The Sisters Of Mercy - First And Last And Always Collection Mp3

I am no SoM expert, but I just took a listen to this new remastered 96/24 version of FLA and compared each track with the original version (well, technically the 1988 CD release). It's interesting because in some tracks like Black Planet there is a little less of that warm, raw energy compared to the originals - for instance the snare drums are not as forward. But on the flip side you get better bass, louder volume, cleaner sound, better separation. It's probably how Sisters of Mercy would sound if they recorded this album today. That may or may not be a good thing for some fans, so I'll leave that to each person to decide on their own. Personally, I think the pros outweigh the cons on this one because every track sounds fuller and richer, even if some of the rawness has been lost. I think people with decent listening environments will appreciate.BTW, this version is much, much better than the 2006 Remastered and Expanded version. I don't own that anymore but I remember it sounding very thin and flat. The Floodland and Vision Thing remasters from that year were quite good, there was just something about the FLA remaster I never liked. This version may not be as good as the 2011 MFSL remaster - I haven't heard it but MFSL's reputation is well deserved. Still, this is the best version I personally have heard.

I own the MFSL version and also the 24/96 FLAC. Plus other versions on CD/LP. Let me assure you the MFSL version isn’t great. Because it uses the American master. Bass and drum sound bleak and the guitars sounds thin. My favorite version is the 1992 remaster version. Great balance, depth and very good stereo image. Actually is the best of both worlds. You get the all the benefits of the 24/96 version and still the rawness of the guitars. For the few bucks I really recommend buying the 1992 remaster.

2006 Remastered and Expanded version "thin and flat", and then some! It's hard to come up with a worse sounding remaster in the last 10 years. £6000 of Naim hifi rendered impotent by modern techniques. Thanks for the info on the comparative merits of the latest files.