Rhino cd's

[Dave]

I've heard some talk in the forum about the Rhino cd's. Some say that they are too compressed, but not all, some say they're all great, and some say they're all crap.

So what's the scoop? I'm interested in getting some of them but I'm not interested in making Lemonaide.;)

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by Dave
I've heard some talk in the forum about the Rhino cd's. Some say that they are too compressed, but not all, some say they're all great, and some say they're all crap.

So what's the scoop? I'm interested in getting some of them but I'm not interested in making Lemonaide.;)

Dave,

I own a lot of Rhino CDs out of neccessity. Quality is all over the map, in my opinion and you really have to judge each individually. Bill Inglot has a personal affinity for Mono versions so their collections of 50's and 60's recordings are often tilted toward the Mono versions. They are "nice to haves" as a collector but in some cases the Stereo versions are superior sonically (e.g., Drifters 60's recordings). I more favor his mastering of 70's and 80's material but then again, you have to look at each release separately. His Little River Band comp is pretty well done in my opinion. I am not as critical as some of Bill Inglot's mastering as others. I believe he truly cares and trys to "faithfully" master older material. Rhino's biggest strength is packaging, in my opinion! Do you have any specific questions?

Bob

[Dave]

Sure Bob,

Which are the good ones? I can't handle compression in large dosages as I'm running SS. So which ones won't inflict pain and irritation on these sensitive ears of mine?

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by Dave
Sure Bob,

Which are the good ones? I can't handle compression in large dosages as I'm running SS. So which ones won't inflict pain and irritation on these sensitive ears of mine?

Dave,

I am at work right now, but I'll give it some thought and get back to you. Like you, I am a big critic of added compression.

Bob :)

[Dave]

I look foreward to your response when ya get home from work Bob, thanks.:D

Anyone else?

[Grant]

I have tons of Rhino product! In fact, Rhino was the company that led me down the road of some serious collecting.

As Bob says, their quality is all over the map, with the majority being quite good. But, as some point out, some are bad. But, that isn't always Bill Inglot's fault. They don't always have the best tapes to work with. And, they also have other engineers who seem to specialize in certain types of projects there as well. When Bob Hyde was around he did many 50s and doo-wop type of comps. Bill Did the lion's share of tyhe 60s, 70s, and 80s material, another engineer often did hip-hop and some disco besides Bill, and someone else did spoken word CDs.

Now, as a collector, I welcomed Inglot's dedication to getting the 45 RPM mono singles masters out there. I happen to think he does splendidly in that area. I snap up as much mono as I can! You can usually get stereo mixes anywhere, that's what makes the mono cuts so cool!

My problem with Inglot is, and we've discussed this all before here, is that he has, in the past, boosted treble and compressed some songs to even out a compilation. He does not do this to individual album titles. He also does not seem to have done this to any Time-Warner material. In fact, his Warner stuff sounds impeccable!

My other problem with Inglot, and this is my major gripe, is that he sometimes uses wrong mixes/edits, or fades out LP versions to simulate the single, which, to me, is inexcusable!

But, they are #1 in packaging! Rhino still is the model for oldie CD product!

[Drew]

I have several Rhino discs: The Foreigner Anthology, Best of Ronnie Montrose and the Best of Alice Cooper. I don't think that what I hear is necessarily compression, but they each sound very abrasive and shrill in the treble to me. Almost like listening to chalk squeaking on a chalkboard. I don't know how you could achieve that sound so consistently without it being intentional. Maybe there are some good sounding CD's from Rhino (don't own them all, obviously) but by just simply making a spontaneous purchases at the local Best Buy store I haven't found one yet. I won't buy another Rhino unless someone very specifically can recommend one that doesn't have these traits.

I did ask a few months ago in the old DCC forum if anyone knew anything about the sound quality of the 2 CD Devo - Pioneers That Got Scalped compilation. I don't think anyone gave me first hand info about the sound quality.

[Dave]

Drew,

Yeah that's sort of what I'm trying to establish here as I do have 2 Rhino cd's and the top end is very edgey and I'm not really feeling to experimental right now. Just wanna get the good ones ya know.

[Grant]

Dave,

it's really an impossible question because Rhino deals with every imaginable type or style of music from all decades. There's just too much ground to cover! Also, they have been producing compilations since the late 70s.

You are going to get a limited reaction because most guys here are into classic rock and don't collect Rhino product.

[Dan]

Their stuff is hit and miss sound-wise. They do make some great complations though.

[Dave]

Yeah I know they make great compilation albums as I do have the 25 cd set of Super Hits Of The 70's. My only problem is that if I already have a non-Rhino album, of said artist, why in Gods green earth would I want it by Rhino if the sound is no better.

