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Average of 7 reviews
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Upon comparing the original Japanese release with the 2023 reissue, I've noticed a few differences that are worth highlighting. Initially, one might observe that the reissue has a slightly more compressed sound. This compression impacts the audio in various ways, but generally, it evens out the instruments, particularly some of the higher frequencies. This makes the sound a bit flatter but also adds a bit more drive, which works well on certain tracks. As I mentioned in my initial review of the reissue, the 2023 version has a nice thump in the mid-highs, which is particularly enjoyable on upbeat tracks like "Kimamani Reflection." While the original lacks some of that, it offers a smoother sound that is more crankable and sometimes more thumping in the lows. The reissue can be a bit edgier in direct comparison, but the differences vary too much from track to track to generalize. Although the compression sometimes helps bring out details or even vocals that I felt were buried in the original sound, the extra dynamic range of the original is superior at making certain highlights stand out better in the mix and thus creates a more defined soundstage. If I had to choose, I'd go with the original for its overall more pleasant presentation and because it's just Cooler, if you will. Both are excellent in their own right, and I almost wish there was another version that combined the best of both since each can shine more at different times. Either way, you're in for some of the best City Pop Japan has to offer with these releases. Equipment Used: Technics SL-1210GR Turntable with ATVM540ML Cartridge iFi Zen Phono Cyrus 2 Amplifier Revel F35 Tower Speakers
I'm at a loss for words, but I must say, the pressing is absolutely flawless again! It's spotless, crystal clear, with not a hint of surface noise. And the vinyl itself is a stunning turquoise green, perfect for admiring on your turntable! As LeonTP pointed out, it's got nothing to be ashamed of compared to "Timely". What a fantastic way to enjoy Anri's music!!
Has anyone compared this to the original version? And there's no Grundman's initials in the run-out groove, so the credits might be messed up here.
Let me tell you, Timely! can take a hike, this is Anri's finest! I don't have an original copy to compare it to, and it seems like it's not available in Japanese record stores, even though it's affordable. This pressing, though, is incredibly close to my ideal. The tonality is spot on, the clarity is great, and the soundstage is wide and effective. Don't get me wrong, though, this cut still has a powerful thump and grooves like crazy. The only area where it might fall short is in the very lowest bass, but that might not even be present in the original source. The sleeve and vinyl aren't the highest quality I've seen from Japan, but they're not bad enough to be disappointed over. Update: Comparing the Japanese original with the 2023 reissue, I noticed some differences worth mentioning. The first thing you might notice is that the reissue is a bit more compressed. This makes the instruments more even, especially some of the highs. It flattens the sound a bit but also adds more drive, which works well on some tracks. I did mention in my initial review that the 2023 edition has a nice thump in the mid-highs, which is really enjoyable on upbeat tracks like 'Kimamani Reflection.' While the original is missing some of that, it has a smoother sound that's more crankable and sometimes has more thump in the lows. The reissue is a bit edgier in direct comparison, but it varies too much from track to track to generalize. While the compression sometimes helps bring out details or vocals that I felt were buried in the original, the extra dynamic range is better at making certain highlights stand out and creating a more defined soundstage. If I had to pick one, I'd go with the original for its overall more pleasant presentation and because it's just Cooler, if you will. They're both good in their own right, and I almost wish there was another version that combined the best of both since either can shine more at different times. Either way, you're in for some of the best City Pop Japan has to offer. Equipment Used: Technics SL-1210GR Turntable with ATVM540ML Cartridge, iFi Zen Phono, Cyrus 2 Amplifier, Revel F35 Tower Speakers.
Audio: fantastic sound quality with excellent volume, not a hint of surface noise anywhere.
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