This particular hard rock album is a huge wall of noise with a lot of instruments playing loudly at the same time -- more than any other Tull release. It needs a very revealing system that can produce minute detail, clarity, and instrument separation. Don't be surprised if this album sounds exactly the same as the 33 version on a tube system. This is as far from jazz as you can get.

I don't mean to be disagreeable, however, Chet Baker 'Cool Cat' is a better album -- better songs, sound and playing. And the Kevin Gray remaster of 'Chet Baker in New York' is also better. But it's all a matter of opinion I guess.

do you think you'll get the new AS 33rpm and do a shoot out? I have all the AS Billie Holiday 33's and they sound wonderful.

Really love my just received Van Morrison RHINO Hi-Def. The sleeve is stout but near impossible to slide the LP back into. Accidentally purchased the GD American Beauty despite your warning which I believe to be very thin sounding. Was luke warm about the Black Sabbath release and it sold out quickly. So the more acoustic tracks of the Van LP are outstanding but you are right about the music sounding very detailed to the detriment of the whole. The two I own lack the gravitas of a full sounding LP like the Fagan Nightfly album.

I love this album. One of the finest vocals in rock n roll.

I sent my 50th vinyl remix back. Did not like it at all and didn't even bother to listen to the live record. My first impression was like you said, demo versions of some of the songs. I will continue to play my 50-ish y/o copy.

Wow Scott, your thoughtful integrity shines through this review. I am speculating but could it be certain mastering engineers have high frequency hearing loss, that could cloud their remastering , like you I am averse to overly bright recordings no matter the genre !

I didn’t find any on Amazon US, does anyone know where to find these in the the US, or if any of the dual pocket offerings (Big Fudge has some) on Amazon are the same quality? Great video. I’m relatively new to collecting vinyl, but not to collecting music. I’ve been using Invest in Vinyl’s inner anti-static sleeves, and their outer archival acetate sleeves. Up to this point I’ve been putting the entire gatefold album into one outer sleeve until I can find dual pocket sleeves. I just received two albums from Amazon (not my usual store choice) with small short, small splits on the spine. I know they’re not the greatest at storing vinyl, though they seem to be getting better at shipping (albeit inside the sleeve). One album was a special edition, and it’s sold out, no option for replacement there. The other is just a repress, so I’ll send it back. Bummed about that split on the special edition however.

I agree but I also have to recognize that this album wasn't recorded very well. I was disappointed with the sound.

Hi Scott, on my stereo, the Kevin Gray Fragile 33 RPM sounds great but the last song on the first side sounds a bit distorted. I'm thinking that this might be due to some inter-grove distortion being the last song. Maybe this would be eliminated on the upcoming 45RPM. I am blow away with The Yes Album on 45RPM by Kevin Gray that I just received.

a person would have to wonder if this Rhino re-issue was ever compared to other releases which many have heard. Some considered excellent sonically. They are spending enough money up front that should be on the list of things to do. Anyone with any logic would think they would have at least one clean copy of the Artisan/Ptiman pressing, the OG UK pressing, maybe a Germany pressing, and maybe the first JPN pressing done by Nippon Phonogram. At least compare the test pressing to these others for comparison purposes. I had considered buying this but think I'll pass. Already have 3 of the mentioned releases. More and more of the vinyl re-issues seem to be falling into the vein of the "HIFI" sounding MOFI Hotel California re-issue. Tweeked so much more than the originals it sounds fake. Once a person has heard the DCC re-issue of Hotel, all the others are 3rd or 4th rate by comparison. This Rhino BS may fall into the same sonic grouping.

Great review Scott! Your love for this album is palpable! Just got around to listening to the 2024 stereo remaster off the BluRay, and without a direct A/B it handily bests my early US vinyl from memory. Less hazy, a layer (or two) removed. Then I put on the Atmos version and “In This Place” gave me chills as the hair rose on my arms! I’m not even properly set up for Atmos. Looks like the remaster is streaming (tracks 1-8 of the 44 track 50th) at Amazon, so likely everywhere. Enjoy! Love to hear your impressions of the 2024 remaster. I have yet to find a UK OG in condition I’m happy with, and haven’t heard it for comparison.

