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SACD

(e.s.t.) Esbjorn Svensson Trio – Viaticum (2005) [SACD / ACT – ACTSACD 9801-2]

adminMay 11, 2025 511 Views

Title: (e.s.t.) Esbjorn Svensson Trio – Viaticum (2005)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Esbjörn Svensson’s trio (E.S.T.) blends acoustic and electric sounds, creating a distinctive, refined jazz style. Their stable lineup, with Svensson on piano, Dan Berglund on bass, and Magnus Öström on drums, ensures cohesive interplay. Subtle amplified keyboard shades enhance Svensson’s piano, setting E.S.T. apart from louder jazz combos. Viaticum showcases their meditative, surrealistic sound, rooted in a spiritual aesthetic. Tracks like “Tide of Trepidation” echo ECM’s mysterious style with electronic undertones. “In the Tail of Her Eye” conveys heartbreak, while “What Though the Way May Be Long” explores poetic destiny. “The Unstable Table & the Infamous Fable” evokes cinematic tension, and “Eighty Eight Days in My Veins” drives with a 6/8 shuffle. “The Well Wisher” dances lightly in a tango-like style, reminiscent of Keith Jarrett. “A Picture of Doris Travelling with Boris” paints a haunting, nocturnal soundscape. Viaticum appeals to ECM fans, fantasy enthusiasts, and younger listeners, marking a progressive step for E.S.T.

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2 min read

SACD

Various Artists – 2L The Nordic Sound – Audiophile Reference Recordings (2009) [SACD / 2L-RR1-SABD]

adminMay 11, 2025 330 Views

Title: Various Artists – 2L The Nordic Sound – Audiophile Reference Recordings (2009)
Genre: Classical
Format: MCH SACD ISO

2L’s 2-disc set includes materials over which audiophiles could sit & argue for hours, if not longer. Each disc contains the same 19 musical selections taken from their growing, broad selection of recordings ranging from Mozart & Vivaldi to Schoenberg, Carter & beyond. The goal, presumably, is to make an argument for the superiority of surround sound not just for movies, but for music as well. Disc 1 is a hybrid SACD with 3 separate audio tracks: DSD Stereo, DSD 5.1 channel surround, & standard redbook. The 2nd disc is a Blu-ray disc again presenting 3 audio formats: 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio, 5.1 channel 24bit Linear PCM, & 2ch 24bit Linear PCM. Two discs, 19 tracks, & 6 different audio formats to choose from; what’s an audiophile to do? There can be little question that 3 surround options, whether on Blu-ray or SACD, offer a far more pleasing listening experience; the level of detail & realism offered in these formats vastly exceeds the 2ch tracks. But even between the surround options, there are differences. There are some tracks, such as the excerpts from Britten’s “Simple” Symphony & Bartуk’s Sonata for Solo Violin, where the SACD surround track offers a much cleaner, more detailed accounting. However, the sense of truly being in the centre of a live performance of Islandmoen’s Requiem or Haydn’s Op. 76/5, String Quartet that is achieved on the Blu-ray with DTS-HD cannot be improved upon. The decision, then, comes down to the preference of individual listeners. Maybe even more than that, however, is the practicality of using Blu-ray as an audio-only format. Sure, there’s a sharp-looking menu that listeners can use to navigate the disc, but that still seems like a bit of a waste of Blu-ray’s vast storage capacity. DVD-A was a format that was even less popular/accepted than SACD, so it will be interesting to see if Blu-ray Audio catches on.

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2 min read

SACD

Otis Redding – Otis Blue (1965) [Analogue Productions 2016] [SACD / Analogue Productions – CAPP 095 SA]

adminMay 11, 2025 421 Views

Title: Otis Redding – Otis Blue (1965) [Analogue Productions 2016]
Genre: Soul, Funk
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Otis Blue, Otis Redding’s third album, is his first fully realized work, showcasing his bold talent and clear musical direction. Half the album features Redding’s confident takes on diverse songs, including three by his idol Sam Cooke, who died in 1964. Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “Shake” are soul masterpieces, while “Wonderful World” is a rare gem. Redding’s covers of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “My Girl” highlight the Stax/Volt sound. His originals “Respect” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” became iconic, with “Respect” later popularized by Aretha Franklin. A standout cover of B.B. King’s “Rock Me Baby” features Steve Cropper’s dynamic guitar and a strong horn section. Redding’s gritty, powerful vocals make Otis Blue rich and deeply moving. This album is an essential soul listening experience.

