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Best vinyl version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

I have two copies of this Simon & Garfunkel album - one poorly cared-for copy from the 70's, and a brand new German pressing by Columbia/Legacy Euro. Neither of them sound particularly great. In particular, both suffer from audible distortion on the climactic passages at the end of the title track.
Can anyone recommend a particular pressing that sounds good? How about the Classic Records reissue?
Thanks,
Mika
mwaller

Showing 2 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The original Columbia pressing itself is somewhat inconsistent. There are some relatively good sounding cuts such as "Cecilia", "El Condor Pasa", and "The Only Living Boy in NYC". Conversely, there are some dogs such as "The Boxer", "Bridge", and "Keep the Customer Satisfied" which are lean and compressed.

I doubt any of the reissues are better.

FWIW, the original pressing of their best album, "Bookends", is spectacular. Makes you wonder what Paul Simon and Ray Halee were smoking during "Bridge".
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>Tommy" is a better recording than anything that came after.<<

Not quite true.

"Quadrophenia" has much better dynamics than "Tommy" and is easily their best sounding record.

This is based on the original USA 1969 "Tommy" and 1973 "Quadrophenia" releases. Can't speak to foreign releases or reissues.
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