Sweet irony....I was going to post this question earlier in the day but never got around to it. Now I read that Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" is going to be a future MFSL title in 2008. Still, my question to the forum is: is there a consensus for the best sounding cd version of the album? I used to have the regular U.S. release but sold it and replaced it with the 2-cd Deluxe Edition. I really like the earlier "Detroit" mix plus the live stuff is a nice bonus, so I wouldn't part with it. Just looking to get the best sounding version of the original album. Is there any OOP or foreign pressing we should know about that definitively sounds better before plunkiing money down on a not-even-released- yet MFSL? Thanks to all!
This question comes up quite a bit, and you will get a lot of opinions. My opinion is the Deluxe Edition, which includes the "Detroit" mix, which is, the original mix that didn't meet with Motown's approval. Apart from most of the forum, I think the sound quality is stellar! I highly recommend it. I can't wait to hear MoFi's version. They haven't disappointed me yet.
The 1994 Lurssen remaster is my favorite, but the 2001 isn't bad either, and it's worth having for the Detroit mix and the concert on disc 2. I'm curious to know how much of an improvement (if any) the MFSL will be over what's already out there.
How does the 1994 remaster compare to the 2001? Is there a rare Japanese first pressing that wipes the floor with both of 'em??
That's the best one imo. His mastering of Let's Get It On and The Master (box set) are essential. These sound fantastic...definitely crankable too
It's listed in the latest Music Direct catalog. I, for one, will looking forward to this release especially vinyl if available. I have the Deluxe Edition and it's worth the price for the Detroit mix and bonus tracks. Though I still have the John Matousek-mastered 1st edition Motown CD, I never compared the 2. And neither can match my 30+ year old German heavy vinyl of the album.
I'm partial to the 1994 Lurssen mastering as well. I don't know of anything prior to that version that sounds better, but you never know. The 1994 version is easier to find, that's for sure.
Sorry to keep pestering, but is there anyone out there who's a/b'd both the 1994 and 2001 cd versions?
I did years ago. I preferred the '94. Lurssen has a "dark" mastering style... very warm and fuzzy. That's what I liked about it. I might feel differently now, but I kind of doubt it.
Any love for the What's Going On/Let's Get It On two-fer disc? I believe this was the first CD release of this album (in the states, anyway). I recently found a used copy cheap, and I have to say it sounds pretty good. Although, I haven't A/B'd it with the Deluxe edition (the only other copy I currently have). If I'm not mistaken, the two-fer was later split up and the albums were sold individually, but with the same mastering. I see used copies of the 1994 version floating around quite regularly. I used to own it, but I dumped it when the Deluxe edition came out (back when I was young and foolish and did such things!) I'm guessing I wasn't the only one, which is probably why I see so many used copies around! I may just have to pick it up again. Truth be told, I don't think I've ever really heard a "bad" sounding CD version of this album...
i've never been too impressed by the Gavin Lurssen CD. but i listen to the Detroit mix way more anyway.
I have a CD with the same catalogue number as yours but there is no mention of 1993. I have a feeling my version is a little earlier but I may be wrong. Matrix number is 530 022-2 01. Great sound but this is the only version I have heard. Does it have the same peak levels as your 1993 version? Track 1 Peak level 100.0 % Track 2 Peak level 96.0 % Track 3 Peak level 72.6 % Track 4 Peak level 96.1 % Track 5 Peak level 77.5 % Track 6 Peak level 69.8 % Track 7 Peak level 100.0 % Track 8 Peak level 73.8 % Track 9 Peak level 96.8 %
Here are the peak leves of the "Motown 530 022-2" CD from 1993. Matrix number is 530 022-2 03. Track 1 Peak level 97.2 % Track 2 Peak level 97.2 % Track 3 Peak level 90.3 % Track 4 Peak level 97.1 % Track 5 Peak level 91.4 % Track 6 Peak level 85.9 % Track 7 Peak level 89.6 % Track 8 Peak level 74.9 % Track 9 Peak level 92.0 %
The Deluxe Edition blows chunks, it's screechy and horrible, rare content completely aside. The original What's Going On/Let's Get It On two-fer disc is lovely. It's just not cut very loud. It's warm and never comes close to clipping. Great front-to-back depth. That anyone would prefer the Deluxe Edition simply amazes me. The two-fer cd had the original tape & vinyl sound, and everything after that got further and further away from "the truth".
A flat transfer of the master tape should sound pretty good. The album was mixed and spliced together in an afternoon by my friend Larry Miles who takes a pretty conservative approach to audio. The vinyl was a pretty good representation of what I remember from working on the sessions in Detroit.
The question is, then, which CD version sounds the closest to a flat transfer! Do you have a preferred digital version, by any chance? Ultimately, of course, it comes down to listener preference, but I'm always curious what the preferences are for those who were actually there in the studio at the time.
Does anyone know if the 1994 remaster by Gavin Lurssen is available by retail anymore (like in Canada, or?), or is it completely OOP? Thanks, Kevin
