Stellar comparisons!!!! , SPOT ON !, Thank you for sharing. I have yet to receive my 3 LP version of creatures and my only trepidation was it was not going to have the thunderous clean bass sound as the original 82 or 97 remastered cd. Now thanks to your audio comparison I know what to expect. Thank you again...Stellar!
I appreciate you doing this because it is important for people to really hear the difference. Remasters aren’t always better and most people are deceived into thinking they might be. Would like to hear other comparisons. There are so many Ozzy and Randy copies out there now. I always say the original is typically the best.
Very helpful. I also couldn’t tell the difference between the new blue vinyl and half speed remaster. Disappointed with my half speed remaster. Dang thing pops and crackles and was shocked a new album did that.
The half-speed master tip-on cover, the EYES GLOW IN THE DARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just shine a light on the cover, wait a bit and turn off the lights! Its a really cool effect, well worth the money and IMO the sound of the vinyl is excellent.
Great comparison, thanks for posting. Your 1982 vinyl sounds amazing. I would pick that one. For CD, the original Japan CD on Polystar from 1986 actually used the original mix, despite using the 1985 artwork. It has a better DR (dynamic range) than the 1997 or 2022 remasters but the 1997 was pretty good for a CD with a lower DR.
I just did this myself. I used an original US pressing, the 1985 reissue, the 2014 reissue, the 40th anniversary and the half speed master, and had pretty much the same results. To my ears, the 2014 was the hands down winner. The crash of the symbols were perfect, and the bass was deep but had punch. The 2022 releases were just to muddy with the bass, and it was just too much. Get the 2014 pressing. To me, it was the best sounding. Just my opinion of course, as I’m sure others may feel differently.
@@sethallison5682 it’s so hard to say. Seems like everyone has an opinion on the half speed master. I was going to buy it regardless of how it sounded. But I thought my other pressings sounded better.
Nothing will sound better than the ‘97 REMASTER, it’s just that simple. Also , the record was mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound . MJJ had nothing to do with the mastering process. Nice informative comparison though and thanks 🙏
It’s a shame the new remaster sounds bad. If I would’ve waited and saw this, I wouldn’t have bought it. My thoughts are basically the same as yours. The ‘97 remasters have proven to be the best option for most but the original mix holds up surprisingly well. Thanks for the post
The 1985 version, aside from the different running order, has three tracks that are remixed - “Creatures of the Night", "I Love It Loud" and "War Machine". The 2014 pressings are widely praised, and from what I understand, were new remixes, not taken from the 1997 mixes. I don’t have the 2014 vinyl pressing, either, but from what I’ve read, they used the 1985 remixes on those aforementioned tracks. Someone can correct me on that, but I seem to recall that was why I never bothered to buy it. As far as the 40th Anniversary goes, even though it doesn’t say it, I’m pretty sure that the 3LP Blue vinyl set uses the same Half-speed mastering as the single LP, which would be why there’s no discernible difference in sound. One of the main differences I notice between the original and the ‘97 mix, as well as the 40th, is that the bass has more separation definition. Too me it doesn’t sound muddy, but yes, is louder on the 2022. You can really hear what’s being played as opposed to the original, where it’s not quite as clear. Thanks for putting this together, though. It was cool to be able to compare them.
I'd made up my mind by the end of the listening but waited to see if you said the same. I agree, the original release and the remastered CD are the best.
I have the original both on vinyl & cassette, but i needed a new copy on vinyl. I bought the half speed remaster from 2022 and it holds up very well in comparison to the original on my setup. Maybe even more distinctive bass. Very pleased with that one
I bought the original vinyl back in 1982, the best KISS album ever. In the early 2000s, I found it on CD in a bargain bin and snapped it up. The cover of the CD was that of the 1985 vinyl re-release. It sounded good. Only watching this video did I learn the history of that 1985 photo. I wish that, after giving us the reason for the 1985 re-release, you had given us some info about how well it sold. Did it get the platinum status for the album that it so richly deserved? I still find it sad that a pretty run-of-the-mill album like Animalize went double platinum while Creatures was considered a failure.
