Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: The Summary Thread

Before anything, a hearty shout out and many thanks are owed to @mdekoning for starting the many threads that dove deep into the many Steely Dan CD masterings available over the years. Additional thanks to everyone who over time contributed to creating the mostly definitive lists of the available masterings; their efforts certainly helped me reacquire many of the original CDs I discarded for the ’98 remasters, a worthwhile endeavor for me at least.

This thread is going to combine all of the key posts from the “Steely Dan Different Mastering” threads here into one place. I will create a post for each album and I will link to what I think was the final summary-of-masterings post from @mdekoning, as well as what I perceive from the thread to be the preferred masterings-- plus select thread quotes-- for at least those who prefer the original CDs. While I prefer the original CDs over the later remasters, I am making no such argument that others need to feel that way as well; so please bear in mind nobody here needs to convince me they feel differently, I certainly know why they would.

So here goes, please feel free to correct any missteps I make.

 

Can’t Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: Can't Buy A Thrill »

Mastering 3 is mostly preferred.
“I have mastering 1, 2 & 3 which should cover everything as the rest are all simply level shifts. 3 is my personal favourite as 1 & 2 both have issues. Mastering 3 appears to be the only unremastered version for this album.”

Mastering 1:
88.4/88.4/88.4/88.4/88.4/88.4/88.3/88.3/88.3/88.4
MCA Remaster 1998 MCD-11886 / Matrix: MCD11886 11886-2 01 + (Made in Germany by Universal M&L)

Mastering 2:
93.2/98.8/94.9/93.4/94.7/98.8/91.9/91.0/90.2/91.2
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD 410981 / Matrix: MCAD4109811 Y2D22 MFD BY JVC

Mastering 3:
92.1/94.1/89.4/94.3/88.6/91.3/89.6/89.5/98.3/97.0
MCA DMCL 1769 (artwork) MCAD-31192 (disc) / Matrix: MCAD-37040-1T23
MCA 250 448-2 (Made in Germany by Record Service GmbH) / Matrix: MCAD-37040
MCA 250 448-2 FRANCE WE 835 (MCAD 37040) Manufactured in Germany / Matrix: 250 448-2 SRC-01
MCA MCAD-31192 / Matrix: MCAD-37040-A7E
MCA MCAD-37040 DIDX-369 Manufractured in Japan for USA / Matrix: MCAD 37040 M2C11
MCA 20P2 Manufractured in Japan / Matrix: 20P2-2099 1M TO
MCA USA (artwork UK) DMCL 1769 (artwork) MCAD 31192 (disc) MCAD-31192 JVC 1T (matrix)
MCA MCAD-31192 DIDY-369 (artwork) MCAD-37040 DIDY 000369 CRC (disc) / Matrix: DIDX-000369 2
MCA MCD 01769, DMCL 1769 Germany / Matrix: SONOPRESS K-4067/ MCD01769 A DSC4
MCA MCAD-31192 USA (full artwork) / Matrix: 1AMCD31192 02 B

Mastering 4 (level adjusted version of mastering 2):
94.3/100.0/96.0/94.5/95.8/100.0/93.0/92.1/91.3/92.3
MCA USA? MCAD-31192 / Matrix: MCAD31192 A60801Ec mfg by UNI
MCA Canada MCBBD-31192 (listed as ADD???) / Matrix: L387 MCBBD31192 #50517Y23
MCA ? MCAD-31192 / Matrix: MCAD-31992-1-2C 1 5 MFD by JVC

Mastering 5 (level adjusted version of mastering 3):
89.6/91.6/87.0/91.8/86.2/88.9/87.2/87.1/95.7/94.4
MCA MCLD 19017 mastered by Nimbus UK CD / Matrix: DMCL 1769 · 1:6 MASTERED BY NIMBUS
MCA DMCL 1769 (artwork and disc) / Matrix: DMCL 1769 mastered by Nimbus

 

Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: Countdown to ecstasy »

Mastering 3 & 4 is mostly preferred
“Original mid 80s mastering. It can be found on every CD before the early 90s, although level adjusted on the UK Nimbus discs.”

