Booker T Set, The [Remastered] [Digipak] [ECD] - Booker T. & The M.G.'s

Advantages: The first Moody Blues concept album. Is this what started prog rock?
Disadvantages: Perhaps a little dated - but it is 40 years old!

.... I have my SACD player on order!! THE PRESENTATION The two disc set is housed in a fold-out "Digipak" style enclosure. For additional protection there is a plastic sleeve printed with the mantra "Deluxe Edition". The front cover reproduces the pop art painting by David Anstey On the back and inside are photographs of the members of the band as well as the track listing of both discs. The accompanying 20 page booklet contains a history of the band and the album along with more photographs from the time. There is no songbook. The second half gives an indication of the source of the tracks on the bonus disc. If you haven't listened to the Moody Blues then this is an ideal place to start. Is the new version worth the extra money (the old CD is still available)? Yes it is. Funnily enough (having bought one anyway!!) I think... Read review

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Advantages: One of the defining Moody Blues albums - as good as it ever was
Disadvantages: None really

...the second copy of this album in my collection. I must admit that I did have some initial reservations that my auditory capabilities would be up to the job of any enhanced performances - I'm of the same vintage as the original vinyl! However I need not have worried for the sound generally is appreciably more rounded and smoother. The bass tones are also more pronounced without being overpowering. Played into a 5:1 surround sound amplifier, the sound effects were stunning. My current set up (a Denon 2800 DVD player) is not equipped with SACD circuitry. The second layer of Disc 1 has an enhanced digital 5.1 surround sound mix which have been remixed from the 1972 Quadraphonic master tapes. I can't wait for my new SACD player to arrival!! THE PRESENTATION The two disc set is housed in a fold-out "Digipak" style enclosure. For additional... Read review

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Advantages: Instant & a Grower all at the same time
Disadvantages: couple of boring songs

...This album sees the Foos really diversifying themselves and stepping away from both the lo-fi stylings of their s/t album and the almost stadium-rock grandness of "colour and the shape". the schizophrenia in this album is shown in the opening one-two of "stacked actors" (a lot more rock than their usual stuff, with a bassy, almost Black Sabbath esque sound leading into surf rock verses?! bizarrely it works!) and "breakout" (a typical Foos three minute pop-rock song with some manic, "monkey wrench"-esque screaming at the end), both great songs and setting the tone to come. Throughout the album, styles are chewed up and spat back out with the politeness of a Tourettes-suffering bus driver, and surprisingly it works to make a very cohesive album. Of course the strangest, and inevitably weakest, moments occur when the Foos stray too... Read review

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