DREAMBOAT ANNIE - Until the Japanese get off the stick and do a SHM-CD or blue-spec set of these albums, this pressing remains the highest quality available, better even than the DCC Gold, Steve Hoffman-produced edition. The editing is more in line with the original release, and the sound is crisper, cleaner, and deeper.
MAGAZINE (Original Issue) - This is a vinyl rip (not mine) in 24-96 flac of the original, unauthorized U.S. or Canadian (Mushroom Records) pressing of the album from 1977. Originally intended to be the band's second album, if the strongest songs in this one ("Heartless", "Magazine" and "Devil Delight", etc.) had been combined with the strongest ones from LITTLE QUEEN, I honestly believe it would have been a breakthrough hit on par with Fleetwood Mac's RUMOURS. However, the band's quite understandable break with their original label caused said label to issue an album of what seems to be early studio versions and canned live tracks. When a lawsuit caused this album to be withdrawn, the deal was that Heart would re-record and re-mix the album completely, which they did. In the process, however, I think they ruined it. There's a feeling missing from both the singing and playing in the commercially-released version, and the songs seem somewhat, well, over-produced. In any event, this is the absolute best copy I've ever found of this album. I also have it available in an ape image, and will upload that upon request.
MAGAZINE - This is the re-recorded version, and the best mix and pressing available--which, despite my disparaging remarks above, is nonetheless quite impressive. In a timeline, this album actually comes after LITTLE QUEEN, and the re-mix shows it. Still, well worth a listen and a comparison to the original.
LITTLE QUEEN - This uses the same mastering as the U.S. Legacy expanded edition, only the Japanese quality control gives it a better sound. A brilliant album, but if MAGAZINE had included tunes from here (as originally planned), the album would have been much stronger.
DOG & BUTTERFLY - Perhaps the last truly brilliant album Heart ever released, in its 2004 Legacy expanded remaster and benefiting from a Japanese pressing. Highly recommended
PRIVATE AUDITION and PASSIONWORKS - This UK import contains both of these previously hard-to-find CD's in one slipcase. The sound is only slightly better than the U.S. pressings...but try to find even them!
HEART - Considered the first of Heart's "corporate rock" period, it's also arguably the best of that bunch. The Japanese pressing is certainly superior to the MFSL.
DREAMBOAT ANNIE LIVE - This is one of those rare Japanese pressings (in SHM-CD, no less!) which actually sounds worse than the U.S. edition. The only saving grace are two Japan-only live tracks, which sound better than the rest of the album.
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