PHIL COLLINS "But Seriously" on gold Audio Fidelity CD:

I admit that I have never until now owned, or heard, Phil Collins' "But Seriously" I got off the train at "No Jacket Required" and never looked back.

So I can't compare to other pressings, and actually, I come to the record as a first encounter - fresh, no reference points. That from my perspective is a huge advantage.

Actually, hearing it fresh, for the first time, I was surprised as just how good a record this is. It is far more cohesive than any of the earlier Phil records. It lacks the 'big' numbers of those records, and in truth I consider the 'hits' from But Seriously to actually be the weakest tracks. It grows quite quickly. While his two records prior to this had a lot going for them, and some undeniably great 'hit' tracks, this record seems to have more staying power. It's not all on the surface as "No Jacket Required" is for the most part.

The sound here - remastered by Stephen Marsh, with EQ consulting and sprinkling of the facial powder from his man-bag by Steve Hoffman, is very fine. Remembering that this is an early digital recording, it has a very natural sound, strong warm bass, highs shaved ever so slightly, very transparent 'reach out and touch' tactile sound. Excellent job. The problem with early digital wasn't the PCM recorders - it was the playback DACs and the mastering chain. Bringing many of those early digital jobs back to life with modern equipment can yield significant benefits, and that shows here.

I would now say that this is Phil Collins finest achievement outside of Genesis, and his last great record before he got into Michael Bolton territory. Highly recommended.