Yes, thanks for the link. I heard it a number of weeks ago. I'm surprised Dusty replaced the original drums - they have much more of an impact than the ones used on the stereo mix. The Mike Rashkow quote is interesting: I wonder if the original elements still exist. They could probably more easily create a new mono and stereo mix with Bernard Purdie's drums in the digital age.
Always assumed the sound issues were due, at least in part, to the way it was recorded. She was supposedly so overwhelmed by being at the studio where Jerry Wexler and Aretha made magic that she bolted, and Wexler had to nail down her vocals separately. It's hard to tell that on most of the album, though it really sounds on "Windmills of Your Mind" like it's three different sessions/speeds edited together! Also find the sound issues interesting in light of the rumors/assumptions that Dusty herself produced a lot of her earlier songs - that Johnny Franz was supposedly producer in name only.
According to whatrecords in the UK, Dusty in Memphis is being re-issued again on vinyl on 16th Feb on UMC. Anyone know anything about this one?
The weird thing is (when looking at other songs) that the 18.4 kHz tone comes in right before she starts singing. It appears that it is part of the vocal track.
I had the 4MWB version, then I got the AP 45rpm and have never looked back, this album just sounds incredible in this version and it's one of mine and my Wife's favourite albums of all time. Not heard the original so can't comment how it compares to that.
Just listened to my copy last night...an Atlantic first U.S. pressing. Sounds pretty terrific to me, vocals are nice and smooth, I don't hear the pinch at all, her voice is warm on every track, the instruments punchy and present but never overbearing. I highly recommend seeking out an original vinyl pressing.
Yes, very nice. Wide open and deep. I prefer it to my AP SACD, some might prefer the focus of the latter.
I have to say picking up this album again this weekend, I have to agree this is how I’ve always felt. Her vocals are detached with a strange echo. A great example of the right way to record a female vocalist from the same time period, you listen to everything that came out of Pye Studios in regards to Petula Clark. They always made her sound amazing in the studio. “I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love”, wow! It’s too bad because the orchestra on Dusty In Memphis completely overpowers her vocals. This is an album that would be an amazing candidate for a remix. I would love to hear Dusty’s untouched and raw vocals. Get rid of the Phil Spector orchestra. Would be real interesting to hear a stripped down version.
Which version are you listening to? I’ve got an original Atlantic pressing and the AP 45 and what you say you’re hearing (and what th OP reported re the Rhino Deluxe) is far different from the album I’m hearing. While DIM is not exactly Aja or some audiophile spectacular, for a late-60's pop album it sounds wonderful to me. I can listen to either version straight through without ever thinking there's something weirdly off or wrong.
I may have to go out and buy these versions discussed in the thread. However I’m listening to the mono mix of Memphis right now on iTunes, and I’m really liking it more than the stereo Rhino CD that I have. Her vocals are punchy front and center on the mono. The stereo on iTunes is also unfortunately the ‘99 Rhino deluxe edition.
Anyone know why the US version of the album got a completely different cover to the rest of the world? For the record (excuse the pun), I prefer the greeny international sleeve. It’s a weird image for an album cover on the US copy.
I managed to get a nice UK Philips original of Dusty In Memphis a couple of weeks ago and it's the best I've heard this album sound, particularly the clarity of Dusty's vocals. After having a couple of CDs including the 2002 remaster and the current Mercury vinyl reissue which I only played once, I'm finally happy and set for Dusty In Memphis in my collection.
