Sonny Rollins' "Way Out West" CD -- which version to get?

OJC, APO gold, or MFSL aluminum (cost considerations aside)? Thanks.

 

MFSL aluminum.

 

I have the Box set. The only other version I ever heard was the lp, never heard another version on cd.

 

I have a few of those old Japanese imports but sadly, not Way Out West.

 

I can't read the catalog number from the pic you posted, Steve. Would you be so kind as to post it, as well? BTW, what specifically is there about the JVC version which makes it sonically superior to the other versions I listed? Thank you.

 

This might be of interest:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=113059

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=96249

Within those threads, my brief thoughts on a few versions:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showpost.php?p=2123031&postcount=29

 

The JVC picture above is VDJ-1551.

The front cover is also slightly different from some other versions.

 

Oh wow! I've never seen that!

 

I haven't found the VDJ disc yet, but I like the MFSL aluminum disc.

 

Thanks. Re the cover change: hell's bells! Why couldn't they leave well enough alone? :thumbsdn:

 

Thanks very much for posting those old threads, Jeff. Very informative.

 

That cover sucks!

 

Having the original LP and no less than 5 versions on CD with the same original graphics, I find that alternate cover rather exciting; I guess it's not really Way Out West, it's Way Out West Plus, and someone opted to use an outtake to distinguish it from the original release. Granted, it doesn't sit as well in terms of composition or feel, but, it's refreshing to these eyes because I've never seen it before, or knew of its existence.

 

One of the first CDs I ever bought (1986?) and still have it. Bass is smooth as syrup, drums snap like firecrackers and Sonny's axe sounds like hes playing on your couch. Can't say enough for these JVCs. After I bought this one in LA, I haunted the CD shops on Melrose and Tower's import section and scarfed up every JVC I could find, including the supreme version of Miles' "Walkin," and Mingus' great live Monterey album, which still hasn't been released on domestic disc nearly 25 years later.

 

Maybe so, but as a collector, I now have another reason to get it. It's an early pressing, so that's reason enough, but I also like the unusual when it comes to CDs.

 

Is it really that much better than the OJC?

 

Very nice, Thanks!

 

I feel exactly the same...and it's a great sounding disc.

 

I've compared it with the MFSL and the JVC was hands down. The MFSL sounds too soft for this kind of cookin'.

No contest.

 

Dunno. I didn't know if other versions (LPs?) used this cover, I've only seen it on the VDJ-1551.

I have both. The OJC is louder and has more hiss, but the hiss is not a distraction. The JVC (aka VDJ) is smoother to me, and sounds about perfect. But the OJC is easier to find, and I think would be a good way to enjoy this one until you run across a JVC.

 

Dumb question. Is the VDJ version the only one to have the album title shown as Way Out West Plus, with the title in black? Every other version I've seen is just labeleld Way Out West in white. Does this mean that only the VDJ disc has extra tracks?

Also, I found a copy of Way Out West on eBay with this cover. The seller gives no specifics about the release.

 

It was mastered by Daniel Hersch.

Really? I left a couple of these on the shelf recently.

 

Darcy, find me a VDJ Way Out West Plus!