Courtesy: ABKCO
Early this Spring, ABKCO re-issued to audiences around the world three more of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved albums. The albums in question are: Get Yer Ya-Yas Out: The Rolling Stones in Concert, 12 X 5, and the band’s hits collection Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2). All three titles were re-issued as part of ABKCO’s ongoing “Clearly Classic” series. And for audiences that prefer the vintage sound of vinyl to the more spit-shined sound of music on a CD or an MP3, these three latest re-issues are the perfect fit. That sound is only part of what audiences will appreciate in these latest re-issues. That they have been re-issued with their original artwork makes each vinyl even more enjoyable for fans of The Rolling Stones. Last but definitely not least of all, each of these re-issues can be purchased by themselves or collectively depending on whether or not one already owns the original vinyls. All three factors together make these vinyls the year’s top three music re-issues of 2014.
The central point in the enjoyment of ABKCO’s recently re-issued Rolling Stones titles is of course its sound. And it goes without saying that the sound on these re-issues could not be better. The sound is just as wonderful as it was in the vinyls’ original releases. Only in the case of these “Clearly Classic” re-issues, it actually sounds even better as if it was on CD. It sounds especially impressive on the band’s live release Get Yer Ya-Yas Out: The Rolling Stones in Concert. Considering how many years ago that concert was originally recorded, it’s incredible that it sounds as good today as it did then. Those charged with re-mastering the sound on that concert recording or this new re-issue are to be applauded for their efforts. Much the same can be said of the sound on both 12 X 5 and Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2). In the case of the songs on the latter of that pair, they have been added to nearly every one of the Stones’ many hits collections released over the years. So it’s nice to hear them in one of their earlier hits collections. There’s just a different quality that can’t be fully put into words. It is something that must be heard first hand to be fully appreciated.
Audiences will appreciate the sound of the songs on these three latest Rolling Stones re-issues. The sound on all three vinyls is just as impressive as that of the songs in their CD re-issues. Audiences will also appreciate in these re-issues the fact that they have been presented with their original artwork. There are so many labels out there today that try to revamp albums all the way down to their cover art as a means to market the albums. ABKCO didn’t take that route with these re-issues. It proves once more just how much the company wanted to honor both the historical significance of the albums and the band itself. Even more, it also shows a certain level of respect for the audiences, too. Older audiences will appreciate this as it will add to the sense of nostalgia established through the albums’ re-issues. Younger audiences that might be hearing these releases for the first time will appreciate them more for their historical significance. A comparison of such artwork to that of so many of today’s albums shows a vast stylistic difference. Unlike so many of today’s releases, there is nothing sexy or controversial about these releases’ artwork. That means that the attention will largely be on the music. The end result is a deeper appreciation for music that is plain and simple, real.
The transfer of the Rolling Stones’ original albums from CD back to vinyl on these re-issues is impressive to say the least. The sound quality is just as wonderful as ever. The use of the releases’ original artwork makes the overall listening experience even more enjoyable whether one is new to the world of The Rolling Stones or a far more seasoned fan. There is still one last aspect of these re-issues worth noting in their success. That final aspect in the success of these albums is the ease of purchasing them. They can each be purchased now via Amazon. And all three albums are below the thirty-dollar mark. So they are also affordable for audiences. Considering that many markets lack an indie store where fans could potentially pick up these vinyl re-issues, this ease of ordering becomes an even more important aspect to their overall enjoyment and success. Get Yer Ya–Yas Out can be ordered directly via Amazon at http://smarturl.it/YaYasLP, while 12 X 5 and Through The Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) can be ordered at http://smarturl.it/12x5LP and http://smarturl.it/TTPDVinyl respectively. That cost effectiveness and ease of ordering along with the releases’ artwork and quality sound transfer back to vinyl each partners together in the overall presentation of these releases to make them absolute must haves for any true-blooded Rolling Stones fan. It also makes them three of this year’s top new re-issues.
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