Joni Mitchell Archives: The Asylum Albums Box Set - Detailed unboxing and commentary

[@patrickmilligan9589]

I co-produced this set with Joni Mitchell and worked with Bernie Grundman on the mastering. They are absolutely cut from the original analog master tapes and are not digital. Thanks for the review!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Patrick! I'm so glad you saw the video and were able to confirm this! You did a magnificent job on this set - it's such a delight to the eye and the ear. I can't think of another series from any artist with such a great level of care and attention to detail. Getting this confirmation just confirms this. Keep up the great work and thank you so much for sharing this with my viewers and I.

[@sidesup8286]

Joni Mitchell is one of the few artists that I would splurge for a box set of their music. She has had serious health problems; I hope she is still alive and well. Her music always will be. It's great musically, lyrically and even has much good humor in places. I've always liked Court, Hissing Of, & Wild Things. For the Roses I'd like to hear. I didn't "get" the album Blue musically. The original LP of Court & Spark is the perfect album to tell if your system has distortion. The sound you hear is the distortion on the record plus the distortion your system and cables add. That is your end sound. If played on an audio system with ultra low distortion the original LP of Court & Spark can sound like a perfect recording. In most peoples systems it doesn't. On most systems it sounds just a little electronically edgy, most noticeable on the guitar strings, horns and cymbals. A little hard sounding up there in the treble. Not real bad, but just enough that it obviously doesn't sound perfect. Everything Comes and Goes, one of the best tracks has a harp playing in the background. It is a big part of the music on a high resolution system with presence, not a small sounding subtlety, and you can easily hear the sound of the instruments echo in its recorded acoustic. As I say, a great record to test if your audio system has distortion. It sounds perfect on a great system; on most systems it sounds like a slightly flawed recording. I've had the Nautilus half speed, the original, and now I have a U.K. pressing which is great. A test of resolution is toward the end of the last track about her analyst, you should be able to hear her voice split into two separate voices separated in space as a comic spatial play on the split personality theme of the song. I may look into getting it if I become fond of a few of her albums that I haven't explored yet.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great info, and I couldn't agree more. This record has improved with system improvements. It's a real test for sure.

[@sidesup8286]

Get the Joni Box Set! Scott is right, they are really wonderful pressings. Hadn't bought a box set in years until this one. Hissing Of Summer Lawns is so good too. Haven't gotten to play all of them yet. Glad I saw this.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm so glad to hear you took a chance in this! I played through everything last night and I have a perfect set. I'm very impressed, particularly with Court and Spark.

[@sidesup8286]

@@ThePressingMatters I just played that one and you are right. It is superb. It's different sounding than my great condition U.K. pressing. Neither has distortion but the box set one has more presence to it or something. That's a very important album to me. Definitely in my top 30 or so, if not higher. When I had lesser equipment that album sounded so edgy on piano, voice, winds and a little grainy on acoustic guitar. You can now tell it had a great master tape. Whether it was made from a master or something very close in generation.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@sidesup8286 What you are saying about how the earlier editions could sound on some equipment mirrors my own experience, but at the time my system was much less resolving. Court often did come off glassy and grainy. I didn't know what to attribute it to but chalked it up to bad pressings. I think they do sound better as my system improves (except for that Super Disc) but this particular mastering has something special. I find the tonal balance most appealing, extra clarity and separation, a better presence and a smooth yet detailed top end. It's far and away the best I've heard. Hoping to hear from others who have compared to the Bellman and Hoffman cuts. Good to know it is holding its own compared to the UK.

[@sidesup8286]

@@ThePressingMatters I really like the U.K. pressings in general. They are generally not as bright, hyped and electronic sounding as most US pressings. One time I compared the U.K. pressing to the US CBS Mastersound pressing of the album Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. The UK pressing was so natural sounding that it almost sounded like an unplugged version. The actual vinyl of the U.K. pressings are usually so thin, I don't know how they do it. We also look for Japanese pressings here in the US. But guess what? The Japan collectors come all the way over here looking for American pressings of record titles they make there. Ours do often have more bass. There is also an obsession in that country for other things American like old horn speakers, tube equipment and old muscle cars, among other things.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@sidesup8286 Another thing i noticed on this Court and Spark is how i can hear and appreciate much more how the bass parts are being played. Its not just deeper bass, its the unique way it is utilized in these songs. Wonderful balance on this.

[@musiconrecord6724]

This is a no-brainer for me. I have the DCC version of Court and Spark, the Bellman and Speaker's Corner versions of Hissing (my favorite JM record) and an OG of For the Roses (which sounds wonderful). Also unfamiliar with Miles so that will be a treat to discover. Can't wait for the next sets to come. Thanks as always for such thorough and thoughtful commentary.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'd love to hear what you think of these in comparison to those you have. If you do get the set, please let me know!