You’re not alone in your assessment Scott. Very much my thoughts as far as the Rhino Hi-Fi Sabbath. Musicality, tonality is replaced with detail and more clinical sound. If the 2001 has Evil Woman then I would think they used the UK tapes. Not positive about this though. You almost sound like you are describing the Vertigo with the Castle. Description matches up. Thanks for the review! 👍🏻

Really enjoyed your talk. Thank you. I know quite a lot about Classical music - but I don't know a lot about hi-fi setups. (I actually prefer cassettes to vinyl and CD.) Still I own the Guilinl/Bruckner DG OG set and I've pre-ordered the Karajan/Bruckner set. Would love to hear your thoughts on these. BEST, David G.

Hi Scott got mine yesterday along with Atlantic 75, The yes Album. They both sound great. The MFSL 2 x 45 is still available at Music Direct but now its $125. Kevin Gray did an amazing job with The Yes Album.

I commented earlier but I'd like to add to that. I've watched many reviews, I've read many reviews, and I have the RHF Black Sabbath, my first ever copy. What I see emerging are two camps, lets call them the dark and bright camps. The Vertigo swirl establishes the dark camp, and the US Artisan the bright. The pressing you compared to is a descendent of the dark camp, and that established your ear for this album. Meanwhile we hear that the RHF is very sonically similar to that US Artisan (allegedly KG had a copy as a model), and hence listeners from the US would mainly have a bright ear instead. If you were game, I'd challenge you to get your hands on a US Artisan and replay the shootout. It could be illuminating for all, me included.

It's crazy that Kevin Grey's efforts on Captain and Me & Crossings are so less captivating than what he did with those two albums on Speaker's Corner (SC). Captain has much clearer, more defined and lower bass, much more punch on the SC. It's night and day on my system. Crossings has a much wider soundstage on the SC version of Hancock's Crossings, instruments have much better separation and more of the complex layers are revealed as a result. I wondered whether he'd actually been given the same "master" tapes to work with at the time of comparision!

Hi Scott.Fantastic album and one I’d have been buying if I’d not recently bought the 50th anniversary of Twice Removed From Yesterday. I had high expectations of that but I was slightly disappointed with it so I’ll stick with my UK original of Bridge Of Sighs which does sound great.

Really appreciate your insight on this, i missed out on this album but have been watching all these different reviews. What i have learned , is , its a good sounding album on its own , but in comparison, its very bright and upfront whixh takes away from the darkness of the album. Thank you for this

Kinda what Fremer said about Television, I listened to this in 1970 upon release and we all thought Black Sabbath was heavy gritty down sound as you stated, we were taken back by the darkness of a Satan connection or horror movie, The Waxed said dirty I think? I'll wait for my copy, these were Bands blending a sound not individual musicians! Keep e'm coming.

Never the same once James was lost, same as The Who without John. Robin can bend the strings unlike anyone even the great Jimi. Robin never got the deserved credit for his contribution to rock! Kinda a let down 2nd disc, 1st only as you described a cleaner 50 year newer Album. OG wins! Always enjoy your reviews.

Scott, When will they ever learn, I grew up with this as well, concert for this Album tour 74/75 was excellent! Now I'm bummed waiting for my copy, I also understood it to be a remaster that we waited 50 years for and the live stuff? That is the signature of the Album cohesiveness with soundscapes bringing you to a place, transition to BOS is spookiness of ending your freedom crossing the bridge, love James vocal also and the wind sounds are last sounds of freedom. Why do they think others can improve on masterpiece. Me too! Keep the EX reviews coming.

thanks for putting into words what i was feeling as i dropped the needle on this new black sabbath! i couldnt put my finger on what bothered me... but you articulated it very well!

Thanks for this Scott. I was waiting for your review. I had this in my basket but I think I'll try and get an OG in decent condition. As you say, the original is so atmospheric. An absolute classic.

I listened to sound samples before I decided not to buy it. Not criticizing the album at all, but for me I really wanted an excellent remaster of the original mix. I luckily have an original pressing from 1974 and is in great condition.

Fred was the best, period. I miss him every day.

