Re: Three Generations & MBBB

["Mark R. Leaman" <mleaman@sccoast.net>]

> ROFL!  Yep, always could on those early Beatles and Rolling Stones records.

Carolyn:

Actually, I hadn't noticed on my first copy (and never really paid
attention, either) as even in its best "simulated stereo" MG never
sounded very "stereo" to me. However, doing a one-to-one against a true
mono song gives it away immediately. And since you're listening with an
"educated ear," I'm sure you could tell.

> My bar code is different, actually:  it's small 0, 76743-1330-2, small 2.
> So what does that mean?

Hell, *I* don't know. Bruce asked what my bar code was, so I suppose it
identifies an issue. However, both of mine are identical save for the
paint on the CD. Didn't think to check the "run off" numbers, though.

> I suspect it's a reissue.

The bar code seems to confirm this. As I said, I got my first copy as
soon as I knew it was released on CD...there may have been a month or
two lag time, but not long enough for a second issue. Unless it sold a
Hell of a lot better than I think it did!

> BTW, I've only been able to find
> this CD in one store...is it still in print?

Last time I checked, CDNow had it. As a used CD store owner, I never go
in the Mall stores anymore...not that they'd carry it anyway...so I
can't say for sure. But at least Bruce was able to get a copy...perhaps
it was reissued when they realized it wasn't going to be remixed?

> Thanks for the help!  I think the sound quality's pretty good, myself.

I've always thought it was pretty good too, BUT the reissues have also
alerted me to the fact that it could sound a LOT better. Therefore I
wish Talmy and Polydor could work it out.

> There are also different numbers on the run off grooves (Is that
> what they are called on CDs?) of the CDs.

Bruce:

Alright, so now I'm wondering if the one you and Carolyn have is better
sounding than the mono one *I* have. So why don't we compare "run off"
numbers? I assume the code under the new one is the same as the old one?
Anyway, my runoff numbers (for the true mono version) are as follows:

MCAD-31330-3-1T (followed by a smaller and stamped rather than etched)
25

My other copy is at the store, and I won't be back there until Tuesday
if you want those numbers as well.

Can you tell me this: how does it compare to the Virgin vinyl version
(said to be the best)? I was about to make a CDr copy of it, but maybe I
shouldn't bother?

> I also don't see what was so pivitol about MBBB but when I speak with
> casual Who fans, fans who like The Who but don't own many Who albums, they
> always seem to have this one.

Carla:

I think it was perhaps not pivitol, but at least very important when it
was released mainly because it was the first chance US Who fans could
hear songs like I Can't Explain, I'm A Boy, Pictures Of Lily, and
Substitute. At least, those of us who didn't live in a city where they
performed or a radio station worth listening to. Also, we could now
actually OWN them!
Remember, it was the first "best of" for The Who. And the best, IMHO.

> PS. Brian, your chonologies are excellent.  I appreciate your efforts.

Hear hear!

-- 

    "He's more like Burger King than Martin Luther King."
                            Colt Fortifeinburg on Al Sharpton

                      Cheers                ML