Just got my new 2008 analog source mastering to CD, ZFT version of the album and I have to say I'm confused.
Firstly, don't get me wrong it's a nice release, however I'm not going to get rid of my original Ryco version as for some reason I can hear things on that recording that I can't hear in this new version.
With albums like Tinseltown Rebellion, Apostrophe, Overnight Sensation and One Size Fits All, the new ZFT releases are far superior and there's no question about being able to get rid of the Ryco versions. However with Hot Rats, what I'm hearing is clarity on guitars and keyboards while previously clear wind instruments seem to be lowered in volume in the new ZFT CD release.
Perhaps I just got used to my Ryco version and for some reason there's things on that release that have been changed slightly by the new recording. It must be the new mastering. Essentially I think this is going be like piano sounds. Some people love a Steinway, while other's love a Kawai or a Yamaha. The Steinway has a more muddier tone which purists believe is true to what the great composers would have played on and therefore gives a sense of authenticity and as composer intended sound when playing there music.
This release is like this. The new mastering has done some great things and some not so great things. Strangely the Ryco release seems to have higher mix levels resulting in a recording with more volume and better trebles. The new release is crystal clear where it wasn't previously but some of the things I liked at higher levels such as treble wind instruments etc now have a back seat and guitars are brighter. The bass seems slightly chunkier too.
I'm still enjoying it but I wouldn't write off the Ryco release for a second. This album is obviously more complex than other recordings. Most of the other recordings on the new ZFT releases have been top notch, this one will be entirely at the taste of the listener.
I'm really interested to hear the new vinyl release when it arrives as this is going to no doubt be a completely new mix as well. If only Frank were alive to verify the ultimate intended release. This album really does show up poor audio equipment and highlights just how complex and amazing this music is. Even the re-mastering can be heard with every change made to the mix. Seriously awesome compositions and if nothing else it's really nice to have different masterings of this album.
Who knows, perhaps I'll need to hear the other 97 releases of the album someday.
