![Earth, Wind & Fire - Spirit & That's The Way Of The World (1976+75) [Reissue 2020] MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC](https://pixhost.icu/avaxhome/78/57/007c5778_medium.jpg)
Earth, Wind & Fire - Spirit & That's The Way Of The World (1976+75) [Reissue 2020] MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC
![Earth, Wind & Fire - Spirit & That's The Way Of The World (1976+75) [Reissue 2020] MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC](https://pixhost.icu/avaxhome/78/57/007c5778.jpg)
Earth, Wind & Fire - Spirit / That's The Way Of The World (1976/1975) [Reissue 2020]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 75:48 minutes | Front, Scans NOT included | 3,58 GB
or FLAC 2.0 Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Front, Scans NOT included | 1,76 GB
2 LP on 1 SACD | Features Stereo and Quadrophonic Surround Sound | Vocalion # CDSML 8574
Earth, Wind & Fire hit their peak in 1975 with their multi-platinum album “That's the Way of the World”, excelling the band into absolute stardom with their hit title track and funky “Shining Star”. If you could have only one EWF release, this would be the best choice, and even better yet it has now been released on a quad hybrid SACD that also contains the follow-up 1976 album “Spirit”. Their powerful blend of funk and soul extends to the remainder of the album with no dull moments found within. “That's the Way of the World” can easily be considered one of the strongest albums of the '70s and has been impeccably remastered by Michael J. Dutton for the Dutton Vocallian reissue label.
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire has delivered more than its share of excellent albums, but if a person could own only one EWF release, the logical choice would be That's the Way of the World, which was the band's best album as well as its best-selling. Open Our Eyes had been a major hit and sold over half a million units, but it was World that established EWF as major-league, multi-platinum superstars. Fueled by gems ranging from the sweaty funk of "Shining Star" and "Yearnin' Learnin'" to the gorgeous ballad "Reasons" and the unforgettable title song, EWF's sixth album sold at least five million units. And some of the tracks that weren't major hits, such as the exuberant "Happy Feelin'" and the gospel-influenced "See the Light," are equally powerful. There are no dull moments on World, one of the strongest albums of the 1970s and EWF's crowning achievement.
Spirit
With That's the Way of the World having enjoyed multi-platinum success, Earth, Wind & Fire had a lot to live up to when the time came for another studio project. And the soul powerhouse didn't let anyone down (either commercially or creatively) on the outstanding Spirit, which boasted hits ranging from the optimistic "On Your Face" and the passionate funk classic "Getaway" to the poetic ballad "Imagination." Philip Bailey is as charismatic as ever on "Imagination" and the gorgeous title song. Maurice White's message and vision (an interesting blend of Afro-American Christianity and Eastern philosophy) was as positive and uplifting as ever, and as always, EWF expressed this positivity without being Pollyanna-ish or corny. And even if one didn't take EWF's calls for unity, hard work, self-respect, and faith in God to heart, they had no problem with their solid grooves.
Tracklist:
01. Getaway
02. On Your Face
03. Imagination
04. Spirit
05. Saturday Nite
06. Earth Wind & Fire
07. Departure
08. Biyo
09. Burnin' Bush
10. Shining Star
11. That's the Way of the World
12. Happy Feelin'
13. All About Love
14. Yearnin' Learnin'
15. Reasons
16. Africano
17. See the Light
Tracks "01-08" is "Spirit" (LP '1976)
Tracks "09-17" is "That's The Way Of The World" (LP '1975).
Remastered from the Original Master tapes by Michael J. Dutton.
The band had a lot to live up to when they went back into the studio to record their 1976 album “Spirit.” They didn’t let fans down quickly spinning out more hits including “On Your Face” and the passionate funk classic “Getaway” plus the ballad “Imagination.” Philip Bailey soars in the upper range while Maurice White’s vision and message remains as positive and uplifting as ever. While fans may not have taken EWF's calls for unity to heart, they had no problem with their solid self-respecting spiritual grooves.
