As soon as I hit "post reply" I got to wondering if I would've kept reading if anyone had updated it in recent years haha... thanks ill go back and check it out.
The way I use Google to search the forum is to write site:stevehoffman.tv followed by a space and then whatever the search terms are.
The AP vinyl and SACD releases are really the way to go for great sounding releases that are fairly easily obtainable and won't break the bank. The AP mono vinyl of PET SOUNDS is terrific. If you want a vintage vinyl pressing, the 70s twofer of CARL AND THE PASSIONS/PET SOUNDS is another winner. For WILD HONEY on CD, get the Japanese Pastmasters release. On vinyl the 80's green label Capitol is great.
I paid $24 for one of these. It sounds terrific: The Beach Boys – Wild Honey (1980, Vinyl) This was $45 and vinyl looks and sounds unplayed: The Beach Boys – Carl And The Passions – So Tough / Pet Sounds (1972, Vinyl)
That's odd. I played my copy last night, and it sounded great. No sibilance at all. As far as I'm aware there was only one pressing of this record. Maybe they over used the same stamper?
So there seems to be consensus on the Good Vibrations Box Set. Is there any consensus on any of the following comps? Any to avoid? Or even just nice for unique or preferred mixes of songs. Any input at all is extremely helpful. Endless Harmony Hawthorne, CA Classics Selected by Brian Wilson Sounds of Summer The Warmth of the Sun Summer Love Songs 50 Big Ones Made in California Complete Capitol Singles
The HiRes album releases from 2015....my favourites And Sounds of Summer and 50 Big Ones for the compilation section.
Surfin' Safari: AP SACD Surfin' U.S.A. (Stereo): MFSL Surfin' U.S.A. (Mono): AP SACD Surfer Girl (Stereo): AP SACD Surfer Girl (Mono): AP SACD Little Deuce Coupe (Stereo): Pastmasters Little Deuce Coupe (Mono): AP SACD Shut Down Volume 2 (Stereo): AP SACD Shut Down Volume 2 (Mono): AP SACD All Summer Long (Stereo): Pastmasters All Summer Long (Mono): AP SACD The Beach Boys Today! (Stereo): AP SACD The Beach Boys Today! (Mono): AP SACD Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) (Stereo): AP SACD Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) (Mono): AP SACD Beach Boys' Party! (Stereo): AP SACD Beach Boys' Party! (Mono): AP SACD Pet Sounds (Stereo): AP SACD Pet Sounds (Mono): DCC Smiley Smile (Stereo): AP SACD Smiley Smile (Mono): AP SACD Wild Honey: Pastmasters Friends: Pastmasters 20/20: Pastmasters Sunflower: AP SACD Surf's Up: AP SACD Carl and the Passions - "So Tough": Caribou 1991 CD Holland: AP SACD Plus the two DCC's and The Beach Boys - The Best of the Beach Boys [CDP 7 91318 2]. And I'm sure some other comp I have yet to listen to.
And that applies to original UK, Germany and Japanese copies as well. And that applies to reissues from all three countries, too. It also applies to the US Capitol green labels, though those are very good. But, the APs beat them all IMO. I'm only talking vinyl records here, though, but I imagine the AP CD releases are equally as good.
Was just contemplating starting to exclusively purchase AP Beach Boys releases over the next few months. This makes me think that I have the right strategy.
I think you do. I've been a Beach Boys fan and collector since 1970. With the APs my search has ended.
I started to do that just before the prices went up. I got most of what I wanted but there are a couple I’ve been unable to get. The mono AP Today hasn’t been in print for a while and is close to $300 on discogs…
I just put in my order for the 45 RPM of Pet Sounds today due to this exact fear. I've lost count of the number of times that I've procrastinated on getting a release that suddenly goes OOP. Anyone have any particularly strong feelings about the next-best AP reissue?
Are there any thoughts on the Summer Love Songs compilation from 2009, from a sound quality point of view? Which tracks are in mono on this set? Thank you all again
The AP 45 RPM stereo of Surfer Girl is IMO the best single album for SQ. It's just breathtaking. Back in the early or mid-1980s I couldn't for the life of me figure out why MFSL chose to reissue Surfer Girl as its only reissue from The Beach Boys' catalog. I understand it now. Note: the '80s MFSL is far too bright -- the AP beats it hands down. Easily.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the best CD or digital-download options for the albums that haven't been reissued on SACD by AP? I see a lot less info on the forums for the post-Holland albums. I'm looking to upgrade my 2-fers for the albums that are "missing" from the AP reissue campaign. I see someone mentioned the Pastmasters and the '91 Caribou for Carl and the Passions to fill the gaps up to Holland, but any other insights are welcome and appreciated!
What is the best sounding So Tough on compact disc? Does it sound better on the Sail On Sailor box set to anyone?
I have a strong leaning towards the 1991 CDs when it comes to the Brother/Reprise years. Though I have heard people comment that they think the 1991 CD of Carl and the Passions sounds a little flat. 2000 remaster is good, and was paired with Holland (that incidentally didn't sound that great to my ears). The Sail on Sailor mastering is very poor. I'd track down the 1991 CD, and whilst your at it get the 1991 CD of Holland too, because I don't think that album has been bettered on CD since.
