Al Green Greatest Hits

[tomcat]

I have seen a remastered "Greatest Hits" by Al Green in a store around here. Has anybody compared it to Steve Hoffman's version? I have still a DCC version backordered (estimated price some 50 $$!) and I am curious whether to wait for Steve's version or cancelling the order in order to get the new remaster...
Thank you for your comments!
Thomas

[lennonfan]

If you have DVD-Audio I'd suggest getting that version. The sound is incredibly clean and sharp, and the performances needless to say are top notch.

[Sckott]

I have Al Green on DCC vinyl. I think it's really nice, but I'm sure the CD sounds tons better. The LP was something like 50 minutes between two sides, so Kevin really had to cut that one "skinny". What I heard I liked though, and no one should be without a great Al Green CD.

Note, I'm assuming you're looking for an Al Green *CD*.

[Bob Lovely]

The version that Steve mastered is outstanding and worth a critical listen--highly recommended!

Bobo

[YaQuin]

Ditto,

The DCC CD is excellent. The organ, drums and bass sound very full. Has a "rounded" but not distorted sound. The vocal dynamics and frequency range are very sweet.

The DCC version is one of the truly spectacular CDs in my collection. Highly recommended. ;)

[Grant]

To answer the original question, the one you commonly see in the stores is the Bill Inglot mastered version on The Right Stuff records. It sounds fine EXCEPT for that infamous Inglot treble spike.

If you like the extra brightness, go for the Right Stuff one. Otherwise, get DCC's version. It sounds fuller and mellower, but more truthful to the original vinyl.

I have no comment on the DVD-A except that It plays around with the natural soundstage.

[CM Wolff]

You can't go wrong with the Right Stuff or Steve's version. However, Al Green is one of those artists, like the Beatles or James Brown, whose career was/is so huge, I can't imagine not owning anything less than the individual classic albums or a larger anthology (e.g. are you satisfied with just the Beatles One or anything less than J.B.'s Star Time?). Although Greatest Hits has its time and purpose, I am partial to the Anthology or at least Call Me/Let's Stay Together/I'm Still in Love With You - my life wouldn't be the same without them.

Not a fair answer (you were asking about Greatest Hits), but my answer nonetheless. :)

[Steve Hoffman]

Originally posted by Sckott
I have Al Green on DCC vinyl. I think it's really nice, but I'm sure the CD sounds tons better. The LP was something like 50 minutes between two sides, so Kevin really had to cut that one "skinny".


Actually Sckott, the CD and LP should match exactly, sound wise. We cut the LP a few db quiter, but the tonality wasn't changed, there was no limiting or anything else to get in the way of the sound. If you sync 'em up (adjusting for level changes of course), they should match, tonality wise. :)

[martinimaster]

Steve , Why was the Lp quieter and are all Lp s pressed quieter as in Paul Simon and Van Halen . My Nat King Cole seems to be the same as my cd.

[Steve Hoffman]

It depends on how long the sides are. An LP can hold about 18 minutes. Any more, and the volume has to be dropped a little bit. Why? Because the drop in volume, means that the groove can be a little smaller, thus squeezing more space on a side.

[martinimaster]

18 minutes is insane . Can the Cream double Cd be made onewith no loss in Quality?

[Steve Hoffman]

Well, a CD can hold 80 minutes of music with no problem. So, Cream is fine.

[martinimaster]

Why was it don as a double disc ?

[Steve Hoffman]

If I remember correctly (it was 10 years ago), a gold disc held 74 minutes. Not long enough for Wheels Of Fire + bonus track.

[Sckott]

Exactly. I tried to make a backup CDR of that WOF set. Except, even though I OWN it, I can't see breaking it up for inclusion on one disc. The seperation of the Studio/Live personalities of each 1/2 set does play an invisible role in how the album gets digested. Dual personality Cream.

[Steve Hoffman]

Yeah. Great album. Two distinct personalities: The studio overdubbed creations and the stark live stuff. I've always liked that about "Wheels Of Fire". A real "Gemini" album.

[martinimaster]

Does that mean that given the choice, you would prefer it on two discs?

[tomcat]

Coming back to Al Green: thank you guys for your comments! Looks like I have to bite the sour apple and pay them bucks for Steve's version (once again)...
Thomas

[Steve Hoffman]

Originally posted by martinimaster
Does that mean that given the choice, you would prefer it on two discs?

"Wheels Of Fire"? No, IF it could fit on one disc, that would be fine. It would keep the price down to a reasonable level.