Best Of The Best Help

[Dave B]

Hi Everyone,

Two weeks ago I posted the first of what I hoped would be a running thread called the Best Of The Best. The purpose was to discuss and vote on the best sounding version of a different LP each week and then keep a list in the archive. The goal was to assist forum readers in easily finding the best version when shopping online or whatever.

Unfortunately, the response has been less than enthusiastic. The first title, Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys got five replies and the second Dark Side Of The Moon got nine two of which where Jeff and I discussing a correction in my initial post. I chose these titles because they have generated some discussion before and there are multiple versions of both so I thought they would be a good start.

Now, I’m asking for your opinions and assistance.
First is this a worthwhile endeavor? Perhaps there’s already enough discussion about the most popular titles and no need for such a listing. Or maybe it’s simply the titles I chose.
Secondly, if you still like the basic concept, how can I improve it and encourage more participation?

I’m totally open to all suggestions here. I thought this was good idea but I have been known to be wrong on occasion (hey, I’m no Tom P!). So, give it some thought and let me know what you think. I’ll be away all day tomorrow. I’m going to Albany (about 90 miles from here) to visit my favorite used record store and then my wife and I are going to see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at the Palace Theater tomorrow night. I’ll be back Saturday afternoon so I won’t be replying to any posts until then.

Thanks in advance for your input and help. Hope your Friday is swift and painless.

[Dave]

Be sure to post about the Bela Fleck show as I kind of like em'.

[Tony Caldwell]

I think it is a good idea, but I don't own a copy of either of the titles discussed so far.

Actually, I don't really own multiple copies of very much of anything, so I would only be a spectator most of the time.

I have been reading all the posts, though.

Tony

ps I do love the Flecktones!! I have seen them close to ten times. I challenge anyone to see them live and not smile!! Let us know how the show turns out!!

[jligon]

I mentioned in your original post that I think they should be more often. Heck, we're only talking about 50 or so CDs a year at the once a week rate. I don't know about one a day but it might be something to look forward to when visiting the sight on a daily basis. I know I wouldn't have any problem coming up with 365 albums to discuss right now! ;)

I just think that being once a week, if it's not of interest to someone, will not motivate someone to check out the post more than once. If they're more often, it won't be such a drag if no one responds. Simply go on to the next.

If one a day is too much for someone to handle (I guess I not sure what other work it entails other than thinking of a title :confused: ), we could option out different people for different days. I'll take Mondays, you take Tuesdays, etc...or would that be too hard to keep track of.

Let me know if you would like me to help in any way.

-Jon

[DanG]

Perhaps Best of the Best is a place to review opinions on the best issue of any album at any time. Just title a thread and anyone can add their 2¢ at any time - a running commentary that gets added to and is there for reference at any time.

This way I'm not left out if I get jammed up and can't get my vinyl copy of Low Spark on the turntable that week. Review of comments can be done quarterly to sum up where we are on each LP.

So as many threads as possible, no time frame, add and reference as you desire.

[McIntosh]

As a newbie I like the thread - but again, don't always have the title - but the Low Spark thread reminded me how much I liked that album, so went out and bought it !!

[dbryant]

How about broadening the week's topic to include several albums by the same artist?

[Dave B]

Hi folks, I'm back from beautiful downtown Albany, NY.

My little trip was very fruitful. Picked up eight used LPs including an original copy of Alice Cooper - Love It To Death, an original sealed copy of Herb Alpert - Lonely Bull (at least I think it's original- haven't cracked it open yet) and an early Stereo copy of Axis Bold As Love to go with the Classic Records mono version I recently bought. I also found that National Lampoon title I was looking for.

Saw Bela Fleck and The Flecktones last night. Great show in a small old theater (The Palace) and at a surprisingly tolerable volume level. Usually I leave these things with my ears ringing. I have to tell you this is one fine group of musicians. Victor Wooten may be among the top five bassists of all time. The band has just come off a five-month hiatus and this was the fourth show of the current tour. They were in excellent form and seem to be really comfortable playing together again. They played a couple of new songs including one that they had only played once before (the previous night) which was very good. Best of all, they closed the show with one of my favorite songs, Sinister Minister. All in all, a most excellent evening.

I want to thank everyone for your positive input on the Best Of The Best. It appears there is still interest in this sort or forum so in the next week or so I will decide how to proceed.
I may ask for a little more input as I work through the details but I think it’s obvious that one title a week isn’t enough while one a day may be too much. I’m thinking twice a week say, Saturdays and Wednesdays. I’m also thinking of having a running poll for each title with the known versions listed. My only problem here is I may not be aware of all versions of a particular title so I may have to have a pre-poll discussion on the versions. In any case I’ll be getting back to you on this topic soon. Thanks again.