For a long time there's talk on this forum of secret remasters of Elvis Costello's Columbia cd's. The aim of this thread is to identify these and other unique masterings pressed during the eighties. Please post your lossless values if different from the list below... Some information first and feel free to correct any errors. DADC Terre Haute, Indiana pressings with matrix DIDP 20xxx date from 1984 to 1986. Before DIDP 20095 the first pressings were manufactured in Japan (My aim is true and Punch the clock). From 1986 the DIDP 70xxx matrix was used. Sometime in 1988, around DIDP 70800, the leading zero was introduced, so all Costello Columbia DIDP cd's with a matrix starting with 0 are represses and have a big chance of being, if they exist, secret remasters. Most of my discs have that 0, so if yours is without please check the values. The second US DADC plant in Pitman, New Jersey started pressing in 1989. These discs, often with the catalog number in the matrix and CMU P in the hub, likely are all secret remasters. All values below were created with the foobar2000 Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1 plugin lossless direct from original cd's. MY AIM IS TRUE There are at least 4 unique masterings of the Columbia cd. Two pressed in Japan and two later US pressings. This is the 4th: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / My Aim Is True, CK 35037, Matrix DIDP-020091 9 // Matrix 2A CK35037 11 B -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -0.28 dB -17.12 dB 1:23 01-Welcome To The Working Week DR13 -1.97 dB -17.70 dB 3:33 02-Miracle Man DR12 -1.74 dB -16.54 dB 2:43 03-No Dancing DR13 -1.76 dB -17.44 dB 2:53 04-Blame It On Cain DR14 -0.77 dB -19.59 dB 3:26 05-Alison DR13 -2.33 dB -18.51 dB 2:11 06-Sneaky Feelings DR14 -4.50 dB -20.87 dB 3:48 07-Watching The Detectives DR14 0.00 dB -16.84 dB 2:50 08-(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes DR15 -1.21 dB -19.01 dB 3:13 09-Less Than Zero DR13 -0.06 dB -16.68 dB 1:38 10-Mystery Dance DR14 -0.60 dB -17.72 dB 2:36 11-Pay It Back DR14 -0.67 dB -18.23 dB 2:57 12-I'm Not Angry DR14 0.00 dB -18.04 dB 3:22 13-Waiting For The End Of The World -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 13 Official DR value: DR14 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / My Aim Is True, IMP FIEND CD13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -0.61 dB -17.62 dB 1:24 01-Welcome To The Working Week DR13 -2.19 dB -18.14 dB 3:33 02-Miracle Man DR12 -2.35 dB -16.97 dB 2:43 03-No Dancing DR13 -2.25 dB -17.88 dB 2:53 04-Blame It On Cain DR14 -1.00 dB -20.01 dB 3:26 05-Alison DR14 -2.38 dB -18.91 dB 2:11 06-Sneaky Feelings DR14 -0.01 dB -17.25 dB 2:50 07-(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes DR15 -1.71 dB -19.49 dB 3:16 08-Less Than Zero DR13 -0.71 dB -17.13 dB 1:38 09-Mystery Dance DR14 -0.91 dB -18.15 dB 2:36 10-Pay It Back DR14 -1.35 dB -18.71 dB 3:02 11-I'm Not Angry DR14 -0.06 dB -18.47 dB 3:24 12-Waiting For The End Of The World -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 12 Official DR value: DR14 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== THIS YEAR'S MODEL There should be at least two unique Columbia masterings. I only have the IMP FIEND: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / This Years Model, IMP FIEND CD18 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR11 -1.69 dB -14.54 dB 2:01 01-No Action DR11 -1.80 dB -14.62 dB 3:24 02-This Year's Girl DR11 -3.81 dB -18.31 dB 3:47 03-The Beat DR12 -1.18 dB -14.58 dB 3:16 04-Pump It Up DR13 -1.95 dB -17.72 dB 2:42 05-Little Triggers DR14 0.00 dB -16.97 dB 2:24 06-You Belong To Me DR12 -2.77 dB -17.38 dB 2:37 07-Hand In Hand DR12 -2.64 dB -16.63 dB 3:09 