[@musiconrecord6724]

@@ThePressingMatters Will do!

[@elliottcrews4997]

With multiple copies of each one except Roses, I'll lose sleep deciding if I should get this or just be happy with what I have. I'll play Roses and see what condition it is in, and that will probably be the deciding factor. Thanks for a nice look at the box!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hey, they have this For The Roses out as a stand alone release. I have a link in the description box! A good one!

[@suzannelawson9215]

I never cared for "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" album because I never got into the jazzy influenced and arrangements of this album. I loved the early folk, very acoustic, Joni Mitchell albums from the 1960's and the early 1970's with a few songs each up to about 1974 or '75. Well...for me, I just never cared for jazz or leaning forwards jazzy singing styles and arrangements. Millions of people do love Joni's jazzy songs but I love the folk, very acoustic arrangements the best

[@johntyndall1373]

What a beautiful set, Scott. I may not get it because my originals are in good shape, but ... maybe.... I bought the first set which in Canada was only available from Optimal. Two of the albums had flaws but a replacement box allowed me to pick the best of them all.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes , it's kind of a given that some piece of a box set may have a flaw. I've had it happen with virtually all box sets. Sade, Joni, George Harrison on and on. It doesn't bother me. With Amazon exchange policy I can put together and amazing set. It's worth the bit of aggravation.

[@ThePressingMatters]

John, I've been listening more and you really need to hear this mastering of Court and Spark. Im am beyond thrilled. It's gorgeous. I felt I got my moneys worth with just that one album. I hope you can hear it and consider it before it's gone. It'll be around a little while. 20,000 rather that 10,000 for the first one. This is probably going to be more popular due to Court being in it.

[@sidesup8286]

Some people will argue whether the regular original Court & Spark has some inherent distortion. On a lesser system it does; even on a lesser system where exceptional records sound like they have no distortion. But if played through something like a good Class A solid state amp that sounds like it has no TIM distortion (a trait of class A amps), it sounds like a perfect recording,.and her voice is totally smooth.All my comments pertain to the regular original pressing of this LP. The track Sour Grapes is the track where her voice sounded just a smidgen not totally smooth through my class A/B amp. This album on either amp and tubes has nice depth. The quickly strummed guitar strings can bring out if your system has any audible TIM distortion grain, a much much more bothersome distortion than harmonic distortion. If you ever want to compare Class A amplification with your usual Class A/B or the newer Class D amps, this is one of the records to use for the comparison or audition. It is "totally" smooth with "really good" equipment. With lesser equipment it sounds like it has some TIM distortion and grain which isn't that bothersome, but makes it sound like less than a perfect recording. Some old albums by the group Traffic are also great for this. They sound like the recording has some grainy TIM distortion unless played on something really super clean sounding. From Scott's desription, it sounds like this set can give you a sneak peak of how good this music sounds on over the top great equipment. There's more than one way to do things. On some of her albums she has enlisted the L.A. Express Jazz group. Their Tom Cat was the first Jazz LP I ever bought when I was first discovering Jazz. Very accessible but with some complexity too. Tom Scott often playing in perfect unison with great guitarist Robben Ford; making a "guitaraphone" sound. Every track is good, but there's a track on side 2 with some emphasized drumming that is really different and unique from all the others tracks. It really shows how creative and exploratory Tom Scott can be at times, and that he is more than one dimensional.

[@VoiceofFox]

I have the Bellman cut of Court & Spark and the new standalone cut by Bernie. They sound pretty identical to me. Both are leagues ahead of the Euro Rhino version, which I used to own, which is murky sounding and has too much bass.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Good to know Bernie's holds its own against the Bellman. I have up trying to get that one at a decent price. I am very happy with Bernie's and it is way better than the EU Rhino. That and the Nautilus have been retired!

[@kuglepen64]

A ha ha, Optimal is garbage. In the previous Joni box also pressed at Optimal I have had to two of the disks replaced TWICE over because of non-fill. Optimal can’t press records and they should not be in the record pressing business. They are the Rainbo of Europe.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Every plant has a problem now and then. RTI and QRP aren't immune to a flaw. Admittedly, Optimal has has issues, such as on the Blue Note Classics but when they are good, they are very good. I changed a disc in the first set. Now it's perfect. Same will be true here hopefully.

[@dirtharris]

Lovely bloke. Great review. You sound very trustworthy. Thanks.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed this presentation.

[@dirtharris]

@@ThePressingMatters You're welcome. Your passion for the music and the vinyl product aesthetic really shines through!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Just an update on my thoughts. I got a perfect replacement of For The Roses. The main thing I want to say though that upon further listening, this mastering/pressing of Court and Spark is worth the whole price of the box to me. I'm serious. This is how I always hoped to hear it. Guys, if you have any interest in a reference copy of this album, don't miss this. Optimal did a great job. And Bernie's work is stunning. Of course Joni's pretty good too :-)

[@marcoverges168]

Hi Scotty

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Marco, hoped you enjoyed this one!