Mastering 1:
88.4/88.4/88.4/88.4/88.4/88.3/88.3/88.3
MCA Remaster 1998 MCD-11887 / Matrix: MCD11887 111 887-2 01 + (Made in Germany by Universal M&L)

Mastering 2:
93.3/92.7/93.3/94.0/94.0/93.4/90.1/94.4
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD 4-10981 / Matrix: MCAD4109811 Y2D22 MFD BY JVC

Mastering 3:
81.9/79.5/88.1/84.1/92.3/92.3/71.9/84.2
MCA UK DMCL 1654 (artwork) MCAD-37041 DIDX-372 Japan for USA (disc) / Matrix: MCAD-37041-U3E12
MCA West Germany 250-628-2 (artwork) MCAD-37041 (booklet) MCAD-37041 DIDX372 (disc) / Matrix: 250 628-2 EM 2
MCA USA MCAD-31156 / Matrix: MCAD-31156
MCA Germany MCD 01654 DMCL 1654 / Matrix: MCD01654 50169085 01 / MADE IN GERMANY
MCA Germany MCD 01654 DMCL 1654 (alu hub) / Matrix: SONOPRESS I-5625/ MCD01654 B
MCA USA (artwork) DMCL 1654 (artwork) MCAD-31156 (disc) / Matrix: MCAD-37041-A4E23
MCA USA MCAD-31156 (plaid back) / Matrix: MCAD-37041 A 4 E21
MCA USA MCAD-31156 / Matrix: MCAD-31156 1T 22 MFD BY JVC
MCA Japan for USA MCAD-37041/DIDX-372 (full artwork) / Matrix: MCAD 37041

Mastering 4 (most likely same source tape as mastering 3 but not as loud):
79.8/77.4/85.8/81.8/89.9/89.8/70.0/81.8
MCA UK MCLD 19018 (disc & artwork) Distributed by BMG Records (UK) (artwork) / Matrix: A0249 DMCL 1654, MASTERED BY NIMBUS

Mastering 5 (same digital source as mastering 2):
94.4/93.8/94.4/95.1/95.1/94.5/91.2/95.5
MCA MCAD-31156 (plaid back) / Matrix: MCAD-31156-1 1C MFD BY JVC

 

Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: Pretzel Logic »

Mastering 3, 4 & 7 are mostly preferred
“This is probably the original 1984 or 1985 mastering, I guess it's the one done by Roger Nichols? The difference in "Rikki" in mastering 3 & 4 might be due to a click removal at 3:46, like Steve E. suggests. Can anybody who has both masterings compare the 2 and confirm this theory? Mastering 7 is a level adjusted copy of 4.”

Mastering 1 (intro to "Rikki" included):
89.7/90.3/91.1/100.0/79.6/76.9/92.4/94.7/85.9/89.9/97.3
MCA Remaster 1999 MCD-11917 / Matrix: 00088 111 917-2 03 / 51042997 (Made in Germany by Universal M&L)
MCA USA? MCAD-31165 (plaid back) / Matrix: ?
MCA USA? MCAD-31165 (full artwork) / Matrix: 31165-1 2D

Mastering 2: (intro to "Rikki" missing!, level adjusted copy of mastering 1)
88.6/89.2/90.0/98.8/78.7/76.1/91.4/93.6/84.9/88.9/96.2
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD 4-10981 / Matrix: MCAD 4109812 Y1D3A MFD BY JVC

Mastering 3 (intro to "Rikki" included):
57.7/90.3/81.6/84.0/56.9/86.7/87.8/99.1/98.5/88.4/85.2
MCA USA MCAD-37042 DIDY-371 (CRC) / Matrix: DIDX 371 31A2
MCA USA MCAD-31165 CRC (full artwork) / Matrix: 1AMCD31165 04 B

Mastering 4 (intro to "Rikki" included, same as mastering 3 except for track 1):
90.6/90.3/81.6/84.0/56.9/86.7/87.8/99.1/98.5/88.4/85.2
MCA Germany MCD 01781 DMCL 1781 (BMG Ariola) / Matrix: MCD01781 50336 173 01, Made In Germany
MCA USA MCAD-31165 Compact Disc/Compact Price - Plaid back / Matrix: MCAD-37042-1T 111
MCA Germany 250 495-2 (DIDX-371 MCAD-37042) / Matrix: 250 495-2 SRC-01
MCA USA MCAD-31165 Compact Disc/Compact Price - Plaid back / Matrix: MCAD-37042-A3 C13
MCA Japan 20P2-2109 Plaid back no UPC (it's on the OBI) / Matrix: 20P2-2109 1M TO
MCA Japan for USA MCAD-37042 DIDX-371 / Matrix: MCAD 37042 S2C11
MCA ???? MCD 01781, DMCL 1781, 811 781-2 / Matrix: MCD01781 50336 173 01 >

