This the result of what is known as the loudness wars ( Google it). This has been used by many rock/pop producers to ensure that the recording sounds louder than the competition which they consider to be an advantage. However making records is , like movies, a team effort. The engineer will try to meet his/her client’s brief. The compressed sound is most likely the result of instructions from a “suit” at the record label rather than a sign of incompetence on behalf of the engineers.
2 Likes
Hi @PAR ,
I know all that.
Now, for such a record never subject to be passed on radio, the mastering to win the loudness war just does not make sense!
If the mastering engineer isn’t in cause (I confess I may have blame him only too quickly), the one(s) who decided to go to excessive loudness with this record just go against the artist IMHO.
Thanks for your inputs.
2 Likes
Bruch & Mendelssohn Bartholdy Violin Concertos
Shlomo Mintz
Claudio Abbado, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Pentatone - 13th November 2015 (Remaster)
DSD 64
DR: 12
1 Like
Venus
Welcome To The Modern Dance Hall
Experimental-Pop/Pop-Rock
EMI - 1999
16/44.1 - DR: 10dB
Quite a long time I haven’t listened to this one.
Venus was part of the Belgium bands that were having a huge hype at the end of the 90s, but the group didn’t pass a decade.
Today, mostly dEUS remain, barely touring Europe with concert mixing their 3 first albums only…
Glories from the past…
2 Likes
Had the enormous privilege to see a live performance conducted by the composer here in Stockholm a few months ago. One of my absolutely favourite Requiems.
4 Likes
2 Likes
Caelan Cardello “Chapter One” 2025, Qobuz 24/96
This came up in my stream while I was in the car and I’m really digging it. A jazz trio that doesn’t fall into the conventional jazz trio format. Colours outside the line both harmonically and rhythmically. Nice.
3 Likes
Mina Agossi
Simple Things?
Jazz/Vocal-Jazz/Cover
Candid - 2008
16/44.1 - DR: 10dB
Excellent SQ on this one!
3 Likes
Depeche Mode “Music for the Masses (Deluxe)” 1987, Qobuz 16/44.1
Came up in my feed as Qobuz have selected it for their “The Qobuz Ideal Discography” series. Rightly so IMO.
6 Likes
Joe Walsh: But Seriously, Folks…
Album Rock, Blues-Rock, Pop/Rock, Rock & Roll
Elektra / Rhino - 1st June 1978
16/44.1
DR: 10
3 Likes
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and friends Eric Clapton, Chris Barber, Mick Taylor: 70th Birthday Concert (Live)
Buddy Whittington, Joe Yuele, Tom Canning, Hank Van Sickle
Eagle Rock - 18th November 2003
16/44.1
DR: 10
IMO, an excellent performance and great RQ/SQ.
4 Likes
FKA Twigs
EUSEXUA
Electronica
Young - 2025
24/48 - DR: 10dB
Almost a year after it was released, I’m surprised to see myself listening to this album more and more often. 
2 Likes
