Tom Waits – Closing Time

Got it second hand. Sounds amazing. Great and surprising pressing

Unsure how much I prefer this mastering to the 1990 CD.

It has the tape hiss pulled back significantly and I've definitely been able to notice things I've never been able to, but I feel like a noticable amount of air has been removed

The original CD has way more tape hiss than I would expect for a record from 1973 though. Did whoever mastered the original CD make the transfers with Dolby A or without? I don't know if I can name any albums from this era with this level of tape hiss and it's sorta out of the ordinary imo.

This one is more compressed but I don't think you should worry abt that on this record.

-------

The paper for the booklet is a weird sandpaper-like material and got fingerprint smudges instantly

Unsure how much I prefer this mastering to the 2018 CD.

The 2018 has the tape hiss pulled back significantly and I've definitely been able to notice things I've never been able to, but I feel like a good amount of air has been removed.

The original CD has way more tape hiss than I would expect for a record from 1973 though. Did whoever mastered the original CD make the transfers with Dolby A or without? I don't know if I can name any albums from this era with this level of tape hiss and it's sorta out of the ordinary imo.

I really think if you're trying to find the best version of this record you should listen to both to find your preference. I think i'm gonna get rid of my beat up 1990 canadian disc and keep the 2018, but you really should decide for yourself on this one instead of just reading some online opinions.

The 2018 disc is more compressed but I don't think you should worry abt that on this record.

What a disgrace to a classic album. Anemic, muddy and an big insult to Tom Waits.

My runouts are an exact match to this listing except that my vinyl is thankfully not clear. It is black and not translucent. As of now I can’t find a separate listing for black vinyl but that’s ok.

It is a great album and a very good pressing in my opinion.

Excellent copy! Mine sounds super clean, quiet and full of life

Completely agree with comments below. This just does not sound good. Muffled, no dynamics. I have this European reissue https://discogs.pelisguay.com/release/3139274-Tom-Waits-Closing-Time which is both cheaper and better.

Wonderful album. A 2am special. After six large whiskies you might not notice, but this is indeed a lousy pressing. The crackling on I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You is so noticeable that it almost feels deliberate. And the vocals are muffled.

As I say, at 2am you might not notice, but it’s a shame nonetheless. Compare this to the recent Mule Variations Silver edition and it’s night and day.

Anyone know when this album was pressed? It’s not clear from the above info.

I have to agree, this is exactly the same you get on the 2018 Remaster.
I couldn't tell one from the other.
So it's not bad, but there is absolutely no added value. Not even additional artwork as the the gatefold just has the lyrics printed on the inside instead of an inlay.
Okay, some may consider the necessety to lift your fine self out of the armchair three times instead of one as a nice addition to your personal workout scheme. I don't ...