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I just listened to the newly remastered Astral Weeks and it sounded unbelievable. I have heard four different versions of this album: I used to have the original Warner CD (long gone), I have a 1973 Warner Press that was a hand me down, the 2008 Japan remaster, and the most recent one (2015). This new one is clearly the winner.
The great advantage of the Japanese disc is that the instruments were just so much more clear than ever before. For what is in many ways a jazz album, hearing every detail of every instrument was essential, and I loved hearing the way the drums hit the hi-hat, and every bass pluck. But listening to the new release, the album feels way more analog and less harsh. Listening to the two CDs next to each other, there is almost undoubtedly some compression on the Japanese disc. Listen to the way the bass drops in at the start of "Sweet Thing" and it's basically at the same volume as the acoustic guitar. On the new CD, there is a clear increase in volume. Also, there is some definite harshness in the 2008 disc that isn't present anymore.
Throughout the new remaster, bass and drums are incredibly prominent and powerful but not overwhelming. Listening to my vinyl copy, which really isn't that great definition-wise, the mix sounds very similar to the new remaster. Of course, the vinyl isn't nearly as well-defined and crystal clear as the instruments on the new remaster (or the Japanese copy).
Some other highlights for the new remaster:
-never noticed how low in the mix the strings on "Sweet Thing" are. They always stand out when I think of the song, but they are pretty well-buried, except when they do the crescendo thing.
-the bass in "Ballerina" is out of this world good.
-in "Madame George" there is some cool analog distortion around 2:30 in on the vocals which I never noticed and isn't as audible in the 2008 disc. Also, my god I can't believe how clear the ride cymbal has become on the outro of that song (which always seemed like a washed-out, undefined cymbal to me)
While I've never heard a first press of the record, this new CD issue is definitely the one to get in my ears.
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I have been listening to Van Morrison even when I was just 19 yrs old, and am now 64, and continue to listen to him at least once a day.His lyrics are timeless and profound. There is no one that can compete with his intelligence, and feel for the spirit of music.Sir George Morrison stands in a class of his own. If you have never listened to him, I suggest you buy everything you can get your hands on.Especially if you have an Irish heart.
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