I’m a big fan of New Sensations especially. I have an original vinyl pressing that sounds terrific. Didn’t sell much when released, so I’m surprised at how many nice used copies I come across. An easy-to-find, inexpensive classic.
New Order-Technique, 1989 This can still be had for dirt cheap on the used market, make sure to grab the US manufacture
Of course we don't all prefer 80's CD's! Most I bought back in 1987 were in truth being hyped as an "absolute copy of the master tape" when in reality they were transferred from second or third generation dubs or LP cutting tapes. Add to that the A to D conversion tech wasn't anywhere near as good as today. I have owned many 80's CD's and not many in truth I regret selling. Even a stunning period remix / remaster from the original multi-tracks like Elvis' "The Memphis Record" sounds very veiled and thin today. It sounded incredible in 1987 though. Compare that to the 2009 Legacy CD - apart from the obvious mix differences, the sound in the later mastering is completely transparent, rich and deep. What is smiley "car EQ" though? I really don't believe sample rates help much here otherwise there wouldn't be any 80's CD's worth listening to today. As this forum knows, the media and the sample rates / resolution come a lowly second to the quality of the mastering where sound quality is concerned. There are some good 80's CD's and some have been mentioned in this thread already but buying 80's CD's in general is absolutely no guarantee of quality. There have been as many great remasters as bad ones. It's a headache sorting the wheat from the chaff at times but this forum can offer some community wisdom. PS - I agree about "180g vinyl". The weight makes absolutely zero difference. Most manufacturers cannot press anything flat over 130g anyway so what's the point? Also the whole Japanese Blu Spec / 2 and SHM is another lot of marketing nonsense. There is no scientific evidence to suggest superiority over the standard CD.
It's not pointless at all. It means they can flog the same album again to people. But it's best if the remaster is flawed in some way (too loud or missing some bonus tracks) as then they can release another version which corrects the mistakes of the remaster. So no, it's not pointless. It's capitalism at its finest.
Here's the thread in relation to Steve's mastering for Alone Together on the MCA CD: Dave Mason Alone Together best mastering and sound
Based on your comment, i ordered Pat Benatar's first cd (original european Chrysalis) and it is indeed great sounding, so thanks for the tip.
Genesis - Invisible Touch (1986 UK V/C disc). Absolutely terrific production once cranked up - Tonight Tonight Tonight totally grabs you on this one, I never understood why they even bothered remastering such a tremendous-sounding album. Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life" still can be had in a non-remastered repress from a few years back which also sounds absolutely gorgeous - punch, great dynamics. I also continue to recommend the 1983 CD pressing of Heaven 17s fabulous debut "Penthouse and Pavement". It's a bit quiet so you have to turn it up quite a lot to recognize its sonic qualities, but they're here big time
Billy Joel The Bridge Steve Winwood Back in the Highlife Both from 1986, and both are Japan for USA. I got them last week for $1.88 each and they are superb sound wise! I would never want a remaster or upgrade on either.
It's great how cheaply many a great-sounding 80s disc can be had. Even sealed, some are cheaper than their remastered counterparts.
Edit: forgot Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms ('85 WG Vertigo) and Communiqué ('87 WG Vertigo). Got both for two bucks each.
Interested in a new demo disc for your system for around $4.00? Not to mention great music.... Ali Farka Touré and Ry Cooder - Talking Timbuktu
John Denver's Greatest Hits Vol. 2 and 3 on the 1980s CD issues actually do sound decent. The first volume is best with the Sony/Legacy remaster and that is also a cheap CD. The Rick Springfield Greatest Hits CD to get if you want good sound over tons of songs and the other frills is the 1989 Greatest Hits compilation. The 1980s CD mastering of his Working Class Dog as well as the original LP sound great as well.
I have so many Rick Springfield comps but not that one. My suspicion was that it was the best. Thanks for the tip!