If you have to choose between the standard 1985 EK 34188 (DIDP 020006), and the 1989 Japanese 25・8P-5192, choose the standard pressing. The Japanese pressing has just a tiny *pinch* of refined bass, but it's not enough to say that's full-on noticeable in the mix in comparison to the 1985. You can't even tell it's there unless you A/B the pressings' waveforms on a song that features bass prominently in the fadeout, like "Hitch a Ride". The 1989's bass difference also gave it a much higher top end, and it ends up making the disc sound more digitally-processed and slightly harsh. The standard 1985 USA pressing sounds a lot more natural and smooth.
To be completely honest, I have the 25 8P, the EK, and the SACD from 2000. I don't like any of them. Right now the 25 8P would be my preferred digital version. But the way to go is the MFSL vinyl. If you can get a vinyl rip of that, it's great. It's a travesty MFSL didn't release a companion CD with the vinyl. It's spot on perfect.
Just picked up two US original Cd's for s/t and Don't Look Back. They sound pretty good after you crank the volume a hefty amount, especially on the s/t. I liked Don't Look Back more than the s/t disc. The s/t has a more boomy lower end and leans to a very reverby sound. DLB sounds more balanced, but again, both are crankable.
The MFSL vinyl rip I have at 24/192KHz just destroys the first/second Japan mastering, the original EK Epic and the trebly SACD. For DLB the first Japan/Austrian mastering sounds pretty nice. There just isn't a satisfying cd version of the first Boston.
I found the Mastersound (1994 Suoer Bit Map) of s/t bright, harsh and dry, especially for the first side. However, the DLB Mastersound I have sounds warm and smooth, at least compared to my US with DADC hub. For s/t, I like the Japan first CD pressing.
I found a relative steal on eBay, last week, and it arrived, today. Behold, the 35 8P-7 "Don't Look Back," in the original smooth sided case. $8.63 delivered to my door.
My eyes about popped out of my head when I saw the white "compact disc" logo on the cover and the $6 "buy it now" listing.
Are you sure? I was under the impression that the best sounding were the hardest to find, manufactured before most people had cd players, and pressed in foreign lands.
yes, i am 100% positive...if i like the way something sounds i could care less what everyone likes. they are my ears and my brain. if you like pasta from restaurant A, and someone tells you restaurant B is better, and you try restaurant B and you still think A is better, would you stop going to A just because someone told you this? same thing.
Do you have a preferred version of "Don't Look Back?" This is actually the first time I've ever purchased the title. It sounds decent for an early cd. I'd have a hard time believing nothing sounds better, though. I like the album more than I thought I did. I figured I was exclusively a self titled fan but after listening to the whole thing, yesterday, I liked most of it. I'm a sucker for their soaring guitar sound.
"Walk on" is there last great album (but unfortunately you must have a vinyl of it which go for $100+ brand new and I can't find a hi-rez copy anywhere ) , Corporate America is for die-hards like myself and there last album is pure garbage love,peace,hope , Not sure what they were thinking on that one . But hey 4 killer albums out of 6 not too shabby . Just a note about "walk on" Fran Cosmo is on vocals , So give it a chance , The live shows from 94-03 were amazing with Cosmo and Brad Delp together . Still waiting for a dvd/bluray of that era Tom promised , 20 years later and still nothing .
What about the Hd Tracks DSD 2.8 Of s/t , very expensive , Are those ever on sale ? Also whats this Gastwirt Canadian original press cd and is it worth seeking out ? I was able to find some sources for the MFSL and Wally LPs . The Wally is a tad better . Best for Don't look back . What's wrong with the SBM of that ? I have it , Nothing really wrong with it . I have the gold MFSL cd for Third Stage much better then the original cd from what I hear , I'm happy with it .
It's pretty amazing that their first album sold so well, considering all the instruments were recorded on a 16 track deck in Tom's basement.
Just a quick question: Does the band sing the harmonies on that first album or are all the voices Brad?