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Review by alan1074 July 10, 2012 (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics:  |
Although the price is somewhat eye watering, I had to see what the quality of my favourite Queen album was like in super audio. I had a feeling that it was coming, and as such I had held off buying the 2011 standard CD re-issue.
First impression was that there was a lot more air in the material, and a good solid backbone, with the drums in particular sitting perfectly in the mix. The stereo seperation of tracks was very good and it did feel to me as if I was listening to the master tape playing on a half inch tape machine. In terms of the transparency, I would have liked a little more glass on the top end, as I felt that, if anything, a touch more openess on some of the tracks would have helped draw the listener in a little more. At the same time as buying this release I also bought the SACD of Donald Fagens "Nightfly" and, although we're talking about a different musical genre, by comparison the sound of the Queen release was quite dull. Perhaps this was a limitation of the original recording, and of course they are predominantly a rock band. Still, it is great to have my favourite Queen track "Back Chat" in SACD. I just felt in places, particularly the electronically tinged side one tracks, a different EQ could have opened them up a little more.
I've also purchased "Flash Gordon", "The Works" and "The Mircale" but have yet to explore them. If they prove satisfactory I will in time pick up more of the series as they are certain to become rarities in a year or two.
Packaging wise they are pretty standard affairs, without any additions to the artwork, and there are no bonus tracks. But, for audiophiles, I think it's a worthwhile purchase. Also these are SACD only discs, not dual layer.
But if this album is re-issued again, can we please finally have the 12" versions on the CD?
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