I can't post a link, Chris, but this is what to look for. Here is the twofer (Baker) followed by the 1994 slipcase (Lurssen) version:
Apparently Bill Inglot... It is claimed that it is listed on the insert, but mine doesn't have any listing for who did it...
Over the past 8 months or so I've compared the Tamla 2fer, R28M, MCC, Deluxe, 1994 Larsun, and MFSL (CD layer only) here are my thoughts: 1994 Larsun - Not at all to my liking. Loud with overly exaggerated or bloated low end. Deluxe - I did not like that much. I felt it was loud and devoid of warmth. To many having the Detroit mix on the second disc is key so I more than understand why this will be a part of many collections as it should be. MFSL (CD Layer only) - too loud for me. I long for the old MFSL :sigh Although by today's standard it's not horrible for what ever that's worth.... Don't know if the SACD layer is better. I listened to a borrowed copy but at around $20 and up for this disc I don't feel it's worth the money to find out. MCC - nice analog sound, but has a severe bass/low end deficiency. Can be found for under $5 USD R28M - nice sounding with more bass/low end than the MCC. Overall somewhat close in sound to the Tamla 2fer, my second place choice but at the $25-$35 going rate it's worth looking around for the ultra-cheap and better Tamla. Tamla 2fer - Very nice analogue sound, a nice easy listen with decent bass/low end. By a mile this is clearly the best digital version I've ever heard. Plus you get the entire Let's Get In On album in the best sound I've ever heard as well. Not to mention this can still be found with a little searching for under $5USD Another case for me where the cheapest CD was the best! Rick
Upon further examination the MFSL CD layer is not as bad as I first thought. It has decent dynamics, but it's still a bit loud and a tad cold for my tastes. To me not worth the money when the Tamla can be had for a fin or less.... One day I will hear the SACD layer, so until then I reserve total judgment on the MFSL product as a whole. Rick
When you say "loud," do you mean that the level on the disc is higher, or that the dynamics have been (to your ears) compromised via compression and/or limiting?
Loud as in level, not Digital Compression during mastering. As volume is increased on the MOFI it becomes a bit too harsh and digital for my tastes. Whereas with the Tamla as the volume is turned up the sound just gets better and better, in effect it blossoms! I am not saying the MFSL is bad, anyone who thinks I stating that is wrong, it just comes down to the type of sound you like; very natural and analog, or less natural and digital. Also if money $$$ is a consideration, and in these times it probably is for most everyone, then the amazing, dirt cheap, and much better IMHO Tamla, is really the only "responsible" choice/purchase.
I found a German copy of WGO - Tamla Motown WD72611 mastered by John Matousek. I don't see any re-issue year on the packaging and there are no bonus tracks. Would this be the same mastering as the MCC, R28M, or Tamla 2-fer?
Agree 100% on the SACD layer, it sounds just beautiful. I don't find the disc loud at all, it must be another case where my gear is the problem.
I agree with ricks. The low-end on that mastering just sounds ridiculous compared to virtually every other vinyl/CD version I've ever heard.
I really liked it when it was first released, but I didn't have my old LP anymore to compare. Since then I picked up the non-twofer early Motown pressing and liked it a little better (though I could use a hair more bass). I like a lot of Gavin Lurrsen's work (O Brother soundtrack especially). He does have a darker sonic signature, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. I haven't picked up the MOFI yet, but I plan on it.
A simple difference in volume (using "all the bits" in the digital realm) shouldn't cause harshness. That doesn't make any sense to me. If anything, you have more fidelity and detail. It's not like that level change causes the CD or SACD player to clip or compress...
Quite possibly it is. I really like my German 2fer of What's Goin' On/Let's Get It On catalog #ZD72456.
Probably the MCC, which also credits Matousek. The Tamla 2fer was done by someone else. If you want to post EAC peak levels, I can tell you for sure.
Matousek did the Motown Compact Classic. I have not seen his name attributed to the Tamla 2-fer of WGO/LGIO. Post your EAC peaks and we can end speculation. Dave - you don't have the R40M-1002 Japan For Japan Tamla 2-fer? For shame! Rick P.S. The R40M is the same mastering as the other 2-fer's. I have 'em all (WG/US/R40M) and my ears detected nary a difference. Then again I rarely (only 2 exceptions) do for the same mastering, so I no longer waste my time, and except for collecting purposes of a few catalogs - my cash. edit - imagnrywar got the Matousek info posted just before me
Sorry if it makes no sense to you, only my opinion from my own listening experience. It seems I get criticized here wether I like the cheap (in this case my original US $1.99 Tamla) or an expensive disc during compare - go figure? Please note, I still have not heard the SACD layer so maybe it'll be a winner..... For the few interested here are EAC levels for several WGO CD's, for the 2-fer's LGIO is not listed: Code: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 100.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 96.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 72.6 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 96.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 77.5 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 69.8 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 100.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 73.8 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - MCC.log: Peak level 96.8 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 72.4 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 82.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 62.9 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 81.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 66.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 68.8 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 89.3 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 66.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - R28M - Japan.log: Peak level 80.3 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 77.8 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 88.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 67.7 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 87.2 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 71.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 74.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 96.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 71.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - US Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 86.3 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 77.8 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 88.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 67.7 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 87.2 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 71.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 74.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 96.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 71.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On - WG Tamla 2fer.log: Peak level 86.3 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 77.8 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 88.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 67.7 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 87.2 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 71.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 74.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 96.0 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 71.1 % Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Let's Get It On - R40M - Japan Tamla 2-fer.log: Peak level 86.3 %
I've personally compared the following US versions: Deluxe Edition Motown Compact Classics Tamla 2fer The DE was the clear loser. It sounds really congested and Marvin's voice is pinched. The MCC and 2fer are very close to each other, except the 2fer has more bass and is overall a bit fuller in sound. Both are dynamic and provide great listening experiences. On a side note, I was also able to get my hands on the I Heard it Through the Grapevine/I Want You 2fer. The comparison between I Want You on this disc and the remaster is similar to that for What's Going On. Pick it up if you get the chance.
