BinaryJustin said:

Me too.Thankfully, it still sounds mint.

i've also got it on T's 12" Archive collection.That is a boot, but pretty essential.

Jestyr said:

Finally, the very CD we're talking about has arrived at my home.

As we already know, the CD has been manufactured in Germany for Warner Strategic Marketing France (WSM). Assumably, and comparing this release with others from WSM, this subsidiary is specialized in compilations - which means in recycling older assets (= content Warner owns the rights to). After all, it *is* legit.

But I agree with Jestyr, it's more than questionable. Not because our little Prince most probably is not happy with it. Neither it's due to the fact it has been recycled. Hey, there are great compilations around! Thinking of all the soundtracks and tributes besides others...

It's all about quality. I am - like all of you - happy to see one of the legendary extended versions finally also on CD (officially, that is). So it seems a must to buy this compilation. Correct me if I'm wrong but Sheila E's "A Love Bizarre" 12:18min version is available on CD neither.

Until I didn't have a listen to the "real thing" I was hesitating to come to a final judgement. I did listen to it now. Not the whole thing but "America" at least.

Jestyr, regarding your correspondence with Christophe Augros, it wasn't exactly sure what he was saying. His answer says "remasterisée à partir de 12" vinyl". Yet, loosely translated he could have referred to either the direct transfer from vinyl (which you were assuming) or simply that the version included on CD is based on, or in other words, is the same version as on vinyl.

So I listened to "America" on CD (via my stereo set w/high quality speakers, no headphones (sadly they don't work anymore)) and was pleased to hear quite some pressure. This turned out being just my first (and wrong) impression. Unfortunately, I tend to listen to *my* digitized version on PC more often than over my hi-fi set. But most of all, from 14:00 on there's an obvious decrease in quality - on the French CD's version. Around 16:18 there's even an audible scratch. Remember, the original has NO intended scratches or noises. Alarmed by that, I got closer to the speakers. Believe me, at some points the sound is even somewhat blurred. And listening again closely from the beginning there are some very audible noises at the start.

Summary: The version *I* digitized is by far superior. I did it with minimal effort. It's clearer, less scratchy, not noisy. Forget about the French compilation - it's a slap in the face of a customer. Imagine, a major label compiling new releases not from masters (not to mention digital remastering) but direct from *vinyl*! The least they could've done is to release via a small label which does NOT include Warner's name.

Sorry, Jestyr, if I didn't follow your advice but I assumed you didn't own or listen to the CD yourself. Ok, now you can go "Didn't I tell you? See, you stupids, I knew better."

Wolf

wsenges said:

I'm sorry, Wolf. My intention was to protect you guys from this. Not to gloat. But I do appreciate your validation. Thank you.

(Sheila E's A Love Bizarre 12:18min is available on CD...it's the album version)

Well, I'll sleep easily tonight, now that's resolved.