Well, I was really torn about the new Beatle remasters that were
recently released. First of all, I wasn't sure if it was better to wait
and buy the box sets individually or pick up the ones I really wanted
separately. Secondly, I'm confused about what's even available -
there's mono versions, stereo versions, etc. So I didn't race out to
grab them on 9/9/09.

This weekend, I happened to see them and had a few bucks in my pocket.
I decided to buy two of them. Decision time - it came down to "Sgt.
Pepper" and "The Beatles" (the White Album). Here are some observations
(mind you, I don't contend that I'm an expert in audio, recording,
Beatle history and all other versions that exist):

First of all, the hiss level is virtually gone for these releases. The
bass is much more prominent, there's a punch that wasn't there before.
These new reissues sure remind you why the Beatles were so good. "With
A Little Help From My Friends" sounds fantastic. The drums and bass are
great. Ringo's drumming is perfect (of course, the sound of them in the
mix is great). There are things that are suddenly evident and I'm not
sure if I heard them before or if I am just hearing them. The subtle
opening of the hi-hat. In the final verse of the song, starting with
the line "Would you believe in a love at first sight" there is a cymbal
ride that I never noticed before. The stereo spectrum is great on "Sgt.
Pepper" particularly, there is much movement between the two channels.

On "Lucy In The Sky," John's voice isn't phased (that was the problem
with the new mix for "Yellow Submarine" - to me, anyway). There was a
bit too much phasing on his voice (even though it was much more forward
in the mix). I remember first hearing this song and wondering what was
wrong with it. It was from the "Blue Album" greatest hits package but
we were used to hearing Elton John's version (this was the 70's, kids).
I was surprised to hear the original versions of "Got To Get You Into
My Life" too, since we only knew the Earth, Wind & Fire version.

More to come.....