Like you, i am a huge fan of Jimmy's vocals. And like you the original mix is burned into my brain. I think i will pass. Too bad Chad hasnt had access to this😢

I got both the LP and CD versions. Still working on the CD set. Yes, the sudden endings are jarring at first, but that's how he recorded them because for some damn reason they ALWAYS faded his songs, especially when he started slaying guitar solos. That's always been my gripe about his albums. So it's because of this we never heard a written ending. You had to see him live for that. I love the extended soloing here, especially Fool And Me and Little Bit Of Sympathy. Overall it's not a bad celebration of this work. As a lifelong fan, who has every single album he has recorded, this is one that irks me as the only thing anyone talks about. I scream that he has a wealth of amazing music, even his latest with Sari Schorr. Never miss his tours. Have met him numerous times, and had tickets for his upcoming tour that has been canceled due to his health. May this legendary artist get well soon and be back on the road, where he loves to be. 🙏

I bought the CD/Blu Ray version because it has both a remaster and a remix (and an atmos mix on blu ray if that matters) with the live album. Haven't received yet but I have an original 1974 album and the MoFi gold disc so I figured I'm covered. Maybe the intent was the box instead of the vinyl.

Funny about 1-step, in my system (full range) the base is full but snappy which hold for the full music spectrum, do not experience the 'slow' down. System dependent!? Great review as usual!

Thanks !!! I almost bought it. Hate it when they destroy the flow. I'll buy the original.

I remember Patrick pbthal did a blind shootout of the Plum, KG 2016 & MoFi. From his digital samples I preferred the Plum, KG, then MoFi in that order. Since the Plum is out of my reach I got the KG and I am VERY happy. I thought the MoFi was a bit too overblown in the bass. It seemed like the “vivid” filter on the iPhone!

Hi Scott. I got my Rhino a few days ago but I’ve been so busy that I only had a chance to listen to twice. I have a BMG remaster which I plan on A/B ‘ing with this week. At first listen I did notice more detail on the Rhino though. Thanks for your take on this.

@ Pressing Matters I own a comprehensive system profile picture.. First off the bat Kevin Gray laid this tape mix via @ Cohearent Audio north hills California. Yes Kevin used his upgraded tube system to cut this lacquer interesting foot note making this record soundstage vastly different to all previous pressings. I own multiple copies from UK 1st pressing vertico European nemms Warner green ect I think soundstage of classic rock albums are most definitely subjective conclusion only if you're not prepared to listen to this album loud moderate volume will only provide a buried soundstage. The true desired soundstage overall quality come to life @ 80 DB Geezers bass detail is presented without those muddy harmonics from the 1st UK 🇬🇧 pressing are now for the first time real.... Bill ward's drums panning L^R speaker 🔊 imaging being magical ✨️ Tony's guitar sound is Dark more alive valve like to my ears. Ozzie's voice has a true growl that's usually buried not heard exception to the Ron Mcmaster Lacquer cut vinyl Remaster pressing. I hear nuances that simply do not exist on another pressing that I possess. I even hear Tony Iommi finger's hit the bridge Black Sabbath opening track. Geezer Butlers hand slaps on cord progression are truly mind blowing 🤯 Bill Ward well... his drums are finally had the blanket removal from his highhats /kick drum no_longer sounds like muddy mess. His snares finally saved from the shadows to being alive and full of life. Ozzie's voice is upfront after all one of the greatest front man of heavy blues rock comes into your room rude and unannounced. Black Sabbath is not for everyone I'm the Audiophile that's heavily in hard rock blues metal Grunge with Jazz funk in my veins... I've waited for a pressing that would highlight exactly what Black Sabbath fans have been 54 year's for .... The live studio album that represents hard blues rock darkness Sabbath is known for this pressing is alive and not fatiguing nore is it dull or veiled Dynamic range sure it's impressive contribution from the first generation recording studio standards if 54 year's ago. This is now 2024 Kevin Gray studio 🎙 is on poit hearing tracks presented for the first time turning it up without bottom end drone of poor harmonics Ozzie's voice buried within the soundstage Geezers bass finally with mind blowing detail... With every aspect taken into account I could not sit back without not giving my opinion because sometimes it takes a different set of ears with certain sounds system that built for albums like this one to land on my Luxman for a spin. Just my opinion 🤷 14:27

The modern successor to the Castle pressing is the current BMG / Sanctuary. I think I need to compare directly with the Rhino.