[@rocrecords01]

Hi Scott, It’s been quite a while since I’ve left a comment but I’ve religiously continued to watch your videos. This is a intriguing box, Joni is one of my favorite musicians and I’ve got 75% of her pre-80’s albums but this set includes two of albums I’m missing (For the Roses & Miles of Aisles). If you find yourself enjoying the watercolors there’s an excellent hardcover book of Joni’s handwritten lyrics and watercolors available for around $20. Your review makes this quite tempting, sad to hear these albums aren’t tippon though that would have been a nice touch. The box itself is gorgeous, I trust Bernie Grundmans choices but would also love confirmation on the source. It’s sitting in my Amazon cart. Great stuff, as a viewer we can tell you do your research and give your honest opinions! - Caleb

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much Caleb, great to see you back in the comments. I think you might be able to stream it to get an idea of Bernie's mastering choices but of course the vinyl will sound better. Both of the albums you are missing are standouts. I really admired the sound quality on those two. Sure, it would be nice to know the mastering chain but Bernie has rarely let me down. These sound anything but digital. If they are, it's certainly come a long way. If you're still on the fence, maybe wait til the price drops a bit, but I wouldn't wait too long.

[@rachelsghost]

Subbed you courtesy of quikspecv4d - who gave me a heads up on your channel. I have the CD box of her first 11 albums and some vinyl OGs - Court and Spark and Ladies of the Canyon. I agree that the packaging is lovely on these. Great commentary on this. 😎👍

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much, I've been discovering your work as well! I've been really impressed with all these archive releases from Joni. I'd like to hear the Carnegie Hall release. It's funny to think such a recording didn't see the light of day until last year. This whole set sounds wonderful but the Court and Spark is a standout. Thanks again for your comment. Your perspective and knowledge is always welcome here.

[@rachelsghost]

Thanks so much, I'll be tuning in as you continue to release content. 🙂👍

[@ThePressingMatters]

By the way, Miles of Aisles, which was a little too tight in my original box, slid in and out freely on the replacement. I put together an absolutely flawless set.

[@crispincrunch2453]

Wow, got heaps to say about this: you’re right the box/albums look gorgeous w the various textures, and I definitely agree with the welcomed sonic fullness of Court & Spark. Really appreciate ya sharing the detailed look at the sleeves. A little surprised by BG’s sonic choices overall here though. The treble frequencies have definitely been polished smooth and now more amenable to higher SPLs …but I’ve found myself going back to the 2012 Studio Albums 68-79 Boxset. BG’s polished smoothness has mitigated some of the sharp bite but at the cost of airiness & 3dimensionality around Joni’s voice, now more recessed in the sound stage. Feels like it’s taken away some of the original recording’s vibrancy & excitement (“originals”, at least as rendered in that 2012 boxset) In any case, just another reminder of the golden audio age we’re in. We get the choice luxury now of various sonic flavour interpretations. Cheers

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Crispín! I've never heard that box set, but I can say that I would probably prefer Bernie's choices on this one just based on some observations of earlier pressings. Joni's voice can come across as tipped up or glassy on some pressings I've heard. Her high register can exaggerate this sometimes on some pressings. At least in isolation I really like the very slight rounding off the treble on this. It's still clear as a bell and seems airy enough to me on my system. It can be turned up louder without veering into distortion as you indicated. But yes it's amazing to be able to have several different high quality choices.

[@crispincrunch2453]

@@ThePressingMatters Hopefully the high quality choices continue, especially with the 80s 90s catalog which traditionally hasn’t received the same levels of reissue TLC

[@chrismckee4154]

Great review. Thanks a lot. Ordered this directly from Joni’s website so I hope there are no issues with the vinyl. I got the Reprise vinyl set her website as well and all of the vinyl was flawless.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Chris, hope you get it promptly and have a perfect set! Thanks for watching and please let me know how you liked it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wait till you hear Court and Spark. OMG. It's so beautiful. A perfect mastering.

[@chrismckee4154]

Just got my set on Thursday and finally delving into it. Based on your review, I started off with Court and Spark. Holy cow. I only had this album on CD previously. This vinyl is so rich and warm. Good grief, I’m not sure I even want to listen my CD in the car again!

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@chrismckee4154 Hi Chris, That's so cool you came to the same conclusion! It's a great listen, best I've ever heard. It's all top notch! Thanks so much for letting us all know your impressions. A record like this Court and Spark makes it all worthwhile!

[@chrismckee4154]

@@ThePressingMatters Hissing is my personal favorite from this set but the quality of this pressing is almost like hearing Court for the first time! Worth every penny.

