Search - The Cars :: Heartbeat City

Don't be scammed. Skip this "audiophile" issue, buy the reg

Christopher Hosford | Atlanta, GA USA | 03/22/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Whether or not this release represents "the best sounding music you can buy, period!" is a purely subjective call. However, some facts are as follows: 1. There are documented defects with this disc including errors with the HDCD encoding and extended gaps between tracks that do not exist on prior issues of Heartbeat City. Steve Hoffman implies these gaps were always the intention of The Cars and Mutt Lange and the segues were added after the fact. There is ample evidence to suggest that this is not the case. 2. This "Kensei Audio Transposer" that Audio Fidelity touts DOES NOT EXIST anywhere outside of being mentioned in promotional materials for Audio Fidelity. People who ask about this device on Steve Hoffman's own forum are subject to having their posts deleted and are subsequently banned from the forum. It seems to me that the more impressive they try to make the name of something, the more likely it is to be snake oil, particularly when it comes to audio.



I would advise anyone in the market for Heartbeat City to sidestep this mess and get the standard issue CD.



"

Heartbeat City: Audio Fidelity

D. Blair | 08/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First let me comment on the Audio Fidelity issue of this album: Oh...this sounds fantastic. I don't understand the many complaints, so I felt the need to throw down, and give props. Excellent sound quality. I love it! Rich, smooth, clear and crisp. Sparkling highs and perfectly balanced bass. Everything sounds wonderfully balanced. Even. Fantastic! I don't have any other versions to compare...but I'm familiar enough with early CDs: anemic, thin sound, missing frequencies...and CDs of late: awfully loud, frequency overload, balance-challenged, ear-pain. As well, I'm familiar with early 80s recordings...of which this is, and I've never heard one sound this wonderful. This is absolute ear candy! Smooooooth!!! The synths sound great and there's so much wonderful stereo play. I don't think any fan of this album would be disappointed. It helps to have a nice setup...on a great headphone getup like I've got going right now...this is marvelous.



Now, the album. It's really good. I think it's my favorite Cars album. I'm not a Cars expert...but I love this album. Sorry...back to the sound...the bass on "Heartbeat City...here we come!" Is just delicious. I could slice it up and serve it for supper! You can hear everything going on,...which is quite a lot: synths going round, guitars, vocals popping in and out. Diggin' it. But what a great album...I'm actually sad when it ends, because it's so addictive and good sounding and good feeling. But I can just play it again. Four times in a row, thus far! That's insane. I don't know when I've EVER done that. 5 biggie-size stars for the mastering and for the album.



Spin number 5...."Hello! Hello again...""

Heart and Soul

R. M. Silkey | 10/20/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When the Cars first came onto the scene they were more than just different. They brought some serious attitude to the music world. While they may not be directly responsible for the new wave move they sure helped it out as a major driving force. As the years went by The Cars continued to put out excellent material. As far a pure pop sensibility "Heartbeat City" was their tour-de-force. I still consider their first release, "The Cars" and "Heartbeat City" their finest moments in music. As far as the disc goes.....it's pure gold! No pun intended. I have the original CD release and while it sounds, "OK", this disc blows it away. If you are a true Cars fan then this disc is a must have on your dream list."