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1 min read

SACD

Andrew Lloyd Webber – The Phantom of the Opera (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2004) [SACD / Sony Classical – 828767666228]

adminMay 11, 2025 343 Views

Title: Andrew Lloyd Webber – The Phantom of the Opera (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2004)
Genre: Soundtrack
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, adapted from Gaston Leroux’s 1911 novel, is a blockbuster stage musical with global cast album sales nearing 25 million. The 2004 film soundtrack, directed by Joel Schumacher, features a 100-piece orchestra and The London Boys Choir. The single-disc version includes key songs, while a deluxe double-disc edition is also available. Gerard Butler’s youthful Phantom complements Emmy Rossum’s conflicted Christine, with new arrangements by David Cullen. Webber added a new ballad, “Learn to Be Lonely,” sung by Minnie Driver, for the film. The musical, second only to Cats in Webber’s catalog, opened in London in 1986 and New York in 1988. The original London cast album, featuring Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, sold eight million copies in the U.S. by 1996. The film soundtrack, the first major re-recording since 1986, includes a 63-minute standard CD and a complete two-hour Special Edition. The Special Edition contains full film audio, including dialogue and effects, making it an unusual listen. Despite new material, the original 1986 recording with Crawford and Brightman remains the definitive version.

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2 min read

SACD

Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra – Balalaika Favorites (1963) [Reissue 2005] [SACD / Mercury – 475 6610]

adminMay 10, 2025 309 Views

Title: Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra – Balalaika Favorites (1963) [Reissue 2005]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

This SACD features the first recordings made in the Soviet Union by American musical and technical staff, captured in Moscow. The Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra’s legendary performances are presented in their original 3-channel (left, right, center) format. Using 35mm film masters, the disc includes a DSD 3-channel stereo and a new DSD stereo transfer. The orchestra, with domras, gooslis, Vladimir Shepherd’s Horns, and balalaikas, delivers Russian folk music with astonishing artistry. Its sound, distinct from Western ensembles, resembles guitars, mandolins, pan pipes, and harps. The music, rich in melody and rhythm but light on harmony and form, is charming and unique. Originally released in the early ’60s on Mercury Living Presence, the LP was a classical bestseller. Its realistic 3-channel, 35mm film recording made it a stereophile favorite. Restored in super-audio, the disc places instruments like the lead balalaika and goosli vividly in the soundstage. Ideal for lovers of exotic, well-recorded music, this release remains a captivating listen.

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1 min read

SACD

Oscar’s Motet Choir – Cantate Domino (1976) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / Proprius – PRSACD 7762]

adminMay 10, 2025 356 Views

Title: Oscar’s Motet Choir – Cantate Domino (1976) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Cantate Domino, recorded by legendary sound engineer Bertil Alving in 1976, is widely regarded as one of the greatest audiophile masterpieces ever recorded. Opening with Enrico Bossi’s “Cantate Domino” for choir, organ, trumpets and trombones, the choral album includes a number of Swedish folk songs as well as pieces by Handel, Otto Olsson, and others. The famous reference record is now made even better with this audiophile SACD release.
This collection of Christmas-related sacred music for chorus, brass and organ from Oscar’s Motet Choir has long been considered an audiophile reference, famous for its incredible sound quality. Recorded simply in a Stockholm church in 1976 to a Revox reel-to-reel machine using two Pearl microphones, the album showcases the performances of soprano Marianne Mellnäs and organist Alf Linder and includes works by Enrico Bossi, Handel, Otto Olsson, Adolphe Adam along with psalms and Swedish folk songs.

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1 min read

Blu-ray Audio

John Lennon – Imagine: The Ultimate Edition (1971/2018) [4CD + 2 Blu-ray Audio Box Set]

adminMay 10, 2025May 10, 2025 342 Views

1971 Classic Gets Ultimate Treatment!
4CDs & 2 Blu-Ray Audio Discs Box Set!
120-page Book!

Explore and enjoy the IMAGINE album and the 1971 Ascot Sound Studios & Record Plant Sessions
like you’ve never seen or heard them before.
This new edition takes us on incredibly personal journey through the entire songwriting and recording process – from the very first writing and demo sessions at John’s home studio at Tittenhurst Park through to the final co-production with Phil Spector – providing a remarkable testament of the lives of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in their own words.