I’m a new KISS fan. I got sucked in by reading Gene and Paul’s books. I started going through their discography and didn’t get my balls blown off until I heard Creatures Of The Night (the song). What an absolute banger.
@@marsm4159 yeah it’s pretty wild to have gone this long never paying attention to them I’m glad I had that little adventure 8 months ago. I walked away with some really enjoyable music history learning experiences and have some cool songs in my rotation
you are spot on about the vinyl mastering process, even back in the day there were poor sounding records, especially compilations!!! with modern pressings the issue isn't digital vs analog for the source, it's the short cuts that they take which makes records sound flat and underwhelming - but also saves time and wear and tear on the cutting head! - i have a few digitally recorded albums that sound fine on vinyl, because they have been mastered well - you can get a better sound by pre mastering your material for vinyl, but at the end of the day it is down to the cutting engineer.
I have the 2 cd set of the new edition and I prefer the 1997 version. Just like Destroyer last year the '97 is still better to my ears. Nice comparison!
I used to have the 1997 version remaster of Kiss Creatures of the night cd, still sounds the best, the original 1982 vinyl sounds very good too, I used to listen to old Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne records years ago and I was blown away on how good they sounded on vinyl back then, and that was about 30 years ago when music cd's were starting to take over and vinyl records were becoming a thing in the past
Interesting analysis..my copy doesn’t sound as good as any of these, but it’s cool..I lucked into a 1982 release, a double groove a-side with Creatures and Rock and Roll All Night (live), and a “personally” autographed b-side, with Gene Paul Ace and Eric etching their sigs in the vinyl..it’s probably worth more than the $10 I paid back then..
I'll try to explain. Basically, when they cut the lacquer that will eventually be used to make the plate that will press the album, rather than do it normal speed (33 1/3), the do it at half that speed. They also play the master tape at the same half speed. What it's supposed to do is allow more space to capture the sound. Giving the end result a fuller spectrum of the sound. It's debatable how much the human can actually extract. But that is a simple explanation of what and why. I hope that helps.
The 1985 version is the first version I had and then I about 4 years later I got an import vinyl which was the same as the 1997 released CD mix. The Mercury/Polygram original CD with Bruce Kulick on the cover even though he wasn't on the album is the best sounding mix wise. There wasn't CD's on the market yet until 4 years after this originally came out. Creatures was the last Kiss album on Casablanca Records. The first CD was on Polygram Mercury
Listen to 5.1 mixes on that bluray audio CD from the super deluxe set, you can hear all kinds of stuff that isn't audible on any other version. I think each instrument has a dedicated channel
I preferred the 40th remaster of the title track to any of the others, it felt way more powerful (including on the base) but on other tracks the 40th felt weaker. The 1997 remaster of Danger is really in your face and you can hear everything and it sounds good whereas the 40th version sounds weaker/thin, yet the 40th title track is even louder and more distinct than the 97 title track? They mastered the songs differently in the same remaster sets or something. I'm going off of digital downloads and listening via headphones only so it may sound different than yours but I know I downloaded the right ones maybe vinyl is different.
Does anyone buy a re-mix or remaster because it might sound better?? These releases are surely for the completist and if others buyers get dragged in then that's a bonus. It's funny hearing people saying they wouldn't have bought a particular version if they knew it was inferior to another!!! Why would you buy it anyway? I ducked out of that many years ago, it's impossible to catch up with what's gone before nevermind what's coming out now. A Kiss collection is a beautiful thing though, a collection like no other I'd say...
The original 1985 CD will always be my go-to for digital. The slight remixing doesn't make much difference and the resequencing improves flow. The coverart is irrelevant. The 1997 remaster is far too compressed in comparison.
The 2014 mix on vinyl is the same 1985 remix but the tracks from the 85 were put back in order as it originally was. The makeup cover is the only problem for the die hard fans
Definitely goes to the original 82 pressing but if you can't get that then I would suggest the 2014 reissue or even one of the 2022 releases but I'm just sticking to vinyl.
