I would like to know the best version of Jimi's Electric Ladyland which I am looking to buy. I have heard the reissued vinyl is great. I know it is on Japanese mini CD replica sleeve as well. Any opinions would be appreciated.
The 2010 reissued all analogue vinyl is the best I've ever heard this LP as well (for what it's worth).
So, do you want the vinyl or the CD? The UK original with the naked ladies seems to be everyone's favorite vinyl.
Just to clarify, there's the 2010 Sony Legacy and 2010 Music on Vinyl versions. I expect that the posts above are endorsing the all analog Sony Legacy vinyl, which is certainly my preference. Have only heard the MoV version once and wasn't impressed (especially given that it typically costs much more).
As far as I remember, the first UK press on Track label had a "loud cut" that is a different mastering work than the second UK pressing on red Polydor label: it is a story that closely resembles the first USA release of the second Led Zeppelin album.
So to clarify. The MOV 2010 edition is not good while the Legacy one is by Sterling? This is the one right: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland Im guessing the 2015 and 2017 repressings sound exactly the same as its the same mastering? Any other suggestions? Heard a UK polydor today and it sounded pretty good, but cant compare.
I think the forum prefers the West German Polydor 2CD version (823 359-2) in the fat jewel case with nude cover and mixed up (record changer) LP track order, the 1st Japanese edition (same mastering) and the 2nd Japanese (Polydor p36p 22004/5 - should be same mastering).
Hard to go wrong with the 2010 Legacy AAA honestly. By the way, I've been to Uppsala several times. It's a nice little town in my opinion !
As the specialists haven’t chimed in yet I’ll try to paraphrase what has been said in earlier discussions on this board. I think the forum prefers the original UK Track with -1 matrixes and the numbers upside down at the 9 o’clock position on the label (original matrix #s 613008 / 613009; original has light blue print on the inner gatefold, later issue white print). The single LP issues on Track use the same mastering/metalwork as the 1st double issue, but on lighter vinyl. Early Australian and German pressings used original Track stampers (A//1, B//1, A//1, B//1). The 2nd Track version (613 017 & 613 010, with separate fantasy drawing cover & Jimi picture cover) is said to have much less noise). There is a Polydor repressing with a line through the original Track matrix #. The follow-ups are the early ‘70s Reprise (with 1G matrices in deadwax), the Solid-tan-label (2rs-1-6307 G1A/G1B/1B/G1A), the 2-tone-label, with mix of -C and -D matrixes. The Classic Records is said to be at least better than the 1973 UK Polydor. The Sony Legacy is controversial. It is described as being brighter, less muddy and therefore revealing more detail, improving overall clarity and openness. The bass has been described as either larger and deeper or as having an intrusive booming mid-bass. Some find the top end tinny. Those who have heard both say it can’t touch the original Track, the 1st Polydor or the original Polydor CD but is still better than the US 2-tone Reprise and the 1997 MCA. I myself have a UK Polydor reissue (ca. 1970-1973) that sounds quite good, clearly better than the ‘70s Japanese reissue I had before.
Only choice is to pay up big time if you want the best eh. I wonder how the Classic and 2010 legacy compare though. Also, discogs says the white text is a first press, not blue.
I think the Newbury Comics blue vinyl is also well-regarded - it’s the 2010 mastering. What do you mean by “Classic”? Classic Records never did Electric Ladyland.