If you want the original mixes, then you will have to go with original pressings (but see below re Atlantic 75 issues). In my experience, most of them do not sound particularly good, being pretty lifeless.
If you want a more open, lively sound, the Nick Davis remasters are where you would need to look. However, they were all remixed, so sound quite different to the originals. I have a mix of both but generally prefer to listen to the remixes, though pressing quality proved to be a bit hit and miss.
Atlantic have released some of the Genesis back catalogue as part of their 75 series, remastered from the original analogue tapes (or otherwise best available source) cut at 45rpm and pressed at QRP. These are superb and well worth seeking out.
I believe Rhino also released a load a couple of years ago, also using the Nick Davis mixes, but having not heard any, I can’t comment on those.
Didn’t realise there was so much choice. I saw that HMV sell new pressings at £40. Was comparing against Discog vinyl prices.
Driven by switching to the Rega Naia which knocks spots off my digital ( Zenith via Audiophileo PurePower into nDAC). The Naia will not be much affected by second hand vinyl of reasonable quality.
I really dislike the Nick Davis remixes. The Bowdlerization of Colony of Slippermen and the use of an alternative take for the fade out of Supper’s Ready are perhaps the worst of his many sins.
The only problem I had with the Phonogram represses from 1970s was with Foxtrot, which sounded muffled and constricted compared with an earlier B&C Records pressing. Represses of other titles from that era sound fine to my ears and definitely not lifeless.
The Atlantic 75 reissues sound great. Pity about the lost segues and cross-fades on the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, though.
So would good original vinyl from Discogs be better than the CDs made from the original tapes? I find my streaming barely there on Genesis. The vinyl Dark Side of the Moon is so much better than CD.
Conversely, I enjoyed the Nick Davis remixes - I bought them all on vinyl and they certainly freshened up the overall sound, particularly on the early releases. It’s nice to have both really.
The AP Atlantic 75th 45rpm reissues are nice to have, although we’re still waiting on Foxtrot (lots of speculation as to how Supper’s Ready will be split) and rumours of a separate AP reissue of Duke and Wind & Wuthering is quite exciting too.
Oh yes, and if you see the MFSL of Trick Of The Tail, then don’t hesitate as it’s one of the best of the early MFSLs (which weren’t all that great a lot of the time thanks to some U shaped EQ being applied). I bought my copy in '82 from Pitchfork Records in Concord NH for the princely sum of $18.99 to replace my older (and rather abused) UK hand-me-down LP from my sister and it has been my go-to ever since. On the old forum I did some some shootouts of this one and some of the ND remixes against the Originals.
Original presses, or reissues of them, are widely available; I imagine a trawl of some charity shops or Discogs would yield CDs of the same era, too. Maybe buy one of each of one or two titles and compare? I have Qobuz and the original mixes are not available, only the 2007 remixes.
I’m with @Richard.Dane in that I like the ND remixes on vinyl. With regards my initial remark that the originals sound ‘lifeless’, I am probably guilty of a sweeping generalisation there. Some are lacking in dynamics and top end extension and to my ears sound a little flat. Like Richard, I feel the ND remixes do sound fresher.
As @PaulDavies said, the ND mixes do change some things which means if you are a purist and want the original mixes, you will have to track down good originals. Paul clearly has superior knowledge regarding the original mixes of the earlier albums. I discovered Genesis from around the Wind and Wuthering era, only exploring their earlier catalogue much later in life so the changes are less significant for me.
Having said that, I have the Atlantic 75 edition of Foxtrot on pre-order and agree it will be interesting to see what they do with Supper’s Ready.
I visited the local charity shop to no avail but some Emerson Lake and Palmer including eponymous and Trilogy both at £15. I’m listening to the Genesis CDs again having done some long overdue power socket disconnects. Probably ought to do some others. I will see which I like most and also listen to the Qobuz Nick Davis versions before trying Discogs and perhaps after a while Amazon new vinyl which is Rhino 2024 (unless cautioned by anyone).
I am not sure that’s true, it is of course a digital recording, but not necessarily for CD output again much the new tech at the time.
It is a very good sounding album on vinyl. I have two original copies of it as an LP: one promo copy and an original retail version. Both copies sound exceptional and convey the sound qualities of the recording room and the almost “live” production techniques. The promo version just edges it out for sound quality. I also have a CD version and for me the LP is much better, but the CD is also very good.
I looked up the publishing details, and the LP version was released first in March 1984 and the CD version later in October.
Digital recording is just a technology and medium; the mastering will dictate how to present the recording on a particular media like LP or CD. As usual, Bernie Grundman did a great job both for CD and LP.
This Cat Stevens LP a new 50th remastered anniversary edition. I have not played it yet but it as always will be interesting to compare wit the original.
I’ve taken the plunge with Trespass on Discogs for £10.60. Supposedly VG media and sleeve. My digital is mostly good but the dense passages become a bit messy with drums not natural etc. If the Naia can handle that then I’ll be very happy.
Still need to pull the plug end of the mains and the interconnect.
Chad Kassem announced on YouTube a while back that the Atlantic 75 release of Foxtrot is on hold indefinitely. No hint as to why or whether it will ever be released.
From the Acoustic Sounds web site, it seems it would be split between part iii and part iv:
Side 1
1. Watcher Of The Skies
2. Time Table
Side 2
1. Get 'Em Out By Friday
2. Can-Utility And The Coastliners
Side 3
1. Horizons
2. Supper’s Ready (Part 1)
a. Lover’s Leap
b. The Guaranteed Eternal
c. Ikhnaton and Itsacon and Their Band Of Merry Men
Hi Bob, I managed to have a listen tonight with the wife and I having a drink and chat at the end of the week. Some great horn sections and some beautifully skilled musicians playing together. Another top-notch Soul Reviver LP.
Procrastinated over this one for quite some time. I have a few copies of this but not one I was happy with from start to finish. Yesterday I had one of those “ah sod it” moments and pulled the trigger. It arrived today and I have to say, despite the hefty price tag I’m so happy I did. It’s a stunning sounding album. My first UHQR. My second, “Who’s Next“ will hopefully land very soon.