Mastering 5 (intro to "Rikki" missing)
94.2/94.1/94.2/94.2/84.7/86.0/94.3/94.3/91.9/94.2/94.3
MCA USA? Remaster 1999 MCAD-11917 / Matrix: Mfg by Universal, MCAD11917 9066613138

Mastering 6 (intro to "Rikki" included, similar to mastering 2 but not identical)
89.7/89.3/90.0/98.8/78.8/76.1/91.4/93.6/84.9/88.9/96.2
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD 4-10981 / Matrix: MCAD4-10981B 0096016130

Mastering 7 (intro to Rikki?, level adjusted copy of mastering 4)
88.2/88.0/79.4/81.7/55.4/84.4/85.4/96.6/95.9/86.0/82.9

Mastering 8 (clone from mastering 5?):
94.2/98.7/98.7/98.8/88.8/90.1/98.8/98.8/96.3/98.7/98.8
MCA UICY-3023 ???

 

Katy Lied
Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: Katy Lied »

Mastering 3 & 4 (& 6?) mostly preferred
“Mastered by Steve Hoffman and used for all original mid 80s CDs. This time not the UK Nimbus but a copy from Switzerland is the one that's slightly turned down. A US 31XXX comes (mastering 6) comes pretty close as well, although somebody would have to confirm that it's really identical.”

Mastering 1:
98.4/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8
MCA Remaster 1999 MCD-11916 / Matrix: MCD-11916 00088 111 916-2 01 (Made in Germany by Universal M&L)

Mastering 2:
84.5/93.9/93.8/85.1/87.5/97.0/96.1/87.5/90.9/94.5
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD 4-10981 / Matrix: MCAD 4109812 Y1D3A MFD BY JVC

Mastering 3 (Steve Hoffman's version):
100.0/100.0/94.1/100.0/100.0/100.0/79.2/92.3/89.2/100.0
MCA MCD 01800/DMCL 1800 (Distributed by BMG Ariola) Matrix:SONOPRESS I-5630 / MCD01800 A, DS2, IFPI 0764
MCA MCD 01800/DMCL 1800 (Distributed by BMG Ariola) Matrix: SONOPRESS I-5630 / MCD01800 A IFPI L022 DS2
MCA Japan for USA MCAD-37043 DIDX 373 (full artwork) / Matrix: MCAD-37043-U2E14
MCA USA MCAD-31194 (Compact Price/Plaid-back) / Matrix: MCAD-37043-A4E
MCA MCD 01800/DMCL 1800 (Distributed by BMG Ariola) / Matrix: MCD01800 50169153 01 MADE IN GERMANY
MCA USA MCAD-31194 (full artwork) / Matrix: MCAD-37043-A43
MCA Japan for Japan 18P2-2694 / Matrix: 18P2-2694 1M TO
MCA Germany 250 494-2 MCAD-37043 / Matrix: 229250494-2 RSA

Mastering 4 (Steve Hoffman's master, turned down a bit??):
97.7/97.7/92.0/97.7/97.7/97.7/77.4/90.2/87.2/97.7
MCA Switzerland 250 494-2 MCAD-37043 / Matrix: W 250494-2 1124 477 1 *

Mastering 5 (same source tape as mastering 2):
85.5/95.0/94.9/86.1/88.5/98.1/96.1/88.5/90.9/94.5
MCA USA MCAD-31194 (Compact Price/Plaid-back) Mfd for BMG (D100406) / Matrix: IFPI L239 D100406 1J11
MCA USA MCAD-31194 (Compact Price/Plaid-back) / Matrix: MCAD-31194-1 1C MFD BY JVC
MCA ?? / Matrix: MCAD-31194-1 1C
MCA MCAD-31194 MFG by UNI / Matrix: MCAD 31194 A50905CG