Backing vocals blast in from the rear speakers with the classic song “Getaway” as the SACD opens with the first album “Spirit.” Drums and guitars are spread across the front with keyboard parts placed in the back right channel. The impact of the quad mix is extraordinary, really opening up the song, giving each part plenty of space to breathe as they surround the sweet spot. Brass also punches from the back as the uplifting soulful funk of Earth, Wind & Fire shakes your booty with a steady drumbeat.
Remastering engineer Michael J. Dutton continues to produce excellent surrounding quad SACD’s. He pulls from the best available analog master tape, and I have never found a bad transfer on any of the dozens of quad discs I have purchased on his Vocallion label. The soulful track “Imagination” is yet another great example of Dutton’s remastering expertise, emanating excellent dynamics and a clean crisp sound. The clave strikes distinctly while vocals sore in the upper range, with horns and keyboard parts once again taking their spot in the rear channels.
The fantastic quality of the original recording and subsequent quad and stereo mixes absolutely accentuate this album. I rather enjoy the analog feel of this transfer and wager that quad enthusiast who had the analog equivalent back in the day will relish at the remarkable channel separation and overall transparency heard on this SACD.
Just like the changes of the melody and orchestration, and the differences in instrumentation between every song, listeners will likely enjoy the unique mixes that characterize each song. Simply put, the album is an absolute quad treat to listen to since original quad mixing engineers Don Young and Larry Keyes have incorporated subtle changes in placement of instruments across the tracks.
Powerful musicianship and songwriting are on demonstration on the funky and fusionesque song “Biyo” with the guitar solo ripping from the back left channel. Vibraphones tingle across the front speakers expanding the range of instruments heard on the first album “Spirit.”
The 10th track on the SACD marks the break between the first and second album titled “That’s the Way of the World.” Although listeners don’t have to jump up and change the vinyl record, instead one can just let the next classic hit “Shining Star” continue the funky journey. However, it is immediately apparent that one is listening to the next album. There is a subtle yet definable difference between the spectral tonality when moving from the first to the second album. Spirit offers a greater tingle and punch in the upper regions, which excites my ears, making it a zestier mix, leading to That’s the Way of the World sounding a bit flat in comparison. Still, having noted this difference, the quad mix created by Harold J. Kleiner and thistransfer to the digital realm of the second album is still remarkable, providing plenty of openness, analog warmth, and brilliance.
The next classic hit is the title track from the second album “That’s the Way of the World,” a soulful gem that absolutely sounds astonishing in quad. While sitting in the sweet spot listeners are bathed with vocals, strings, and horns from all directions. The snare crisply punches through while the base firmly fills the bottom. Check out the gritty guitar solo that sizzles from the back right channel which has been placed in a classic reverberant space with its slightly overdriven sonics, with a nuanced clarity which distinctly emits the sound of the pick striking the string. Vocals have also been placed into an ambient reverberant space that aids in defining the auralscape of the dreamy side of this classic soulful tune.
Earth Wind & Fire is much more than their hits when it comes to compositions. There are jazzy influences with incredible arrangements which in my opinion absolutely make them one of the best bands from the 1970s era. Yet, the songs that I grew up on and know so very well such as their classic “Reasons” are presented here revealing aspects to the song that high never have noticed when listening to the stereo mix. Certainly, much of this can be attributed to the increased separation across the quad space, allowing details to emerge that are buried in the sonically laden stereo version
Switching between the quad and stereo layers brings me back to the mix I grew up with. However, as one would expect, the SACD and the incredible transfer make this version the one to own and listen to for stereophiles. Like the quad mix, the stereo mix offers superb dynamics, genuinely nice channel separation and a transparency that far surpasses any CD, vinyl, and tape copy one may have on hand. May as well toss those old versions to the Wind, and let the Fire return them to the Earth. For absolute purists, the stereo mix will be your go to version, unless you were a quad collector back in the day. Note that the quad and stereo mixes are different to the point of additional reverb and fuller bass tones were clearly added to the quad version. Each version has its place, and I already am truly enthralled by the quad mix.