[@jdwilliams202000]

mastering error .. People's Parties segues into Same Situation on track 4 and then repeats Same Situation on track 5. Hope Rhino fixes this!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I heard, but not on LP! CD and Streaming. Unbelievable!

[@jdwilliams202000]

@@ThePressingMatters yes ! I listened to new mastering on Apple Music as soon as it was released and thought.. why is same situation playing again? Oh wait lol

[@ThePressingMatters]

I did see a statement that they will be addressing it, perhaps a replacement program for the one disc.

[@spencehayashi2772]

A great video Scott. I got this boxset last week and it is beautifully done. This set goes nicely with the Reprise release and if you are a Joni fan, it is a must have. Mastered by Bernie Grundman, the sound is superb. Going to enjoy this for a long time. Thanks for your YT channel.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you Spence. It's really special. Tell me, did you have any other pressing of Court and Spark. That one really stood out in this excellent set. I had never heard it as beautiful as this one.

[@spencehayashi2772]

@@ThePressingMatters Hi Scott, i have an original press copy that sounds very good but this remastered copy of C&S sounds better to my ears.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Spence, Glad to hear you got this set and are enjoying it. I agree, it's a must have, and Bernie did an exceptional job on it. To me, it's was worth it just to have a superb copy of Court and Spark. I mean that, it so much better than everything I have heard. The rest are just as great, but I really love Court and Spark. Thank you for letting me know your experience with this set.

[@fidelios_frequency]

Hi Scott! I was not so lucky with my set. All of albums are warped, some more than others, but not perfectly flat as they should be. Additionally, side 2 of Roses has a visible and audible dimple. Miles of Aisles also fits very tight in the box and is hard to slide out. Optimal strikes again. I was not happy they did not use RTI like for the first box set. Also, we got lucky in the US for the first one because ex-US copies were pressed at Optimal with the same QC problems. Michael45 also mentioned that in one of his videos.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm sorry to hear that! Did you get it from Amazon? I exchanged mine because of the small issue mentioned in the video, and the next one was perfect, flat and beautiful. If you have an opportunity to exchange, there are good ones out there. Even my first set was 90% perfect and most people wouldn't have been as picky as I am. I hope you can get a good one. I feel the sound is worth trying again. That's why I like Amazon Prome for this stuff. You can hold the first box and pick the best from the two boxes. Usually get a perfect one put together in a case like that.

[@fidelios_frequency]

@@ThePressingMatters I did get it from Amazon but when I tried to replace it would not allow me to replace but only to return and then repurchase. Very weird. I discovered later that they were temporarily out of stock and the only option was from a 3rd party seller at higher price. I ended up ordering from Walmart and will return the first one to Amazon for a full refund. I do agree with you on the sound quality. It’s exceptional even with the warping and the dimple. You’ll hate me when I tell you that I have the Bellman cuts of Blue, Ladies of the Canyon & Court & Spark still sealed.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@fidelios_frequency Lol I have sealed records but they are always second copies. May I ask your reason for keeping them sealed? I could understand a second one for investment, backup, or any reason but not if I never got to hear my other copy! I guess I have done that with the MOFI Bill Evans Village Vanguard. I have another reissue that is really good and I delayed opening the One Step. Then it became valuable and I really wasn't sure I should open it. Now it sits there in all it's sealed glory, lol.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@fidelios_frequency I'm glad you are Pershing another copy it's worth it!

[@fidelios_frequency]

@@ThePressingMatters When purchased them in 2019 I was still listening to the cds from the Joni Mitchell Studio albums box set and never got around to opening them. Then 2020 arrived and the whole vinyl rush made them quite valuable (around $100 each) and I decided to keep them sealed. Then the new vinyl box set was announced last year so I figured to get that. Hence why they are still sealed 3yrs later.

[@taralewis9916]

I purchased the rhino reissue Court and Spark maybe a year and a half ago. It sounds smooth. I through it was hyped as all analog.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Tara! Well there are two versions. One is RTI which is AAA by Chris Bellman. You can check for his initials in the dead wax. There was a EU version around after that, also Rhino and same catalog number and barcode, but it was done from an unknown source, most likely digital.

[@taralewis9916]

Also the back of the album says mastered by Bernie Grundman made in Germany

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@taralewis9916Check the deadwax. That's where the answer is. They don't change the jacket.

[@taralewis9916]

@@ThePressingMatters Looks like: VG side one and TG side two.

[@taralewis9916]

The only really good sounding reissue I have recently purchased is : Superfly from Run Out the Grove. It sounds kill

[@lagaletteinfernale44]

What about ‘Car on a Hill’, when the song climaxes, any distortion this time? Thank you.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Marlon, I won't be able to check for a week, as I am in vacation. I didn't recall any. Are you talking about where the background vocals come in?