Mastering 6 (another level adjusted Steve master?):
100/99.9/93.2/100/100/100/78.1/90.9/88.7/99.8
MCA USA MCAD 31194 DIDY-373 / Matrix: DIDX-000373 3

Mastering 7:
93.9/94.3/94.3/94.2/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.2/94.2/94.2
MCA Remaster? MFG BY UNIVERSAL / Matrix: MCAD1191603066713137

Mastering 8 (Steve;s version, turned down?):
93.3/93.3/87.8/93.3/93.3/93.3/73.9/86.1/83.3/93.3
MCA Canada MCAD-31194/MFG By Cinram / Matrix: 880107CC

 

The Royal Scam
Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: The Royal Scam »

Mastering 3 mostly preferred
“Original mid 80s mastering, done by Roger Nichols? All 80s CDs seem to have this mastering.”

Mastering 1:
94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3
MCA Remaster 1999 MCD-811708 / Matrix: 50117 811 708-2 03 # (Made in Germany by Universal M&L)

Mastering 2:
94.8/93.6/92.4/98.8/96.2/96.2/96.9/93.2/95.7
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD 4-10981 / Matrix: MCAD 4109813 Y1C1C MFD BY JVC

Mastering 3:
96.4/90.1/96.4/96.4/96.4/93.0/93.0/96.4/96.4
MCA USA MCAD-31193 (listed as ADD on back cover???) / Matrix: MCAD-37044-1T 26
MCA Germany MCD 01708 / DMCL 1708 (BMG Ariola) / Matrix: MCD 01708 50169 141 02, Made In Germany by MMDC
MCA USA MCAD-31193 (listed as ADD on back cover but AAD on disc???) / Matrix: MCAD-37044-1T 14
MCA Germany MCD 01708 DMCL 1708 (alu hub) / Matrix: SONOPRESS I-5626/ MCD01708 B
MCA Germany 250 505-2 (MCAD 37044) / Matrix: 250 505-2 SRC-02
MCA Japan 20P2-2115 / Matrix: 20P2-2115 1M TO
MCA Germany 811 708-2 MCD 01708 DMCL 1708 / Matrix: MCD01708 811 708-2

Mastering 4 (same as mastering 2, expect track 4):
94.8/93.6/92.4/100.0/96.2/96.2/96.9/93.2/95.7
MCA USA MCAD-31193 / Matrix: MCAD-31193-1 1D 1S MFD BY JVC

Mastering 5 (level adjusted copy of mastering 3, except for track 1)
96.4/88.0/94.2/94.2/94.2/90.9/90.8/94.2/94.2
MCA Canada MCAD-31193 (made by Cinram) / Matrix: MCAD-31193

 

Aja
Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: Aja »

Mastering 3, 6 & 7 mostly preferred
The difference between mastering 3, 6 & 7 in the following thread is so minimal that it's useless to discuss which of them is better. If you own one of them you should be fine.

[Editorial note: Mastering 7 seems widely considered as the confirmed Hoffman mastering. I, like a few others here, find the improvements from a 7 over a 3 & 6 to be there, but not so by leaps and bounds necessarily; therefore by all means chase a 7, but don’t look a 3 or 6 gift horse in the mouth.]

Mastering 1:
93.8/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.3/94.2
MCA Remaster 1999 (Made in EU) 811 745 LC01056 UN899 / Matrix: 50117 811745-2 03/(Made in Germany by Universal M&L)
Columbia House ?? / Matrix: 088 112 0562R1 01$ Q (Etched on inner ring: MADE IN USA BY EDC / IFPI 0396)
SHM-CD: UICY-90764 / Matrix: MVCZ-10077-1 5W V IFPI L244

Mastering 2:
81.4/99.6/89.1/97.2/100.0/89.1/95.0
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD 4-10981 / Matrix: MCAD4109814 Y3C1C MFD BY JVC

