My initial impressions are that this isn't a stellar sounding release in either lp or cd format. It's not overtly bad, but it isn't going to ever be anyone's "go to" system demonstration disc either. Soundstage is rather amorphous and indistinct, performers don't sound like musicians sitting in a physical space with easily determined room characteristics. Leading edges of instruments are slightly blunted and indistinct. Sounds rather a bit like sonics on T-bone Burnett's production of Plant & Krause's "Raising Sand." That said, I like the recording, the music is quite fine. The vinyl definitely sounds better than the cd on my system. However, I do have a bit more invested in my vinyl playback than I do in my Luxman D-05 digital player, so someone with a digital system that can do the high rez download justice may well find that digital version to be better.
Should probably also mention that the LP package isn't the best value proposition because there are only three sides of music and you're paying for two 180 gram lp's. The fourth side is an artsy-fartsy impression of Poseidon rising from the depths. Who knows, maybe it will turn out to be a collector's item in the future because of that?
