John Lennon - Signature Box

Posted by: Hot Rats on 05 October 2010

I spent yesterday evening with a friend listening to the new Signature Box by John Lennon. We compared the latest remasters in the box set with the Japanese mini LP set, released in 2007.

While I have reservations regarding the sound quality of some Japanese remasters, to my ears the Japanese discs sounded much better than the new releases. With the Japanese releases, everything is set further back in the mix. While we dipped into both collections, we listened to both versions of 'Plastic Ono Band', 'Imagine' and 'Rock & Roll' in their entirety and on each album, my preference was for the Japanese editions. My friend remarked that the latest remasters were probably closer to the analogue sound of the original vinyl issues, which is perhaps true, but for me, the Japanese remasters sounded more engaging.

Let's hope 'Band On The Run' is better. I've got that one on pre-order!
Posted on: 08 October 2010 by Zepfan
I expect the Japanese albums are the remixes whereas the remasters are the original versions, so you're comparing apples and oranges.....
Posted on: 09 October 2010 by Hot Rats
quote:
Originally posted by Zepfan:
I expect the Japanese albums are the remixes whereas the remasters are the original versions, so you're comparing apples and oranges.....


Point taken Zepfan. In that case, I prefer the remixes!
Posted on: 09 October 2010 by Zepfan
I know where you're coming from. I prefer the remixes for some of his stuff (e.g. Rock 'N' Roll) and the remasters for others (e.g. Plastic Ono Band).

Overall, they seem to have done a pretty good job with the remasters although I haven't heard them all.
Posted on: 14 October 2010 by Westcoastman
I received my John Lennon Signature Box Set yesterday. First out of the box was The Plastic Ono Band and I was wondering how the sound could be bettered upon the remaster I had purchased a few years ago. Well as soon as the bells tolled on the first track (Mother), I realized the remaster I already have is much superior I have not yet listened to the other discs so can't comment. John's original mix certainly sounds rough around the edges compared to the recent remaster, which also consists of two bonus tracks. Mind you I do appreciate the the box set for the overall presentation and for archival interest.