An absolute must have for quad and surround sound collectors. Also any Earth, Wind & Fire fans seeking a hi-res edition of these two classic funky soul albums should not miss getting their copy. This set of two albums has become my favorite quad reissue for 2020.
Written by Wesley Derbyshire, hiresedition-com
Backing vocals blast in from the rear speakers with the classic song “Getaway” as the SACD opens with the first album “Spirit.” Drums and guitars are spread across the front with keyboard parts placed in the back right channel. The impact of the quad mix is extraordinary, really opening up the song, giving each part plenty of space to breathe as they surround the sweet spot. Brass also punches from the back as the uplifting soulful funk of Earth, Wind & Fire shakes your booty with a steady drumbeat.
Remastering engineer Michael J. Dutton continues to produce excellent surrounding quad SACD’s. He pulls from the best available analog master tape, and I have never found a bad transfer on any of the dozens of quad discs I have purchased on his Vocallion label. The soulful track “Imagination” is yet another great example of Dutton’s remastering expertise, emanating excellent dynamics and a clean crisp sound. The clave strikes distinctly while vocals sore in the upper range, with horns and keyboard parts once again taking their spot in the rear channels.
The fantastic quality of the original recording and subsequent quad and stereo mixes absolutely accentuate this album. I rather enjoy the analog feel of this transfer and wager that quad enthusiast who had the analog equivalent back in the day will relish at the remarkable channel separation and overall transparency heard on this SACD.
Just like the changes of the melody and orchestration, and the differences in instrumentation between every song, listeners will likely enjoy the unique mixes that characterize each song. Simply put, the album is an absolute quad treat to listen to since original quad mixing engineers Don Young and Larry Keyes have incorporated subtle changes in placement of instruments across the tracks.
Powerful musicianship and songwriting are on demonstration on the funky and fusionesque song “Biyo” with the guitar solo ripping from the back left channel. Vibraphones tingle across the front speakers expanding the range of instruments heard on the first album “Spirit.”
The 10th track on the SACD marks the break between the first and second album titled “That’s the Way of the World.” Although listeners don’t have to jump up and change the vinyl record, instead one can just let the next classic hit “Shining Star” continue the funky journey. However, it is immediately apparent that one is listening to the next album. There is a subtle yet definable difference between the spectral tonality when moving from the first to the second album. Spirit offers a greater tingle and punch in the upper regions, which excites my ears, making it a zestier mix, leading to That’s the Way of the World sounding a bit flat in comparison. Still, having noted this difference, the quad mix created by Harold J. Kleiner and thistransfer to the digital realm of the second album is still remarkable, providing plenty of openness, analog warmth, and brilliance.
The next classic hit is the title track from the second album “That’s the Way of the World,” a soulful gem that absolutely sounds astonishing in quad. While sitting in the sweet spot listeners are bathed with vocals, strings, and horns from all directions. The snare crisply punches through while the base firmly fills the bottom. Check out the gritty guitar solo that sizzles from the back right channel which has been placed in a classic reverberant space with its slightly overdriven sonics, with a nuanced clarity which distinctly emits the sound of the pick striking the string. Vocals have also been placed into an ambient reverberant space that aids in defining the auralscape of the dreamy side of this classic soulful tune.
