Now you'll be able to tell what silly mastering is performed on some recordings. Several of my favorites are Pianos that stretch the entire sound stage with the low keys on one side and the upper keys on the other. Drummers with 10 foot arms, etc. A great example of an incredible mastering job is Weather Report's Mysterious Travelers. This is one you turn the lights off and lay back.
Next you should start paying attention not just to the side lay out but the depth. Most popular studio recordings are mixed right up front. Sometimes too up front. Live recordings usually have a better depth perspective I assume because some of the venue's acoustics are present. Listen to Bill Evans's Waltz for Debbie or Sunday at the Village Vanguard. Scott LaFaro RIP. Another favorite live recording is the perennial Waiting for Columbus by Little Feat. Jeez, right now I'm listening to Brittany Howard's Jaime. What a voice!! Amazing control.
Next you should start paying attention not just to the side lay out but the depth. Most popular studio recordings are mixed right up front. Sometimes too up front. Live recordings usually have a better depth perspective I assume because some of the venue's acoustics are present. Listen to Bill Evans's Waltz for Debbie or Sunday at the Village Vanguard. Scott LaFaro RIP. Another favorite live recording is the perennial Waiting for Columbus by Little Feat. Jeez, right now I'm listening to Brittany Howard's Jaime. What a voice!! Amazing control.