So which is best?
So this in on two channel because it might get better attention if folk are thinking about getting or have got these latest half speed Abbey Road masters.
If you have, I’d like to know your thoughts too. Ok, on the left, the new record and on the right, the original first pressing. The quality of the sleeve is superior with the original but the vinyl is of standard thickness but obviously it’s the sound that counts so….
Is the AR copy better? Well, no and if anything, it’s worse. It sounds clinical and lacking warmth, bass has reduced and the vocals of Gerry Rafferty sound compressed and distorted. Wild Theme has lost the delicacy of Knopflers guitar work.
The whole album to me sounds like a compressed CD. Truly disappointing and if you didn’t have the original, you wouldn’t know.
Back in the day, I acquired half speed masters of the first three Dire Straits albums and they are better if subtle.
This copy of Local Hero was on offer but it’s going back. I’m really disappointed and shocked at the current crop of so called masters.
More marketing ploy? Who knows but imo, I’ve come across many albums where the true first pressing is better.
