Post by Beatle Bob on Jan 25, 2009 14:01:21 GMT -5
REVIEW: WITH THE BEATLES & SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND -"Red Mono". Dr. Ebbetts Release
By Beatle Bob
Part of the massive group of recent releases from Dr. Ebbetts includes the anticipated missing "Red Mono" discs, WITH THE BEATLES and SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND that were mastered and originally issued in Japan on vinyl. The previous releases of the "Red Mono's" by Dr. Ebbetts included the rest of the full-Beatles catalog and this finally completes the whole set.
This is the most impressive Beatles mono series ever to appear on disc. My past reviews on the previous "Red Mono" releases had me glowing and gushing over the transfers. My opinions on these two new releases are no different. For the SGT. PEPPER'S disc there is a feeling and sense like you get when you hear a wonderful stereo release--this actually has a sense and feeling of sound stage. The drums have kick. They have punch. The bass regulates your heartbeat. This is like no other mono. Usually you get a feeling of mono being flat and equal. Here, instruments jump out at you such as the opening notes "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Getting Better". The clarinet on "When I'm 64" is crystal clear. "Within You Without You" the Indian instruments feel like they're played next you in as you attend an overdub session. The strings on "She's Leaving Home" felt like they're floating in the air. "The "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (reprise) has a wallop. I felt like the speakers were gonna blow when I cranked this up. This is mono? You bet it is!
This disc is a perfect example of how a mono disc should sound and sets the standard for all future releases.
Listening to "WITH THE BEATLES" you become slightly less impressed as compared to the above release--but it still rounds out this series nicely and probably couldn't sound any better due to the limitations of the original mixes. There are some stand out moments like the opening guitar notes on "Roll Over Beethoven" that ring like a bell with clarity. The percussion on "Devil In Heart" is distinct and easy to pick out. The opening notes of the harmonica on "Little Child" is in your face. Lennon's powerhouse vocals on "Money" rattles your ear wax loose and the piano that opens the song stands out. Songs like "Hold Me Tight", "You Really Got A Hold On Me" still have a slight muddy feel, but that's not Dr. Ebbetts fault, but something inherent in the original mix.
These CDs once again come with immaculately reproduced artwork and the discs labels have the black EMI/ODEON thermal printed on the disc. "PEPPER" comes with the cut outs insert. Classy.
Kudos to Dr. Ebbetts for ending the "Red Monos" in style and making sure they are the ultimate in Beatles mono releases to aquire. Play 'em and play 'em loud!
Regards,
Beatle Bob
By Beatle Bob
Part of the massive group of recent releases from Dr. Ebbetts includes the anticipated missing "Red Mono" discs, WITH THE BEATLES and SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND that were mastered and originally issued in Japan on vinyl. The previous releases of the "Red Mono's" by Dr. Ebbetts included the rest of the full-Beatles catalog and this finally completes the whole set.
This is the most impressive Beatles mono series ever to appear on disc. My past reviews on the previous "Red Mono" releases had me glowing and gushing over the transfers. My opinions on these two new releases are no different. For the SGT. PEPPER'S disc there is a feeling and sense like you get when you hear a wonderful stereo release--this actually has a sense and feeling of sound stage. The drums have kick. They have punch. The bass regulates your heartbeat. This is like no other mono. Usually you get a feeling of mono being flat and equal. Here, instruments jump out at you such as the opening notes "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Getting Better". The clarinet on "When I'm 64" is crystal clear. "Within You Without You" the Indian instruments feel like they're played next you in as you attend an overdub session. The strings on "She's Leaving Home" felt like they're floating in the air. "The "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (reprise) has a wallop. I felt like the speakers were gonna blow when I cranked this up. This is mono? You bet it is!
This disc is a perfect example of how a mono disc should sound and sets the standard for all future releases.
Listening to "WITH THE BEATLES" you become slightly less impressed as compared to the above release--but it still rounds out this series nicely and probably couldn't sound any better due to the limitations of the original mixes. There are some stand out moments like the opening guitar notes on "Roll Over Beethoven" that ring like a bell with clarity. The percussion on "Devil In Heart" is distinct and easy to pick out. The opening notes of the harmonica on "Little Child" is in your face. Lennon's powerhouse vocals on "Money" rattles your ear wax loose and the piano that opens the song stands out. Songs like "Hold Me Tight", "You Really Got A Hold On Me" still have a slight muddy feel, but that's not Dr. Ebbetts fault, but something inherent in the original mix.
These CDs once again come with immaculately reproduced artwork and the discs labels have the black EMI/ODEON thermal printed on the disc. "PEPPER" comes with the cut outs insert. Classy.
Kudos to Dr. Ebbetts for ending the "Red Monos" in style and making sure they are the ultimate in Beatles mono releases to aquire. Play 'em and play 'em loud!
Regards,
Beatle Bob