08-(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea DR12 -1.94 dB -16.39 dB 2:38 09-Lip Service DR12 -2.13 dB -17.86 dB 3:46 10-Living In Paradise DR11 -2.19 dB -16.74 dB 3:33 11-Lipstick Vogue DR11 -1.54 dB -15.36 dB 2:45 12-Night Rally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 12 Official DR value: DR12 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== ARMED FORCES There should be at least two unique Columbia masterings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Armed Forces, CK 35709, Matrix DIDP-020187 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -1.04 dB -16.26 dB 3:03 01-Accidents Will Happen DR15 -0.92 dB -18.38 dB 2:18 02-Senior Service DR12 -1.26 dB -15.42 dB 3:00 03-Oliver's Army DR12 -1.13 dB -15.48 dB 2:56 04-Big Boys DR17 -1.83 dB -21.13 dB 2:43 05-Green Shirt DR13 -0.97 dB -17.75 dB 3:21 06-Party Girl DR13 -1.00 dB -16.45 dB 3:14 07-Goon Squad DR14 -2.99 dB -18.52 dB 3:36 08-Busy Bodies DR14 -3.19 dB -18.82 dB 2:50 09-Moods for Moderns DR13 -1.71 dB -18.04 dB 2:57 10-Chemistry Class DR15 -3.10 dB -20.32 dB 3:13 11-Two Little Hitlers DR11 -5.92 dB -18.41 dB 3:31 12-(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 12 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Armed Forces, IMP FIEND CD21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -0.07 dB -14.93 dB 3:04 01-Accidents Will Happen DR15 -0.03 dB -16.98 dB 2:18 02-Senior Service DR12 0.00 dB -13.99 dB 3:00 03-Oliver s Army DR12 0.00 dB -14.07 dB 2:56 04-Big Boys DR17 -0.12 dB -19.73 dB 2:43 05-Green Shirt DR13 0.00 dB -16.35 dB 3:21 06-Party Girl DR13 -0.05 dB -15.03 dB 3:14 07-Goon Squad DR14 -1.35 dB -17.10 dB 3:36 08-Busy Bodies DR12 -1.63 dB -15.89 dB 3:21 09-Sunday s Best DR14 -1.74 dB -17.40 dB 2:50 10-Moods For Moderns DR13 -0.49 dB -16.67 dB 2:57 11-Chemestry Class DR15 -2.15 dB -18.85 dB 3:11 12-Two Little Hitlers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 12 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== GET HAPPY!! There should be at least two unique Columbia masterings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello and the Attractions / Get Happy!!, Columbia CK 36347, Matrix DIDP-070083 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -3.12 dB -17.15 dB 1:57 01-Love For Tender DR11 -0.72 dB -14.63 dB 3:14 02-Opportunity DR13 -1.45 dB -16.81 dB 1:59 03-The Imposter DR13 -1.23 dB -15.99 dB 1:58 04-Secondary Modern DR12 -1.06 dB -16.15 dB 3:02 05-King Horse DR12 -1.31 dB -15.29 dB 2:05 06-Possession DR11 -2.33 dB -15.81 dB 2:18 07-Man Called Uncle DR13 -1.32 dB -16.86 dB 3:01 08-Clowntime Is Over DR11 -3.17 dB -16.13 dB 2:14 09-New Amsterdam DR13 -1.37 dB -16.84 dB 2:28 10-High Fidelity DR13 -1.73 dB -16.15 dB 2:08 11-I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down DR12 -3.10 dB -17.57 dB 1:57 12-Black And White World DR12 -2.61 dB -17.39 dB 2:36 13-5ive Gears In Reverse DR14 -0.90 dB -18.05 dB 2:04 14-B Movie DR13 -1.74 dB -18.41 dB 2:32 15-Motel Matches DR11 -1.39 dB -14.70 dB 2:31 16-Human Touch DR12 -5.75 dB -18.84 dB 1:49 17-Beaten To The Punch DR12 -2.29 dB -15.93 dB 2:35 18-Temptation DR11 -3.30 dB -16.13 dB 2:21 19-I Stand Accused DR12 -1.34 dB -17.13 dB 3:35 20-Riot Act -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 20 Official DR value: DR12 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello and the Attractions / Get Happy!!, FIEND CD24 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -0.96 dB -14.85 dB 1:58 01-Love For Tender DR11 0.00 dB -12.41 dB 3:14 02-Opportunity DR13 -0.38 dB -14.61 dB 1:59 03-The Imposter DR13 0.00 dB -13.73 dB 1:58 04-Secondary Modern DR12 0.00 dB -13.86 dB 3:02 05-King Horse DR12 0.00 dB -13.01 dB 2:05 06-Possession DR11 -1.03 dB -13.43 dB 2:18 07-Man Called