"Santana" SACD out in September from Sony Japan (!)

[sjcorne]

I got antsy on waiting for importcds to come through with this title, so I pulled the trigger at... cdjapan
* their shipping selections are very limited ("Temporarily Suspended" in red) had to go with DHL, was going to go with basic Air Mail.
unless I'm reading this incorrectly?

Same here, I went with DHL as well.

 

[JonUrban]

When these things start appearing, first the Herbie, then the Santana, let's keep track of how long each one takes to arrive. I spent the extra $5 on the FedEx, but I surely could have gone DHL as I have done in the past.

It would be interesting to see if it makes any difference. In the past I've mostly done regular air mail and I always got my discs eventually, safe and well packed, which is what's most important anyway.

 

[skherbeck]

I've always gone the cheapest route with delivery from CDJapan; usually took a couple weeks to arrive, with no tracking, but was always packaged perfectly. This time went with DHL, and I'm actually kind of looking forward to getting such quick delivery! I really can't wait to hear this one; the conversions I've heard we're all kind of dull sounding to the point where I really couldn't get into it... I imagine this will be a big improvement.

 

[4-earredwonder]

I've always gone the cheapest route with delivery from CDJapan; usually took a couple weeks to arrive, with no tracking, but was always packaged perfectly. This time went with DHL, and I'm actually kind of looking forward to getting such quick delivery! I really can't wait to hear this one; the conversions I've heard we're all kind of dull sounding to the point where I really couldn't get into it... I imagine this will be a big improvement.

If its any consolation, Sean, the MoFi Stereo SACD sounds great but I'm sure this Sony Japan DSD 256 [QUAD DSD] remastered 'beauty' from those original 15 ips QUAD masters will blow it out of the water.

 

[sjcorne]

I really can't wait to hear this one; the conversions I've heard we're all kind of dull sounding to the point where I really couldn't get into it... I imagine this will be a big improvement.

I gave my tape a play yesterday to get reacquainted with the quad mix and had the same thoughts. The SQ LP is a much better listen even with the compromised channel separation. But what really matters is that the mix is incredible! I can't wait to hear the reactions to this one. Some of the songs have what sounds like different percussion parts in each corner. The cymbal crashes towards the end of "Waiting" rotate from speaker-to-speaker around the room. In "Evil Ways", you can hear all the multi-tracked vocal parts in different channels and the organ solo comes blasting from left rear. There's another song--I forget which--where the echo'd drum hits ping-pong back-and-forth diagonally. Be prepared for a serious quad workout!

 

[mongojr]

I may be jumping the gun a tad, but have a close reading of Sony's media release: "In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the release of Santana's memorable debut album "Santana" that was released overseas in 1969 and in Japan in 1970..."

So maybe, just maybe, they're making a big deal of 50th (Japanese) anniversaries. If so, maybe there will indeed be further releases:

"Abraxas" was released as a LP quad mix in Japan in 1971, so 2021 would be the 50th. anniversary.
"Santana III", ditto, a quad LP in Japan in 1972, so 2022.
"Caravanserai", ditto, also a quad LP in Japan in 1972, so 2022.
etc.

I know the release of "Lotus" doesn't fit the logic, but I was rather suspicious that AF released the stereo SACD of it just before Sony released the quad. Go figure on that one - but personally I wouldn't have forked out money for the AF set in late 2016 if I knew the Sony complete 3 SACD quad set was released a few months later in April 2017.

Anyhow, as always, here's hoping there's something to this 50th. Anniversary logic (and us oldies are still around to hear it all).

I love the positive 50th thinking! I am sure that everyone is now scrambling to jump on the 50th releases from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones!

 

[ar surround]

Geez, shipping to east coast via DHL adds like another 50% to the cost. I'm holding out to see if ImportCDs eventually announces it. (You all can chastise me later when I miss out on this release.)

 

[mongojr]

I got lucky and this was my first order from CDJapan and got a discount for my first order. I didn't want to miss this since this is one of my favorite albums! BTW, I contacted ImportCD again to inform them that they are missing out on some great profit. I haven't heard back.

 

[watsontr]

There is a high chance that importCD will list it eventually. Only, I want this so bad that I ordered from cdJapan as I don't want to risk missing the boat.

