Booker T. And The MG's* – Back To Back

I've certainly heard worse recordings. You just have to take it for what it is and stop moaning.

No... This album would not have benefited from a remaster. The original recording was obviously done in a rush with not so good equipment. I don't get why people are reaching for Audiophile quality here. Its a bit of a pig but it's a great album and it's really not that bad.

"Back to Back" Reissue: A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Experience

The reissue of "Back to Back," originally released in 1967 and featuring The Mar-Keys & Booker T. And the MGs, is a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of music. However, this journey is not without its bumps. To begin with, the album demands to be played on mono for optimal enjoyment, a requirement that already sets a certain limitation on its accessibility.

Sound quality is a significant concern with this pressing. There's an unmistakable and somewhat unsettling distance between the audience and the band, creating a sense of detachment that can detract from the listening experience. In some instances, the audience noise even overpowers the music, which is a disservice to the artistry of the tracks.

Musically, the album leans towards the brighter spectrum. The high notes and audience whistles can be jarringly sharp, particularly when you increase the volume to fully appreciate classics like "Green Onions." This aspect can be a bit of a double-edged sword, adding to the authenticity but also causing discomfort at higher volumes.

This release, while a faithful reproduction of a classic album, is one where a remastering could have greatly enhanced the listening experience. A more balanced dynamic range, bringing the music into a more prominent position rather than letting it get lost in an auditory void, would have been a significant improvement.

In of its standing among Vinyl Me, Please's (VMP) 2023 releases, it unfortunately ranks as my least favorite. For collectors who own a well-preserved '67 US mono press, this reissue might not offer enough to justify its addition. Its rating teeters between a generous 4/5 and a more realistic 3/5, mainly due to its lack of replay value. While it's a commendable effort to bring a classic back, this particular reissue doesn't quite hit the mark in of delivering a satisfying auditory experience.

This is a fun, funky live performance. If you mind a bit of background crowd noise and excited clapping this record is not up your alley . In of the pressing, my copy was nearly completely clean, quite dynamic souding and the instruments really shine through when the mics are picking them up well. Cant beat some of these great hits

I was fortunate to get flat, quiet vinyl. The recorded sound is not good, as is typical of live shows. You can hear the organ and guitar (the crucial elements of this band) very clearly at all times; however, the drums and bass sometimes disappear into a muddy roar at the bottom end. Although this is a mono recording, there is an uncanny sense of space when you hear the noise of the crowd. Even though it is impossible, it feels like you are hearing sound in three dimensions: it is an extraordinary illusion that outstanding mono recordings can sometimes pull off.

VMP did a good job on this, but it is non-essential. I have two compilations of hits and singles by this band on CD, and that's pretty much all I ever need. If you are going to have one or two albums by them, this would not be one of them. FWIW my favorite songs by these guys are "Time Is Tight" and "Hang 'Em High" and neither one of those is on this record!

I would recommend skipping this one, but now that I have it, I'll spin it once in a while.

My copy is noise free but a little bit warped. I won't ask for replacement because of it, however.

GZ is a Roulette Wheel of a pressing plant, my copy of this arrived flat and noise free. Given the age and source, live recording from Paris 1967, the sound is great. Dynamic and snappy. Really great to hear the live energy on these tracks .

This is the worse sounding album in my whole collection. This pressing should have never left the factory. I’m not really sure where the failure happened. It’s not a great recording to begin with. I have a lot of cracks and pops. This is with two runs in the heavy setting on the degritter. Sounds like you’re listening through a tin can. Just garbage. The only positive is the music itself. Wish the sound quality was better.