Great comments. Mr. Pete-------> aging hippie

The Fontana Australian press will make your balls tingle 🥴

My favourite guitarist and had the pleasure of meeting him a few times as he used to live in the next town. Very humble man. At present he is struggling with health issues so wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Great that you are being honest with what you are hearing on your system. But I really like the RHF. I've bought at least one each round. On my system, American Beauty RHF is fantastic. I do enjoy your articulate and honest reviews, I'll keep watching.

I heard about this piece of equipment a few years ago, and purchased a used SugarCube SC-2 Mini this week. The only reason it was up for sale was because the seller was upgrading to a higher model. It was not cheap but was marked down some due to it being used. After enjoying it a week and after watching your review, I would say that your review is spot on. One of my favourites is full of crackles and pops (Tool - Lateralus), and I have never found a decent repressing. Since it was always difficult to sit through, I had decided no longer attempt to listen to it, but with this device, I can now enjoy it completely ... even my wife approves. 🙂

I don't get the whole "I gotta have the new vinyl release of an album that I've heard 5 million times already". For the last few years, I've been listening to catalogs of bands that I've either never heard or only heard a few songs by, every decade, every genre "as long as it's good and has artistic integrity". Listening to the same songs over and over for decades is like Chinese water torture.

Barbara is Beautiful, Barbara is Awesome and Barbara is the Real Deal. Love Her!!!!!!

Greetings from Germany! Thanks for this honest review Scott! I can't really decide for a winner between my US green label and the RHF. The RHF seems a bit more detailed, the green label feels a bit smoother. I don't think there is much difference in bass on both copies, I think they are both a bit on the bright side. Certainly no need to pay flipper prices for this new edition. Now I would love to know how a UK or german Vertigo would sound like. Maybe this record would sound different if Kevin would have got his hands on the UK tapes?

Ordered mine on May 17th and it still hasn’t shipped. All I get from Rhino HiFi is excuses, saying sorry for the delay and offering a 10% discount off my next purchase, what a joke !! Hopefully it does turn up before Christmas but I’m not holding my breath. This company is pathetic.

I personally like the exclusive nature of some releases. I guess if you’re a real fan, you will be in for it while it’s in stock….

Fantastic review. It’s great to hear a well articulated perspective, keep it up! Looking forward to your Victrola video.

Hey bud, nice vid. This is the only Rhino I’ve gotten. Sounds badass on my system. I don’t have any other vinyl versions to compare. I completely agree with you tho in general about these audiophile remasters. Yes I absolutely want all the detail and space in my jazz and classical albums but not so much with rock. I don’t want it to be so clean and precise that it loses its soul. Yes I want a nice clean and quiet pressing but not sure I want that also applied to the music itself. Of course it’s highly subjective and a case by case basis. I’m sure many rock albums benefit from the audiophile treatment like P Floyd or Yes but I think some suffer when you try to bring out too much. Anyways that’s all I got. Catch you soon ✌️

Thanks for another well considered review, and for not calling the first US pressing a “Gr*#@ie”! I do have one of those olive colored Artisan mastered copies, which I bought within the first month of release. It’s still in mint condition, and has been carefully played less than 20 times. About fifteen years ago, I found a Vertigo “a Phillips record product” very first, M- pressing, and was expecting it to sound even better than my great sounding U.S., but to my surprise it sounded thinner and less alive. One possible reason may be that my US was a very early pressing, from a very fresh stamper. The groove definition, on both sides, is very strong, and especially apparent on side two. I also like that the US has “Wicked World”, and that it’s not the gatefold with the inverted cross, containing the overly grim poem. The group also didn’t like the inside cover, but were overruled by Vertigo. P.S. I to, think it best to listen to this album with the lights turned down🙃

Great review. This album does beg for darkness and bass thunder

Black sabbath music is not audiophile. Just enjoy the music and don’t analyse if you hear the rain and so on. Sometimes I have do to with so call hifi people. With all things first time you think what a great sound, second time you so called hifi ears don’t hear it no more.