Hendrix Electric Ladyland cd - which version to get?

ok which CD version sounds best, the original or the remaster?

 

I haven't bought the remaster, but I like my W.German Polydor with the Naked Ladies cover. I don't exactly like the cover that much but the discs sound like the old tapes.
I also own the single disc domestic US version and I do NOT like it. They brag about the SonicSolutions NoNoise system in the notes. I think it sounds horrible. I like the cover.
The remasters are probably sourced from digital masters made from different analog sources and might get the compression/loudness treatment but I can't say for sure, I don't own it.

 

Another vote for the naked ladies version!

 

the 2-disc Reprise (sans NR) sounds good (better with a little EQ). The altered-cover MCA also sounded decent to me, but I haven't examined it as closely.

 

Although I no longer have this, the first MCA remaster (with the altered cover) may be the best one to get - reduced NoNoise and no maximizing along with correct tapes. Pity about the cover however, but you do get the stamps The original Polydor issue mistakenly used the vinyl double album sides 1/4 and 2/3 track order - someone didn't do their homework on that one. I'm not sure about the original double Reprise US CD - that could be OK also.

I like the EH (latest) version, but these EH releases are mostly maximized. They use better tapes than the Alan Douglas era and don't appear to use NoNoise, but they are very LOUD (in particular First Rays).

 

John, I still have that (stamps-MCA) series and they did not use masters, they used equed tapes several gens down and no-noised the intros. The only thing they havee on the current cd's is dynamics. the new cd's:
use the best-ever tapes
are not needlessly de-hissed
have great eq
BUT are more compressed than any other Hendrix cd's issued.

I would speculate that an early-80's W. German cd would sound best overall,
with the current US remaster as a second best. The German disk would be the least fussed with, but would not have the best tapes (as they would be 3-4 gens. down)

The 2-cd reprise US was horrible, I gave that piece of crap away. Awful eq, awful tapes, and compressed.

 

This is getting confusing. How many different versions are there?

 

I'm with Jorge, Michael and Shakey on this one! Nekkid ladies pressing all the way!

 

The West German set for me too.

 

I dont like the naked ladies cover, it just looks crass.

 

Ah, but the important thing is what's inside.

 

Hendrix musical genius+nekkid ladies=listening AND viewing pleasure!


Evan

 

But I wouldnt want to make a mess on the laser...

 

Another vote for the naykid ladies. I like the LP programming too.

 

I think the Polydor West Germany sounds thin. And comparing it to the current MCA, there is a lot of information that's missing from the tapes.
Too bad the current MCA is maximized.
BTW is the Reprise LP the best Electric around.

 

I just know people are going to crucify me for liking the EH titles... Loud? Yes. Seems ok for Hendrix though. The W. German Polydor pressings are affordable and better than the no-noise versions. I haven't heard the original Japanese pressings and these are said to be the best.

 

Nekkid Ladies Polydor version.

Don't forget to burn your own CD-R of it, so you can resequence the tracks in proper order.

 

Not me! I previously owned the SINGLE disc Reprise version, & much prefer the current Experience Hendrix release.

 

The new version, to me, has the least of common evils.

 

That's a matter of debate, isn't it? I know Experience Hendrix and Eddie Kramer said they did not use the master tapes, and then Joe Gastwirt (who mastered the "altered cover" CD) said he did so use the master tapes, and there was a big pissing match about it.

I don't know if I'd say it's horrible, but I found it thoroughly underwhelming. I don't understand what some people see in it.

 

Comparing the new-cover Douglas CD to the current EH CD....no contest. The EH wins on that one. The Douglas is muddy and muffled. I don't have it in front of me, but I seem to recall that it's especially obvious on the last track ["VC (Slight Return)"].

First Rays, on the other hand, is a mixed bag. Things like "Beginnings" and "Hey baby" have really obvious and objectionable clipping.

 

1. 2CD naked ladies cover on Polydor West Germany
2. 2CD solarised Hendrix cover on Reprise US
3. 1CD solarised Hendrix cover on Reprise US (Alan Douglas & Joe Gastwirt)
4. 1CD altered cover on MCA US (Alan Douglas & Joe Gastwirt)
5. 1CD solarised cover on MCA/Experience Hendrix US ((Experience Hendrix and Eddie Kramer)
Others can chip in with any Japanese versions that don't sound the same as the above.

 

You should have a look at the waveforms on that CD - no dynamics left. Pity they did that. EH seems to have backed down on the maximisation in later releases (Berkeley and Isle Of Wight in particular). A US copy of Cry of Love should be better on the tracks in common.

 

I'm happy with the remaster

 

I like the old 2CD Polydor West Germany with naked ladies on the cover