@spiritofradio, not yet, my copy is on it’s way to me. I haven’t looked lately, but about a month ago there was a lot of chatter about the set on Steve Hoffman’s site. There are bound to be differences of opinion, and I expect to have conflicting reactions myself. The tapes were new when my original LP was pressed, they’re 50 years old now. The Band and producer John Simon did the mixes themselves in ’69, and I hope Bob Clearmountain has stayed close to the originals.
But back then it was common to filter the very low bass out of recordings, anticipating the then-current cartridges wouldn’t be able to track a groove cut too "hot". And solid state recording electronics were pretty new in ’69, though I don’t know if this album was recorded on older tube gear or the new ss. Compare the sound of Rubber Soul (tubes) to Revolver (solid state). I much prefer Rubber Soul.
I would buy this boxset regardless of sound quality, being a The Band completest. I still listen to their first two albums everyday (literally), just as some Jazz fans do Kind Of Blue. They still sound fresh, contemporary, and relevant, and I am still hearing or appreciating new things with every listen. They are a master class in how to be a Rock ’n’ Roll band, musician, singer, and/or songwriter. The rest of their catalog is pretty fine too ;-) .
