grillebilly
Empty Head
Agreed, good recording. Still no more impressive than the Alan Lomax field recordings on "Stovall's Plantation", as far as performance goes. 1941
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The case for low-quality recordings
- Thread starter grillebilly
- Start date
Agreed, good recording. Still no more impressive than the Alan Lomax field recordings on "Stovall's Plantation", as far as performance goes. 1941
Sharpstik
Stuck in the 70's
Yes, it sounds harsh. But that condition can be alleviated by using some compression/ limiting which will definitely soften it up. My Fats Domino albums benefit from using them.
grillebilly
Empty Head
The last thing I am thinking about when listening to this is trying to "polish" it.
grillebilly
Empty Head
I'm sure the bands that covered this one were more concerned about hearing it in its raw state than the recording techniques.
grillebilly
Empty Head
Magic Sam died so young, so this recording that sounds like it came from a portable recorder sitting on the bar makes it even more precious.
restorer-john
Addicted Member
Great musicians and great performances like many in this thread, shine through primitive and poor recordings. The Magic Sam one above is amazing.
But most would be much happier playing on a 4 tube mantle radio with a full range speaker. Much more period correct. Like some vintage collectible shops that play records to get the 'vibe' happening.
It just screws with my head (and ears) a bit playing a CD with shocking quality recordings on decent HiFi gear.
But most would be much happier playing on a 4 tube mantle radio with a full range speaker. Much more period correct. Like some vintage collectible shops that play records to get the 'vibe' happening.
It just screws with my head (and ears) a bit playing a CD with shocking quality recordings on decent HiFi gear.
grillebilly
Empty Head
This one was on one of the garage compilations.
Two minutes of gooey lo-fi goodness.
Two minutes of gooey lo-fi goodness.
grillebilly
Empty Head
Oh man these both are great examples.
Slick Willie
Addicted Member
Music first natch, but I want the bestes-es example of that music.
grillebilly
Empty Head
How 'bout a dirty screeching guitar surf instrumental, relegated to the trash bin of history if not for a few worn-out 45's
55Redneck
Canadian Redneck
I picked up a copy of a Sam and Dave album on a Stax label pressing and put it on the table for a bit and thought it sounded meh, put it in the box of future for sale records. Then a few weeks later I thought I'd give it another chance. Once I got over the fact it wasn't going to sound as good as some of my more modern recordings I started grooving on the music and it was great. It's still in my collection. 
grillebilly
Empty Head
And the chorus shouted back "Amen, brother" !!!
BlindBoyGrnt
Nullius in verba
I’ll include Bob Wills and Hank Williams, great music recorded with old equipment. Hank’s Mother’s Best radio recordings are particularly bad, but still great, if you know what I mean.
I honestly think this crowd is about the music first, and the sound of its reproduction secondly.
I'll share this - I could quote hundreds of songs that move my soul, and sound like a well-executed fart, and some of these tunes you might even know.
But perhaps one of the most moving tunes I ever had, and have still, was back in 1996, when I got painfully dumped by my girlfriend at a very pivotal moment in my life.
Best buddy (and buddy of mine, still) came to see me, got me properly drunk, and sang to me. Somehow, I set up an EMERSON cheap-ass ghetto box with one channel out, and recorded the moment with its built-in condenser mic.
Do you know I played my buddy singing Merle Haggard's "Sometimes I Dream" about 5000 times?? It was cathartic, and helped me heal. And, it was just a great take.
And it sounded like complete and utter butt. Warble of crappy cassette, limited range, natural reverb.......and yet perfect.
Recording is simply the medium. The music is what matters.
I'll share this - I could quote hundreds of songs that move my soul, and sound like a well-executed fart, and some of these tunes you might even know.
But perhaps one of the most moving tunes I ever had, and have still, was back in 1996, when I got painfully dumped by my girlfriend at a very pivotal moment in my life.
Best buddy (and buddy of mine, still) came to see me, got me properly drunk, and sang to me. Somehow, I set up an EMERSON cheap-ass ghetto box with one channel out, and recorded the moment with its built-in condenser mic.
Do you know I played my buddy singing Merle Haggard's "Sometimes I Dream" about 5000 times?? It was cathartic, and helped me heal. And, it was just a great take.
And it sounded like complete and utter butt. Warble of crappy cassette, limited range, natural reverb.......and yet perfect.
Recording is simply the medium. The music is what matters.