Best CD version of "Blonde on Blonde"?

So today I bought an original Columbia CD (CGK 841) of Bob Dylan's "Blonde on Blonde". The version I have is the 3rd pressing from 1989 that's not abridged. I guess the two pressings before this (1987 and 1988) both had edits done to them to keep things under 72 minutes.

So are there any better CD releases than this 1989 unabridged 3rd pressing? Maybe the MasterSound or the current remastered CD?

 

I think the current remaster is the one to get...although it's also a remix, which may raise your ire if you're a purist.

 

Well, it can't be escaped on CD unfortunately.

I'm not willing to pay the kind of prices that an original 1966 pressing would cost because remember, the mixes changed on the stereo vinyl in the very late 60s and early 70s as well. So I think the only way to get the true original stereo mix would be to find a vinyl copy with a -1 matrix number. No chance in hell I'd pay that price!

I'll swallow the remix on CD as long as they don't remix it again. I have a mono needledrop that I did so if I want an original mix, I can listen to that.

So how is the mastering on that latest remaster? Was it subject to limiting, compression and EQ and all the other "goodies"?

 

Superb remastering. I love the multi-channel SACD version also. It is as close to the first stereo record as possible considering the curent state of the multi-track master tapes used in the remastering process.

Richard

 

The new remaster sounds great.

 

For CD versions regarding mastering the best I've heard so far is the Japanese 40DP 1029. Of course not perfect, but the best there is so far IMO.

 

That's the one I have.

 

Actually the mixes were changed on the stereo issue soon after it was pressed. From what I've read several of the tracks were remixed, and the title was repressed only months after its initial release.

 

I agree.

I think the remaster sounds the best and I have 5 different copies including the MasterSound, the SACD and two red-book.

 

I fully agree, but unfortunately it's the shorter version - that's why I'm also keeping the longer version, i.e. the hybrid 2SACD-set, though I'll probably never listen to that one...

 

This website goes at length in reviewing all the different BOB CD releases; it's proven invaluable to me:

http://www.rdf.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Blonde.htm

 

The SACD (2 disc) remaster sounds great in 5.1 and stereo.

 

So it sounds like the current remaster and the SACD uses a new 1999 stereo remix. So that means there's a 1987 and 1999 mix, and it sounds like the 1999 mix is closer to what appeared on vinyl. For that reason alone, I think I'll pick it up.

Thanks!

 

Yes, it's the recent remastered version that's best. I was genuinely underwhelmed by the MasterSound edition (by Mark Wilder, who's done some good things, but not here), particularly after hearing Steve's "Highway 61 Revisited" and expecting something like that, and the original CD issue wasn't that great, but the remastered SACD is superior to any previous issue.

 

Blonde on Blonde is my favorite album, I had no idea about all the mixes or that even the release date has some mystery to it.

 

Yes, the release date is really mysterious. The official release date is May 16, 1966, but that can't (for many different reasons) be correct. The album was probably released in late June or July 1966. For an album that's appeared in so many different versions, and been remixed so many times, I guess it's quite appropiate that the actual release date is shrouded in mystery.

 

There's also the Mastersound which is yet another remix - so there are 3 CD versions total - but the newest remaster is definitely the best.

 

Hear it in glorious mono if you can! Regardless of what some will tell you, there IS bass on this album!

 

Just to further complicate things, there are some CGK 841 discs that feature the 1999 Brauer remix rather than the 1987 Geelan remix. This occurred via a "secret remaster" that happened sometime between 1999 and 2004. The way to tell the difference is that the 1987 remix is about 73:14 and the 1999 remix is about 73:00.

 

Oh, jeez! The saga of Blonde On Blonde never stops.

 

I have an old pressing I inherited from my dad. I'll have to check to see if it's a 1st pressing. I know my dad usually bought an album the day it hit the shelves. So, I have a good sporting chance.

I think the remaster sounds fine. I don't recall the credits...Anesini?

 

First stereo pressings would have -2 matrixes actually.

 

Ok, up to the attic I go (no worries, it's a full furnished room...cool and dry) to check it out.

 

Whoa! Thanks for that info. I went back and checked. It looks like my Columbia CD is the 1999 remix because it's 73:00 exactly.

 

My brain hurts...............