Ray Charles "Genius Loves Company" 180g Vinyl 2-LP Set, Pure Audiophile PA-009

$

35

This listing is for the stunning limited edition audiophile 2-LP pressing of "Genius Loves Company" by the late, great Ray Charles. This is a numbered edition and this one is a fairly low number as well...it's numbered on the back as #252. This was $50 new when it was still available and is pure audiophile quality. It was half speed mastered from the original analog 2-track master tapes by renowned mastering engineer Stan Ricker and pressed on HQ-180 virgn vinyl at RTI. This one is in excellent shape overall as well. Both LPs are NM- with no marks or scuffs. The cover is not quite NM- and I have rated it as EX due to a slight corner bump on the upper right corner (see photos). The fold-out printed insert is NM- and the LPs are still in the original rice paper inner sleeves. I'll ship the LPs outside of the cover to avoid seam splits and will put everything in a poly sleeve to keep it safe during transit. It'll be shipped via USPS media mail with tracking in a sturdy cardboard LP mailer. The description below is from the Acoustic Sounds website: The last studio album completed by the untouchable Ray Charles before his death. Charles sings a dozen duets with a dazzling array of guest artists from virtually every genre. "We cover it all," Charles said, "from country to R&B, pop, rock and blues. I’ve never let them put me in a little box, and this (record) expresses that open feeling. A beautiful song is a beautiful song - and to sing with so many beautiful singers is a blessing from God." Genius Loves Company stands as a remarkable hallmark in a remarkable career, including duets with Norah Jones, Elton John, Van Morrison, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Michael McDonald, B.B. King, Gladys Knight and Johnny Mathis. Mastered by Stan Ricker from half-inch analog tape at 30 inches per second. "I'm here to tell you that if you loved the CD, you'll absolutely flip over the LP. Dennis Cassidy of Pure Audiophile wisely chose this album for his latest release, and once again he had the wisdom to have it mastered by Stan Ricker, the best damn mastering engineer in the known or unknown universe...The LP bests the CD in almost every important way. For example, Norah Jones' voice on the first cut of the LP sounds more natural, seductive, and involving, capturing more of the subtlety, while eliminating the tizz and digitals of the CD...The collaboration with Willie Nelson on "It Was A Very Good Year" will send chills down your spine, especially considering that Ray passed away not long after this was recorded, and the song is about two aging gentlemen reminiscing about their lives. Willie's voice is recorded here in stark relief, perhaps the best I have ever heard it...Please support Dennis Cassidy and Pure Audiophile and buy this album. It's an absolute stunner, and is a tribute to everyone involved." Sound = 10/10; Performance = 10/10; Music = 10/10 - Dave Glackin, Positive Feedback Online, Issue 20