Best Recording of Traffic: Low Spark

Jeffreybowman2k,

I'm not sure about the best pressing, but I can tell you this: I own both an original 1971 LP and the Smiling Phases compilation on CD, and there's no comparison on my system - the LP wins hands down. When they shake the "tree" in the intro about 15 seconds before the vocals start, the LP gives me goosebumps; the CD sounds like they hit it against the wall.

On a side note, in the mid-90s I got to see Steve Winwood and Reebop Kwaku Baah touring as Traffic in Salem, OR. They played Glad, Freedom Rider and Low Spark back to back to back, and I'd have paid the entire ticket price just for those 20 minutes.

David

"Better Records" According to who? I have bought records from this seller. I kindly asked him to stop sending emails. Way overpriced. The MFSL copy of Low Spark is killer!

johnjbarlow: thanks for advice. i will be in touch.

armstrod: that's the moment (shaking the "tree") that i am talking about. that is my favorite moment of recorded music -- and i have only listened to it on vinyl. when i get new/upgraded equipment, that's the first thing i play to test the difference. you are lucky indeed to have seen that performed live.

Well I own both and have never done business with Barlow or Better Records.

The original Island recording, SW9306, is better than the MO-FI version. The MFSL is a little quieter but the Island has better dynamics.

The MFSL is very good but not "killer".

Crime of the Century is killer.

I would do a favorite searches for this on Ebay and just wait. I'm sure an original import will turn up sealed in a few months and then bid. It probably will go for about the same price of a sealed MFSL copy. Be patient,this album sold millions,theres one out there.