Earth Wind & Fire is much more than their hits when it comes to compositions. There are jazzy influences with incredible arrangements which in my opinion absolutely make them one of the best bands from the 1970s era. Yet, the songs that I grew up on and know so very well such as their classic “Reasons” are presented here revealing aspects to the song that high never have noticed when listening to the stereo mix. Certainly, much of this can be attributed to the increased separation across the quad space, allowing details to emerge that are buried in the sonically laden stereo version
Switching between the quad and stereo layers brings me back to the mix I grew up with. However, as one would expect, the SACD and the incredible transfer make this version the one to own and listen to for stereophiles. Like the quad mix, the stereo mix offers superb dynamics, genuinely nice channel separation and a transparency that far surpasses any CD, vinyl, and tape copy one may have on hand. May as well toss those old versions to the Wind, and let the Fire return them to the Earth. For absolute purists, the stereo mix will be your go to version, unless you were a quad collector back in the day. Note that the quad and stereo mixes are different to the point of additional reverb and fuller bass tones were clearly added to the quad version. Each version has its place, and I already am truly enthralled by the quad mix.
An absolute must have for quad and surround sound collectors. Also any Earth, Wind & Fire fans seeking a hi-res edition of these two classic funky soul albums should not miss getting their copy. This set of two albums has become my favorite quad reissue for 2020.
Written by Wesley Derbyshire, hiresedition-com
foobar2000 1.6 / Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Analyzed: Earth Wind & Fire / Sprit &Thats the Way
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR Peak RMS Duration Track
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR8 -6.41 dB -24.80 dB 3:43 01-Getaway
DR8 -8.15 dB -25.68 dB 4:31 02-On Your Face
DR8 -9.36 dB -26.28 dB 5:18 03-Imagination
DR8 -8.16 dB -26.11 dB 3:11 04-Spirit
DR9 -7.92 dB -26.33 dB 4:00 05-Saturday Nite
DR8 -8.17 dB -26.34 dB 4:42 06-Earth Wind & Fire
DR8 -15.16 dB -32.82 dB 0:27 07-Departure
DR8 -7.76 dB -25.18 dB 3:38 08-Biyo
DR9 -7.98 dB -27.16 dB 6:55 09-Burnin Bush
DR9 -8.16 dB -25.97 dB 2:52 10-Shining Star
DR8 -8.37 dB -25.85 dB 5:48 11-Thats the Way of the World
DR7 -9.09 dB -25.27 dB 3:38 12-Happy Feelin
DR8 -9.46 dB -27.13 dB 6:40 13-All About Love
DR8 -8.72 dB -26.11 dB 3:42 14-Yearnin Learnin
DR8 -7.55 dB -25.32 dB 5:02 15-Reasons
DR9 -7.70 dB -25.47 dB 5:11 16-Africano
DR8 -8.92 dB -25.83 dB 6:30 17-See the Light
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Number of tracks: 17
Official DR value: DR8
Samplerate: 2822400 Hz / PCM Samplerate: 176400 Hz
Channels: 6
Bits per sample: 1
Bitrate: 16934 kbps
Codec: DST64
================================================================================
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Analyzed: Earth Wind & Fire / Sprit &Thats the Way
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR Peak RMS Duration Track
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR14 -6.02 dB -22.35 dB 3:47 01-Getaway
DR14 -5.74 dB -21.47 dB 4:34 02-On Your Face
DR14 -5.59 dB -22.07 dB 5:17 03-Imagination
DR13 -6.46 dB -23.31 dB 3:12 04-Spirit
