Thinking about buying a copy of Metallica's S&M CD, noticed there is both a normal US release and a Japanese SHM-CD release. Never seen SHM-CD before, so no idea if it is worth the extra money. Is it different mastering, or just some sham to get more money out of folks? The actual encoding cant be all that different, unless they dont care about backwards compatibility.

SHM-CD just uses a different/better plastic for the disc, the encoding is exactly the same as a regular redbook CD.

Sounds like something I dont care about then, so better to save my money. Thanks Fitz.

Eastwind Import Home US

I have no idea what /\ /\ /\ means but there will be a few at Can Jam. If more precise pits in a CD makes a discernible audible difference then perhaps I will try one.

Never heard of that, HQCD and Blu-Spec CD, I'm so outdated

Sham -- the process burns "more precise pits" is all. Only helps if you have anything less than a working transport.

One nice thing about some of the Japanese CD reissues (including some SHM CDs) is they often try and replicate the artwork from the original LPs except in CD sized prints. I suppose worth the extra money to some assuming the mastering is good.

I bet SHM is short for ShamWow! What hasn't the greatness of that man innovated upon??

Some of the AC DC ones I heard seem to be brickwalled

Yes, the ACDC SHM Mini LP discography was all done very poorly. They get a shot at remastering it and they just made it louder....numb nuts.

You'd have to immolate yourself in the process to receive truly universal acclaim.

if i had a shot at remastering an AC/DC album, i'd personally do the world a favor and burn the masters.

I don't know if you'd be doing the world a favor by pissing off thousands of AC/DC fans...

that wouldn't be doing the world a favor, now would it, mortal?

Only one way to test my theory. I assume you keep some gas in the basement, for medicinal purposes?

I actually see some value in AC/DC. Metallica on the other hand...

Bigot. Why can't other people have different tastes in music than you do?

I am a big AC/DC fan and I don't think they've released anything good in over ten years (yes I really, really liked Ballbreaker).

I'm a fan, but really only listen to BIB.

The donnington concert is amazing though.

Some of the songs from various albums I heard there for the first time just don't cut it when listening to the studio versions afterwards.