Original mono mix
All original artwork replicated
Audio Quality: 4.5 / 5
Song Quality: 5 / 5
Packaging: 4.5 / 5
If you're a regular vinyl shopper, you are aware that as of late there have been an overwhelming number of re-issues happening (see my last review). This should be fantastic, and should be a great way for people to pick up great sounding records that have long been out-of-print. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Without getting too deep here, in order for
the vinyl to sound great it needs to be cut from the original (hopefully analog) master source and mixed/mastered for vinyl specifically. If it's cut from a less pure source and/or if the master for compact disc is used for the record, the sound will suffer tremendously. Not every record company takes the time or, more relevantly, spends the money necessary to make sure these vinyl re-issues are "faithfully restored," even if that's what it says on the outside label. The labels know that vinyl sales are up, and they care more about putting the product in your hands and slapping an exorbitant price tag on it than about you receiving the high-quality listening experience you THINK you are paying for. This is just one of the many reasons why the record labels will all be out of business in the near future.ANYWAY! Now that you've gotten through that rant, I'm happy to tell you that with this particular re-issue, Capitol got it right! This is a part of their "From The Capitol Vaults" series, which I own a few titles from, and they do appear to take great care in making sure their records sound excellent. I especially appreciate that for this record, it was released in it's original mono format... the way it was intended to be heard. Now if only we could get proper mono re-issues of The Beatles catalog...
Naturally, due to the old age of this record (recorded in 1965), this is not a terrifically hi-fi recording. However, it sounds to me like what I imagine a new copy of the record would have sounded like over 40 years ago. Getting to listen in mono only adds to this authenticity, and again, I'm thrilled it's re-issued this way. Start to sounds clear, warm, and welcoming. I got goosebumps listening to God Only Knows, having never heard that song sound so beautiful. Basically, it sounds exactly like what I think this album should sound like. I realize that's not my most articulate assessment, but hey, I'm still new at this. I think you get the idea. I would love to compare the sound of this version to an earlier pressing, but as it stands this is the only one I own. Should I get my hands on another version, I'll amend this review if necessary.
The packaging here is really special. It's an exact replica of the original artwork and packaging, all the way down to the Captiol Records sleeve, featuring their "current" catalog of albums and artists. Nothing super fancy here, but it's a nice touch on the part of Captiol to make the record feel like even more of a relic.
Very nice re-issue here from Capitol. I'll be reviewing more of their "From The Capitol Vaults" series in the near future. This record is also nice and affordable (you should be able to find it for $20 or less), and since it just so happens to be one of the greatest albums ever recorded, there's no reason not to pick it up immediately. Do it.
Buy the vinyl from Amazon.com
Buy the vinyl from InSound.com
Tomorrow: Beck - Sea Change
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