WHY? WHY? WHY? (I hear you ask) Why do we need yet another thread about this album? Yes, I did do a search first: It's because of the sheer number of variations, that's why! Many of them are available on eBay at any given time. I'd like to buy the best copy that I can. So which has the best mastering: Original LP pressing Quadrophonic LP MasterSound Half-Speed Mastering LP Original CD MasterSound gold CD Simply Vinyl LP Classic Records 180g LP Classic Records 45RPM LP Classic Records 200g LP 2001 Sony Remaster Sundazed LP (released September 2009) With all these different reissues and remasters, it's a wonder the original master tapes have not been worn out! Well, actually, according to the liner notes in the MasterSound gold CD edition, indeed they have been worn out! I used to have the MasterSound gold CD and one thing I learned is to not lend your CD's to anybody. Yes, it came back. It just came back scratched as heck! However, before that happened I had become quite familliar with the album. Although I have previously owned a red label "360 Stereo" issue, as of now, I only have an MP3 copy (which does NOT do this album justice at all!) and a Japanese SQ-Quadrophonic pressing from 1972 which sounds fantastic! Dare I say it, so far this is the best release by far....except.... In the song "Baby Driver" at the end of the instrumental, a brass horn (not sure which kind) does a two note *BOMP* *BOMP* which is missing from the quad mix. I am so used to it being there (I really like that song!) that it always, always jars me out of my enjoyment with it's absence! Other than that, I would rate this mastering (and mix!) as the best one. In order to get my "fix" of "Baby Driver", though, I need another copy. I'm not willing to pay hundreds - or even one hundred! - but I am interested to know which edition is considered difinitive by whoever has heard them. So post away and then let us put threads about this album to bed for a while. Next, for me, the "fun" begins in trying to find that particular edition! And this isn't even my favorite album - I only like seven of the eleven songs!
I really like the Japan 1st pressing 35DP 14. The original US Columbia CD is the same mastering, but sounds veiled in comparison. The Mastersound Gold CD was a more closed sound and a bit bright.
How does the Classic 33 rpm compare? I know the 45 is optimal but also pretty tuff to find and quite expensive...Randy
Classic 45 in my book, and, my God, I think I have about half a dozen different pressings of this wonderful album. I have not heard the Japanese, but can tell you that I certainly respect Dave's ears (and probably the rest of him, too....)
Of the versions I've heard (I think all of the CD masterings, the US quad, the original US, UK and German vinyl), I prefer the UK vinyl. Regarding the Classic Records 45 set, how many discs is it? I'd be worried about having to continually change records to hear the whole album.
So, we have another Baby Driver fan do we? As I recall - the mono single had a dramatically different mix (especially the ending, didn't it speed up or something?). It's been decades since I heard that version.
For such a popular, well-selling title, I find it very hard to find an original 1st run vinyl pressing that rates VG+ or better. I also remember reading somewhere that the engineer or someone similar said that until one of the re-mastering campaigns in the 90's, that every other CD version uses inferior tape copies, which I would assume includes the Master Sound edition. What is everyone's thoughts on the "The Columbia Studio Recordings: 1964-1970" box set version? My vote is for the original vinyl - I hear stuff on there that I don't hear on the CDs.
I received a reel copy of the original quad master tape, and it blows away any other version I've heard. Those that have heard this will agree. The best ever, and the best there will ever be again.
Jon, That wasn't on the list. Kind of ultra ultra rare to find and then have equipement to play it on. You are a lucky man though. I can imagine that it sounds unbelievable. I hope you backed it up on CD.
I personally don't think much of the UK vinyl. I've heard that, a UK or US quad, the 35DP CD and the Vic A remaster. I like the Quad (although I don't have a decoder) as it's quite a different listening experience and I prefer the mix in places. Out of the two CDs I've heard there was not a night and day I MUST HAVE THIS ONE ONLY experience for me. From what I recall, I preferred the 35DP and my wife preferred the remaster at the time we compared. I'd be interested to hear the 45 RPM cut, but doubt that I would find it at a price I would want to buy it. For the original mix the remaster beats the UK vinyl by a good distance IMHO.
For Digital versions, I've own the Mastersound, the original Columbia CD, the Sony UK Millenium edition and also Analogue Columbia Original LP The Sony UK 1999 "Millennium Edition" heavy card-sleeve edition sounds very close to the original LP with a tastefully light touch of additional bass.
I had the original 35DP CD for years as I bought it when it was issued. When the Mastersound CD came out, I picked it up and thought it sounded much better. A few years back, I decided to sell my 35DP here on the forums and before doing so, I re-did my original A/B listen. It was no contest - the Mastersound killed the 35DP, which was very brittle and harsh, especially at higher volume.
Thanks for your input everybody I'm going to try for a MasterSound CD edition and the Classic Records 33. I have a copy of the 45 in my eBay watch but, at just over AU$200, it is beyond my price range until further (indefinite) notice
I have the following versions: Original LP pressing (my copy is a hair on the noisy side even after cleaning with RCM and DD fluid, but the best sounding one I have) Quadrophonic LP (which I'd like to hear in real quad someday...) MasterSound Half-Speed Mastered LP (very clean) 2001 Sony Remaster CD Has anyone heard the Sundazed reissue? The price is certainly attractive...
Yes and as with so many S&G songs it has never been available on commercial cd. This is the only S&G "45" mix that is still eluding me at the moment. As for Bridge Over Troubled Water, for the song itself I prefer the mono 45 as it has much more punch (as usual). For the album I only have one, an original red label "360 stereo" disc so that is all I am familiar with and it sounds fine to me.
