Classic recordings aren’t always great, technically.
Writing my annual book of charts for the Rockford Cabaret allows me the chance to do a close listen to a whole lot of songs around a single theme. That’s afforded some deep education into musical style, common errors, notation; annually there are new insights about music.
This year is no exception, as I work my way through a set of songs from the 1960’s. But the biggest takeaway at the moment is about the recordings themselves.
Specifically, I’ve noticed that several classic recordings, on closer inspection, have what I would consider egregious recording errors. They don’t detract from the greatness of the recordings, but they remind me that pristine recording is only one of many elements that contribute to exquisite recordings.
Some examples from today:
Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – there is a jangle of keys in the left channel about halfway through, and a very bizarre clipping of the final piano note (reverb continues)
Etta James’ “At Last” – a truly shocking amount of popped p’s and t’s from her vocal track.
Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – distortion in the chorus beyond what I would consider remotely acceptable.