Same here. I ordered Lotus from ImportCDs but I didn't want to miss out on this. Hoping that this is the start of a Sony "Quadio" Santana collection

 

[mongojr]

I sent another email telling them they are missing out on all of us who don't want to miss a limited edition. We all know that sometimes you say "I will get that later and then never see it again!". They took my e-mail seriously but I won't wait for them since this is a must have!

 

[omega4]

Just checked and can confirm that Amazon Japan have changed their web page for this album and will now deliver it to the UK. Of course it is possible they will deliver to other countries as well now but I cannot check from here. So, I have just ordered it as Amazon Japan take a deposit for import duties with no handling fee, unlike the Royal Mail who charge at least £12 to collect the duty for the Government, even it is only £3 or £4. I think Duncan S has vented about this previously and I can only agree with him whole heartedly! So, although I should like to support CD Japan the extra £12 is hard to justify for delivery through the postal system.

Like many others here, I can't wait to hear this great album in all it's digital glory having owned the SQ vinyl since it was released. Oh yes, and I acquired the MoFi sterso SACD just two days before the announcement of this Quadraphonic disc!! Slightly unlucky timing I feel!!!!!

 

[4-earredwonder]

Geez, shipping to east coast via DHL adds like another 50% to the cost. I'm holding out to see if ImportCDs eventually announces it. (You all can chastise me later when I miss out on this release.)

Will likely do the same, AR. Within a couple of weeks of announcement, ImportCD had Herbie Hancock's Headhunters [in special 7" packaging] listed so be a bit patient!

 

[PissedOffPeoN]

Amazon Japan works again for US to order, Yeet!

 

[HugoPhyrst]

Couldn't wait for ImportCDs. Also went with CDJapan and DHL delivery. Had no issues with Bitches Brew a couple of years ago.

 

[Old Quad Guy]

Couldn't wait for ImportCDs. Also went with CDJapan and DHL delivery. Had no issues with Bitches Brew a couple of years ago.

That’s what I did yesterday morning as well. It came to about $57, with the “new costumer code.”

I can’t wait for this release. I put the Santana titles in the “Holy Grail” Quad category. Hoping for the rest of the Santana Quads to come out.

 

[JediJoker]

Oh yes, and I acquired the MoFi sterso SACD just two days before the announcement of this Quadraphonic disc!! Slightly unlucky timing I feel!!!!!

If you enjoy stereo, you might want to hang onto the MoFi until you can compare the two. It may well be the superior mastering.

 

[guybrown]

It’s also available to buy direct from amazon.co.uk now along with the Herbie Hancock disk!

I bought the Herbie from amazon.co.jp so am happy enough with that.

But I bought the Santana from CDJapan. I wonder how likely it will be to receive a customs charge? I went with the DHL option I think. What value does it have to be before you get a charge?

I’d cancel the CDJapan order and go with amazon but it mentioned something about a bonus promo item or something may be shipped with the order! Makes me what time keep my order just in case! How likely is that to happen?

 

[JediJoker]

I’d cancel the CDJapan order and go with amazon but it mentioned something about a bonus promo item or something may be shipped with the order! Makes me what time keep my order just in case! How likely is that to happen?

It's a postcard, confirmed. No indication of limited supplies. No idea if it's a CDJapan exclusive, or included with all purchases from Japanese retailers (Amazon Japan incluced).

 

[guybrown]

It's a postcard, confirmed. No indication of limited supplies. No idea if it's a CDJapan exclusive, or included with all purchases from Japanese retailers (Amazon Japan incluced).

hmmm... so what is the likely hood of getting the custom charges then... Obviously don’t mind paying the custom charge itself, it’s all the £8 to £12 fee for taking the charge that is the real stinger!

 

[fredblue]

It’s also available to buy direct from amazon.co.uk now along with the Herbie Hancock disk!

I bought the Herbie from amazon.co.jp so am happy enough with that.

But I bought the Santana from CDJapan. I wonder how likely it will be to receive a customs charge? I went with the DHL option I think. What value does it have to be before you get a charge?

I’d cancel the CDJapan order and go with amazon but it mentioned something about a bonus promo item or something may be shipped with the order! Makes me what time keep my order just in case! How likely is that to happen?

many thanks for the amazon uk link!
pre-ordered straight away