Zappa LP mixes on CD

[Paul C.]

Since some of the recent discussion of the Ryko AU20 issues of Bowie, Costello, Zappa et al, I have been trying to find a copy of Zappa's "Apostrophe" on AU20 gold disc - needless to say, it's almost impossible (if anyone knows of a copy, please let me know).

Does anyone know if they can procure a standard silver CD of this album with the AU20 mix - I know these do exist, as I found a silver AU20 pressing of "One Size Fits All" - however all other copies I've seen here in Australia are the original CD remix.

I really want to get the AU20 mix of Apostrophe, as it is the LP mix, and would have to sound better than the earlier silver version.

Thanks and regards, Paul

[Vivaldinization]

Really? The Au20's out of print? Thank god for Ryko's mastering generosity, then...^_^


Seriously, though, I think it's pretty much been confirmed that ALL Apostrophe's coming out of the US use the new mastering (and I was under the impression tha the Aussie releases were merely re-stickered by Festival...maybe not...) So import yourself a foreign copy (while you're at it, get You ARe What You Is and Tinseltown too...I don't know whether other country's issues made the upgrade), and you'll probably end up with it. Due to the fact that the CD version and LP version *are* different mixes (in fact, the CD version is a manipulation of the quad mix), it's quite easy to tell which one you have.

Other Zappa LP mixes on CD are, of course, more difficult...^_^

-D

[Paul C.]

You are correct in saying that many of the Zappa albums available in Australia are restickered for the Festival label - or rather were. I never bought any of those, but I imagine they were CDs pressed in Australia for the Australian market. They always looked a bit cheap to me, but I'm suspicious of local reissues.

Within the last year, I've noticed that most new Zappa stuff in the stores is overseas stock, and says "Made in Canada". These CDs come with the little paper slip on the top of the disc, which was missing in all the Australian pressings. I don't know whether they are brought in from the US or the UK, or whatever. However, all "Made in Canada" copies of Apostrophe that I have been able to inspect are definitely not the AU20 mix.

Just this morning I received an email from a Zappa officionado in the UK who claims that Ryko have changed back to the earlier non-AU20 master of Apostrophe for their silver CDs.