Quick Thoughts - 2016 Styx Japanese A&M Era CD Remasters

[StyxCollector]

I finally received the new 2016 Japan reissues of the A&M catalog. I was out of town, so I delayed delivery. This marks the third time since 2009 these have been reissued in Japan. The 2009 versions were remastered except for Cornerstone, had mini-LP sleeves, etc. The 2009s were reissued in 2011 with new catalog numbers but minus Cornerstone. Some notes:

1. For the first time since its original issue on CD in 1987, Cornerstone has been remastered in digital. No other issues on CD or download are remastered at all. Unfortunately, UMJ screwed up the original pressing of this one and the replacement of it is on its way. If you order Cornerstone, ask that it is the one shipped after November 16. (http://www.universal-music.co.jp/styx/n ... formation/) If history is any indicator, Cornerstone will be one of the first to sell out.

2. Besides Cornerstone, everything here is a new 2016 remaster except for PT. After 2009, PT was remastered again in Japan for the SHM-SACD/SHM Platinum CD a few years ago. PT in this set is the same as the second remaster for the SHM-SACD/Platinum CD in Japan from everything I read.

3. Unlike the 2009/2011 issues, the 2016s have near exact matching OBIs to their original counterparts. If you look at CITA, there's slight wording variation at the bottom, but these look better because of it vs. the 2009/11 ones. This is very similar to the Wooden Nickel reissues released earlier this year in Japan.

4. CITA is the full gatefold, the silver embossed cover, the sticker that was on the original US vinyl, Cornerstone has all the original die cuts in the cover, etc. In that way, these are like the 2009/2011s. Still very cool.

5. So far I've listened to GI, and am up to "Queen of Spades" on Po8. Sonically, these are IMO better than the 2009/11. These are crankable. The bass is not goosed unlike some of the 2009s. You can hear the low end of the synth bass at the end of QoS, but it's not mushy or unnatural. The sound seems similar to the Wooden Nickel set to a degree, so I would surmise the same person/group mastered both sets. Just going on memory, GI sounds better than either the Audio Fidelity issue (which I hated) and the 2009. These are not bright, either. The top end is there, but they are fairly balanced EQ-wise.

6. My only real disappointment is how they handled the graphics on the discs. There basically are none. That could have been better, but in that way, they are the same as the 2009/11.

So far, I'd say that this set as well as the Wooden Nickel one are worthwhile purchases. No regrets.

[Baron Von Bielski]

I bought Crystal Ball on this go around. Earlier this year I bought Styx and Styx 2. Looks like I may have to do Cornerstone, again.

[StyxGuy]

I've got a friend working in Japan who brought me Equinox and Paradise Theatre recently... now I just need the other 11 re-issues

I'm giving him a list and when he goes back he's going to shop around for me to see what he can get... Though even at face value they're not cheap (about $35CAD after exchange) so even if they're all available I may not get them all