FINALLY! Styx A&M Catalog Redone in Japan

[StyxCollector]

Man, I need to do a site update ... this is big, big, big news.

On January 21, 2009, Universal Japan is releasing the entire Styx A&M catalog in mini-LP sleeve format. Yes, every album from Equinox through Edge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No idea on the mastering job; I'm assuming new mastering jobs since none of the catalog CDs have been in print in Japan except for hits CDs in a long time. They will also be done using SHM-CD. They are limited edition. SHM-CDs tend to have about 5000s CDs per pressing.

They did something similar (non-SHM, but boxed) for the Joe Jackson catalog and those except for the first two albums were unique Japanese mastering jobs. Styx has one SHM-CD (the 90s hits package which was originally released in Canada sans Lady) already, but it is in a jewel case.

I'm super excited about this if you couldn't tell.

[Jodes]

What is an SHM-CD?

Umm the greatest hits package I have from Canada in the 90s (with "Styx" being in red, with green stars in the background) does have Lady on it, but its not Lady 95, its the original.

[styxfanNH]

The high quality SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players.

[FormerDJMike]

This is great news but since it is limited to 5000 (maybe) this could be pricey. Any mention of bonus tracks and does this mean a US re-issue may follow soon?

[Abitaman]

What is an SHM-CD?

Umm the greatest hits package I have from Canada in the 90s (with "Styx" being in red, with green stars in the background) does have Lady on it, but its not Lady 95, its the original.

I have the same one.

[StyxCollector]

What is an SHM-CD?

Umm the greatest hits package I have from Canada in the 90s (with "Styx" being in red, with green stars in the background) does have Lady on it, but its not Lady 95, its the original.

That hits package has been issued in Japan a few times sans Lady. Canada isn't the only place it was released

[StyxCollector]

This is great news but since it is limited to 5000 (maybe) this could be pricey. Any mention of bonus tracks and does this mean a US re-issue may follow soon?

Normal prices - 2800 yen for the single discs, and CITA is 3800 yen. No US released; these things are Japan only.

They did something similar with the Joe Jackson catalog which were Japanese only releases and masterings. It's the only place to get some of those albums remastered.

[StyxCollector]

The high quality SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing, SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc, allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players.

It basically reduces jitter and such; with some CDs, it's the latest masterings so if you rip 'em to a hard drive, it will sound the same. The difference is only when you physically play the disc.

[FormerDJMike]

Does a mini-sleeve mimic the album itself? Or will there be new liner notes and tons of pics?

[yogi]

I have the Canadian package too.

A couple of the songs are edited( shorter versions).

Its been awhile since I played it so I cant remember which songs.

[StyxCollector]

Does a mini-sleeve mimic the album itself? Or will there be new liner notes and tons of pics?

It replicates the album artwork.

[Jodes]

I have the Canadian package too.

A couple of the songs are edited( shorter versions).

Its been awhile since I played it so I cant remember which songs.

I think the two edited songs are Blue Collar Man and Mr. Roboto..

[Abitaman]

I have the Canadian package too.

A couple of the songs are edited( shorter versions).

Its been awhile since I played it so I cant remember which songs.

I think the two edited songs are Blue Collar Man and Mr. Roboto..

Mr roboto is the single version.
Babe is edited too, at the begining of the song, where Blue Collar Man fades out.

[StyxCollector]

Well, the mini-LP Styx CDs came out yesterday (1/28/09) in Japan. My set is on its way to me ... more when I have them in hand.

[styxfansite]

Well, the mini-LP Styx CDs came out yesterday (1/28/09) in Japan. My set is on its way to me ... more when I have them in hand.

Were did you purchase them and how much?


Thanks

[styxfansite]

Well, the mini-LP Styx CDs came out yesterday (1/28/09) in Japan. My set is on its way to me ... more when I have them in hand.

Were did you purchase them and how much?


Thanks

I may have answered my own question. Found a 9 disk set from Japan for $318 and free shipping that looks like this on ebay.

[StyxCollector]

I got the version from Disk Union with the promo Crystal Ball box to house 'em all. Cost me about $360 with shipping.

[Jodes]

Thats roughly $440 CDN.. OUCH!

[styxfanNH]

http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... %26hl%3Den

[styxfansite]

Here is one of many ebay listings. Sorry for the mile long link. I also noticed a 7 disk Kansas set out there for all of you Kansas fans.

http://cgi.ebay.com/STYX-9-JAPAN-MINI-L ... 7C294%3A50

[styxfanNH]

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/list_from_code ... ?key=94771

Order them individually for $30 ea give or take

[StyxCollector]

The post office came by when I wasn't home today, so I'll pick up my box tomorrow.

[StyxCollector]

Just picked up the box from the post office.

Each booklet seems to have a long essay on the history of Styx and seems to be a continuation of each. Also included are the original US LP inserts, and the center of the A/B side of the original US LP are on both sides of a card which has the limited edition number of each disc (so those of you who think these are not limited, they are). The packaging is immaculate. For example, Caught In The Act has the gatefold sleeve and the raised and embossed silver Styx logo (same as the US LP; the European LP had a slightly different design ). They went back to the originals or pretty darn close for the packaging because it's the best all of the artwork ever looked on CD. The OBIs are numbered 1 - 9 on the side, so you'll see if you're missing one or not lol

The Disk Union box is also very nice as well. Oh, and GI has the original poster folded like it was on the original issue LP. Drool.

