Gentle Giant – Octopus

Note sure what some are on about with respect to the sound quality on this reissue from the original Master 1/4" master tape, my copy is extremely good. It has great dynamics no dullness, in my case it is approaching audiophile SQ, near total background silence on runs ins. I have quite a high end MC cartridge, turntable and phono stage with the rest of the system being Krell pre/power amps and WB speakers so maybe that helps a bit.

A very good version IMHO.

So I bought this, as for quite a while i was looking for an early 70s release in very good plus (minimum) condition, but both at fairs and discog sellers, it's really quite expensive, and as much as I prefer (well produced) existing versions of LPs I bought this new from amazon Germany - even with shipping to Ireland, it was less than 30 euros..
This is a really good album, a classic of prog, and personally (and not a small part of the motivation for wanting it on lp), this is, to me, Roger Deans best album cover.
In my opinion the sound is excellent, and of very high quality for an album from '72. As mentioned this is NOT the remixed Wilson version (despite this being erroneously stated inside the gatefold). Personally this was one of the reasons I bought it, because as a big Jethro Tull fan, I feel he removed a lot of the warmth of these albums, which is part of the fabric of Tull for me, the same applies to this album. I am a fan of Wilson, but for certain albums his treatment removes something I like (and adds something too, but the trade is not worth it for me-not on vinyl anyway).
I'm personally very happy with the sound of this version, its very good. A welcome addition..

I have the first two albums of the 50th anniversary reissues which I could hear in direct comparison to their original prints:
While these soundwise are excellent reproductions (which I highly recommend), this one here lacks considerably.
rDin wrote "muffled" and "lacking clarity" and that describes the listening experience quite acurately. As if one was listening to Spotify through a curtain, it's almost strange.

Now I'd be interested whether the original tapes / issues may have already been of an inferior quality or what it was that explains this.
I recall having read about the reissues of the first two albums that they have been remastered with at least one band member present, to which I attributed the fabulous reproduction, not messed up by a young engenier with CD&Streamer-ears. Maybe here that has been the case, if it wasn't the tapes being spoilt.

But below emerged a discussion which I lack understanding to follow.
Could someone shed some light please?

In all, my summary is this:
The first two albums are splendid reproductions, this one here is not audiophile. I will not keep it.
This also due to the impression I get from the music, which does not have the spark of spontaneous creativity which I treasure from the first albums. Rather, like the later Pink Floyd, it reeks of a band imitating itself, as in "how did we do it?" It's all there, and yet, something is painfully amiss.

Jesus Christ I have heard so many of these non top end LP's why does this happen ... Oh the tapes are old and it's flat so no EQing on this or probably all of them ... I have heard so many old LP's and none of them I thought I was going deaf till I read this forum ... I mean all the Miles Showell releases are like mud or the top end lacks so much you do think you lost your hearing but a original one on and your like holy crap thank god.... Go to You Tube they have LP rips all over the place...

THIS IS NOT THE WILSON REMIX DESPITE IT SAYING SO IN THE GATEFOLD

it’s the exact same mix as my original US copy

all the Alucard reissues from 2020 are the original mixes

My copy was silent as could be. Great sound quality.

Is this using the Wilson remix or is it the original mix?

Disappointed by the sound quality on this release. Muffled and generally lacking clarity throughout. Have never heard an original, however, so cannot compare.