You could look at this CD as gem or a rip-off. The argument for this edition of Miles Davis’ Sketches of Spain is that it’s been completely remastered and sounds fabulous. So, if you have older copies on record or CD, this new edition will sound better. The argument that this edition is a rip-off is that all the bonus material included–alternate takes of the songs–have all been available on other recordings. It’s nice that it’s all here in one handy package, but the 2CD set will cost you $21 through AMAZON. Last year, the “Legacy Edition” of Kind of Blue was released with remastering and bonus features. You’ll see more and more of this recycling effort by the record companies to make money off their classic titles rather than make expensive investments in developing new talent. GRADE: A
Yeah, I already have the LP, cassette, and CD of SPAIN. It’s an extraordinary piece of work but the company won’t get any more dinero from me this time.
Some critics have dismissed SKETCHES OF SPAIN as “elevator music” but I agree with you: it’s an extraordinary piece of music.
It’s very good, and I own it twice, but it’s not up to much of his other work, including (of course) Kind of Blue, but also Birth of the Cool, Milestones and I really like his take on Porgy and Bess (1958)
Some people (like me) are impressed with the big orchestra sound of SKETCHES OF SPAIN. But, you’re right: it’s hard to beat KIND OF BLUE.
PORGY AND BESS has the same Gil Evans Orchestra (well, nearly the same) involved.
Todd, maybe that why SKETCHES OF SPAIN sounds so good!