So my Permanent Waves is only a side 1 RAYS. Side 2 is a Trutone cut. Only $10 so it's all good. But WOW sthe Ray side did not disappoint. Huge soundstage but just way more energy and punch than my HW copy. Very sharply defined bass and guitar with more air around the cymbals. Hotter cut for sure. The HW, while not bad, is a little softer in comparison. The Trutone side also sounds good but lacks the energy and dynamics of the Ray side. So now I just need to find a two-sided RAYS Recommended.
Yep.......I'd say you're right on with the description of the Ray's. I found a sealed one about a year ago which is quieter than my previous one. Great sounding pressing.
I only have a few albums with his signature in the wax, but his work seems to be on point. Coda by Led Zeppelin and Sniff N The Tears are two other albums that come to mind........I may have a couple more. It seems the majority of his album work was in the late 70's and early 80's. I believe there is a Ray Staff cut of Hemispheres floating around.........I would love to find one.
Cool! Interesting the US was using his work. As far as I know I think I only have a UK 12 Inch of OMD's Enola Gay with his sig, would love to check out his other cuts
The only cool Rush record I've found lately is a Columbia Santa Maria pressing of 2112; JAMF. The sound is out of sight! Probably the best version I own. Everything is very smooth and balanced. And powerful.
I’m catching up on this thread, and I decided to pull out my copy of Permanent Waves. Was happy to discover it’s a Ray’s on both sides!
I feel like I may be repeating myself in this thread. I just wish there was more to learn and talk about. My apologies if I ever say the same thing twice.
Just grabbed a copy of Power Windows. What a great album. Well, side A, that is. I have almost all of Rush's great albums except 2112. Should I grab the recent reissue or search for an older pressing?
Do you like instant gratification or the thrill of the hunt? Early copies with "JAMF" stamped in the deadwax sound great, as do later copies with MASTERDISK GK. Depending on where you are located, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a good one in the $20 range.
Agree with @ODShowtime but I will point out the hologram star on the reissue LP is wicked cool! Sounds great too.
Sage advice Showtime...….I was basically going to write the same thing. I have a skyline label GK that I prefer ever so slightly over my JAMF.
I just found a copy of Permanent Waves with "Rays Cut" on both sides. Honestly, not as good as my "HW Mastersound" pressing. The vocals are not as clear and the bass and separation are a step behind the HW Mastersound pressing. At least that's what I'm hearing on my system.
Interesting. I felt the Rays was head and shoulders above. Respect your opinion though. Are there different Rays lacquers out there maybe?
I only got Rays cut on one side, no other initials on the other side so I dunno, will have to listen to it I guess, he didnt have to sign all the Lacquers.
My experience is totally different than yours...…..My Howie PW sounds nice, but doesn't have near the energy and punch as both of my Staff's. The drums and bass are so much more active and dynamic. I prefer the vocals also.
I agree with you, but it's all subjective. Different ears/gear /preferences can yield opposing opinions.
Very true. I appreciate being able to learn from all the experience and different takes on what we are hearing.
I found an RL Moving Pictures this past weekend.........Masterdisk RL on both sides, and the vinyl is pretty with just a few surface marks here and there. The album cover and the inner are a little rough, and the cover has to be the flimsiest jacket I've ever come across. A slight breeze might blow it away. The pressing sounds great with that big RL signature sound. Snagged it for $8.