Mastering 3:
90.8/91.7/90.6/88.7/96.3/86.2/97.6
MCA Japan for USA 1984 MCAD-37214 DIDX 55 (no barcode) / Matrix: MCAD-37214-T5E21
MCA US for US MCAD 37214 DIDY 55 (no barcode) / CRC club version (Disc: MCAD-37214 above DIDY 55 above CRC) / Matrix: CI 5650-1 (plus another code that has been scratched out)
MCA UK MCA DMCL 1745 (disc: MCA US MCAD-37214) / Matrix: MCAD-37214-1T24
MCA US DIDX 55 / Matrix: DIDX 000055 3
MCA US DIDX-000055 / Matrix: MCAD-37214 DIDX 55
MCA US MCAD-37214 DIDX 55 (no barcode) / Matrix: MCAD-37214 3T21 MFD BY JVC
MCA Germany 250 449-2 (MCAD 37214) / Matrix: 252704-2 TOOLEX ALPHA 03
MCA Japan for USA 1984 MCAD-37214 DIDX 55 (no barcode) / Matrix: MCAD 37214 M2E14
MCA US MCAD-37214 DIDX 55 (no barcode) / Matrix: MCAD-37214 U7C14

Mastering 4:
81.4/100.0/100.0/97.4/99.8/100.0/90.4
MCA US MCAD 37214 DIDX 55 (no barcode) / Matrix: MCAD-37214-1 1C15 MFD BY JVC
MCA Canada MCABD 37214 DIDX 55 ("Price Code I") / Matrix: MFG BY CINRAM #921120H MCA-37214
MCA Canada MCABD 37214 Cineram / Matrix: LT40 MCABD37214 #40830V04 11
MCA US MCAD 37214 (no DIDX anywhere on discs)/Matrix: MCAD-37214-1 1C MFD BY JVC
MCA US MCAD 37214 (no DIDX anywhere on discs)/Matrix: MCAD-37214-1 1J MFD BY JVC

Mastering 5:
66.7/62.4/85.8/72.2/79.1/57.6/85.4
MFSL Ultradisc UDCD 515 / Matrix: MANUFACTURED BY ULTECH UDCD 515 SMF8084-1A

Mastering 6 (nearly identical to mastering 3):
90.7/91.7/90.8/88.9/96.3/86.2/97.5
MCA Germany MCD 01745 DMCL 1745 / Matrix: SONOPRESS I-5627/MCD01745 A1
MCA Germany MCD 01745 DMCL 1745 / Matrix: Made in Germany MCD 01745 50169033 01 (same artwork, slightly different disc?)

Mastering 7 (confirmed as Steve Hoffman's mastering, nearly identical to 3 & 6):
90.7/91.7/90.8/88.9/96.3/86.1/97.5
MCA UK MCLD 19145 "Mastered by Nimbus" / Matrix: A1388 DMCL 1745 : 1:0 IFPI L123
MCA UK DMCL 1745 / Matrix: "DMCL 1745 1:2 Mastered by Nimbus"

Mastering 8:
100.0/89.5/95.8/100.0/100.0/96.5/97.0
MCA Japan 1984, VDP-27 / Matrix: VDP 27 1 1

 

Gaucho
Steely Dan CDs Different Masterings: Gaucho »
“Mastering 3, 11 and 12 are very similar but not exactly identical. I feel a discussion similar to the one with Aja CDs coming up.”

“I like the Japanese 32XD mastering #8 best so far.”
“Me too.”

[Editorial note: I am calling Uncle on this one; there are a few speed issues, tape issues etc. that I am not up to speed on; I think one needs to do their own research on this one more so than the others to find a personal preference. I have a 3 and it works ok for redbook, although for me somehow not as well as the other albums; here I have the shm-sacd which is my almost exclusive go to version. May need to try an 8 myself!]

Mastering 1:
98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8/98.8
MCA Remaster 2000 (made in EU) 112055-2 LC01056 / Matrix: 00088 112 055-2 01+51082250

Mastering 2:
90.2/89.4/89.0/89.4/89.4/92.2/89.7
MCA CD layer of SACD 2003 (made in EU) 0602498605103 / Matrix: VS024-L1 06024 986051-0
MCA CD layer of SACD 2003 (made in US) B0000868-36 / Matrix: S28510-C 3

