2. analog
  3. 146446-371

Why don't we make a list of best pressings ?

I didn't compare many but here are a few. When I say Japanese original I mean Japanese first release, same mastering as the original in the country where it was recorded. In descending order.
A. Miles Davis - Bitches Brew
1. Japanese original promo stereo
2 -3. Japanese original stereo
2 -3. US original 360 sound.
US and Japanese sound slightly different, I listen to both.
B. Miles Davis - Pangaea
1. Japanese original promo
2. Japanese original
C. Mahavishnu Orchestra - The Inner Mounting Flame
1. Japanese original.
2. Canadian original 360 sound.
 D.Mahavishnu Orchestra - Birds of Fire
1. Japanese original promo
2. Japanese original
E. Mahavishnu Orchestra - Visions Of The Emerald Beyond
1. US original White Label Promo.
F. Al Di Meola - Cielo e Terra
1. Japanese original promo
2. Japanese original

I have or had other pressings of all these albums, they are worse to various degree. Canadian original 360 Sound  Bitches Brew also sounds good but I preferred the US and Japanese. Japanese first release of the "Visions..' by Mahavishnu Orchestra is something that I don't like. This is rare in my experience when it comes to records from 70s.




inna
pryso
1,939 posts
 
richopp, yes the Sheffield LPs are special.

But Mayorga's recordings won't be up to everyone's taste.  I consider them "smaltz" but YMMV.

Fortunately there are others, such as the Dave Grusin, Tower of Power, "I've Got The Music In Me", and a few more.

On the broader subject, I tend to agree that original recordings can be as good if not better than later reissues.  Although I admit to having little experience with those from Japan.  The problem of course is if you don't already own them, finding clean copies now due to their age.
johnto
1,027 posts
 
Agree on Direct to Disc recordings most sound fantastic, the people making them knew what they were doing and used quality vinyl. Unfortunately some sound dated as to content.

stevecham
3,340 posts
 
@tzh: +1! In fact many of Bruce’s pressings on True North sound amazing. Stealing Fire is another.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,957 posts
 
Discogs is great for finding real Japanese vinyl graded fairly often in M or M- condtion...I just got Little Feat - Dixie Chicken in a mint copy shipped to me for under $30.....yowsa....
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