DR15 -6.20 dB -22.88 dB 4:03 05-Saturday Nite
DR14 -5.79 dB -22.87 dB 4:41 06-Earth Wind & Fire
DR12 -17.08 dB -32.04 dB 0:27 07-Departure
DR15 -5.75 dB -22.52 dB 3:38 08-Biyo
DR15 -7.32 dB -25.45 dB 6:46 09-Burnin Bush
DR13 -6.47 dB -21.70 dB 2:52 10-Shining Star
DR12 -7.19 dB -21.46 dB 5:48 11-Thats the Way of the World
DR12 -6.68 dB -21.21 dB 3:38 12-Happy Feelin
DR11 -7.98 dB -22.64 dB 6:40 13-All About Love
DR12 -6.77 dB -21.98 dB 3:42 14-Yearnin Learnin
DR12 -8.02 dB -22.49 dB 5:02 15-Reasons
DR13 -7.45 dB -23.09 dB 5:13 16-Africano
DR11 -7.32 dB -21.85 dB 6:27 17-See the Light
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Number of tracks: 17
Official DR value: DR13
Samplerate: 2822400 Hz / PCM Samplerate: 176400 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 1
Bitrate: 5645 kbps
Codec: DST64
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Analyzed: Earth Wind & Fire / Sprit &Thats the Way
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR Peak RMS Duration Track
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR8 -6.41 dB -24.80 dB 3:43 01-Getaway
DR8 -8.15 dB -25.68 dB 4:31 02-On Your Face
DR8 -9.36 dB -26.28 dB 5:18 03-Imagination
DR8 -8.16 dB -26.11 dB 3:11 04-Spirit
DR9 -7.92 dB -26.33 dB 4:00 05-Saturday Nite
DR8 -8.17 dB -26.34 dB 4:42 06-Earth Wind & Fire
DR8 -15.16 dB -32.82 dB 0:27 07-Departure
DR8 -7.76 dB -25.18 dB 3:38 08-Biyo
DR9 -7.98 dB -27.16 dB 6:55 09-Burnin Bush
DR9 -8.16 dB -25.97 dB 2:52 10-Shining Star
DR8 -8.37 dB -25.85 dB 5:48 11-Thats the Way of the World
DR7 -9.09 dB -25.27 dB 3:38 12-Happy Feelin
DR8 -9.46 dB -27.13 dB 6:40 13-All About Love
DR8 -8.72 dB -26.11 dB 3:42 14-Yearnin Learnin
DR8 -7.55 dB -25.32 dB 5:02 15-Reasons
DR9 -7.70 dB -25.47 dB 5:11 16-Africano
DR8 -8.92 dB -25.83 dB 6:30 17-See the Light
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Number of tracks: 17
Official DR value: DR8
Samplerate: 2822400 Hz / PCM Samplerate: 176400 Hz
Channels: 6
Bits per sample: 1
Bitrate: 16934 kbps
Codec: DST64
================================================================================
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Analyzed: Earth Wind & Fire / Sprit &Thats the Way
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR Peak RMS Duration Track
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
DR14 -6.02 dB -22.35 dB 3:47 01-Getaway
DR14 -5.74 dB -21.47 dB 4:34 02-On Your Face
DR14 -5.59 dB -22.07 dB 5:17 03-Imagination
DR13 -6.46 dB -23.31 dB 3:12 04-Spirit
DR15 -6.20 dB -22.88 dB 4:03 05-Saturday Nite
DR14 -5.79 dB -22.87 dB 4:41 06-Earth Wind & Fire
DR12 -17.08 dB -32.04 dB 0:27 07-Departure
DR15 -5.75 dB -22.52 dB 3:38 08-Biyo
DR15 -7.32 dB -25.45 dB 6:46 09-Burnin Bush
DR13 -6.47 dB -21.70 dB 2:52 10-Shining Star
DR12 -7.19 dB -21.46 dB 5:48 11-Thats the Way of the World
DR12 -6.68 dB -21.21 dB 3:38 12-Happy Feelin
DR11 -7.98 dB -22.64 dB 6:40 13-All About Love
DR12 -6.77 dB -21.98 dB 3:42 14-Yearnin Learnin
DR12 -8.02 dB -22.49 dB 5:02 15-Reasons
DR13 -7.45 dB -23.09 dB 5:13 16-Africano
DR11 -7.32 dB -21.85 dB 6:27 17-See the Light
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Number of tracks: 17
Official DR value: DR13
Samplerate: 2822400 Hz / PCM Samplerate: 176400 Hz
Channels: 2
Bits per sample: 1
Bitrate: 5645 kbps
Codec: DST64
Thanks to the Original ripper!
Uncompressed SACD ISO size > 3,4 GB
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