This review is part of my Series "SOUNDS
GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters 1970s Rock And Pop" Download Book available
to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software
to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my
Author's Page for this and other related publications:
"...I Really Have Enjoyed My Stay..."
When the 2CD Deluxe Edition
of Supertramp’s mega-hit album "Breakfast In America" appeared in
early October 2010 with a sticker on its front packaging declaring that it
contained a superb new remaster by GREG CALBI within – I must admit I was
tempted.
But I thought to myself - I don’t really want (nor need) a bunch of
superfluous live tracks on Disc 2 – and pay for the privilege of it too. So I left it
be…
But I recently noticed the
cheaper 'single' CD version (released at the same time) of "Breakfast In
America" by SUPERTRAMP on A&M/Universal 0600753304372 (Barcode
600753304372) retailing in some places for as little as a fiver (a few more
bucks in the USA). And it’s a bit of a bargain frankly.
The 8-page booklet is
the same as the previous basic issue (lyrics, a few photos) - but the 'sound'
is a brilliantly realised August 2010 remaster that really makes you sit up and
take notice (46:21 minutes).
1. Gone Hollywood
2. The Logical Song
3. Goodbye Stranger
4. Breakfast In America
5. Oh Darling
6. Take The Long Way Home
[Side 2]
7. Lord Is It Mine
8. Just Another Nervous Wreck
9. Casual Conversations
10. Child Of Vision
GREG CALBI is important to
Supertramp’s highly polished audiophile sound because he mastered the original
1979 A&M Records LP (as well as their “Crime Of The Century” gem from 1974)
– and therefore has an intimate knowledge of the tapes. And with a staggering
2,300 mastering and remastering credits to his name across four decades – he
knows his way around a console and a tape box or two.
The sound quality is just
fantastic - standout tracks like “Goodbye Stranger” (lyrics above), the lesser
heard “Oh Darling” and the stunning album finisher “Child Of Vision” with its
extended keyboard workouts now sound huge – but without being overblown or over
trebled. They’re warmer and clearer – and the layers of the original meticulous
production unravel on almost every track. I can even forgive the truly dreadful
“Logical Song” and its cringing lyrics. “Gone Hollywood” and “Just Another
Nervous Wreck” are good too – top-notch audio.
If you’ve been on the fence
about this album - then this dirt-cheap brilliant sounding remaster is where to
dive in…