Uncle DR13 -0.02 dB -14.68 dB 3:01 08-Clowntime Is Over DR11 -1.08 dB -13.87 dB 2:14 09-New Amsterdam DR13 -0.21 dB -14.55 dB 2:28 10-High Fidelity DR12 -0.06 dB -13.89 dB 2:08 11-I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down DR11 -1.62 dB -15.22 dB 1:57 12-Black And White World DR12 -0.89 dB -15.10 dB 2:36 13-5ive Gears In Reverse DR14 -0.03 dB -15.81 dB 2:04 14-B Movie DR13 0.00 dB -16.13 dB 2:32 15-Motel Matches DR11 -0.06 dB -12.43 dB 2:31 16-Human Touch DR12 -4.19 dB -17.09 dB 1:49 17-Beaten To The Punch DR12 -0.33 dB -13.62 dB 2:35 18-Temptation DR11 -2.15 dB -13.85 dB 2:21 19-I Stand Accused DR12 0.00 dB -14.90 dB 3:36 20-Riot Act -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 20 Official DR value: DR12 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== TAKING LIBERTIES Unknown to me if there are multiple Columbia masterings. TEN BLOODY MARYS & TEN HOW'S YOUR FATHERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Ten Bloody Marys & Ten How's Your Fathers, IMP FIEND CD27 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -1.57 dB -14.85 dB 2:01 01-Clean Money DR13 0.00 dB -15.24 dB 1:56 02-Girls Talk DR13 0.00 dB -15.09 dB 1:58 03-Talking In The Dark DR12 0.00 dB -14.55 dB 2:27 04-Radio Sweetheart DR11 -0.10 dB -12.99 dB 3:11 05-Big Tears DR11 -1.16 dB -13.57 dB 2:54 06-Cralwing To The USA DR15 -0.02 dB -19.78 dB 2:17 07-Just A Memory DR14 -0.66 dB -17.01 dB 3:48 08-Watching The Detectives DR12 -0.36 dB -13.73 dB 3:02 09-Stranger In The House DR16 0.00 dB -18.58 dB 3:46 10-Clowntime Is Over DR13 -0.24 dB -15.02 dB 2:11 11-Getting Mighty Crowded DR11 0.00 dB -13.80 dB 1:48 12-Hoover Factory DR13 0.00 dB -15.12 dB 2:44 13-Tiny Steps DR11 -0.44 dB -13.17 dB 3:34 14-What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love And Understanding DR12 0.00 dB -13.88 dB 3:30 15-Dr. Luther's Assistant DR11 -0.20 dB -15.14 dB 3:07 16-Radio Radio DR13 0.00 dB -17.42 dB 1:50 17-Black And White World DR12 0.00 dB -13.58 dB 2:04 18-Wednesday Week DR10 -1.42 dB -14.43 dB 1:29 19-My Funny Valentine DR12 -0.84 dB -16.79 dB 3:07 20-Ghost Train -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 20 Official DR value: DR12 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== TRUST There should be at least two unique Columbia masterings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Trust, Columbia CK 37051, Matrix DIDP-070208 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR11 -2.60 dB -15.82 dB 3:44 01-Clubland DR13 -2.60 dB -16.46 dB 2:19 02-Lovers Walk DR12 -2.60 dB -16.38 dB 2:59 03-You'll Never Be A Man DR12 -2.60 dB -15.99 dB 3:13 04-Pretty Words DR12 -2.60 dB -15.97 dB 2:41 05-Strict Time DR11 -2.61 dB -15.36 dB 2:29 06-Luxembourg DR11 -2.60 dB -15.24 dB 3:01 07-Watch Your Step DR12 -2.20 dB -17.18 dB 3:48 08-New Lace Sleeves DR10 -2.20 dB -13.93 dB 2:57 09-From a Whisper to a Scream DR14 -2.20 dB -18.17 dB 2:00 10-Different Finger DR12 -2.20 dB -15.36 dB 3:50 11-White Knuckles DR12 -2.20 dB -17.43 dB 3:35 12-Shot With His Own Gun DR11 -2.20 dB -14.71 dB 3:00 13-Fish 'n' Chip Paper DR11 -4.47 dB -18.23 dB 2:13 14-Big Sister's Clothes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 14 Official DR value: DR12 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== ALMOST BLUE Unknown to me if there are multiple Columbia masterings. IMPERIAL BEDROOM Unknown to me if there are multiple Columbia masterings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Imperial Bedroom, Columbia CK 38157, Matrix DIDP-020339 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -1.93 dB -17.27 dB 2:35 01-Beyond Belief DR13 -2.00 dB -19.07 dB 3:03 02-Tears Before Bedtime DR15 -2.72 dB -20.76 dB 4:49 03-Shabby Doll DR14 -4.57 dB -22.25 dB 4:17 