Couldn't get into this album, bought it, played it once, and put it away, With Monster, I couldn't listen to it all, after the 3rd song, I stopped the cd and threw it in the bin
The sound of the drums on this album are amazing.
This is a fascinating video! Please do more KISS audio comparisons, these are great!
For just the title track, the alternate mix on the set is the best out of any of the others. Overall,the 97’ cd master is the best.
Stellar comparisons!!!! , SPOT ON !, Thank you for sharing. I have yet to receive my 3 LP version of creatures and my only trepidation was it was not going to have the thunderous clean bass sound as the original 82 or 97 remastered cd. Now thanks to your audio comparison I know what to expect. Thank you again...Stellar!
ManyTHNX! for an awesome shootout.i have all but the Vinnie bootleg and I think Creatures may be the crown jewel of those '97 remaster CD's🔥
I appreciate you doing this because it is important for people to really hear the difference. Remasters aren’t always better and most people are deceived into thinking they might be. Would like to hear other comparisons. There are so many Ozzy and Randy copies out there now. I always say the original is typically the best.
What's the difference between the 1982 original & the 1997 CD version sound wise ? Mix ?
Very helpful. I also couldn’t tell the difference between the new blue vinyl and half speed remaster. Disappointed with my half speed remaster. Dang thing pops and crackles and was shocked a new album did that.
The half-speed master tip-on cover, the EYES GLOW IN THE DARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just shine a light on the cover, wait a bit and turn off the lights!
Its a really cool effect, well worth the money and IMO the sound of the vinyl is excellent.
Great comparison, thanks for posting. Your 1982 vinyl sounds amazing. I would pick that one. For CD, the original Japan CD on Polystar from 1986 actually used the original mix, despite using the 1985 artwork. It has a better DR (dynamic range) than the 1997 or 2022 remasters but the 1997 was pretty good for a CD with a lower DR.
I saw the 1/2 SPeed mastering at Down in the Valley, might still go back and get it.
That's where I bought mine.
Great video. My thoughts are the original press and the '97 CD sounded the best.
Agreed.
@@LarryFleetwood8675 Ditto! Much flatter sounding!
I just did this myself. I used an original US pressing, the 1985 reissue, the 2014 reissue, the 40th anniversary and the half speed master, and had pretty much the same results. To my ears, the 2014 was the hands down winner. The crash of the symbols were perfect, and the bass was deep but had punch. The 2022 releases were just to muddy with the bass, and it was just too much. Get the 2014 pressing. To me, it was the best sounding. Just my opinion of course, as I’m sure others may feel differently.
I already have the 2014 and was thinking of getting the half speed too. Is it worth it to have both? Just asking around.
@@sethallison5682 it’s so hard to say. Seems like everyone has an opinion on the half speed master. I was going to buy it regardless of how it sounded. But I thought my other pressings sounded better.
Nothing will sound better than the ‘97 REMASTER, it’s just that simple. Also , the record was mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound . MJJ had nothing to do with the mastering process. Nice informative comparison though and thanks 🙏
It’s a shame the new remaster sounds bad. If I would’ve waited and saw this, I wouldn’t have bought it. My thoughts are basically the same as yours. The ‘97 remasters have proven to be the best option for most but the original mix holds up surprisingly well. Thanks for the post
The 1985 version, aside from the different running order, has three tracks that are remixed - “Creatures of the Night", "I Love It Loud" and "War Machine". The 2014 pressings are widely praised, and from what I understand, were new remixes, not taken from the 1997 mixes. I don’t have the 2014 vinyl pressing, either, but from what I’ve read, they used the 1985 remixes on those aforementioned tracks. Someone can correct me on that, but I seem to recall that was why I never bothered to buy it. As far as the 40th Anniversary goes, even though it doesn’t say it, I’m pretty sure that the 3LP Blue vinyl set uses the same Half-speed mastering as the single LP, which would be why there’s no discernible difference in sound. One of the main differences I notice between the original and the ‘97 mix, as well as the 40th, is that the bass has more separation definition. Too me it doesn’t sound muddy, but yes, is louder on the 2022. You can really hear what’s being played as opposed to the original, where it’s not quite as clear. Thanks for putting this together, though. It was cool to be able to compare them.
