Discussions and reviews of songs, albums, artists, vinyl records, CD's, streams, and audio gear. Also we take trips on the creative side, with videos about songwriting and home recording. Subscribe and take a song trip with us!
I bought a newer pressing of Endless Summer and ended up preferring a really old, maybe original, pressing I happen to have, even though it was seriously scratched up. You never know. Nice score the clean EB&F! I realize I don’t have a really good clean vinyl copy. I have my brother’s original and a double album colored vinyl that came out a few years ago, which doesn’t sound that great. And of course the Esoteric and one or two other cd versions. But no really nice vinyl. For shame! Will definitely check out the Chicago 9 atmos!
I see Exotic birds & fruit a lot in the bins. I’m sure you can score a good copy soon. Interesting about Endless Summer and not surprised! My copy is a Winchester pressing btw. One of the all time great compilations, along with Chicago IX! I’d love to know your opinion of the atmos version.
Just listened to Chicago IX in Atmos on Apple Music. I don’t know how that would compare to the Tidal version but it sounded great. Chicago always sounds dense or thick to me and this may have given it more space perhaps. Like I never noticed that that little hihat/snare flare on the 4th beat of the 25 or 6 to 4 drum pattern was in the right channel-it even sounds like an overdub. The lushness of Searching for So Long and Wishing You were Here was just beautiful and I did get that “surround” feel. But I’m not as intimately familiar with those. Such great sequencing of the tracks. All 10 out of 10. In what like 5 years? Geez.
Beautiful essay on the value of thoughtful collecting. I will sometimes spend time just looking at my small collection of vinyl and cds. I’ll think I want to listen to something, but I take the entire time trying to decide what to listen to and just enjoy thinking about it. For my favorite records you could even say I don’t need any media. I can listen to them all in my head!
I have that Steven Wilson Vienna and I wasn’t impressed either but I thought it was just because I wasn’t in the mood for Ultravox at the time. Perhaps I should try a different mix.
Love that “Medieval Experience” box set. Listened to the vinyl a lot back in the music library in college. Still have some tapes I made from it. My favorite Ockeghem Requiem. Very uncommon performance because it includes instruments…which purists would probably reject because all sacred music was vocal only. But that’s what I love about it.
Typically when the word "album review" appears in the title of a video, it implies that the presenter will be talking about the music LOL. Here's a playlist...knock yourself out, my friend: ru-vid.com/group/PLbKoMKFh55ELyCJTctjtt9dujaGXxAFkI&si=zgloO7cvQTkozXDl
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I only discovered your channel this week via your videos on The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night and Revolver, which I enjoyed immensely. I only own the original CD, but I really love the sound, in a similar way to how I appreciate the 1987 Beatles CDs - I think it’s because according to the old SPARS code on The Beatles albums, where the letters AAD on the case and the disc itself denotes Analog source, Analog mix and Digital mastering- (this is indicated differently on Columbia CDs, but it does say something about being taken from an Analog source on the bottom right of the front cover on the original CD, if I remember correctly - apologies I don’t have my copy to hand) - in contrast to the 2003 Sony reissue which I would assume to be from a Digital file (or at least to be mixed Digitally, even if it was taken from the original Analog source?) **This is purely speculation on my part of course, so please correct me if I’m wrong as I don’t know the provenance of the SACD reissue, so it could well have been made from going back to the Analog master** but either way, some of those old 80s CDs which have been so maligned over the years are actually really nice to listen to, as they are often flat transfers from the Analog tapes, unhindered by the digital processing on many of these later remasters, and in particular they didn’t fall victim to the “Loudness Wars” thank goodness 😊 As you rightly point out, often they’re also cheap, as most people want the shiny new release because they assume it will be better - but I’ve read many times about people who sold their old Beatles CDs when the 2009 remasters came out, only to buy the 87s again later on 😊 I especially appreciate how descriptive you are; this is really brilliant stuff and I can’t wait to watch some more ❤️🙏
"Rocky" by Austin Roberts was one of my favorite singles when I was a kid. I still have the single (along with Michael Murphy "Wildfire" and Barry's "Could it be Magic" )😉. That Ronco collection had my number. The "Acoustic Strawbs" would cover the Antique Suite once in a while in the early 00s. According to Dave Cousins he's having some of his songs transcribed to sheet music, including the Antique Suite. Can't wait to see those. Wakeman left after playing on the next album, From the Witchwood.
Not that I'm aware of...and not that's reported on StrawbsWeb. The Acoustic Strawbs version is on the Painted Sky album from 2005. I remember Dave Cousins introducing it at a show once explaining how long it had been since they performed it live, and Dave Lambert interrupted, "Too difficult!"
