Sweet Sister Ray 2 LP Re-Issue?

[nkdlunch]

On the cover of Bill Evans Moon Beams too!

http://smironne.free.fr/NICO/mode.html

[leamanc]

I got my copy in today, and I really like it a lot so far!

To these ears, it does sound better than the original 2xLP bootleg from 1987. You can really make out the individual instruments much better, and the vocals are way more clear. I used to have to read printed lyrics to follow along with what Lou was singing, but I can actually make out the words just fine on this copy.

So, it was worth the investment, and I can easily call it the best "Sweet Sister Ray" I've heard yet. My points of reference are: 1.) the original vinyl; 2.) the original CD, which was just a vinyl rip with an extra track added; and 3.) the version on the Caught Between the Twisted Stars bootleg CD box set, which has some advantages over the original vinyl version, but is covered in a cloud of hiss.

A nice touch on this version is that the end of side one has a longer, slower fade-out. The original version's fade-out is more abrupt. (I listened to my original vinyl last night to prepare for comparison. I also listened to Caught Between the Twisted Stars in my car today -- that's a lot of "Sweet Sister Ray" lately ).

I'm finishing up side two right now; I'll report back later when I've listened to the second record. I have high hopes for the Guitar Amp Tape "Sister Ray" based on the improvements I've heard so far.

[nkdlunch]

Cool! Mines due here on Friday.

[iaredatsun]

I got my copy in today, and I really like it a lot so far!

To these ears, it does sound better than the original 2xLP bootleg from 1987. You can really make out the individual instruments much better, and the vocals are way more clear.

That's very encouraging to hear. Mine's on it's way and I'm looking forward to it after reading your post.

[lostblues]

Ok guys, based on your postive reviews I just ordered my copy. the postage US > Europe is just insane! Anyway, I hope the 35 Euros are well invested!
Is this a numbered release (as the pic on eBay suggests)?!

[lurid]

Just out of interest, do you know how it compares with the "from tape source" version I uploaded to Dime a while back? That version obviously had no fades in the middle, and I think it was less hissy than the "twisted stars" version....

I got my copy in today, and I really like it a lot so far!

To these ears, it does sound better than the original 2xLP bootleg from 1987. You can really make out the individual instruments much better, and the vocals are way more clear. I used to have to read printed lyrics to follow along with what Lou was singing, but I can actually make out the words just fine on this copy.

So, it was worth the investment, and I can easily call it the best "Sweet Sister Ray" I've heard yet. My points of reference are: 1.) the original vinyl; 2.) the original CD, which was just a vinyl rip with an extra track added; and 3.) the version on the Caught Between the Twisted Stars bootleg CD box set, which has some advantages over the original vinyl version, but is covered in a cloud of hiss.

A nice touch on this version is that the end of side one has a longer, slower fade-out. The original version's fade-out is more abrupt. (I listened to my original vinyl last night to prepare for comparison. I also listened to Caught Between the Twisted Stars in my car today -- that's a lot of "Sweet Sister Ray" lately ).

I'm finishing up side two right now; I'll report back later when I've listened to the second record. I have high hopes for the Guitar Amp Tape "Sister Ray" based on the improvements I've heard so far.

[leamanc]

Just out of interest, do you know how it compares with the "from tape source" version I uploaded to Dime a while back? That version obviously had no fades in the middle, and I think it was less hissy than the "twisted stars" version....

lurid, unfortunately I don't have that for comparison. I think I tried to download from Dime once and couldn't get an account, or what I went to download was no longer there. I forget what the problem was, but I haven't ever downloaded anything from Dime.

If you could point me to where I can download it, I'd gladly give "Sweet Sister Ray" yet another listen and make some comparisons!

[leamanc]

Ok guys, based on your postive reviews I just ordered my copy. the postage US > Europe is just insane! Anyway, I hope the 35 Euros are well invested!
Is this a numbered release (as the pic on eBay suggests)?!

Yes, USPS rates went up earlier this year, and the prices are certifiably insane!

The copy was hand spray-painted and hand numbered; I got #35 out of 300.

There was also some tape on the side of the sleeve that the records go in. You have to "break the seal" to get the records. I guess if this pressing turns out to be a collectible, copies with the seal unbroken will be worth more.

I still haven't gotten the chance to listen to the second record, but I really, really liked this version of "Sweet Sister Ray". I've always had a soft spot for the song, and it just sounds great here.

[leamanc]

I listened to the second record this evening. While the improvements in sound are not as extreme as with the "Sweet Sister Ray" disc, the two versions of "Sister Ray" on this record do sound a tad bit better than the original bootleg LP.

I've heard the Guitar Amp Tape "Sister Ray" at many different places, and they all have their pros and cons. This is one of the better ones, to be sure, and sounds slightly better than on the original Sweet Sister Ray 2xLP. But it didn't blow me away with vastly superior fidelity like "Sweet Sister Ray" did.

All in all, though, this is certainly worth the price, and I do see these two pressings of 300 each eventually becoming sought-after VU collectibles. It's a really nice package with some home-made touches, which has great music that sounds fantastic.

[bradski]

Got mine yesterday. Posted from US on Friday to Uk - so that is pretty fast. #121/300
I'm impressed - it's great. I can't compare to previous SSR .... as I never heard it - but this is really listenable.
Got the legendary guitar vers.on now.... its mindblowing.