Original CD v Remastered?

Question

I want to buy a CD, Parallel Lines by Blondie. There are two versions, the remastered one, or the 1994 original. Which would be best?

I am a bit dubious about remastered versions; some have been tinkered with too much, and lose something of the original.

Answer 1

You are unlikely to lose anything on a remastered version. You are more likely to gain something - clarity.

The 1994 CD release would have been a transfer from a copy of the original 1978 master tapes, using the equipment available at the time.

Remasters use the original master tape (or disc) and not a copy. They are cleaned up using modern electronics and give a far closer reproduction of the original recording, than an ordinary CD release.

Band members often get involved in the remastering, too. This allows them to get the sound they originally wanted, rather that the sound that time and money would allow, at the time of the original release.

In the case of 'Parallel Lines', you also get 4 extra tracks not on the 1994 CD release, or the 1978 vinyl release.

Answer 2

I always opt for the originals, but this could be simply a bias, as the remastered can sometimes be better quality, depends - as you say - how much tinkering has been done

Answer 3

I have had both, and the remastered copy is much better than the original.