Ok. So I’m at my local record store yesterday to browse and pick up some *new* music. Somewhere in the cobwebs of my memory I recall someone telling me that the RHCP’s Stadium Arcadium was really great sounding. It’s a double LP box with the words “All Analog” screaming from the shrink wrap. I also pick up a sealed copy of Coltrane’s ole on Atlantic and a sealed copy of the Bill Evans Trio Moon Beams.
My system has been cooking for a few hours thanks to the music server playing tunes from the random menu so it’s nice and warmed up. I put on Dani California. First thing I notice is the record is warped. Second thing I notice is that the music has been compressed to death. Zero dynamic range. Zilch. Nada. There went $38 out the window.
Next up I put on the Coltrane LP. It cost me $13.99 as did the Bill Evans LP. I really have no idea what to expect because it’s a reissue and it’s on the Atlantic label. My, my. After just hearing that compressed sonic dreck from the RHCP, I was amazed at how good this LP sounds. The pressing is very quiet and it has dynamics in spades. I’m sure there are at least 100 pressings of this LP that are better than mine, but I won’t be looking for another one. If this LP sounded anymore real/live, Coltrane and company would be standing in my room.
The Bill Evans Moon Beams was a bit of a disappointment after hearing ole. The vinyl was noisier which is distracting before the music starts. The actual recording is still pretty good though. At least I will play this again which is more than I can say for Stadium Arcadium.