Sorry for the newb question here, but what is the difference between the matrices mentioned earlier in the thread? The -1, -2, -3 ??? I have a copy of Ram with YEX 837-2 and 837-3 matrix, Apple labels. Not sure what it means though? Is it a different mastering? What does the -1, -2, -3 actually mean? Any differences sonically? Any info would be appreciated! 1
I remember the copy I bought on the day of release had a cardboard sleeve. Paper sleeves were not “it”, cardboard sleeves and poly-lined sleeves were all used in the 1970s.
You're wrong. The LP with the copy of Ram that I bought in the early 1970s was housed in a paper inner sleeve. UK copies used paper inner sleeves. There was no carboard inner. The majority of LPs that I bought in the 1970s and 1980s were issued with paper inner sleeves.
I think the new half speed sounds really good and I haven’t been a fan of of any other of the Abbey Read half Speeds I’ve tried (Bob Marley). But I didn’t compare to my American or U.K. originals. If you don’t have this title I’d jump and get it. I think only indie stores have it so seek them out.
I worked in the record biz from 1973-1980. Polylined sleeves were very rare. Mostly used by classical labels. Warner Brothers and a few other labels brought them back occasionally in the early 1980s
Capitol used paper inner sleeves with their Beatles LPs. It wasn’t until 1983 or so when they switched over to the rice paper type inner sleeves that were standard in Japan.
I started with the half speeds and then followed up with the originals. I prefer the originals. That’s what I’ve found with most of the Abbey Road half speeds. The originals sound better.
I only tried two of the half speeds and thought they were just ok. I only have three US originals but they sound so much better. I got rid of the others in a partial mid 90s vinyl purge. Big mistake.
Thanks Mazzy. I remember from your videos that you are not a fan of Half Speed (neither am I). But I have the impression that this album has been better received than other (Half Speed) in this forum.
That's how I'm feeling with these McCartney reissues. I've been skeptical about half-speed for years and just think of it as over hyped marketing (and maybe it really is) and tend to skip a lot half-speed reissues, but these two McCartney reissues have been pleasantly surprising. This new copy of Ram holds it own for sure.
Thanks for making this so easy for me (my usual supplier knew nothing about this so tough luck for them)
Slightly off topic, but still Ram related... Does anyone know if there are any other Ram tribute/cover albums out there??? I have the Dave Depper one, the Tim Christensen live album and the new 'Ram On' one. I've also got the 'Ram on L.A.' compilation but only on download, not sure if that ever had a physical release. I also heard of one called 'Tom' which was put together by a WFMU radio station DJ or something like that??? But I've never managed to track that one down on download or physical. 1
Closest I have is "Listen To What The Man Said" on Oglio but it only has 2 RAM tracks. Coincidently it has its 20th anniversary this year.
The bigger worry with this reissue is the pressing quality. I love the way the remaster sounds. For clarity and bass/high end balance it's among the best half speed masters I've heard. But as always, everyone hears it differently.
I have made a promise to myself to try to avoid the dreaded Abbey Road obi, but I made an exception for Ram. I don't need for it to be the "best" version; I just don't want it to suffer from a flat presentation and excessive low end. I should be getting my copy soon, so I'll give it a listen.
D DEAR Strat-Mangler I was not trying to directly compere the new half speed remaster with any particular previous issue of this recording.My post was an exhalation of joy to the quality of this new pressing. I don't particularly enjoy direct comparisons. IMO all records sound different on different set ups you are listening to .General characteristics are comparable but very often its down to ones own personal taste. Good luck if you prefer this or that particular pressing. As you will have read I have know this recording for over 40 years and memory is a fickle friend, but here a a few of the different pressings I own and listen to and enjoy ,some more frequently than others! Vinyl 1/ Near mint 1St pressing on Apple YEX 837-1 837-1 2/ later '' light apple'' pressing YEX 837-1 837-1 3/ late 70s UK Capitol pressing YEX 837-1 837-1 4/ Another UK Capitol pressing YEX 837-2 837-3 5/Concord Universal Pressing of 2012 in Stereo 6/ and Mono Compact Disk 1/ 1st mfd in UK pressing 1987 7 466 12 2 2/1st Japanese pressing 1987 cp 32-5455 3/2nd UK pressing 1993 0777 7 89139 2 4 4 / Ram Box set 2012 in Stereo and Mono 5/ Japanese Shm cd 2012 UDCD 3039 Enjoying these recordings over the years has, I hope allowed me to pass on to the readers of this page a little of my joy of such a nice new pressing and assist , a little, in their decision regarding their purchase. As for you dear Stat- Mangler I do hope i have been able to satisfy you enquiry . Please forgive any little errors in the cat nos matrix ect. regards, Alan
I asked someone for a catalogue number of a Japan pressing that I want to purchase. Do you know the catalogue number?