Why is most everything remastered?

Remasters were initially done to improve the early digital transfers to CDs. In the 1990s when digital technology improved there was often an improvement to the CD.

Loudness Wars ruined the intended sound of recordings, the only concern was to pump up the sound for playback in cars and iPods using earbuds.

I was fooled by the marketing bait into buying remastered CDs. After continually being disappointed by these ruined albums, I now buy only original pressings. Early Redbook CDs are what the albums are supposed to sound like. 

@trentmemphis , that's true. The music business is very different today where you have mega stars having final say over their music..."use more Auto-Tune and add more compression."

In the past, the engineer and producer would record and mix the tracks and create a master. Before a record was cut, a mastering engineer would do his thing, then a test pressing was sent to a record label exec who would give final approval.

don't know how many times Jimmy remastered his compositions but his most recent Zeppelin III sounds outstanding on CD. I just received a copy a few hours ago. The stripped down companion disc sounds like they're in the same room. Does anyone have the vinyl of his last master? I'm curious does it get any better.

@voodoolounge , I own all the LZ 2014, 15 remasters on vinyl. The  sound is very good, much better than I expected. Sound is as good if not better than other modern remasters. Even Bonzo's kick drum has impact, which is lacking in all previous remasters.

I also have all early release CDs pressed in Germany (1984, 85) which have outstanding sonics. Separation of instruments is better than the vinyl remasters and the kick drum has realistic tone and impact. Still, Jimmy's latest work on vinyl is worth owning.

Do remasters count as a new work ?

Could be a way for record companies to extend copyright.

Record labels do get a new copyright on a remaster.

I agree that Sgt. Pepper has a great amount of detail that has been revealed. It's more lively, noise-free with clarity, and a judicious use of compression. However, I find the overall timbre to be lean and thin in the highs. The type of tipped-up high-end found on earlier remasters. If these issues were addressed I would call this remaster a masterpiece.