04-The Long Honeymoon DR12 -2.86 dB -17.10 dB 5:28 05-Man Out Of Time DR13 -7.13 dB -23.93 dB 2:51 06-Almost Blue DR14 -3.72 dB -20.60 dB 3:25 07-...And In Every Home DR13 -2.13 dB -17.07 dB 2:49 08-The Loved Ones DR13 -1.55 dB -17.72 dB 2:44 09-Human Hands DR14 -3.32 dB -20.75 dB 2:46 10-Kid About It DR13 -2.77 dB -18.83 dB 2:38 11-Little Savage DR12 -4.62 dB -20.61 dB 2:14 12-Boy With A Problem DR14 -2.78 dB -20.74 dB 3:59 13-Pidgin English DR13 -0.48 dB -18.59 dB 3:12 14-You Little Fool DR13 -3.80 dB -19.31 dB 4:15 15-Town Cryer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 15 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello and the Attractions / Imperial Bedroom, IMP FIEND CD36 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -0.87 dB -14.75 dB 2:36 01-Beyond Belief DR13 -0.03 dB -16.58 dB 3:02 02-Tears Before Bedtime DR15 -0.05 dB -17.38 dB 4:48 03-Shabby Doll DR13 -3.38 dB -20.00 dB 4:16 04-The Long Honeymoon DR12 -0.07 dB -14.49 dB 5:27 05-Man Out Of Time DR12 -4.49 dB -20.08 dB 2:50 06-Almost Blue DR12 -2.21 dB -17.80 dB 3:25 07-...And In Every Home DR13 -0.67 dB -15.59 dB 2:48 08-The Loved Ones DR13 0.00 dB -15.77 dB 2:43 09-Human Hands DR13 -3.05 dB -18.60 dB 2:45 10-Kid About It DR12 -2.43 dB -16.60 dB 2:37 11-Little Savage DR11 -3.81 dB -17.91 dB 2:12 12-Boy With A Problem DR13 -1.24 dB -18.61 dB 3:58 13-Pidgin English DR13 -0.71 dB -16.01 dB 3:10 14-You Little Fool DR14 -0.98 dB -17.58 dB 4:15 15-Town Cryer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 15 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== PUNCH THE CLOCK Outside of the US the first cd issue was on the F-Beat label, pressed by Polygram West Germany. The first Columbia pressing comes from Japan. This is a later (different?) US pressing: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Punch The Clock, Columbia CK 38897, Matrix DIDP-020033 5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -0.12 dB -15.44 dB 3:07 01-Let Them All Talk DR14 -0.60 dB -16.24 dB 3:54 02-Everyday I Write The Book DR13 0.00 dB -15.84 dB 3:04 03-The Greatest Thing DR13 -1.95 dB -16.67 dB 2:53 04-The Element Within Her DR14 -0.40 dB -16.40 dB 3:13 05-Love Went Mad DR12 -2.07 dB -18.39 dB 4:54 06-Shipbuilding DR13 -0.89 dB -16.67 dB 3:28 07-TKO (Boxing Day) DR14 -0.76 dB -17.47 dB 3:55 08-Charm School DR14 -0.57 dB -16.80 dB 3:04 09-The Invisible Man DR13 -0.81 dB -16.97 dB 3:05 10-Mouth Almighty DR14 -1.66 dB -17.55 dB 3:45 11-King Of Thieves DR13 -6.20 dB -22.41 dB 3:42 12-Pills And Soap DR13 0.00 dB -15.29 dB 3:23 13-The World And His Wife -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 13 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Costello, Elvis / Punch The Clock, IMP FIEND CD72 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -0.30 dB -15.79 dB 3:08 01-Let Them All Talk DR14 -0.53 dB -17.05 dB 3:54 02-Everyday I Write The Book DR14 -0.61 dB -16.66 dB 3:04 03-The Greatest Thing DR13 -2.56 dB -17.26 dB 2:53 04-The Element Within Her DR13 -0.93 dB -16.92 dB 3:13 05-Love Went Mad DR13 -2.95 dB -18.95 dB 4:52 06-ShipBuilding DR14 -1.47 dB -17.35 dB 3:28 07-TKO (Boxing Day) DR14 -1.19 dB -18.22 dB 3:55 08-Charm School DR15 -0.13 dB -17.45 dB 3:04 09-The Invisible Man DR14 -1.11 dB -17.65 dB 3:05 10-Mouth Almighty DR14 -1.35 dB -18.25 dB 3:45 11-King Of Thieves DR14 -7.24 dB -23.14 dB 3:43 12-Pills And Soap DR13 0.00 dB -16.89 dB 3:27 13-The World And His Wife -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 13 Official DR value: DR14 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== GOODBYE CRUEL WORLD Outside of the US the first cd issue was on the F-Beat label, pressed by Polygram West Germany. Unknown to me if there are multiple Columbia