EDIT: Another neat touch: all of the original LP stickers from the front shrinkwrap are included as well. For example, Kilroy has the MMM warning sticker. Very cool!

My only slight disappointment is the artwork on the disc. Unlike, say, the Joe Jackson mini-LP sleeve ones where they recreated the center of the LP, they didn't do that for any of the Styx ones. The Styx CDs all use the Paradise Theater Styx logo as well as the same font for the album name (all in caps).

There are no mastering credits that I can see. They do not seem to be embedded in the essay, either. I don't have time to do any kind of in-depth comparison at the moment since I have a few deadlines in the next few days, but I am listening to Grand Illusion at the moment. It does not seem overly maximized, but I also don't have it cranked nor have I done any level comparisons to older pressings (Japan or US). It definitely seems like it has more resolution, so they may have gone back to some version of the master tape (Japan or US; even if it was a production copy) and it's not just an re-EQ job. The EQ is definitely different; I can tell that right away. It's definitely different than the original or the same tracks on compilations. For example, on "Fooling Yourself", the bass drum leaps out at you. Everything is slightly brighter as well, but not overly so. It's not like "Behind the Lines" on the new Genesis remixes where it tears your head off.

I just hit "Come Sail Away" and I have to say - the piano has very nice tonality and Dennis' voice is very natural, so a good EQ job so far on this song. The drums (mainly the toms) on the drum fills going into the first chorus after the verse also sound really good. The kicker for me in this song is the arpeggiated guitar part towards the end (and under the end of the first chorus), because on recent compilation masterings, it seems to have been lost a bit. Here, they pop out as they should. Whew.

"Miss America" just started and the bass drum sounds fine. Definite EQ boost in the highs (can tell with the high hats), but again, not bad at all. Overall EQ on all songs so far seems tasteful.

Anyway, that's my impression about 20 minutes in with only one disc and not comparing it to anything else. Bad EQ? No. Loud? Doesn't seem to be, but I'm sure they're a bit louder than the originals. Worth the money? For me, not even a question.

This may very well be the only chance to get anything close to resembling official Styx remasters, and if you collect Styx at all, this is the packaging to get them in.

[StyxCollector]

Just popped in CITA Disc 2 (sides 3 and 4 of the LP). I don't have to compare this one to the original CD - the difference is night and day. It's not the best recording ever, but it sounds light years better on this pressing. The EQ seems right. It's no secret I thought the original CD was poorly done. Of all of the official released versions, "Come Sail Away" here is my favorite (there are better live versions; I'm talking record-label stuff).

[Jodes]

So... tempting.. to.. get.. only...400 CDN... SPOCK!!

[StyxCollector]

So... tempting.. to.. get.. only...400 CDN... SPOCK!!

For what it's worth, they technically go out of print in July '09, but chances are the more popular albums will disappear quickly (GI, PT in particular) like on the other runs for other artists (for example, when the did the Supertramp mini-LPs, Crime of the Century and Breakfast in America went first). There is a small chance they may do reissues in jewel cases (it's the Japanese way lol), but I wouldn't count in it. Even if you don't want the whole shebang or even the DU box version, I'd get the albums you want now.

[Jodes]

Sorry, I'm a completest.. I'd want them all.

I might even get the remastered Wooden Nickel single cd's I've seen on Ebay too, even though the Wooden Nickel 2 CD set was remastered.

Again, I'd want it all lol.

[StyxCollector]

Sorry, I'm a completest.. I'd want them all.

I might even get the remastered Wooden Nickel single cd's I've seen on Ebay too, even though the Wooden Nickel 2 CD set was remastered.

Again, I'd want it all lol.

I do have it all. Sometimes multiple times for the same pressing from one country! lol Ain't a cheap hobby.

[Jodes]

One has to wonder if Universal Canada would consider doing something like this as well. Styx did sell at least 1-2 million albums up here and a decent price remastered limited edition release might just work here too. Even if it was just the 1st four AM albums (like they did with the "gold" vinyl in the 70s) I'd be for that too.

If they limited it to say 3000 copies of each CD, I'm sure there would be enough fans here in Canada and the US that would snatch these up no problem.

One can dream..

[StyxCollector]

One has to wonder if Universal Canada would consider doing something like this as well. Styx did sell at least 1-2 million albums up here and a decent price remastered limited edition release might just work here too. Even if it was just the 1st four AM albums (like they did with the "gold" vinyl in the 70s) I'd be for that too.

If they limited it to say 3000 copies of each CD, I'm sure there would be enough fans here in Canada and the US that would snatch these up no problem.

One can dream..

It would have been done already. All indications since 1995 were Universal/A&M were NOT interested in worldwide remasters after they were announced and then recanted; I was wondering if the Japanese would do it first or be the only ones. Looks like I was right.