Mastering 3:
91.5/86.4/90.0/83.0/81.7/84.0/82.9
MCA 1984 USA CD MCAD-37220 DIDX 56 / Matrix: 11340-I5-9274-1-M
MCA Austria MCD 01814/DMCL 1814 / Matrix: MCD-01814 13 B3 MASTERED BY DADC AUSTRIA
MCA Austria MCD 01814/DMCL 1814 / Matrix: MCD-01814 13 A6 MASTERED BY DADC AUSTRIA
MCA 1984 USA CD MCAD-37220 DIDX 56 / Matrix: 37220 RE4 1D

Mastering 4:
89.1/80.6/87.1/83.9/82.2/89.1/82.0
MCA Citizen boxed set MCAD4-10981 / Matrix: MCAD410981 Y3C1C MFD BY JVC

Mastering 5:
96.9/88.0/94.9/92.7/92.1/95.2/90.4
MCA 1984 USA CD MCAD-37220 DIDX 56 / Matrix: MCAD-37220-3RE 1C1I MFD BY JVC (the 1I is scratched in the disc, it could be a / instead of an I)

Mastering 6:
75.9/70.8/79.3/78.8/77.9/83.0/83.1
MCA 198? UK CD MCLD 19146 (on artwork) DMCL 1814 (on disc) / Matrix: DMCL 1814 . MASTERED BY NIMBUS

Mastering 7 (nearly identical to #5, except for track 4):
96.9/88.0/94.9/97.7/92.1/95.2/90.4
Russia 2132/M3-97 / Matrix: JPCD 9710576
MCA USA MCAD-37220 DIDX 56 / Matrix: MCAD37220 0376017280 Mfg by Matsushida Universal Media Services

Mastering 8:
81.2/74.7/82.8/83.7/82.4/85.7/91.2
MCA US MCAD-37220 DIDX 56 (artwork) MCAD-37220 'Manufactured in Japan for MCA (disc) / Matrix: MCAD 37220 2 S3E21
MCA 1986 Japan for Japan 32XD-394 / Matrix: 32XD-394 11A3 +++++

Mastering 9:
79.2/78.3/78.0/79.4/77.8/78.7/77.3
MFSL UDCD 545 Japan

Mastering 10:
100.0/100.0/100.0/97.8/99.3/100.0/96.1
Victor Music, VDP-26

Mastering 11 (similar to mastering 3, though not identical):
91.5/86.3/89.9/83.0/81.3/84.0/82.9
MCA Japan for USA - CSR COMPACT DISC / Matrix: DIDX-56 11A4

Mastering 12 (similar to mastering 3, though not identical):
91.5/86.4/90.0/83.0/82.1/84.0/82.9
MCA USA? MCAD-37220 DIDX 56 / Matrix: 160001 B-5501 A

 

Where is the MCA Japan for US MCAD-37044 DIDX-370 / Matrix MCAD-37044-M1 E11 that matches Mastering 3? It seems to have gotten lost somewhere.

 

I wish to thank you very much for this work, bmoregnr. So very helpful!

 

I don't see that one exactly mentioned but do see a matrix M1E1 mentioned.

The larger point is I tried to repost here what was the last mastering summary post from each thread. We could consider gathering all the loose ends added after final updates here and over time I can ask a kind Gort to perhaps amend the main posts above. I hope in the end though if you have a cd not referenced exactly above you can check the specific threads linked and look for those masterings confirmed after the last update; because I agree that happened throughout these threads.

 

You're missing the Japan for Japan CDs of Countdown To Ecstasy 18P2-2693 / Matrix: 18P2-2693 1M TO (plaid back panel) and Aja 32XD-112 / Matrix: 32XD-112 11 +++++ (No UPC code)

Thanks bmoregnr, great comp work!

 

That is funny, I was thinking this must be a bit what it is like being a comp producer. I'll take a crack at getting the missed ones posted here soon.

 

Thanks for compiling all this information in one thread. It is nice to have it in all one place.

All the other Steely Dan CD summaries have the Japan for US CDs listed (MCAD 37### DIDX ###) except for "The Royal Scam". It somehow never got added to the final summary for "The Royal Scam" even though it was mentioned in one of the thread replies. I rechecked my CD and the matrix is definitely M1E11.

 

Thank you for taking the time to try and make this journey an easier road to travel. This is indispensable sruff!

 

Thanks for the listings. Now to see what I have.

Pat

 

Great work bmoregnr! Would somebody kindly do this for the rest of the forum?

