I wish I could answer those questions. All I know, the same CD labels in the US are also in Japan, from, Universal, BMG, Sony, Warner, Rhino, etc. There is, from the looks of it, an independent label issuing US material in Japan, licensing from the names above. Probably like a Time-Life or K-Tel.

I guess since these once US owned record companies are universal, they operate independently to some degree. So there is no US owners (I guess).

Why remaster already remastered songs, especially in a country where they might not even be familiar with the songs, or why remaster US songs and only offer them in Japan? Sounds strange, but it's true.

If I could read Japanese, I might be able to put the pieces together.

However, early on, from what I have (~1990), Japan CDs weren't anything to talk about. Even when I collected vinyl I had a Japan LP and it sounded bland. It's only since these big boy record companies moved in around the world, and after CDs became popular, strange ways to market music has occurred.

I feel, we were too eager and jumped the gun digitizing music, since superior sounding remastering can be obtained, these days, because of advances in technology.

Sad thing is, chat about this past music has more or less died. The thrill is gone, you might say, even though I find it exciting, because of what I find.

Thanks for the compliment, Jim!

Best,
John

• RE: Ultimate Oldies Countdown - Jim Liddane 04/21/2010 15:59:31 EDT (3)