Wow...what a record


I'm sure everybody has said that to themselves at one time or another: you just sit there slack-jawed after the record ends, with your tongue hanging down to your waist, in shock and awe at what you just heard.

Here's two for you: the Classic reissues of the Antill Corroborree (Everest) and the incredible Fiedler/Wild disc of Gershwin (RCA Living Stereo) with the Concerto in F, the I Got Rhythm Variations, and the Cuban Overture. The former may be the best-sounding record, bar none, that I've ever heard (in 35 years of listening). The latter is right up there alongside it in terms of sound, and the performance is stunning beyond words--were Fiedler, the Boston Pops, and Earl Wild *ever* in more spectacular form? The Classic reissues of both are glorious beyond words.

If I didn't own a record player, I think I'd have to buy one just to play these records.

Any particular records strike you in this way--that make the whole endeavor seem worthwhile?
bublitchki
Bublitchki, yes it's the single-disc 33 1/3, and side one was pitch corrected. I don't want to make too wild of a comparison as the only other vinyl pressing that I've had a chance to listen to somewhat seriously was, if I recall, an oooollld second pressing in "OK" shape. Compared to that one, the Classic Records has a much more airy top end, more "correct" sounding low end (I can hear the timbre of the upright without having to strain) and it's fairly "open." Everything seems wider and I hear more subtlties. There does seem to be more surface noise than I'd like, but I've just gotten new speakers and they are still burning in, so take that for what it's worth--the noise floor wasn't nearly as obtrusive through my old speakers, but their HF drivers weren't as good, either ;) Basically, it's an unfair comparison, but let's put it this way, I'm not left feeling ripped off by spending $40+ on the Classic Records.

There are many different pressings of this album as we know, and I hate say I haven't heard most of them. I was introduced to Kind of Blue on redbook, not sure which iteration, and it was (not surprisingly) very mediocre. I have not heard SACD.
Just came upon your post and enjoyed it!

Until just recently I thought the RCA Gershwin Concerto in F was the best I'd ever heard (have a mint SD and a red seal in good condition - even it sounds good!). But then just the other day I came across LSC 2678 -- Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, played by Leonard Pennario and the Boston Pops -- in a thrift store. For $.60 I got the best recording I've ever heard! After cleaning, it was a bit scratchy but still: amazing bass, crystal clear, right on top of you -- it's something how you can tell right away when it's special!

The Rhapsody is a Dynagroove, but I also like the Beethoven 4th Piano Concerto (Van Cliburn) on Dynagroove, too. Elgar's Enigma Variations on Philips is a good one, plus the old RCA VICS Scheherezade with Monteaux is, too.

BTW just upgraded from a MMF 7 to a VPI Scout and am glad I did. Well worth it - makes a great LP even better...

Will look into some more Everest LPs. I see them all the time at the thrifts, but haven't purchased any. Do you find the label to be good overall?

Thanks for your post!
Classic records 200 gram reissue of Sonny Rollins "The Bridge" sounds fantastic. Plus the music is incredible, a great session.
My favorite is 'Boys want sex in the Morning" by Uncle Bonsai.....Trapazoid "Now Then" is amazing.......Most of the John Renbourn vinyls are superb as well.............Have the original Everest Corrobborree and it is very good, but don't think I'll spend the bucks for the re-master......Have a lot of them that way here as normally the originals are a touch better.....
I've got a copy of the Living Stereo Gershwin that has sat around sealed for way too long. This weekend I think it'll get played. Thanks.