 

Mastering Seven
No MCA CD number?

 

Nicely done, much easier to read than my way too long threads.

 

@bmoregnr - amazing work!

 

Can somebody tell me if every old MCA of "Pretzel Logic" has a click at the beginning of "Any Major Dude Will Tell You", and if every old MCA of "The Royal Scam" has a very low click at the beginning of "Don't Take Me Alive"?

 

I think one could argue at :05 those are very early faint hi hat hits on "Pretzel Logic"; I don't hear anything odd in the beginning of "Don't Take Me Alive" but at :09 again I can see what is to me a faint cymbal hit seeming like something else.

 

Well if you are happy then I am happy!

Ok here is what I propose for the edits. I will go through each thread after the final @mdekoning summary post and make out as best as I can any confirmed new masterings or other useful information. Thanks everyone so far for pointing things out, I should get to all of it soon.

Below is what I consider a sample edit post; I looked at the first three albums and came up with the following. I am not an expert on labeling these things so if anyone wants to correct my formatting feel free to do so.

As I progress I will add a new edit post and ask a Gort to delete my old one; that way only one edit post is out there at a time, and since I have to think no Gort in their right mind would want to edit the first posts, hopefully they are cool with a deleting a few posts from time to time. Also, I noted a lot of discussion say in Pretzel Logic where some versions of a single mastering have glitches and others of that same mastering do not; I am not going to try and figure that out, but I mention this in case someone can or wants to write up a short explanation of things like this for any album where others might benefit from it down the line. If such things exist they can get incorporated in edit posts moving forward. So for only the first three albums, here goes nothing...

 

Summary of Additions and Edits

Can’t Buy A Thrill
Additional Mastering 3
MCA MCD 01769, DMCL 1769 / Matrix: MCD-01769 13 A2 - Mastered by DADC Austria
MCAD-37040 DIDX-369 / Matrix: MCAD 37040 M2C1(Mfd in Japan

Additional Mastering 4 (level adjusted version of mastering 2):
MCA USA? MCAD-31192 / Matrix: MCAD31192 A60801Ec (Mfd by UNI, full artwork, new MCA logo)

New Mastering 6
94.2/96.3/91.4/96.5/90.6/93.4/91.7/91.6/100/99.2
MCAD-31192 (Plaid -Mfd by Cinram for MCA Records Canada - barcode 0 7673-11192-2 9) / Matrix: #910710FF MCAD-31192 MFG BY CINRAM

Countdown To Ecstasy
Additional Mastering 3
MCAD-37041 DIDX-372 Mfd Japan for MCA / Matrix:MCAD 37041 S2C15.
#18P2-2693 (Plaid Japan for Japan) Matrix #18P2-2693 1M TO

Additional Mastering 5 (same digital source as mastering 2):
MCA MCAD-31156 (Artwork, New MCA logo has SPARS ADD / Matrix: MCAD-31156-1 1C (25 in real small type next to the 1C) MFD BY JVC.

Additional Info
A 2014 SHM CD, Plat/CD and SACD is available

Pretzel Logic
Additional Mastering 1 (intro to "Rikki" included):
LC 01056 BIEM/MCPS 111 917-2 MCD-11917 (full artwork, Barcode 0 08811 19172 6) / Matrix 00088 111 917-2 04 * 51042997 Made in Germany by EDC
MCAD-31165 (Plaid, Made in U.S.A. for MCA) / Matrix: MCAD-31165-1 1C 23 MFD BY JVC

Additional Mastering 4 (intro to "Rikki" included, same as mastering 3 except for track 1):
Main Info Not Provided / Matrix is MCAD-31165 2B. MFG BY JVC (has ADD SPAR)
MCAD-31165 (Plaid Made in USA + UPC) / Matrix: MCAD - 37042 - A3C 111T

Additional Mastering 5 (intro to "Rikki" missing)
MCAD-11917 / Matrix: MFG BY MATSUSHITA UNIVERSAL MEDIA SERVICES MCAD11917 9079714129

Additional Mastering 7 (intro to Rikki?, level adjusted copy of mastering 4)
MCA UK MCLD 19081 (mastered by Nimbus) / Matrix: DMCL 1781

Additional Info
A 2014 SHM CD, Plat/CD and SACD is available

 

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