....Just picked up Steely Dan's Aja, MCA catalog # 37214 DIDX 55, exactly forty minutes in length. Do I have the elusive-only 5000 copies pressed-Steve Hoffman Aja?! If so, it's good to know that miracles can happen any day!
Take a look here to confirm: http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13304&highlight=AJA About half way there's this post from KeithH: There's also a picture of the two versions. "How to identify the Steve Hoffman version of AJA : 1) Both versions are in a smooth-edge jewel case (top and bottom edges). However, the jewel case for the Nichols version has clear edges that look a lot like the smooth edges on lift-lock jewel cases. The jewel case on the Hoffman version has frosted edges, which is more commonly observed with smooth-edge jewel case than clear edges. As an aside, my Japanese first pressing of Steely Dan Can't Buy A Thrill, which was done by Nichols (there is no Hoffman version of this album), has a smooth-edge jewel case with clear edges. Thus, this case looks just like the one that houses the Nichols version of Aja. 2) The back of the jewel case for the Hoffman version is stamped "Patent pending" in the lower right corner. The back of the jewel case for the Nichols version has a number 2 stamped in the lower right corner. The jewel case for my first pressing of Can't Buy A Thrill has the number 2 stamped in the lower right corner. So again, this case looks just like the one housing the Nichols version of Aja. 3) The matrix code (stamped in the inner ring) for the Hoffman version is "DIDX 55 21A1", while the matrix code for my Nichols disc is "MCAD-37214-U7C21". Other owners of the Hoffman version have reported the same matrix code as the one on my disc, but it seems as though there are some subtle variations in the matrix code for the Nichols version. This is probably because the Nichols version was in print longer and there were probably more press runs of it. The key point is that the Hoffman version has "DIDX 55" stamped in the inner ring, while the Nichols version has "MCAD-37214" stamped in the inner ring. 4) The Hoffman version has "DIDX 55" under the catalog number on the label side of the CD. The Nichols version does not. Hoffmann: MCAD-37214 Nichols: MCAD-37214 DIDX- 55 5) The plastic ring on the Hoffman CD has "CSR COMPACT DISC" repeating around it, while the plastic ring on the Nichols CD does not. Thus, the Hoffman version was pressed at the CBS/Sony Records plant in Japan, and I suspect the Nichols version was not. 6) Each song on the Hoffman version starts at 0:00, while each song on the Nichols version starts at 0:01. 7) There is no Barcode on the artwork. I have compared the sound of the two versions briefly, and they are quite close. I feel that Steve's version sounds more "complete". It seems to flow better. I find Steve's version more engaging. The Nichols version sounds a bit constricted or tight to me for some reason. I guess 'constricted' and 'tight' aren't the best terms to use, as Nichols supposedly did a flat transfer from the original master tape. I don't know. Steve's version just sounds more natural and open. However, the difference isn't enormous. The Nichols version is quite enjoyable. As I have said before, I have yet to hear a version of Aja that sounds bad."
Wow! So close and yet so far... I have MCAMD 37214 DIDX-55 clocking in at either 39:55 or 39:57, depending on what CDP I use. I should try out my third CDP... . Made in Canada. That's sorta weird about the times.... Anyway mine sounds quite, warm nice. A mile better than Can't Buy A Thrill! Did they continue using the same masters in Canada for a while, I wonder? I'm thinking it's gotta be Steves. Didn't Miike say that this designation is a Mid Priced CD (while the straight 37214 is the earlier full priced version)? Would they change the mastering or tinker with it while dropping it down to mid price? Does not seem likely... G (Songs published by ABC Dunhill Music Inc. That sorta sound familiar, too! )
.... and the songs of the CD start at 0:00..... And, hey! If we kept pressing Steve's Who's Next, why not Aja?
Sure, John! But can ya afford $9.99 CAD for the CD??? Or maybe $5.00 if it's in the $5.00 bin? And shipping. Gee.... three bucks or so....
All of what Dugan says checks out, the most important being: DIDX 55 on the side of the box, and also on the inner ring of the CD itself. Every song starts out at 0:00. There is no barcode on the artwork. And, would you believe, I picked this bad boy up used for only $8.00! I remembered the "DIDX 55" code, and took a chance. My goodness, does it sound wonderful! Clean, warm, and natural! Even on a boombox! Smokes the remaster, to be sure. I took a look at Keith H's visual depiction in another thread, and it looks EXACTLY the same. Made in Japan, Dave. Ah, yes, sometimes the Gods DO smile down upon you, that's for sure!
