TAJ MAHAL/THE NATCH'L BLUES UK MONO 58-63397 VS UK STEREO S 8-63397

 

 Wrote a way too short post on the mono eight years ago and even if that is a known fold (as you can see the label has the US "CS" no), now that I've bought the corresponding stereo still making a format comparison as an excuse to repost. A to the greater part self-penned album backed by top session musicians and also including Al Kooper on keyboards.  As I hear it a perfect mix between black blues and pastel.  I get a bundle of very pleasant and catchy songs conveyed in a way that's almost easy listening, but at the same time carrying a strong undertone of black blues making it more substantial than regular pop.  I guess some hard-core blues fans find it futile and lovers of light pop too provoking, but if you settle with the blend it's pure joy all through.  To my taste there's not a bad moment here, just one good song after another providing uplifting background to any chore and also  working well when relaxing in the listening chair.  I like it all, but if to chose just two favorites - "Good Moring Miss Brown" and "She Caught The Katy And Left Me A Mule To Ride".  Moving around my appartment or listening from some adjacent room I can't hear any difference between the mono and stereo, but sitting in front of the speakers the stereo comes through just a little wider and more detailed so that's the one for the listening chair.  A top album anyway you chose.  Issued and reissued pretty much all over the world on vinyl and CD through the years, also reel and 8-track. Premiere US on Columbia (CS 9698). Japan 2018 CD on Sony (SICP 5872) came with three bonus tracks.  First UK had label as shown here in a laminated cover, using the US rear sleeve pic on both front and back.  (DÄJ*) (MÅW*) (YMÖ*)