Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here

Rediscovering Wish You Were Here: A Modern Audiophile Perspective

The sonic landscape of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" continues to captivate listeners nearly five decades after its release. Following the phenomenon that was "Dark Side Of The Moon," this 1975 masterpiece solidified Pink Floyd's position in the pantheon of progressive rock. While contemporary critics initially dismissed it as uninspired—a judgment history has soundly refuted—the album has since achieved legendary status, selling over 13 million copies worldwide and earning its place on Rolling Stone's definitive 500 Greatest Albums list.

The 2016 Bernie Grundman Remaster: Technical Assessment
The 2016 pressing features lacquers cut by Bernie Grundman, with remastering credits shared between James Guthrie, Joel Plante, and Grundman himself. The pressing notes indicate work "from the original analogue tapes"—a phrase that inevitably raises questions among serious audiophiles. The critical distinction—whether this represents a pure analog chain or includes a high-resolution digital intermediary step—remains somewhat ambiguous, though the tonal characteristics suggest the latter.

This pressing offers impressive surface noise management, with only occasional minor imperfections interrupting the musical experience. The sonic signature delivers noticeably improved dynamics compared to recent reissues, with particularly commendable low-frequency reproduction that approaches—though doesn't quite match—the legendary original pressing.

What distinguishes this mastering is its expanded soundstage dimensionality. While cut at higher average levels than previous editions, the spatial relationships between instruments remain coherent, with atmospheric effects rendered with enhanced presence. The opening sequence of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"—that poignant tribute to Syd Barrett—positions the iconic laughter with newfound immediacy, showcasing Grundman's characteristic high-frequency clarity and detail retrieval without veering into harshness. 💰

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