CAT STEVENS 200 Gram Analogue Production Tea For The Tillerman LP
C$
125
$
91
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Description
CAT STEVENS
While the MFSL UHQR boasts superbly pressed vinyl with ultra-quiet surfaces, it possesses a wonky Eq, with overly boosted lows and unnatural sounding highs, and a recessed midrange that is likely responsible for Stevens' vocals residing farther back in the mix than on the other pressings.
This latest pressing from Analogue Productions/QRP, mastered by veteran engineer George Marino at Sterling Sound, has a decidedly leaner tonal balance than the UK pink Island, and favors the chiming highs and upper mids of the guitars over the lower frequencies. That said, the QRP's bass is also tighter than what is heard on the other pressings. As with the UK pink, Stevens' vocals are right up front in the mix on the QRP, but also gain an additional layer or two of complexity over the other issues.
This new reissue from Analogue Productions/QRP is simply the most dynamic, detailed version of this classic album that I've heard to date, with more of the vocal nuances, guitar florishes, and bass string vibrations that audiophiles crave. The U.K. pink undoubtedly possesses a rounder overall sound--and some with particularly bright systems or a sensitivity to the hint of stridence or sibilance in the vocals, might appreciate the touch of tube compression found on the original U.K.
Conclusion
If you're one of the few who have an UHQR copy of this record--sell it now, and use the proceeds to buy a copy of this very well produced and sonically superior reissue for yourself as well as five of your best friends. If you've suffered through a noisy U.S. copy over the years, by all means treat yourself to what could very likely be your last. And for those lucky enough to possess an original U.K. pink rim--if you call yourself a genuine fan of this record, you'll be sure to hear things on this new reissue from QRP that you've never heard before--and you'll find yourself the owner of the two very best versions that exist.
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