Hello. The old Columbia (CK 9604) is a remix. The SACD (CK 90320) is remastered from the original mix. That's why they sound different. At the time Dylan wanted to make a lo-fi album, remember that JWH is the antithesis of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. My favourite way to listen to it is on SACD (CK 90320). It is true that the old Columbia sounds 'better'. Although 'better' is not a word I would use for listening to JWH (IMHO)
Really nicely done. How interesting that the vinyl played better on the loudspeakers than the cd, but you did emphasize that it was mastered by McMaster, a different engineer than the cd version so some difference would be noticed. For such a great figure in Pop music, I always had such high hopes for Brian Wilson’s solo efforts and invariably was always disappointed by his releases even though many of the tracks were standouts. In fact, I find it ironic that Dennis Wilson’s Pacific Ocean Blue is the best solo release of any Beach Boy. Nothing Brian has done measures up to it. Smile is an unfinished piece of music despite the completion of the project decades after the album was conceived. The freshness of the original vision can be glimpsed from The Beach Boys outtakes. The finished project with the Wondermints(?), as accomplished as it is, loses that freshness. I haven’t heard That Lucky Old Sun. Your praise has prodded me to look it up. Thanks for the shootout!
I have the Acoustic Sounds SACD of Pet Sounds. True, the packaging is basic, but the stereo sound is incredible. I have an SACD player, which makes a difference.
That settles it! I'm keeping my brother's original LP. Sounds much better than I thought it would and much better than the version available on Apple Music.
Great entertaining and informative video; thank you. If you're digging into Richard Thompson's back catalogue I would wholeheartedly recommend "shoot out the lights" followed by "I want to see the bright lights tonight" (with wife Linda, of course) and finally, allegedly the lowest selling album ever released by Warners USA, "Henry the human fly" Thanks once again from a new subscriber
Thanks for subscribing! We are huge Richard & Linda fans, and have their whole catalog. I should do a video on the boxset that came out a few years ago.
I have the AP 45rpm stereo Petsounds and it's pretty amazing, and the packaging is excellent--so much better than Mofi LP packaging. It is from the 1996 Linett mix, mastered by Kevin Gray. The way certain low instruments like a bass clarinet or bassoon come through was striking. I also have the 2002 DVD-Audio of Petsounds which has the mono, stereo (from the 1996 Linett mix, mastered by Joe Gastwirt "using the HDCD process") and a new surround sound mix also from Linett with Brian. I haven't compared the stereo mix on that to the LP yet. The surround mix is pretty mind-blowing from what I recall. Almost too much and you can't really compare it to anything. ... I'm really tempted to get that Bruce Mofi SACD. I still have my brother's well-worn OG LP probably bought new. He still thinks Bruce lost his way after his second album! ... "No Reply" from Beatles for Sale is a new favorite song from my recent Fab4 obsession. ... I don't now how you listen to so much stuff! Besides the Beatles the only thing of interest here is the 2017 deluxe edition of ELPs Works volume 2. I have four of that series and I've always had a soft spot for this particular album. The edition also includes the complete "Works Live" concert which is fun. Great sound. Those guys were insane.
I just posted the new Springsteen shootout video (finally), which maybe will help you to decide! Your brother was not far off the mark! Early Bruce is the best Bruce.
Great albums there from Floyd in mono ( do you have a mono stylus?) to Coltrane,Miles. The Love album definitely missable not a good effort I'm afraid.
@@songtripping4165 it's okay but I think you need the mono needle to fully appreciate the difference. The switch doesn't read the vinyl grooves. The mono needle has got a completely different shape in order to do that.
You're right about Pink Floyd and new vinyl -- I have the new Animals and WYWH and Animals, especially, knocked my socks off. Will definitely be on the lookout for the early albums. I get the other commenter's point about how they were studio innovators in their use of stereo back then, but you've really intrigued me with the mono recommendation!
All I can say is that the mono Piper and Saucerful are incredible pressings with a big booming sound stage. I took a chance and am wholly satisfied with my purchases. Are you referring to the Animals remix? I get confused over all the reissues!
I have the 2012 mono vinyl and really like it. I’ve been reading Geoff Emerick’s book (another topic) but it’s got me listening to all of their albums with renewed interest and appreciation.
Early Floyd LPs were some of the best and wildest of stereo mixes at the time. The phasing between channels was part of the sound. The idea of a mono version seems counter intuitive. Enjoyed the update.
I got years of enjoyment from the Grado Prestige Black (and Green) cartridges. But it was better matched on an old Dual turntable I used to have. When I replaced the stock cartridge on the Technics with the Grado, it didn't do much for me anymore. I guess I needed a change, and the Ortofon on the Fluance works for me.
I will say that I was doubting my ability to hear differences between different pieces of equipment on RU-vid. But, I definitely heard a difference with your video. I wonder if it's because of the way you record the music? Anyway, nice video. The RT85 was a worth wide upgrade. I have one but had nothing to compare it to since my old Technics had not been used for many years and could no longer hold speed. Thanks.
as far as great songs on an album but shit sound quality....kiss hotter than hell needs to be remastered.... sounds too muddy... and aerosmith draw the line... sounds very flat.... everything sounds like it was all recorded on the same level....jack douglas dropped the ball on that one....🤔
@@songtripping4165To my ears, it sounds great! It’s a revelation compared to the ancient CD I had, which always sounded flat and thin. The clarity and separation of the SACD are incredible. Lighting a candle for a Born to Run SACD in honor of its 50th anniversary next year.