So in your opinion what's the best overall version ? Year ?
This was a great watch/listen. Where did you get the clear sleeve big enough for the 3LP version? None of mine will fit it.
Lol. Local record store. Cheapo records. Very hit and miss with those. Every batch seems a little dif size wise.
I'd made up my mind by the end of the listening but waited to see if you said the same. I agree, the original release and the remastered CD are the best.
I have the original both on vinyl & cassette, but i needed a new copy on vinyl. I bought the half speed remaster from 2022 and it holds up very well in comparison to the original on my setup. Maybe even more distinctive bass. Very pleased with that one
I like that 1997 remastered CD the best.
I bought the original vinyl back in 1982, the best KISS album ever. In the early 2000s, I found it on CD in a bargain bin and snapped it up. The cover of the CD was that of the 1985 vinyl re-release. It sounded good. Only watching this video did I learn the history of that 1985 photo. I wish that, after giving us the reason for the 1985 re-release, you had given us some info about how well it sold. Did it get the platinum status for the album that it so richly deserved? I still find it sad that a pretty run-of-the-mill album like Animalize went double platinum while Creatures was considered a failure.
Great Job, the only thing it may help to make the volume equal on all examples as louder examples tend to have bias towards.
The difference in volume reflects the difference in masters. If I cranked the levels I feel that would've been a disservice.
I’m a new KISS fan. I got sucked in by reading Gene and Paul’s books.
I started going through their discography and didn’t get my balls blown off until I heard Creatures Of The Night (the song). What an absolute banger.
Same here, I'm a new fan
@@marsm4159 yeah it’s pretty wild to have gone this long never paying attention to them
I’m glad I had that little adventure 8 months ago. I walked away with some really enjoyable music history learning experiences and have some cool songs in my rotation
you are spot on about the vinyl mastering process, even back in the day there were poor sounding records, especially compilations!!!
with modern pressings the issue isn't digital vs analog for the source, it's the short cuts that they take which makes records sound flat and underwhelming - but also saves time and wear and tear on the cutting head! - i have a few digitally recorded albums that sound fine on vinyl, because they have been mastered well - you can get a better sound by pre mastering your material for vinyl, but at the end of the day it is down to the cutting engineer.
I have the 2 cd set of the new edition and I prefer the 1997 version. Just like Destroyer last year the '97 is still better to my ears. Nice comparison!
I used to have the 1997 version remaster of Kiss Creatures of the night cd, still sounds the best, the original 1982 vinyl sounds very good too, I used to listen to old Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne records years ago and I was blown away on how good they sounded on vinyl back then, and that was about 30 years ago when music cd's were starting to take over and vinyl records were becoming a thing in the past
5:33 music comparison starts
Interesting analysis..my copy doesn’t sound as good as any of these, but it’s cool..I lucked into a 1982 release, a double groove a-side with Creatures and Rock and Roll All Night (live), and a “personally” autographed b-side, with Gene Paul Ace and Eric etching their sigs in the vinyl..it’s probably worth more than the $10 I paid back then..
My first exposure to this album was the 85 version, so I tend to favor that, but the 96 version sounds best.
What's the difference between the 1982 original & the 1997 CD version sound wise ? Mix ?
The 1997 version is killer !
How is the audio quality of the 2 soundboard cds ?
the OG lp 1st pressing sounds HEAPS better than all the versions
I have a 1982 Japanese pressing with OBI. That is magnificent!!!! OG is really good too. I have both!!
I hope i dont get laughed at for this.BUT whats Half Speed mean hows it effect the sound ?
I'll try to explain. Basically, when they cut the lacquer that will eventually be used to make the plate that will press the album, rather than do it normal speed (33 1/3), the do it at half that speed. They also play the master tape at the same half speed. What it's supposed to do is allow more space to capture the sound. Giving the end result a fuller spectrum of the sound. It's debatable how much the human can actually extract. But that is a simple explanation of what and why. I hope that helps.
