Theory: Mastering quality has worsened in the last 10 years.

Posted by: Mike Sae on 10 October 2002

In terms of popular music, I think so.
By poor quality, I'm referring to the bright, messy and compressed "mastered for car stereo" effect.

For example, the following discograpies by these artists get progressively worse in terms of sound quality:

Tricky:
Maxinquaye through to For Real and Blowback

Hooverphonic:
Stereophonic Sound Spectacular > Blue Wonder Powder Milk > The Magnificent Tree

Erykah Badu's Baduizm vs. Mama's Gun

Massive Attack:
Blue Lines > Protection > Mezzanine (This one might be pushing it, but I think BL is better than P)

Asian Dub Foundation:
Rafi's Revenge vs. Community Music

Cowboy Junkies:
The Trinity Sessions and Caution Horses vs. Lay it Down and Open

Bjork, Rage Against the Machine, St. Etienne, Poe, Mercury Rev, Death in Vegas... I could go on, but I'm blue in the face.

I hope I'm wrong!
What do you folks think?

Posted on: 15 October 2002 by Mike Sae

Sorry I meant Columbia, particularly "The Voice". My copy is hopelessly thrashed, but still has some sort of magic in it compared to my Capitol stuff (which are admittedly all repressings, and opens up a whole 'nother can of something).

Posted on: 15 October 2002 by Ron The Mon

It's interesting that you mention the early Sinatra recordings. When I first play someone a 78 rpm record in my system, Sinatra goes on because he's known by all and more accessable.

To hear Frank off a good 78 player is amazing. His voice is smoother than melting butter! And the Nelson Riddle arrangements are are as clasic as they come.

Ron The Mon,
78 Needle-Freak

Posted on: 15 October 2002 by herm

OK, but assuming the availability of mint 78s is limited, and 78-spinners too, what are good Sinatra remasters?

My girlfriend has a couple 33s, European pressings natch, and I have most Capitol titles in early 90s AAD cds, and I have to say they sound passable.

I don't mind some No one cares tracks when I'm in the mood. This record is so blatantly monotonous it's hilarious.

Herman