Album Reviews

The sound of this reissue is so spectacular, Classic can be forgiven for using the wrong cover art. They scanned a second pressing. The “SLP 18000 STEREO” is inside a mustard colored banner back and front on the first press, and the banner points to a Monument logo.

When Classic claims to have discovered the original Monument master tape in Tennessee and used it for the first time since this album was first issued (along with the other Roy titles now in Classic’s catalog), I have to believe them, so clean, clear, uncluttered, transparent and warm is the sonic presentation.

If you’re only going to own one Roy album, I’m not sure this is the one because while it is a “greatest hits” album, it clearly doesn’t include them all. There’s a volume 2 not yet issued by Classic and a “Very Best of” that Monument issued later that some claim is the best sounding, but of course that was before this reissue. Then there’s the great sounding S&P double LP, which I believe is still in print. That one has about all of the essential Roy tunes, unless you are a fanatic like me, or my pal Frank Doris.

That said, I still recommend this title, even if you have the S&P, if just because the sound here is even better since the source is so pure. I have a pristine original and this reissue is somewhat more dynamic,definitely more transparent and easily more wideband. If it gives up anything to the original, it's in a slight lack of midband richness, and in Roy's sibilents, which aren't quite as smooth, but they are far more detailed.

You really have to hear these Bill Porter recorded gems on this pressing to hear his genius and Roy’s—and probably so you can decide if I’m full of shit for saying this is the best I’ve ever heard tracks like “Only The Lonely,” “Crying,” “Running Scared,” “Dream Baby,” “Candy Man” and the others sound. Most of the lesser known tracks are pretty good too! These cuts have never sounded so transparent, dynamic and there as they do here. I guarantee (but don’t expect your money back if you disagree!).