The Band – Music From Big Pink

I got an original copy that I played over and over again throughout the years. These old songs have found a place in my heart and are so much fun to play on your own or with dear friends on cold autumn mornings or hot summer evenings. I've listened to them countless times. But really, the sound quality of yesteryear isn't very good. This new mix by Bob Clearmountain is just the opposite. Although digitally sourced both albums have an audiophile quality to them: a deep but intimate soundstage with a great separation of the instruments (now I hear how good a keyboardist Garth really was) and last but certainly not least the separation of the different vocal parts of Levon, Rick and Richard. To me it seems that these songs could've been written and recorded yesterday and not 50 years ago. I discover arrangements that I've never heard before. Especially the slower ballads are stunning to listen to. But then again it's a bit clinical (which I like very much) and is lacking the boisterous fun of the old original pressing. All in all I highly recommend this beautifully made boxset. I haven't come to the cds yet but the 45rpms are a delight to have. Same goes for the Brown Album box set which is also a treat.