Well Bob....

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by Dave
Yeah I know they make great compilation albums as I do have the 25 cd set of Super Hits Of The 70's. My only problem is that if I already have a non-Rhino album, of said artist, why in Gods green earth would I want it by Rhino if the sound is no better.

Well Bob....

Dave,

I have not forgotten!

Bob

[Dan C]

The only two Rhino reissues that I can seriously compare are the Marshall Crenshaw hits CD and the Los Lobos 'Mas y Mas' box.

They got it right on the money with Los Lobos, and missed the mark with Crenshaw.

The Los Lobos tracks compare nicely with the vinyl and, up to Kiko, are a great improvement over the old CDs. Kiko tracks show a slight improvement and the tracks from newer albums are about the same. What a fantastic box, full of great outtakes and bonus bits and worth every cent even if I own all of the LPs and CDs.

The Crenshaw is a bit too hot on top for me. The tracks from Field Day are especially obnoxious. Very compressed but (I think) cool sounding on vinyl, annoying on the Rhino CD. It's still worth owning if you're a fan, a wonderful set but I'm still holding onto my vinyl (like I ever throw anything away).

I'm planning on buying a few more Crenshaw Rhino's for the bonus tracks, as well as some of the new Costello CD's. I also wouldn't mind owning the new B-52's set.

Digging around, the only other Rhino I have is on a cassette, one of the New Wave Hits compilations. Great set of songs, including the original version of The Nails' "88 Lines About 44 Women" :)
Dan C

[Bob Lovely]

Originally posted by Dave
I've heard some talk in the forum about the Rhino cd's. Some say that they are too compressed, but not all, some say they're all great, and some say they're all crap.

So what's the scoop? I'm interested in getting some of them but I'm not interested in making Lemonaide.;)

Dave,

Outside of many various artists collections I cannot recommend any specific Rhino single artist album releases as being notably outstanding. In scanning through my collection, there are an overwheming number of Rhino collections but precious few single artist albums. I have always viewed the Rhino collections as a cost effective way to fill out the "singles" titles in my collection from their various artists comps.

If I a find something truly notable, I will pass it along! In doing a little listening here I will say this much about "Rhinophonic Sound"---nothing sounds truly awful and yet there is no "Hoffmanesque blows you away with quality" sound either. In other words, good but nothing really outstanding. Most of my single Rhino single artist CDs are recordings from Atlantic Records-the 50's and 60's.

Bob :)

[Grant]

Originally posted by Bob Lovely


Dave,

Outside of many various artists collections I cannot recommend any specific Rhino single artist album releases as being notably outstanding. In scanning through my collection, there are an overwheming number of Rhino collections but precious few single artist albums. I have always viewed the Rhino collections as a cost effective way to fill out the "singles" titles in my collection from their various artists comps.

If I a find something truly notable, I will pass it along! In doing a little listening here I will say this much about "Rhinophonic Sound"---nothing sounds truly awful and yet there is no "Hoffmanesque blows you away with quality" sound either. In other words, good but nothing really outstanding. Most of my single Rhino single artist CDs are recordings from Atlantic Records-the 50's and 60's.

Bob :)

I agree with Bob's assessment. Most of my Rhino collection brobably mirrors Bob's as well.

[Dave]

Thanks guys.;)

[Mike]

Dave:

I would recommend Curtis Mayfield - Superfly on Rhino. I think it sounds great. Remastering credit says: Dan Hersch/Digiprep. I have the deluxe edition, but I'm sure the single disc is the same. And the music is pretty good too. ;) :)

[clayton]

I don't have any Rhino multi-artists comps. but I think the following releases sound good

Blasters - Anthology
Little feat - Waiting for columbus
Foreigner 1 and 4
Marshall Crenshaw - Debut
JoJo Gunne 2fer of 1st and 2nd on handmade

[JohnT]

I'm happy with two recent releases:

Raitt - Takin' My Time
Lightfoot - Complete Greatest Hits

[reidc]

Hi,
I have many of the older releases back from the '80's.

I have the Turtles, Yardbirds, John Sebastian(actually the group- but am having a severe brain fart right now and have CRS disease(can't remember ****))

I also have the new LittleFeat remaster, and that exceeded my expectation of sound. However- what I find myself listening to most often is Nuggets, and another compilation from the same time.

Wait a minute- Lovin Spoonful, The Duprees, The Fleetwoods, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Frankie Valli/4 Seasons(3CD's) and Frat Rock! Hey I woke up!!!

Anyway- Frat Rock and Nuggets I always thought were great sounding pieces. I love the seperation and soundstage in Friday On My Mind.