masterings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Goodbye Cruel World, IMP FIEND CD75 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -0.04 dB -15.73 dB 4:03 01-The Only Flame In Town DR14 0.00 dB -15.60 dB 3:14 02-Home Truth DR14 0.00 dB -16.17 dB 4:14 03-Room With No Number DR13 -1.91 dB -19.18 dB 2:29 04-Inch By Inch DR15 0.00 dB -16.20 dB 3:05 05-Worthless Thing DR15 0.00 dB -16.79 dB 3:27 06-Love Field DR13 0.00 dB -17.54 dB 4:48 07-I Wanna Be Loved DR13 0.00 dB -16.32 dB 2:36 08-The Comedians DR14 -0.28 dB -18.03 dB 3:30 09-Joe Porterhouse DR13 0.00 dB -14.26 dB 2:51 10-Sour Milk - Cow Blues DR14 0.00 dB -16.85 dB 3:00 11-The Great Unknown DR12 -0.32 dB -15.42 dB 2:54 12-The Deportees Club DR14 -1.53 dB -17.30 dB 4:08 13-Peace In Our Time -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 13 Official DR value: DR14 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== THE BEST OF ELVIS COSTELLO AND THE ATTRACTIONS Unknown to me if there are multiple Columbia masterings. THE MAN - THE BEST OF ELVIS COSTELLO The original issue of this comp was on the Telstar label in 1985. This 1986 reissue on IMP Records supposedly has a different mastering. The even later reissue with the phonebooth cover is the same as the first IMP: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / The Man - The Best Of Elvis Costello, IMP FIEND CD52 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR15 -1.40 dB -18.29 dB 3:46 01-Watching The Detectives DR12 -0.97 dB -15.45 dB 3:00 02-Olivers Army DR12 -0.67 dB -16.62 dB 2:54 03-Alison DR14 -0.16 dB -15.93 dB 3:05 04-Accidents Will Happen DR12 -1.59 dB -15.14 dB 3:13 05-Pump It Up DR14 0.00 dB -15.57 dB 2:29 06-High Fidelity DR14 -4.74 dB -20.58 dB 3:44 07-Pills And Soap DR12 -2.69 dB -17.08 dB 3:08 08-(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea DR13 -0.77 dB -18.33 dB 3:46 09-New Lace Sleeves DR14 0.00 dB -18.35 dB 3:09 10-Good Year For The Roses DR13 -0.55 dB -15.01 dB 2:07 11-I Can't Stand Up (For Falling Down) DR14 -0.91 dB -16.57 dB 3:45 12-Clubland DR12 -3.15 dB -17.53 dB 2:36 13-Beyond Belief DR11 -1.17 dB -14.80 dB 2:14 14-New Amsterdam DR15 0.00 dB -17.45 dB 2:43 15-Green Shirt DR14 0.00 dB -15.47 dB 3:56 16-Everyday I Write The Book DR13 0.00 dB -15.43 dB 4:45 17-I Wanna Be Loved DR13 -0.10 dB -16.14 dB 4:50 18-Shipbuilding -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 18 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== KING OF AMERICA Outside of the US the first cd issue was on the F-Beat label, pressed by Polygram West Germany. Supposedly, parts of the later IMP Fiend are the same mastering. Maybe a partial levelshift? There is also a Japan pressed F-Beat. Different? Unknown to me if there are multiple Columbia masterings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: The Costello Show / King Of America, Columbia CK 40173, Matrix DIDP-070030 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -1.28 dB -16.67 dB 3:44 01-Brilliant Mistake DR13 -1.35 dB -16.30 dB 2:52 02-Lovable DR13 -3.16 dB -17.80 dB 4:06 03-Our Little Angel DR14 -1.87 dB -18.09 dB 3:22 04-Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood DR13 -1.34 dB -15.72 dB 3:18 05-Glitter Gulch DR11 -3.62 dB -18.57 dB 4:10 06-Indoor Fireworks DR11 -4.44 dB -18.46 dB 3:49 07-Little Palaces DR14 -1.79 dB -19.65 dB 4:22 08-I'll Wear It Proudly DR12 -2.14 dB -15.82 dB 4:34 09-American Without Tears DR13 -1.67 dB -16.82 dB 3:46 10-Eisenhower Blues DR12 -2.19 dB -17.75 dB 4:07 11-Poisoned Rose DR12 -1.92 dB -15.82 dB 2:33 12-The Big Light DR13 -1.00 dB -17.85 dB 5:18 13-Jack Of All Parades DR13 -0.40 dB -16.63 dB 4:07 14-Suit Of Lights DR15 -1.87 dB -20.20 dB 3:49 15-Sleep Of The Just -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 