Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Black SabbathEdition: Music CD
Format: Import, Limited Edition
CD Release Date: 2007-03-05
Music Label: Universal Japan
Soundtracks:
- Black Sabbath
- The Wizard
- Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/Bassically/N.I.B.
- Wicked World
- A Bit of Finger/Sleeping Village/Warning
Free Music Notes for Black Sabbath
Free Music Review: GREAT 'SLEEVE, BUT THE RHINO BOX IS THE DEFINITIVE AUDIO VERSION
Hit: 3 Stars
While I'm a huge Japan 'sleeve fan, I always give priority to audio quality.
This 2007 release of the first five Sabbath albums is actually the second release in mini-sleeve format: The `07 `sleeves are replicas of the Vertigo-label artwork of the original UK LP's, whereas the 2002 original release were the U.S. LP-artwork versions.
However, this is the same master as on the 2002 release, which may or may not be the Castle `90's masters. While they are decent versions, they don't live up to the superior remastered audio on Rhino's The Black Box.
The Rhino mastering just simply has more of everything: Better definition, more clarity, better bass, etc.
The replicas of the original album covers are great. I sheepishly admit that I own both the `sleeves, for sentimental value, as Sabbath was a big part of my high-school years, AND The Box, for the best sound quality. More money than brains, I guess?
Again, if it's just the best audio you're seeking, buy The Box. If you're budget conscious, it should also be noted that you can purchase The Box, which has the first eight Sabbath albums plus a bonus disc & a fantastic booklet, for less than half the cost of the five `07 mini-sleeves.
But... the `sleeves ARE kewl (hee hee).
WHAT IS A JAPAN "MINI-LP-SLEEVE" CD?
Have you ever lamented the loss of one of the 20th Century's great art forms, the 12" vinyl LP jacket? Then "mini-LP-sleeve" CD's may be for you.
Mini-sleeve CDs are manufactured in Japan under license. The disc is packaged inside a 13.5MM X 13.5MM cardboard-sleeve, precision-miniature replica of the original classic vinyl-LP album. Also, everything else packaged with the original LP is precisely replicated and included, such as gatefolds, booklets, lyric sheets, posters, printed LP sleeves, stickers, embosses, special LP cover paper/inks/textures and die cuts. An English-language lyric sheet is also included, even if the original LP did not have printed lyrics.
Then, there's the sonic quality: Often (but not always), mini-sleeves have Japan-dedicated remastering (20-Bit, 24-Bit, DSD, K2 or K2HD, and/or HDCD), and can often (but not always) be superior to the audio on the same title anywhere else in the world. There also may be bonus tracks unavailable elsewhere.
Each Japan mini-sleeve has an "OBI" ("oh-bee"), a Japan-language promotional strip. The OBI often also lists the original album's release date, the Japan street date of that particular disc, the catalog number, and mastering info. Bonus tracks are always only listed on the OBI, maintaining the integrity of the original LP artwork.
The enthusiasm of mini-sleeve collecting must be tempered, however, with avoiding fake copies of Japan `sleeves manufactured in Russia and distributed throughout the world, primarily on eBay. They are inferior in quality, worthless in collectable value, a total waste of money, and should be avoided at all costs.
Also, there are older Japan mini-sleeve releases that have been supplanted with newer ones, usually with updated audio (such as JVC-Japan replacing older K2-mastered titles with new K2HD mastered releases).
All mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, but re-pressings/re-issues are becoming more common with some of the Japanese companies (but, again, not always). Mini-sleeve collecting can get expensive quickly, so, if you're a novice, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced `sleeve collector!
Black Sabbath Poster
Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.Classic Rock Music CDs
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