Awesome improvement in sound quality!
S. Baird | Baton Rouge, LA United States | 03/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Several months ago I added my comments - along with those of many others - to the alternate version of this album, an Australian import with the title, As Time Goes By. Paraphrasing that review, I mentioned that it is my favorite pop recording of all time, and that it clearly demonstrated Harry Nilsson's ability to create near-definitive performances of many classic popular tunes. I would add to that assessment here that I don't think there's a finer version of "Over The Rainbow" available from any other vocalist - not even Judy can wrench you heart out quite as completely as Harry does.The few extra dollars for this one over the Australian version are justified by two things. First, this release restores the artwork from the original 1973 release on LP. This doesn't appear in the shorter, standard USA release (that omits tracks 13 - 18 found here). While I would have liked to have the newer essay found in the Australian version IN ADDITION to the original artwork, an either/or situation would have me selecting the original art.Second, the British release has slightly better sound quality. If you are an audiophile with a system capable of revealing very high resolution, you will find this one will exceed the Australian one in several important aspects: transparency, dynamic range and spatial correctness being the three that come to mind now. PLEASE NOTE the typical audio system will display no difference in the sound whatsoever. If you own neither version and are considering one or the other, buy this higher priced one for the complete artwork restored, but buy the other one to save a few dollars if you are not a completist as I am. In either case, you will be buying one of the best recordings to be made in the 1970's. That, I can tell you with complete confidence."