15 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: The Costello Show / King Of America, IMP FIEND CD78 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -0.97 dB -16.21 dB 3:45 01-Brilliant Mistake DR13 -0.72 dB -15.82 dB 2:52 02-Lovable DR12 -3.08 dB -17.27 dB 4:06 03-Our Little Angel DR13 -1.44 dB -17.71 dB 3:21 04-Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood DR12 -1.39 dB -15.68 dB 3:17 05-Glitter Gulch DR12 -1.82 dB -18.15 dB 4:10 06-Indoor Fireworks DR11 -3.83 dB -18.21 dB 3:49 07-Little Palaces DR14 -1.43 dB -19.98 dB 4:21 08-I'll Wear It Proudly DR11 -1.83 dB -15.36 dB 4:32 09-American Without Tears DR13 -0.64 dB -15.97 dB 3:46 10-Eisenhower Blues DR12 -2.06 dB -17.55 dB 4:09 11-Poisoned Rose DR12 -0.22 dB -14.44 dB 2:32 12-The Big Light DR13 0.00 dB -16.52 dB 5:18 13-Jack Of All Parades DR14 0.00 dB -15.88 dB 4:06 14-Suit Of Lights DR15 0.00 dB -18.04 dB 3:51 15-Sleep Of The Just -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 15 Official DR value: DR13 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== BLOOD & CHOCOLATE The German LINE issue is the same as the regular IMP Fiend. Unknown to me if there are multiple Columbia masterings. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Blood And Chocolate, Columbia CK 40518, Matrix DIDP 70236 21A2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -2.98 dB -16.79 dB 3:27 01-Uncomplicated DR11 -2.73 dB -15.97 dB 3:07 02-I Hope You're Happy Now DR11 -0.57 dB -13.50 dB 6:24 03-Tokyo Storm Warning DR12 -3.76 dB -17.77 dB 5:05 04-Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head DR13 -3.38 dB -21.43 dB 6:43 05-I Want You DR12 -2.27 dB -16.87 dB 2:09 06-Honey, Are You Straight Or Are You Blind? DR12 -1.72 dB -16.02 dB 3:42 07-Blue Chair DR12 -0.59 dB -19.99 dB 5:52 08-Battered Old Bird DR12 -0.90 dB -16.05 dB 4:21 09-Crimes of Paris DR13 0.00 dB -15.74 dB 3:23 10-Poor Napoleon DR11 -1.24 dB -14.16 dB 3:36 11-Next Time Round -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 11 Official DR value: DR12 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ========================================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / Blood & Chocolate, IMP FIEND CD80 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -0.99 dB -14.90 dB 3:24 01-Uncomplicated DR11 -1.43 dB -14.10 dB 3:08 02-I Hope You're Happy Now DR11 -1.18 dB -14.39 dB 6:26 03-Tokyo Storm Warning DR13 -0.50 dB -16.13 dB 5:08 04-Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head DR13 -3.97 dB -21.41 dB 6:42 05-I Want You DR11 -1.04 dB -15.41 dB 2:09 06-Honey, Are You Straight or Are You Blind? DR12 -2.43 dB -16.28 dB 3:42 07-Blue Chair DR13 -0.79 dB -19.48 dB 5:52 08-Battered Old Bird DR12 -1.14 dB -16.60 dB 4:20 09-Crimes of Paris DR13 -1.53 dB -17.04 dB 3:24 10-Poor Napoleon DR10 -2.91 dB -15.05 dB 3:36 11-Next Time Round -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 11 Official DR value: DR12 1411 kbps Codec: CDDA ==========================================================================
My Columbia Trust is matrix DIDP 70208 11. Made by DADC USA. I don't think I have the DR meter on my computer anymore but I'll rip this and double check.
i tried starting a thread on this specific question awhile back but got no takers, but now that people super knowledgeable about elvis cds are gathered.....i find myself owning both an early columbia cd of IMPERIAL BEDROOM and the one-disc ryko version with a handful of bonus tracks.....does anyone believe there are any mastering/sound quality reasons why i should keep the columbia or ever play it, minus the bonus track question for which i of course must also keep the ryko even if it's thought to be sonically worse in some respect?
