The Cars – Panorama

My copy is super quiet in the good way. Only copy I have of this so can't compare it to anything but I'm super happy to find a mint condtion copy it sounds really good!

A great and often overlooked record by The Cars. Check out Misfit Kid and Down Boys. It’s not chock full of hooks like the other records, but it is solid in its own right. I’m always glad to see a band try new things and evolve. There is nothing amazing about this particular pressing - no better or worse than other versions I’ve heard. The truly amazing thing about this pressing is the price you can still find a NM- copy for.

I picked up this test pressing for cheap, (the store thought it was just a white label promo), got it home and ran it through the ultrasonic cleaner. I was pleasantly surprised when I played it...this version is amazing! Deep bass, wide soundstage, detailed synth and guitar interaction. This is my new system demonstration album. If you run across this test pressing, even if it's a little scuffed, grab it. Handily blows my original official release out of the water.

If anyone can help: think I have a Terre Haute version of the album. The etched number T1 5E 514-AB for side 1. Want to make sure I'm not just lost and there's already a listing for this version :)

Not my favorite Cars album. Glad to have it in my collection, it's just not a go-to Cars album for me. Great sounding album but, it's missing what made their first two albums so great, in my opinion.

Cormparing this to the 2017 Rhino re-master: the 1980 SP original doesn't have any major sibilance issues - the vocals I was checking out may have been a touch too 'hot' or needed a tweek in the OG mix, but never had the ugly high sibilance problems the 2017 RM had. But -
The 2017 mixes were slightly more detailed, and the mixes weren't as 'rough mix' sounding to me (personal taste) - I've heard some LOUSY remasters, and this is not. The mixes had a final 'polish' that could have been done when the album first came out.
I'm guessiing any distortion issues in the original vocals translated poorly for re-mastering, and to correct it came off as sibilant(?)
got me
CONCLUSION: go for the 2017 Rhino re-master - there are vocal issues in the original SP pressing as well....and the 2017 release is so pretty - and there were only 2 tracks that had any problems...

A giant leap from my old 80s cassette! Detailed, quiet and crispy - nice stereo field - extra tracks - unseen photos - If you like the Cars, this should be in your collection -
My only issue is some sibilance on B3, B4

I don't own an original vinyl pressing, only original cd and high res digital, which I assume is the same remaster as this one. I don't find this version too bass heavy as others have said. My system is pretty neutral, though it can present as kinda warm with my Elekit tube pre-amp and NOS RCA tubes. Regardless, I find it sounds much richer than either of my other copies, which ittedly typically don't go through my preamp.

Regardless, I find the mastering pretty balanced, the stereo separation is nice and the dynamics are full, thick and clear. The pressing from GZ Media is not the best. After an Ultrasonic clean (it was filthy from the cardboard inner sleeve), it sounds pretty good, but with a few ticks throughout. Nothing obnoxious or worth returning, but especially noticeable between tracks and on the run-in/outs. The only song that I hear a few ticks/clicks is Side B, 3rd track "You Wear Those Eyes" in the early half where its kinda atmospheric as it builds to the conclusion. Not enough to really fret over. Overall, a 5-stars for the music, 4-stars for the mastering, 3.5-4-stars for the pressing quality.

Good sounding vinyl. Plays nice and quiet. Good mix. Good balance. Sounds really nice.

The bonus tracks are incredible. I especially like Shooting for You and Don't Go to Pieces. Orr on vocals.