they managed to preserve what was good on the original. ( Yay Bernie! ) Pretty much the only difference is that the reissue sounds significantly cleaner because my copy is noisy.

There is a Speakers Corner reissue of this record, but as far as reisue is concerned, this Classic Record sample is almost as good as having an original. The stereo mix on this record is very well done. I wish they have done the mono version as the 'Something else'.

Packaging Quality:
A good printing and laminated jacket as the original. Label is also a faithful duplicate of the Verve 'Stereophonic' label. A high quality rice paper inner. No liner notes, however.

So, thanks Steve J for reminding me to get off my butt and get this record. I am pleased that there is still an inventory left in their catalogue.

kuma,

Re the Jethro Tull box set.

I think it has more to do with Porcupine Tree/No-man/Blackfield's Steven Wilson production of it than EMI.

Steve has done a wonderful job on it.

post number 5 on page one of this thread.

Stu.

Not knowing who Steven Wilson is, a quick Google tells me that he was a remix producer for the Aqualung. Someone at EMI still had an insight to hire him, tho.

This is an excerpt from what Steven Wilson has to say about the Aqualung remix:

About the Aqualung remix, this was all done at 96K and in particular the new stereo mix is something that I'm very proud of, since the recording was not done under the best circumstances (though what's on tape is better than the original mix would suggest). Having failed to get EMI to go Blu-Ray on this (which is the high res audio format I'm moving to for a forthcoming solo record), I'm still urging them to at least do a DVDA. The problem with the major labels is that although there are genuine music lovers still in these companies, they are beholden to the accountants who run things. This was not an issue with Crimson reissues because Robert owns all the copyrights, so we could do what we wanted with them. I'm going to pursue the idea of somehow trying to make the high res formats available if the companies won't do it, but don't hold your breath - there's a lot of bureaucracy involved.

At least the success of the Crimson reissues has led a to more and more artists from this era coming to the conclusion that a sympathetic remix (by which I mean one that is super faithful to the original mix in every respect, using the same balance, EQ, stereo placement, plate reverbs..etc..), can do what no amount of remastering the original mixes can do in bringing out sonic clarity. So in terms of the model of deluxe editions with the original mix, a new stereo mix, 5.1 mix, and mixes of previously unheard out-takes found on the reels, there are more of these kind of projects on the way, though I can't say more at present. I just hope that more often that not we can incorporate a high res format into these editions. Watch this space I guess...

New Analogue Productions Grateful Dead

Conclusions:

Terrapin Station, meh

Reckoning: WOW

Terrapin Station

Sounds rich and smooth with some boomy bits, especially on "Sunrise", while not without speed and boogie. This may simply match the nature of the recording and some of the boomy drums are intentional - there's a lot going on here. The congas, cymbals, shakers still pop, and the electric bass sounds distinct. Dynamics are good. Still, sounds "recorded" and not too natural. Could it be the recording?

My only comparison is old cassette tapes and a low bit rate MP3 I have now. Overall, I'm happy and it fills a hole in my collection, but not super excited. I feel like I could have bought a used CD and been just as happy. I might do that and check back in. "Estimated Profit" is one of my favorite Dead songs, and I was hoping to be hopping up and down. I'm not.

Vinyl is very quite, with the exception, again, of "Sunrise" which is the last track on Side 1. The edge is rough, with some shaggy bits hanging off, which I'll give them a call about. (Reckoning has perfect edges) Could be I got a bad pressing, but that is something Analogue Productions/QRP promises you won't get.

Reckoning

My first impression without listing to all 4 sides: WOW.

Sounds like you're sitting at an intimate Dead jam session. Vocals are great, you can hear the guitar plucking and strumming, drums are real.  Sound fills up my room beyond the speakers. These guys are so tight and yet relaxed at the same time - a perfect Dead performance.

Like Terrapin Station, my comparison is old cassettes and MP3s ripped off a friend's CD ages ago. But, in terms of a step up in quality / value for money, even at $50, this is a far more worth it than Terrapin Station and does what I think an audiophile reissue should. No way to stay seated while listening.

So, thanks Steve J for reminding me to get off my butt and get this record. I am pleased that there is still an inventory left in their catalogue.

Thanks for the thanks Kuma. From your review I shall put an order in for my copy. 

