Critical listening and altered states

@grannyring

Too bad the streaming versions of Anna Netrebko, Sempre Libera distort terribly. Sounds like she is clipping her mic. Not sure, but not playable at moderately loud levels. First time I have heard this sort of popping/fluttering distortion when streaming. Both Tidal and Qobuz have the same issue with this recording.

tonight when i get home i will try the Tidal and Quboz versions of that cut and compare them to my dsd and 24/88 files and report back. i don’t recall those artifacts from the streaming versions, but it’s been awhile since i listened to them.

if you can download the file, it’s a worthy recording to own if you like the music.

i’ve been using this cut as a reference for over 10 (maybe 15) years now. initially it was the SACD disc that i used. i would listen to both the dsd and redbook layers. then later i got the 24/88 file and found it was clearly better as it was the native file. then when i got my MSB Select II (a bit-perfect dac) the native file was even better by a larger margin.

none of those versions ever had distortion like the clipping you are describing. it was more levels of clarity and degrees of delicacy.

I like the way the guy with the best selection of liquor I ever seen right outside his listening room door chooses instead from a range of fine bottled water. Scratch that. Not seen. Tasted. Enjoyed. Relished. He also has some to die for master tapes. But what I really want to know Mikelavigne is where oh where can I get me some of that Angel’s Envy???

Something not addressed regarding the altered states of critical creation.  Much of the music we adore comes at the detriment of the artist who created it.

There is an interesting article about Charlie Parker and how his heroin addiction contributed to his genius.
https://nypost.com/2017/02/05/charlie-parkers-heroin-addiction-helped-make-him-a-genius/

Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain.  

Was Rickie Lee Jones much more creative as an alcoholic?
The Beatles took a lot of hallucinogenic (and other) drugs to create some of the best music of all time.

I'm not suggesting opioid use for anyone but alternate states of mind can allow you to make connections that weren't there previously.  They can be a training tool to help you listen differently.  

Whether you imbibe, don't imbibe believe in power cables or not it's all a personal choice.  We still have the ability to choose.

I really miss these artists but would I if they hadn't partook in the poison that killed them?