ABKCO Music and Records Inc. and HDTracks® are announcing the first-ever release of high definition digital downloads of The Rolling Stones ground-breaking catalog of studio, compilation and live albums in High-Fidelity FLAC formats offered in both 176.4kHz/24-bit and 88.2kHz/24-bit.
"Many years of research went into locating the original mono and stereo analog tapes that would be used in ABKCO's Rolling Stones Remastered Series. That research revealed a treasure trove of first generation tapes - true stereo masters from The Stones' 1964 Chess Studios sessions including the unedited version of "2120 South Michigan Avenue," Beggar's Banquet at its correct speed and Let It Bleed with splicing that indicates that the original intention was to leave little spacing between each cut.
For the analog to digital transfers, vintage reel-to-reel tape machines were utilized - a modified Ampex 351 with original tube electronics (full track mono and two track stereo) and an Ampex ATR-102 modified with Aria Discrete Class-A Electronics (full track mono and two track stereo). A Sonoma DSD digital audio workstation was the chosen high resolution format and Meitner Design ADC8 and DAC8 MKlV converters were used for the conversion process. Cables used were the cryogenically frozen type supplied to us by Gus Skinas of Super Audio Center. Gus also provided much guidance to Jody Klein, Steve Rosenthal and myself for our first time use of DSD technology. For this HD Tracks release, the Bob Ludwig mastered DSD files were converted to both 176.4kHz and 88.2kHz high resolution PCM with Weiss Saracon conversion software."
- Teri Landi, Archivist and Engineer, ABKCO Music & Records
"Unreal: I have more versions of the early Rolling Stones - original pressings, audiophile vinyl, SACD, you name it - than I dare count, but these high-res downloads sound the best. In your face, like a good Stone should."
- Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News & Record Review
The Rolling Stones (UK)
The UK version of The Rolling Stones' first album, recorded in mono and available in high resolution digital for the first time ever
The Rolling Stones No. 2
The first time release of this classic mono recording in a high resolution digital format, including three legendary releases from the band’s 1964 Chess Studios sessions in Chicago:
"Down The Road Apiece"
"I Can't Be Satisfied"
"Time Is On My Side"
NEW 176kHz/24bit OR NEW 88.2kHz/24bit
12 X 5
A first time hi-definition release of this mixed mono and stereo recording, featuring six true stereo tracks from The Stones' June 1964 Chess Studios session in Chicago including the unedited version of "2120 South Michigan Avenue".
BIG HITS (HIGH TIDE AND GREEN GRASS)
This early hits compilation covers 1964 to early 1966 and features three early recordings in true stereo: "It's All Over Now," "Time Is On My Side," and "Heart Of Stone."
Includes the monster hits "Satisfaction," "The Last Time," and "Get Off of My Cloud." bit
THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY (Big Hits Vol. 2)
Covers mid 1966 to 1969 and features mono single versions of "Mother's Little Helper" and "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?"
Includes the monster hits "Paint It Black," "Ruby Tuesday," and "Street Fighting Man."
LET IT BLEED
The Stones' legendary 1969 masterpiece includes the classics "Gimme Shelter", "Midnight Rambler" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
The album marks the first appearance of guitarist Mick Taylor on a studio album and features a number of notable guest musicians and vocalists:
Ian Stewart, Nicky Hopkins, Jack Nitzsche, Ry Cooder, Leon Russell, Al Kooper, Bobby Keys, Byron Berline, Rocky Dijon, Merry Clayton, Madeline Bell, Doris Troy, Nanette Newman and The London Bach Choir
