Frogman: I really appreciate your "measured" responses! I, on the other hand, am quite the opposite. I know that I don't take the time to explain my position, so I'll give it a try here.
Steely Dan: I think I am much harder on them, given their history of making awesome records. The Nightfly ( I have two copies), while it is much more open (a somewhat general term I am using), it strikes me as irritating in a way that I can't enjoy listening to it all the way through one side. IMO, it sounds somewhat unnatural and slightly "in your face". My comparison, while not the best, to "Aja", I think is telling.
I have three copies of "Aja", none of them I'm confident are the 'best'. (This is where I may separate from some). I am very aware of different pressings and how they sound. My yellow label ABC seems to provide me with the most enjoyment of the ones I own. With regard to these 3 lps, they are, in my words compressed, (with this one having a wider sounstage), as are a lot of SD lps, but the difference between the analog era and the digital era is apparent to me. While I notice this difference and understand all of what I've laid out, I can sit back and enjoy "Aja" all of the way through. I cannot do this on "The Nightfly". This is even though I love the music! To me, it's all about the enjoyment, the escape, the freedom I feel when I take the time to listen.
I do want to say my comments about "The Nightfly" were in no way a reflection on anyone here, just my personal view. I hope anyone here who's willing to take the time to compare, will respond.
Here are a couple of very good recordings in my view:
Chris Isaak "San Francisco Days"--- sadly out of print
Mark Knopfler @ Chet Atkins "Neck @ Neck" -- again, sadly out of print.
Both worth the price necessary to have in your collection!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
