In this article, music writer Michael Edwards explores the newly remastered edition of Steely Dan's timeless album, Aja. Join him as he delves into the sound quality, artwork, and overall listening experience, offering insights and comparisons to the original release.
The Meticulous Remastering Process
Discover the meticulous remastering process behind the new edition of Aja.
Steely Dan's Aja has been meticulously remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tapes. This process ensures that the album retains its original sound quality while enhancing certain aspects for a more immersive listening experience.
The lacquers for the 33 1/3 RPM 180-gram version were cut by Alex Abrash at AA Mastering studio from high-resolution digital files of Grundman's new masters. The result is a vinyl pressing that captures the essence of the original recording.
By preserving the integrity of the analog tapes and utilizing modern mastering techniques, the new edition of Aja brings the music to life in a way that both honors the original release and offers a fresh perspective for listeners.
Comparing Artwork and Packaging
Explore the differences in artwork and packaging between the new edition and the original release.
The new edition of Aja features artwork printed on oaktag-type stock, reminiscent of the original album covers. However, the finish is less glossy, giving it a slightly washed-out appearance compared to the high-gloss laminated finish of the original covers.
While the new edition's album labels replicate the late-'70s "rainbow" style design of the original LPs, the Geffen logo replaces the original ABC Records logo. Despite these differences, the overall presentation still captures the essence of the original release.
Although the new edition does not include the original inner sleeve with printed lyrics, the visual and tactile experience of the album remains intact, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the music and appreciate the iconic artwork.
The Sound Quality Debate
Delve into the sound quality of the new edition and its comparison to the original release.
The new edition of Aja is digitally sourced, which may raise concerns for audiophiles seeking the purest analog sound. While some digital edges can be heard at higher volumes, the dark black vinyl pressing is remarkably quiet and well-centered.
It's worth noting that certain original ABC Records pressings were not known for their exceptional sound quality and could be noisy at times. Therefore, the new edition offers a tradeoff between the convenience of a new release and the potential imperfections of older pressings.
However, it's important to acknowledge that individual copies may have minor distortions or channel dropouts due to the age of the source tape. These imperfections are inherent to the copy of a 45-year-old tape and do not detract significantly from the overall listening experience.
The Quest for the Original
Uncover the journey to find the "original" version of Aja and its significance for collectors.
For collectors and purists, the search for the "original" version of Aja can be a rewarding but costly endeavor. Good condition originals have become highly collectible, with prices ranging from $70 to $100 or more.
The new edition, sourced from a 1980 analog tape copy EQ'ed by mastering engineer Bob Ludwig, offers a closer representation of the first-generation master tape. However, to experience the album in its truest form, collectors may need to track down one of the original ABC Records editions.
While the new edition may not satisfy the most discerning collectors, it provides a more accessible option for fans who want to enjoy Aja's timeless music without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The new Geffen/UMe edition of Steely Dan's Aja offers a solid listening experience for fans of this iconic album. While it may not satisfy audiophiles seeking the purest analog sound, the meticulous remastering process ensures that the music retains its original essence while benefiting from modern mastering techniques.
Although there are some differences in artwork and packaging compared to the original release, the overall presentation captures the spirit of the album. The sound quality debate, while acknowledging minor imperfections, highlights the tradeoffs between convenience and the pursuit of the "original" version.
Ultimately, the new edition of Aja provides an accessible option for fans to enjoy the timeless music of Steely Dan without the hefty price tag of original pressings. It's a worthwhile addition to any vinyl collection and a testament to the enduring legacy of this classic album.
FQA
Is the new edition of Aja digitally sourced?
Yes, the new edition of Aja is digitally sourced, which may raise concerns for audiophiles seeking the purest analog sound. However, the meticulous remastering process ensures that the music retains its original essence while benefiting from modern mastering techniques.
Does the new edition include the original inner sleeve with printed lyrics?
No, the new edition of Aja does not reproduce the original inner sleeve with printed lyrics. This may be disappointing for those who enjoy reading Steely Dan's often quizzical and obtuse lyrics while listening to the album.
What is the significance of finding the "original" version of Aja?
For collectors and purists, finding the "original" version of Aja can be a rewarding but costly endeavor. Good condition originals have become highly collectible, and the search for these editions allows collectors to experience the album in its truest form.
