Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Beatles Vinyl Remastered!

The Beatles newly remastered catalog on vinyl is available today and the sound is absolutely stunning. Playing "In My Life," the sound was extremely transparent, smooth, revealing and full toned. Vocal separation (all in the right channel of course) is first rate, and Harrison's guitar (left channel) sounds bell-like and beautiful. Compared to a German Odeon pressing of the same title, the new Rubber Soul sounds distinctly more open and less compressed, cleaner, with less noise and more overall punch and greater dynamics. It's alive! The complete box set comes with a thick book detailing each album. Though the included photos are nothing new to Beatles fans, it's a beautiful accompaniment to a masterful production.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Vinyl LP of the Day Philly Joe Jones

Philly Joe's Beat is a beautiful bit of modernist hardbop by the master hard bop drummer. Philly Joe displays his usual clarity and groove, but the real treat is an unexpected appearance by the great Bill Barron, who plays tenor on the session. Barron's tenor is amazingly precise, and filled with far-reaching concepts, economically trimmed to fit into some nice tight solos. Tracks include "Muse Rapture", "Lori", "Dear Old Stockholm", "Salt Peanuts", "Got To Take Another Chance", and "That's Earl Brother". A classic, and always better on vinyl!