| Review by John January 5, 2011 (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics:  |
| The original tapes seem to be lacking the higher frequencies, leading to a lack of clear tones, so this is not of the same quality as the recent Fairport Convention : Liege and Lief SHM-SACD, but I dont regret buying this.
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| Review by rammiepie April 13, 2011 (1 of 2 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
Unlike former reviewer "JOHN," I had an altogether different experience with the sonics associated with JOHN BARLEYCORN MUST DIE.
To be sure, there is some background hiss at high volume but the solidity of the performance is preserved and to review the music, at this point, is inane.......it has always been one of my favorite rock/jazz albums and on cut 5, John Barleycorn must die, the purity of the sonics is revelatory.
If you were happy with the Vinyl and RBCD edition, be prepared. At high volume this is the edition to own and covet!
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| Review by RKLA April 13, 2011 (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
To be sure, this is the version to own - though you might wish to have the bonus tracks to be found on the recent Universal / Island England 2CD Deluxe version.
This Japanese SHM-SA-CD is as good as any original Island UK vinyl - one must wonder why a higher caliber of recording wasn't in order for this superlative album.
For the original 6 tracks, the performance is flawless - the density of the recording / overdubs is indeed very evident. The hiss found here is wonderful, revealing the actual sound of the master tape.
Now, how about an SA-CD of "The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys"?
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| Review by analogue October 6, 2011 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics:  |
I had high hopes for this shm sacd before I purchased it. Traffic is a great band who have made many a terrific album but unfortunately even the highly skilled Japanese Tech couldnt save this one.
Vert muddy, excessive bloated bass and a worn type of sound make this a terrible listen. Vocals are blended into the midrange most of the times and never bloom.
I cant even listen to this sacd. I believe its the tape source used that causes the bad sound. I cannot believe its the mastering. It sounds to my ears as if a third or fourth generation tape was used as a source. In no way could this be a master tape or even close.
Another stinker I purchased was the Free shm-sacd. While that expensive blunder on my part had me shaking my head.....I actually believe it sounds better than this release. And that says alot.
I think that Universal Japan is doing a better job searching for the best tape sources in 2011. But this sacd from late 2010 leaves a lot to be desired.
Stay clear of this shm-sacd.
Not recommended.
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| Review by Sergey June 5, 2013
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Performance: Sonics:  |
| The quality of the recording disk is no question. Just the upper class. In the recording itself clearly audible bass notes with slight congestion. But that's only on two tracks and not so much, but it is still there. Vocal delicious dish just alive, feeling the air-mesmerizing.
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