Hard to believe this album is 30 years old now. Just pulled the SACD out of the Sony box set and gave it spin, listening thru headphones and a tube amp. Damn, this one sounds pretty sweet. I would be very curious to hear a comparison between the MOFI and this one, not willing to spring for the new SACD but looking forward to the 2x 45 rpm vinyl.
Every time I've compared the MFSL to the Sony it's no contest, I prefer the MFSL. Not likely to even compare now.
Before I spring for this one, I want to know what MFSL used as a source. This was originally a 44.1/16 master as I understand it. For all that the original recording was analog.
Maybe one day. I think it could be killer. The album might get a Bootleg series examination, but I doubt it would have a 5.1 mix. I hope I’m wrong.
my first copy of this great album I got for 10 bucks at princeton record exchanges years ago! it sounded amazing! but just the other week ii found a uk pressing all sealed for 5gbp in Liverpool so of course had it quick as! Last night i was deciding if i should get the remaster on columbia just to see what difference it had on my versions...then ii found this thread and thought...oh MFSL 45rpm! gotta get that! so I've just done my pre-order! can't wait to hear it now! i will report back once I've played it thru...
Gor blimey ! Just found out what's happened. Ordered immediately (SACD) from wowhd.co.uk. Any Bob on MOFI is a no brainer. Looks like it ships in Europe on 18th.
How great. Really looking forward to your impressions when you get around to it....mine comes in a few days.
I'm listening to the SACD now. I have to say I think it sounds excellent. Here's my history and holdings of this title. . . .I bought the LP around the time of release. Played it a lot at first, soon abandoned vinyl playback for what I thought would be a temporary period, and it was, but it was a LOOOOOONG period. Had what I imagine is the first cd release. Gave that away when I got the Sony SACD. Bought the Complete Album Collection and really dug the re-mastered cd in there. I began buying all the MFSL SACDs released and that led me to discovering the Blu-Spec CD2 versions from Sony that weren't out from MFSL, which led me to selling the Complete Album Collection box. I love the Blu-Spec CD2 of this title, which features the remix, and that remix and the sound reinforces the Lanois-ishness" of this production. I don't think I gave away the Sony SACD, but I don't think I've played it more than twice since I heard the remastered-remix cd and the Blu-Spec CD2. This new SACD edition I believe features the original mix and I have no complaints about the sound. A think a fan of the album looking for a definitive digital disc version would be as happy listening to it as I am at the moment.
Mine arrived yesterday .To my ears, it's an improvement over the Sony SACD .The differences appear very subtle at first but become more noticeable with each listen. It's a more rewarding experience when played through as an album rather than pointing to any specific moment or track but in general terms it's quieter, smoother, softer and a tad more natural sounding. Not that I found the Sony harsh or shrill at all (I thoroughly enjoyed it) but this to my ears improves on it, particularly when you let it properly seep into your ears. Just don't expect a miraculous, game changing transformation - but it is an improvement of an already excellent sounding SACD and is my new go-to version of this superb album .
I have found no information on the packaging about the engineering of this SACD. I'll let others speak to the remixing, I may be mistaken, I will say the Blu-Spec CD2 sounds like an improvement to me to what I heard before, enough that I thought it as an improved mix.