I've just received a Pure Pleasure copy of Country Joe & The Fish 'Electric Music For the Mind and Body' which I bought for £9.50 on ebay. I think I have another bargain. SQ seems excellent. Will post a review later.

Steve

Music on vinyl have done a great job on this Jan2012 reissue.

So my friends that have got their copies tell me.

Enough for me to order a copy.

Stu.

Pure Pleasure Analogue. Very fine package all 'round. Superb pressing, sleeve and inner. I don't have an original of this particular LP but compared to 2 other Vanguard CJ&TF albums I have this is sonically as good or better. As a bonus I love the music. 

Stu,

interesting.... Might have to check that one out. Both my original issue copies have been pressed slightly off centre - worse on side 2.  Really annoying!!  I've actually widened the hole on one of them but it takes a bit of time to get the LP perfectly centered.  Could do with your Nakamichi turntable..

Richard,

The Nak TT and Nak 1,000 cassette deck are both in the USA now ,soon to be back in Japan.

In full working order.

Stu

MoFi doesn't always get it right, but they sure did on this one.   Improves on my original (Milestone MSP 9039, 1972) in all ways.    What a wonderful album -- Tyner was so underrated as a solo artist.   Love it!

@Mutterback - am also a big AP fan, but to be fair, they had great source material with both these albums.  IMO, there isn't a better sounding live Dead album than Reckoning (Arista A2L 8604, 1981).  The miking was perfect -- great width and depth on the sound stage.   And the band was in such good form in September and October of 1980!   But even though these acoustic versions run shorter than the electric versions of the same songs, it is still the case that this album's tracks are shortened (compared the original live performances).  I would buy a "director's cut" of Reckoning in a heartbeat! 

I am loving this pure virgin vinyl 180g Jazz Wax Records Ltd edition pressing.

Stu.

Hi Kuma,

Love this record but my old copy has seen better days and like you I was not particularly impressed with the SV re-issue a friend of mine has in his collection.  There is a new pressing which I have considered buying which sounds promising and I wonder if you, or perhaps someone else, has had a chance to give it a listen.  It's on the Friday Music label which I have not come across before, but it sounds promising:

"180g Audiophile Vinyl. Reissue produced from the original Epic Records tapes by Joe Reagoso and pressed at RTI"

Well, I was looking at Friday Music's "Wired" as they also credit Kevin Gray on that remaster whereas he isn't mentioned on the "Blow by Blow" credit. 

"Abandon Luncheonette" which wasn't great also doesn't mention Gray. Just Reagoso only. 

That's why I am hesitant to pull the trigger on "Blow by Blow". Now... if Impex ( so far no duds from them ) folks did it, I would have a bit more faith.

Other Friday Music record I have is Stanley Clarke's 'School Days' which is excellent compared to both US and UK original pressing. Reagoso and Gray are both credited on this remaster. 

So, anyways, I am curious as you are but I bet a decent shape original would be probably a better deal. ( I'm holding out for one. )

Friday Music Records, from my experience so far, is inconsistent.

Originally Posted by Gale 401:

I am loving this pure virgin vinyl 180g Jazz Wax Records Ltd edition

If you like that, get Time Further Out:
From Impex Records (IMP6002-1)



I still prefer my original mono but this reissue is better than the original stereo pressing. It has a bit of lefty-righty early stereo panning going on but it's pretty darn good.
Personally I am so ODed on the 'Time Out' so, prefer this record.

Kuma,

you should hear both Time Out and Time Further Out on the original issue 4 track reel tape.  Superb.

Hi Stu & Kuma -

I also recently picked up a couple of reissues on this Spanish label (Coltrane's "Lush Life" - JWR 4504, and Art Farmer's "Modern Art" - JWR 4506), and thought both were very well done.  Nice jobs of reducing background hiss without crushing high end detail.

Another boutique label I just came across is France's "Heavenly Sweetness".  I bought Blue Mitchell's "Bring It On Home To Me" (HSV035VL, BST 84228), and it is superb!  I also like HS's motto:  "A Parisian Label Spreading Colourful Music for the Soul". 