I'm a fan of EC and a collector, mainly singles & EPs, but albums as well. Can anyone explain to me what this thread is about?
I grew up with the Columbia Imperial Bedroom and would never part with it. It sounds completely different from the IMP and the Rhino. Only you can decide what you like.
strippies---good point, and yet also i find people on this board can bring experience, technical knowledge, and even some hard numbers to the question....i find i myself can be highly suggestible as to whether two versions of same music sound better or even different at all. I also have crummy equipment and am often listening to my cds on car speakers....with some things there are like 'everyone knows that [[that version of the cd]] was a disaster!!" thing that i'm ignorant of...
Costello was signed to the Columbia label in the US and Canada during his Stiff and F Beat tenure in the UK, from 'My Aim Is True' (1977) to 'Blood and Chocolate' (1986). The original post-er is analyzing the sound quality of those titles' early CD editions on the Columbia label using a sound decibel meter. He's also invited other people to post their results if they differ from his own.
The point of this thread is to re-evaluate old cd pressings. In the eighties lots of people complained about the supposedly terrible sound of the original Columbia cd's. But today lots of people often value those old cd's higher than many 'modern' masterings.
Regarding Almost Blue on CD, I've never found a Columbia pressing without the leading "0" in the matrix, although mine does have the DADC inner hub stamp. Has anyone here found an earlier DADC pressing without the "0" (i.e. pre-1988)?
According to the Text discography 1977-1995 on www.elviscostello.info it doesn't even exist on cd. Other Columbia cd release dates on that site are also likely wrong if you examine the matrix numbers.
I had those early Columbia releases, at least from "This Year's Model" up until "Blood and Chocolate", I seem to remember. In any case, once I heard the Demon releases, I got rid of those Columbia ones. They were thin sounding, and I suspected they were made from tapes that were used to make vinyl LP, thus they were EQ'd and compensated with to comply with that medium. Sadly I traded all those Demon ones for the Ryko and some Rhino....really bad mistake as that's when I noticed that something didn't sound right. I still have "Ten Bloody Mary's" and the "Best of: The Man". Those sound great. Anyway, I'm back to the original Radar vinyl and have the original releases, so I'm not fretting about the CDs anymore.
Ooops...looks like that one is gone. Unfortunately I got it mixed up with "Armed Forces". Still have the Rykodisc CD of "This Year's Model".
Analyzed: Elvis Costello & the Attractions / Armed Forces CK 35709, Matrix DIDP-20187 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -1.27 dB -16.12 dB 3:01 01-Accidents Will Happen DR14 -1.23 dB -17.75 dB 2:18 02-Senior Service DR11 -1.19 dB -15.09 dB 3:00 03-Oliver's Army DR12 -0.01 dB -15.31 dB 2:57 04-Big Boys DR17 -0.38 dB -20.78 dB 2:43 05-Green Shirt DR13 -1.17 dB -17.34 dB 3:25 06-Party Girl DR12 0.00 dB -15.68 dB 3:15 07-Goon Squad DR13 -0.51 dB -17.54 dB 3:35 08-Busy Bodies DR13 -1.96 dB -17.77 dB 2:50 09-Moods for Moderns DR14 -1.24 dB -17.51 dB 2:57 10-Chemistry Class DR15 -0.76 dB -19.22 dB 3:13 11-Two Little Hitlers DR11 -1.59 dB -14.66 dB 3:35 12-(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 12 Official DR value: DR13 Samplerate: 44100 Hz Channels: 2 Bits per sample: 16 Bitrate: 1411 kbps Codec: PCM
Wow. This is a thread I’ve been thinking of starting for while. An interesting and confusing subject: how many unique Elvis Costello CD masterings are there in the pre-Ryko period? Which, if any, are secret remasterings? Unfortunately, I don’t think DR measures are the best metric to gauge the difference between masterings. I would use EAC peak levels instead.
Yes EAC peak levels are easier on the eye, but more information can be deduced from the DR measures. For example, it's easier to spot if a mastering is likely a modern or an old style mastering, or if there's only a levelshift applied. In the case of the non leading zero master of 'Armed Forces' provided by timebuilder above it's likely that it's a different one compared to the later mastering in the list because the DR, peak and RMS values differ. The best, of course, is to listen to both masterings. That's the only way to really test sound quality. By the way, peaks in dB can easily be translated to % peaks: If the peak value is -x dBFS, then the percentage will be 10^(2 - x/20)
Thanks, timebuilder. If you have listened to this likely first pressing, did you notice any strange EQ anomalies in one channel? Word has it that it's also present on the original Columbia LP.