Some great listens! What are the details on Countdown to Ecstasy release? Back in the 90s I replaced all my AAD versions with ADD because I believed that digital mastering must be better. I know better now, but wonder how they actually compare.
I’m pretty sure it is this release: www.discogs.com/release/9632814-Steely-Dan-Countdown-To-Ecstasy Does not say AAD… Are you interested in the Analogue Productions reissues?
Washing Machine is not my fave Sonic Youth album but I have fond memories about it because it came out the year I graduated high school (over here we call it "junior college"). I went to their concert a few years before I got conscripted. They made it all the way to the Far East. The first incarnation of Foo Fighters opened for them, and they played in an arena that had since been torn down and rebuilt (they love to do these things in Singapore). I had to go because I missed REM because of my exams. So the nice thing about all these noise rock bands is that you can buy the cheap seats, sit at the back, rock out and still retain your hearing. Sonic Youth are what they are... it was a good concert, they recreated everything on the album pretty well. Great experience. Seems like yesterday, where did all the time go? Sonic Youth, I think, has a pretty good Chinese / Japanese following. I think some of the traditional Chinese music has some atonality and we just pick it up, we're used to it already. And who's not to say that they that maybe they were popping by NYC's Chinatown, heard some Chinese orchestra and it didn't influence them in some way?
I’ve got to check out one of these library sales. Your friend is right. Gold Afternoon Fix is a good album but the prior album Starfish is their best work and a excellent album! The vinyl reissue sounds fantastic
Wow great haul! Those are great Sonic Youth albums. Goo is my personal favorite. Can’t go wrong with Prine! I’m mostly buying only CD’s these days. The prices on used vinyl has gotten out of control. Streaming is fun but I like physical copies.
Definitely my favorite Dylan album! Only have what I think is the ‘87 CD, on the back it states now made in the USA. Sounds good to me. I don’t have SACD player. Really need to get a clean original vinyl copy.
I've had the stereo Mofi SACD in my cart several times when it was discounted on the Mofi site for a long time. Now only the mono SACD is available. Bummer, this review would have persuaded me to pull the trigger. But Discogs is always an option...
Bruce learned during the Obama years not to spew his whacky Liberalism when i saw him in Anaheim and he was heavily Booed.Love his music, but his lack of Logic amazes me.
Bruce has always shown empathy and humanity through his music and in his political support. I'm sure he understands that that goes right over the heads of some people in the crowd.
@@johnrwalker53 Try to read some and get out more. There's no evidence Biden has dementia or Trump doesn't. You're parroting wacky right wing talking points and may not even realize it.
The only Bruce concert I ever got to was Perth, Australia and the two highlights were not the songs I was looking forward to. They were Girls In Their Summer Clothes and I’ll Work For Your Love, both acoustic and solo. Just outstanding and those songs immediately moved up my all time favourite lists.
Saw Springsteen in LA and few weeks ago with my dad, I was always a casual fan of his, but I have become obsessed after seeing him live. I am happy to see people talking about his work on RU-vid.
Cool cd music haul. In my youth I used to listen to Sonic Youth quite a bit, that Day Dream Nation and Goo are the best. The John Prine cd is his second album. I’m a huge Prine fan with all but two live lps in my collection, all on vinyl. He is one awesome artist that doesn’t get mentioned at all in the VC. ?? Not much country Americana ever does. I used to have that Frank Z on tape and listened to it constantly. Now however I find Zappa’s music either too odd/eccentric or very immature and juvenile. That whole 22 CD’s cost less than a cup of Starbucks lol 😆.
Thanks for the comments. I went through a John Prine phase in the 90s and have a few of his albums A great songwriter. Any thoughts on why Americana doesn’t get more attention in the VC?
Well perhaps saying Americana does not get much love on the VC may not be completely correct. I see music from Springsteen , Tom Petty, and many other Americana rock groups, I guess I mean the more Country/ Folky styles like Prine or John Mellencamp or Van Zant etc. Perhaps I haven’t found those videos, ppl do mention these artists but not often.
The only CDs I buy these days are classical music to fill out my collection and pick up cheap symphonic cycles or collections by composers/conductors/musicians I like. The medium has never mattered to me all that much. When CDs arrived, I got rid of my LPs because I was sick of how crappy the quality control was on them. People sentimentalize vinyl records these days, but I think it’s mostly nostalgic and reactionary: I think CDs - and really, digital - were a vast improvement, both in sound and convenience. I now own a little Onkyo bookshelf system that plays CDs and streams from Bluetooth, and it sounds spectacularly good to my nearly 70-year-old ears. (My car also only streams these days.) So, I’m not fussy about the medium as long as I’m surrounded by music. BTW, that John Prine CD is his third record, and it’s a minor gem. It’s also the album where he first showed his slacker tendencies and his strong desire to do things his way, traits that served him well the rest of his life. Enjoy!
Thanks for the insights, Marty! Yeah, I offloaded most of my vinyl classical albums in favor of CD's or streams. The noise floor and surface noise of vinyl can be problematic for that genre.