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1 min read

Blu-ray Audio

John Lennon – Mind Games (Deluxe Edition) (1973/2024) [Blu-ray Audio / BDMV / 90.48 GB]

adminMay 10, 2025May 10, 2025 362 Views

Title: John Lennon – Mind Games
Release Date: 1973/2024
Genre: Rock

Production/Label:Calderstone Production Limited
Duration: 00:40:41
Quality: Blu-ray Audio
Container: BDMV
Video codec: AVC
Audio codec: Dolby TrueHD
Video:MPEG-4 AVC Video 0 kbps 1080p / 23,976 fps / 16:9 / High Profile 4.1
Audio #1: LPCM Audio English 2304 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 2304 kbps / 24-bit
Audio #2: LPCM Audio English 9216 kbps 2.0 / 192 kHz / 9216 kbps / 24-bit
Audio #3: DTS-HD Master Audio English 0 kbps 5.1 / 192 kHz / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit)
Audio #4: Dolby TrueHD + Atmos English 0 kbps 7.1 / 48 kHz / 24-bit (AC3 Embedded: 5.1-EX / 48 kHz / 448 kbps)
Size: 90.48 GB

Continuing The Ultimate Collection series of John Lennon album remixes for 2024 The John Lennon Estate and Universal Music Recordings present:

JOHN LENNON – MIND GAMES – THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

A Limited Edition 10-inch square Box Set including 6 CDs, 2 HD Audio Blu-Rays, a 136-page hardback book; a reproduction of the original 1973 triptych marketing poster; postcard sized reproductions of 1973 advert artworks and an individually numbered Citizen of Nutopia ID Card.

6 CDs of The Ultimate Mixes, Elemental Mixes, Elements Mixes, Evolution Documentary, Out-takes and Raw Studio Mixes.

2 Audio Blu-Rays include High Definition 24/192 Stereo, 24/192 5.1 Surround, and Dolby Atmos versions of all of the above, plus the 2024 Remastered ‘Mind Games’ music video and a ‘You Are Here’ (additional out-take) tape boxes music video.

Produced by Sean Ono Lennon. Mixed and Engineered by Triple GRAMMY-Award winner Paul Hicks, Mixed and Engineered by Sam Gannon and Mixed by Rob Stevens. Stereos Mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios. 5.1 Surround and Dolby Atmos mastered by Sam Gannon.

Included is a 136-page glossy, hardback coffee-table book about the writing and recording of the album – in the words of John & Yoko – taken from hundreds of hours of archive interviews; also featuring brand-new interviews with all the musicians and engineers, exclusive never-before-seen photographs by Bob Gruen and unseen photos, lyrics, letters, original tape boxes and memorabilia from the John Lennon & Yoko Ono Lennon Archives.

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2 min read

SACD

Oscar Peterson – Travelin’ On (1968) [Reissue 2003] [SACD / MPS Records – 06024 9811305]

adminMay 10, 2025 379 Views

Title: Oscar Peterson – Travelin’ On (1968) [Reissue 2003]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO

Travelin’ On captures a memorable Oscar Peterson Trio concert recorded in Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer’s studio. Featuring bassist Sam Jones and drummer Bobby Durham, Peterson passionately performs the gospel classic “Travelin’ On.” The trio delivers a stunning ten-minute rendition of Johnny Mandel’s ballad “Emily,” retaining its emotional depth. Durham’s soft percussion sets up Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Corcovado,” which Peterson dominates with virtuosic technique. Francy Boland’s “Sax No End,” a recent composition, is reimagined by Peterson’s uptempo, big-band-like interpretation. Jones’ agile bass and Durham’s steady drums enhance the track. Peterson’s extended take on Benny Carter’s “When Lights Are Low” feels refreshingly new. Part of the Exclusively for My Friends series, Travelin’ On is highly recommended.

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1 min read

SACD

Oscar Peterson Trio – West Side Story (1962) [APO Remaster 2011] [SACD / Analogue Productions – CVRJ 8454 SA]

adminMay 10, 2025 354 Views

Title: Oscar Peterson Trio – West Side Story (1962) [APO Remaster 2011]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

West Side Story was a bit of an unusual session for several reasons. First, the popularity of both the Broadway musical and the film version that followed meant that there were many records being made of its music. Second, rather than woodshed on the selections prior to entering the studio, the Oscar Peterson Trio spontaneously created impressions of the musical’s themes on the spot. “Something’s Coming” seems like a series of vignettes, constantly shifting its mood, as if moving from one scene to the next. Ray Brown plays arco bass behind Peterson in the lovely “Somewhere,” while the feeling to “Jet Song” is very hip in the trio’s hands. The snappy interplay between the musicians in the brisk setting of “Tonight” turns it into a swinger. “Maria” initially has a light, dreamy quality, though it evolves into a solid groove. The romp through “I Feel Pretty” is full of humor, while the album closes with a brief reprise of several themes from the musical to wrap the session with a flourish.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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1 min read