Licensed to Ill. Great album, bad sound. Why?

I like lo-fi stuff. I have a grip on the various ways recordings are made and the pathways to the final distributable.

Why does every version I've heard (vinyl, cassette, CD) sound similarly flat and sonically lifeless?

 

I can tell you aren't listening to it the right way. In order to properly enjoy it, you need to pack a room with some friends, some booze, and some cheapo speakers and have a party.

 

It was made to sound good on one of these.

 

What's the time? It's time to Budweis...

 

I'm actually surprised there hasn't been a deluxe edition of this album.

 

I've always thought it sounded wonderful.... Different strokes.

 

If there's one album that doesn't need any audiophile foolishness it's that one. Enjoy it for what it is.

 

When no one is playing any instruments or singing, is it important to have a lot of detail and clarity?

 

Not in every case. Why would that be crucial 100% of the time? I trust the ears of the Beastie Boys on this one.

 

That's my point. Classical music needs high sonic quality. Samples and beats need flavor and style.

I saw the license to ill tour and i would guess that the boys got limited production time and support for that first record. They were a gamble for what was a small lable. The fact that they hit big was a shock.

I am on the side of feeling that the album sounds great. I'm not going to put it on to test new speaker cables but it is a watershed recording.

 

Why isn't this album in print on vinyl? There's an entry on Discogs for a 2LP reissue by Def Jam in 2005, but I question whether or not it's legit. I've never seen anything other than the original pressing, and there are no reviews or copies for sale on there.

 

I vaguely recall that pressing but it disappeared fast - I think DefJam/American changed their distribution deal right around that time?

 

They need to reissue this LP, preferably in the original single disc configuration. They'd sell a ton of them. Good examples are very expensive.

 

The original CD/LP sounds bad and the remaster is even worse. A remix would be a good idea.

 

It is what it is! A fun party Rap record. Not for the Krell crowd. Sonic masterpiece it is not. This one is for the Flava.

 

You're getting your wish it sounds like. Soundstage Direct sent out an upcoming releases email mentioning this. No release date.

 

I can't wait!

MusicDirect has it on preorder with a release date of September 2.

 

The original lps sounds great. The sound is huge are you turn up the volume. This isn't for the audiophile crowd maybe but if you like good sounding mid-late 80s hip-hop, this is up there at the top of the list.

The reissue vinyl from early 2000s sounds very average. Likely cut from a 16/44 file.

I always thought the original cd sounded weak in my car at least.

 

I have an original and it sounds great to my ears.

 

We just posted the domestic version on the site, Use code LP20 for 20% off

Licensed To Ill (Pre-Order) »

 

There was a college radio station that played the full songs from EVERY sample on this album. LA station I believe. Pretty cool, wish I would have caught more of it...

 

Original LP sounds monster through my Krell. I was too poor to own a CD player when this one came out. Now I'm stuck with the original vinyl, alas.

 

And yes, while I am not a much of a hip hop fan, I do like this album. But it is what it is. Fun listen.

 

I have a vinyl copy that is fairly well trashed and it still sounds great. It has held up beyond expectations. As for the engineering ... Yup sounds like an 80s rap album.

 

I have a 1986 Canadian pressing and I think it sounds very good for a "rap" album