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Remasters: which are the good ones?

I have had mixed luck with CD remasters; could others post their experiences with various ones? Some are great, some overly compressed, others just terrible.

Opinions appreciated as I consider which albums to repurchase (some for the 3rd time, starting with vinyl...)

PS: I suggest this thread be (roughly) limited to rock/R&B/soul type stuff.

My experiences:

Good / Worth getting the remasters:
- Bob Marley remasters (excellent!)
- Steely Dan (Gaucho, CD layer off hybrid SACD; Aja CD remaster OK)
- Grateful Dead (HDCD, but I refer to the "regular" CD playback of these. All very nice but Terrapin Station, where I don't appreciate some of the mix changes, though sound quality is good)

OK:
- Fleetwood Mac (Fleetwood Mac)

Poor/bad:
- Baron von Tollbooth and the Chrome Nun (terrible)
- Jefferson Airplane remasters
nas

Showing 2 responses by bongofury

bongofury
1,160 posts
 
I agree with Shadorne on the Aerosmith. I was never a fan but I think the remaster on Toys in the Attic is sterling.

As you tastes are more classic rock, I can recommend the extended live set for The Who's "Live at Leeds", Jimi Hendrix's "First Rays of the New Rising Sun", and the Jamaican sessions of Bob Marley's "Catch a Fire". The 25th Aniversary Clash remaster of "London Calling" has better bass extension. Bob Dylan's "Slow Train" and "Street Legal" sound remarkably better--the originals are a pale comparison.
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
Shadorne

I was a roadie out of college for the Clash in 1982 and 1983. Really nice people to be with and work for. I have all the original vinyl of every single and album. I love the single version of "Magnificent Seven."
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