DCC's "Court & Spark" is superb...

[Matt]

I remember awhile back someone praised the DCC release as being a better than even the HDCD edition. I finally got it, and man, it's a big improvement. I was skeptical and how much better it could be (with the added production and dubbing, Joni's singing could never sound as lifelike as it does on "Blue"), but you really do get that "breath of life" that isn't on the HDCD edition. It's still a real shame that album was recorded with solid-state instead of tube equipment.

[Steve Hoffman]

Thanks. Glad you like it.

Great album, solid state or not, eh?

[Sckott]

I agree. Steve did something that cannot be duplicated with fast-moving-corporate-mastering-hands. That CD is exceptional and a great companion to "Blue".

[Matt]

Yeah, yes it is a great album, regardless of solid-state. The first Joni Mitchell album I've ever heard, it's still one of my favorites from the 70's.

[Steve Hoffman]

Here is a little tidbit about the song "Twisted" from Court And Spark.

On the 16 track tape, Cheech and Chong are featured throughout the song, wisecracking all the while. I guess during the final mix, Joni got cold feet and wiped them out except in that one little spot. Probably just as well, but I wish she would authorize a Cheech & Chong version remix. A lot of folks would really like it, I think.....

[GregM]

Hey Steve, maybe you can encode Cheech to the left rear and Chong to the right rear if you do a surround version of this? Just a thought--and the traditional version could stay as is for two-channel.

As much as I like her earlier, folk stuff, Court and Spark and Hissing of Summer Lawns are two of my favorite Jonis. Man, her voice can just play those heart strings.

Still hoping for any SACD announcement from you guys. :)

[Sckott]

Ya know another DCC that really sounds buttery too is (speaking of Cheech and Chong) is Jim Croce's "You Don't Mess With" complilation CD called "Gold In A Bottle". If I had "free reign" over what to produce, I would have done the same damn thing. It's "Don't Mess Around" plus a few very important cuts (not excluding deep ones too) from other ABC Lps. Cheech Martin was one of Jim's best buddies.

[MikeD]

Thanks for the tidbit Steve. It would be interesting to hear as a novelty, but I'm glad Joni got cold feet on that one.

Chip

[Unknown]

I love it... one of the best DCC remasters!!! :D

[pigmode]

Thanks for the good news. I really like Court & Spark but I have no turntable to play my vinyl :o(. The HDCD sounds okay, but it's not quite right, imo.

Anyway, I ordered the DCC version last week, so I can't wait till it gets here...