I was highly sceptical about this set when it was first announced, due in large part to Matt Ross-Spang being in charge of the mixing, why? Because I really do not like his drum centric mixes of the 69 live material, nor did I like the overuse of compression that was used in that set. My expectations slowly began to improve as each new teaser track was released in the months between the announcement and eventual release day. Upon listening today all my reservations have thankfully been knocked on the head, the mixing is superb and the mastering is exactly what I've come to expect from Vic Anesini. God knows what went wrong with the live 1969 set, my guess is that Vic was ordered by those in charge to do a loudness wars style job on that particular set, thankfully that's not the case with Elvis in Nashville.
Absolutely. First thing I did once I got the discs out. Did the same with Live 1969. Lovin' this box and really enjoying just Elvis with the band without horns, strings, background singers, etc. A really nice listen. Elvis as nature intended.
These are the ones I use Round Bottom CD INNER Sleeves Fits Inside Mini LP 100 pcs SelectSleeves Archival | eBay
Haven't had a chance to give this a spin yet, but a few of my discs are scratched, one badly scratched (replacement set is already being processed). This packaging Sony uses for these minimalistic box sets (e.g. Prince From Another Planet, A Boy From Tupelo, Elvis At Stax, The Searcher) is prone to damaged discs. And it isn't exclusive to Sony -- the major labels have been generating cheap packaging for 15+ years where the CDs are frequently exposed to damage. Hey Sony and your fellow record labels, do you know what works? Old school jewel cases.
Your comments just made me check my own personal CD box and sure enough, all discs are scuffed up pretty bad. One disc in particular has what looks like chips or gouges in the surface. So, I wonder if there are also manufacturing issues, in addition to the issues caused by the packaging itself?
Such a simple solution that for some reason is completely elusive to the packaging designers. Another option is the way the discs were housed in the TTWII Deluxe box set. They're secure, easy to remove, safe from scratches, and beautifully displayed. Go to the 1:30 mark.
Some more observations: The Mystery Train jam on disc 1 is previously unreleased even though the booklet states that it was released on the Nashville Marathon FTD. The vocal track on Bridge Over Troubled Water is the repaired/replaced vocal which was recorded about two weeks after the session. The original vocal track has never been released officially. Heart Of Rome also has the repaired vocal, but the work part was recorded at the session. Many of the tracks are longer than the released versions. Disc 1 and 2 are sequenced roughly in session order. Disc 3 and 4 are roughly arranged in release date order.
Is the sound quality much superior to the material already released on FTDs? I ordered the vinyl which hasnt arrived. Hesitant to go all in on material I already have.
In my opinion, no. I bought it for the undubbed masters on the first two discs which are excellent. There is very little new material on disc 3 and 4 if you already have the FTD.
As someone who also has the three FTD's for these sessions and therefore has all the outtakes, I believe the undubbed masters make this new release every bit as essential as those three sets, especially when you consider how reasonably priced it is.
I second your comments. I am really disappointed with the new Hendrix Maui cd/blu-ray set. The booklet just falls right out onto the floor.