The 1985 version is the first version I had and then I about 4 years later I got an import vinyl which was the same as the 1997 released CD mix. The Mercury/Polygram original CD with Bruce Kulick on the cover even though he wasn't on the album is the best sounding mix wise. There wasn't CD's on the market yet until 4 years after this originally came out. Creatures was the last Kiss album on Casablanca Records. The first CD was on Polygram Mercury
97 remastered cd version does sound the best i would say
Listen to 5.1 mixes on that bluray audio CD from the super deluxe set, you can hear all kinds of stuff that isn't audible on any other version. I think each instrument has a dedicated channel
I wish they would release the 5.1 mixes be themselves.
I preferred the 40th remaster of the title track to any of the others, it felt way more powerful (including on the base) but on other tracks the 40th felt weaker. The 1997 remaster of Danger is really in your face and you can hear everything and it sounds good whereas the 40th version sounds weaker/thin, yet the 40th title track is even louder and more distinct than the 97 title track? They mastered the songs differently in the same remaster sets or something. I'm going off of digital downloads and listening via headphones only so it may sound different than yours but I know I downloaded the right ones maybe vinyl is different.
The 97 remaster is the best
I thought the 2022 Blue Vinyl was a little more brickwalled than the 97 Remastered. But I think 97’s the winner!
I HAVE the original '82 vinyl record!
As do I and thousands and thousands of others. It’s pretty common
1982 by far!
85 version had three tracks remixed
CD was the best!
Does anyone buy a re-mix or remaster because it might sound better?? These releases are surely for the completist and if others buyers get dragged in then that's a bonus.
It's funny hearing people saying they wouldn't have bought a particular version if they knew it was inferior to another!!! Why would you buy it anyway? I ducked out of that many years ago, it's impossible to catch up with what's gone before nevermind what's coming out now.
A Kiss collection is a beautiful thing though, a collection like no other I'd say...
The original 1985 CD will always be my go-to for digital. The slight remixing doesn't make much difference and the resequencing improves flow. The coverart is irrelevant. The 1997 remaster is far too compressed in comparison.
The 82 sounds great!
The 2014 mix on vinyl is the same 1985 remix but the tracks from the 85 were put back in order as it originally was. The makeup cover is the only problem for the die hard fans
I've heard many complaints about the mix/mastering of the 85' over the years. It's hard to ignore that snare reverb.
1997 version, 1985 version and new album cover version 85 in that order.
The original one is the best.
Definitely goes to the original 82 pressing but if you can't get that then I would suggest the 2014 reissue or even one of the 2022 releases but I'm just sticking to vinyl.
I think I like the 85 re-release audio, possibly the 97 cd, the most.
1982 first pressing and the CD sound the best!
Heh, heh… He said “Three Sides…” heh, heh.
I have German pressing is it same as USA release?and non-make up 85 re-release.....Best studio LP !!!!
Bass by Jeff pocaro from toto Steve farris from Mr Mr on creatures
Mike Porcaro plays the bass on the track.
Jeff Porcaro is his brother and he is a drummer.
back to 82....
Everything sounded the same to me till it got to the vinnie bootleg. Then the rest sounded the same as the vinnie bootleg.
Oh and….SKOL
LOL. Thanks buddy. SKOL!
I have the original and I bought the 1985 Lp when it was released. No point in buying the nee mix half speed.
kind the 1997 press for me.
the new 2022 is muddy for sure. Weird.
1996/1997 mix sounds best
The original is great too.
Sorry audiophiles, but, apart from the bootleg (god I need that cover!), they all sound the same to me!
Really. Can't hear any difference?
@@CobrasFireRockPodcast nope, but then again, I like Motorhead!
@@jeffholt9437 Same
1982 is the best performance.
El prensado original y el CD son los que suenan mejor
You didn't answer the biggest question......"Who's ass is it on the back of the '85 reissue?"
Couldn't get into this album, bought it, played it once, and put it away, With Monster, I couldn't listen to it all, after the 3rd song, I stopped the cd and threw it in the bin
Creatures is a solid come back album for them. Monster sucks
What? 😂
The original 1982 version sounded the best.