I need some advise regarding the Capitol Concepts Box Set. I am confused about the remastering of the 16 albums in the set. The Capitol web site states that these 16 cds are available in the set or indivdiually in remasterd 24-bit versions. Everything that I have read so far about the box set states that albums are 20-bit remasters. I did see the seven recently released individual albums with a 24-bit sticker at Borders. It appears that the catalog may be upgraded to 24-bit, replacing existing masters and the concepts box set if it is only 20-bit. Any help on this is appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael

OK, here's the story.....


In 1998-1999 Capitol and Reprise came out with 8 albums from the Capitol era and 8 albums from the Reprise era. These were collectively called "The Entertainer of the Century" remasters. They were done with 20 bit processing. The 8 remasters from Capitol had HORRIBLE sound with lots of added echo and attempts at noise reduction. The 8 remasters from Reprise were much better.

For Christmas 1999, Capitol remastered "A Jolly Christmas" in 24 bit sound. This remaster was done by Bob Norberg and was superb.

In mid-2000, Capitol issued the 16 disc "Concepts" box set. All of the remasters (except for "Jolly Christmas") were freshly done by Bob Norberg using 24 bit technology. For the first time since their original releases, the Capitol mono recordings were released without added echo and sounded very very close to the original grey-labelled Capitol LP's issued in the mid-50's. The sound quality is closer to the original LP's than even the Mobile Fidelity "Sinatra" box set. Highly recommeded!!!!


In January, 2001, Capitol released the other 7 "Concept" albums which were culled from the "Concepts" box.

So, in conclusion, 8 of the albums that are available seperately are the same as "Concepts" and 8 are totally different (and inferior).

Your best bet is just to buy "Concepts". You're going to want all of the albums anyway!!!! You can get "Concepts" for about $100 on E-bay. Or, you can get it for about $135 by joining the Columbia Record Club.

Listening to the albums on "Concepts" is the most genuine way to hear the albums just as they were released in the 1950's. Bob Norberg did a superb job in locating the ORIGINAL tapes.

It incredible how much you all know about Frankie! I am soooo glad I found this site... I have much to learn!