Like Jazz Wax, Heavenly Sweetness is pretty small -- maybe 50 or 60 reissues so far?   But I love what appears to be a trend of smaller labels doing limited numbers of high quality reissues.  Their choices tend to be pretty interesting, and especially in the latter case.  HS seems to be all about overlooked titles, or maybe it is just music they like.

Good times for record lovers, eh? 

Hook

PS - Last weekend I found a copy of Brubeck's "Jazz Impressions of Japan" (Columbia CL 2212, 1964) in the $2 bin of a local thrift store.   The cover was ok, but yellowed and stained.   I went to pull out the record, and it was still in its clear, sealed inner wrapper!   No warps -- it cleaned up and played perfectly!   Really enjoying this album!  It's just another small example of why vinyl can be so addictive!  

I'm not really convinced about the benefits of thicker viny pressings and wonder if its just a marketing gimmik that someone thought up.  I have many thin vinyls which sound terrific and many thick ones which sound horrible and vice versa.  In the case of the Classic Records 200g pressings I came across this explanation from someone who seems to know what they're talking about......maybe

"For all of their greatness Classic Records were besieged by quality control issues…their choice to move up from 180 Gram to 200 Gram pressings was a questionable one as there were many problems doing so at the RTI pressing plant where these were manufactured.  What that means is that every one of these had marks on them - what appeared to be surface scuffs - from the problems inherent in pressing this weight on machines not recommended to press higher than 180 Grams. Many of these were returned to Classic Records as faulty."

Indeed, a friend of mine did buy a faulty copy of Buena Vista Social Club (an otherwise excellent pressing BTW) which he had to return before getting a good one.  The good news is that in many instances Classic records issued 140g pressings along with the 200g versions as kuma points out.  The thinner versions did not sell as well and so many are still available - and they're cheaper!

Another vote for Heavenly Sweetness Blue Note reissues.  Sam Rivers 'New Conception' is excellent, as are the Art Taylor, Bobby Hutcherson, Granchan Moncur and Herbie Hancock titles.  The interesting thing about HS is they are tending to reissue some of the lesser known Blue Notes that can easily be overlooked, but are wonderful albums.  Albums less influenced by bebop, and maybe more about Afro-American 60's culture. 

try this:

http://www.heavenly-sweetness.com/releases

Music: Carole King

Label: MOFI
Numbered Limited-Edition GAIN 2™ Ultra Analog LP 180g Series/ MFSL 1-352/Stereo/USA
Re-Mastering by: Rob LoVerde Half-speed mastered from the original master tapes
Release date: 2012

Sound Quality:

In fairness, this latest Mofi reissue isn't *bad* perse. Your usual audiohpile trimmings like lower noise floor and transparency and no apparent congestions or frequency peakiness.  Yet what hits me right out of the bat is that whilst Carol's vocals has a rock solid 3D center stage, the muted transients and percussive attack on the opening tune 'Brother, brother' was a little disapointing to me.

On my *good* original pressing ( actually I have about a half a dozen including a White Label Promo ), the instruments take on more of a prominance and the vocal mix is somewhat woven into it. On the other hand, this MoFi remix gives you a solid imaging around Carole's vocal as well as tactile 'she's here' presence. A lot of subtle nuances and details in the midrange is nice, too.

The trouble is I prefer the old mix balance where as a whole, the music takes on livelier, groovier presentation and I don't mind Carole's vocal mingling with other instruments.

I'd reckon that some folks might prefer this reissue where clearly 'hifi' wise, nothing is wrong with it. Too polished for my taste but it is a subjective thing, I think.

A huge let down for me because I have waited for this release for over a year hoping to land on my last copy. Guess I still have to hang on to my original and look for a cleaner copy. 

Packaging Quality: 
Printing quality is decent albeit some colour shifts. Lovely B&W original lyric sheet filled with pictures is not included. Instead you get a upcoming MOFi release sell sheet. A Mofi black label. The record itself is housed in a genuine Mofi Record rice paper inner sleeve. A gold foil stamped number on the back.

digger628, 

Where did you get that info?

I recall one of the Classic Who record I have, they included an extra record with a note saying the other one is faulty. The kicker is that I preferred the *faulty* one. :x

Richard,

Time Out used to sound stunning on 12" tape.

The Sony rep in Harrods in the 70s Kerr had a copy he used to play.

It was a big time people stopper,large crowds used to gather when ever he played it.

Stu.