I'm sorry I dont have Armed Forces on any other source to compare it to but it sounds ok to me. I would like to get hold of the secret remaster or the Fiend cd to compare. Foobar2000 1.3.15 / Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1 log date: 2019-03-31 13:56:10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello & The Attractions / Goodbye Cruel World CK 39429 DIDP 020202 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR13 -1.98 dB -17.62 dB 4:03 01-The Only Flame In Town DR14 -0.37 dB -17.23 dB 3:13 02-Home Truth DR14 -1.40 dB -17.74 dB 4:14 03-Room With No Number DR13 -3.31 dB -20.70 dB 2:29 04-Inch By Inch DR14 -1.88 dB -17.57 dB 3:05 05-Worthless Thing DR15 -0.49 dB -18.30 dB 3:28 06-Love Field DR13 -2.10 dB -19.06 dB 4:48 07-I Wanna Be Loved DR13 -2.07 dB -17.86 dB 2:36 08-The Comedians DR14 -2.26 dB -19.64 dB 3:30 09-Joe Porterhouse DR14 0.00 dB -15.81 dB 2:51 10-Sour Milk-Cow Blues DR14 -0.96 dB -18.47 dB 3:00 11-The Great Unknown DR12 -2.34 dB -17.05 dB 2:54 12-The Deportees Club DR13 -3.83 dB -19.08 dB 4:08 13-Peace In Our Time -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 13 Official DR value: DR14 Samplerate: 44100 Hz Channels: 2 Bits per sample: 16 Bitrate: 1411 kbps Codec: PCM
foobar2000 1.3.15 / Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1 log date: 2019-03-31 13:49:00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello & The Attractions / Blood & Chocolate CK40518 DIDP - 070236 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR12 -2.98 dB -16.79 dB 3:27 01-Uncomplicated DR11 -2.73 dB -15.97 dB 3:07 02-I Hope You're Happy Now DR11 -0.57 dB -13.50 dB 6:24 03-Tokyo Storm Warning DR12 -3.76 dB -17.77 dB 5:05 04-Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head DR13 -3.38 dB -21.43 dB 6:43 05-I Want You DR12 -2.27 dB -16.87 dB 2:09 06-Honey, Are You Straight Or Are You Blind? DR12 -1.72 dB -16.02 dB 3:42 07-Blue Chair DR12 -0.59 dB -19.99 dB 5:52 08-Battered Old Bird DR12 -0.90 dB -16.05 dB 4:21 09-Crimes Of Paris DR13 0.00 dB -15.74 dB 3:23 10-Poor Napoleon DR11 -1.24 dB -14.16 dB 3:36 11-Next Time Round -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 11 Official DR value: DR12 Samplerate: 44100 Hz Channels: 2 Bits per sample: 16 Bitrate: 1411 kbps Codec: PCM
foobar2000 1.3.15 / Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1 log date: 2019-04-01 17:30:57 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analyzed: Elvis Costello / This Year's Model CK 35331 3A CK35331 01 B I cant find anything else on the inner part of the disc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR Peak RMS Duration Track -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DR10 -2.01 dB -14.58 dB 2:00 01-No Action DR11 -1.95 dB -14.66 dB 3:24 02-This Year's Girl DR11 -3.95 dB -18.33 dB 3:47 03-The Beat DR12 -1.45 dB -14.61 dB 3:16 04-Pump It Up DR13 -1.92 dB -17.75 dB 2:42 05-Little Triggers DR14 -0.24 dB -17.01 dB 2:24 06-You Belong To Me DR12 -2.14 dB -17.41 dB 2:37 07-Hand In Hand DR12 -2.17 dB -16.42 dB 2:38 08-Lip Service DR12 -2.27 dB -17.90 dB 3:46 09-Living In Paradise DR11 -2.37 dB -16.76 dB 3:33 10-Lipstick Vogue DR12 -2.35 dB -17.72 dB 3:06 11-Radio, Radio -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of tracks: 11 Official DR value: DR12 Samplerate: 44100 Hz Channels: 2 Bits per sample: 16 Bitrate: 1411 kbps Codec: PCM
This looks like a Pitman pressing, so very likely a secret remaster. The DR and RMS values look much like those of the IMP Fiend, so It's probably some sort of clone with a slight levelshift. I wonder where they sourced 'Radio, Radio'...