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Best format for SteelyDan...

I have virtually everything by "The Dan" including solo stuff on LP, CD or SACD. Hoping to find recordings that improve sonics over the pre-Aja CDs; in particular, "Pretzel Logic" "Katy Lied" & "The Royal Scam". Are the "re-masters" the way to go? Have these 3 even been re-mastered?

As an editorial comment, I don't understand why these guys don't have everything re-issued in some kind of hi-res format. If you know otherwise - please advise!
(fwiw - I'm running an upgraded Denon 2910 "universal" player). Thanks in advance for your advice. Ciao.
128x128ghosthouse
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The first 3 albums were released on black label ABC. These are excellent recordings and worth seeking.

Beginning with Katy Lied, ABC went to a yellow label and if you are able to find early pressings, these are excellent as well.

"Gaucho" first pressing is on the sky blue MCA label. An original pressing may sonically be the very best Dan recording; rivaled only by black label "Can't Buy A Thrill" and first pressing "Aja".

The MOFI "Katy Lied" sucks. Pardon my French.

All of course, IMO
madfloyd
411 posts
 
I also thought the MFSL Katy Lied was terrible. All bass, no highs.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,306 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations, folks. Hunting for old vinyl is fun.
richard_stacy
686 posts
 
04-19-11: Schubert
Trash Can .

HAAA!!! I thought it but did not have the heart to type it. It's a dear thing to many of the guys on here.
achilles
135 posts
 
I think I read somewhere that Katy Lied was messed up by a faulty dbx noise compressor in the studio. I got the impression that even the master tapes aren't up to snuff because of this incident, but they didn't have the heart to re-record it.
So you may not be able to find a decent Katy Lied.
That said, I don't think the CD sounds too bad.
I've also noticed that the Countdown to Ecstasy CD is pretty good.
And Roundmoundofsound is right about the Gaucho DVD-A. That's easily the best recording I own.
I have used LPs of Pretzel Logic and Can't Buy a Thrill. They're not very good, but they may be pretty worn. Maybe if you can find the original pressing, in good condition, you'd be better off.
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