It seems to me like an extension of Old Ideas. He's a bit more gravelly (if that's possible). I think the best time to listen to Mr. Cohen is at night when there is little else going on. You sure can't drive to his stuff!
The songs are every bit as melodic and punchy as other U2 releases. Good one to own. Why did it take 5 years? I just don't hear it, but I'm not U2 either. Get the deluxe. You actually get six songs in the "Acoustic Sessions" track. Also "The Crystal Ballroom" is pretty good.
The new Zeppelin IV remaster sounds good to me, but I'm not a Led Zeppelin expert. I feel that the first three releases had a bit more punch in the lower levels than this one, but I still think it's a solid remaster. The second disc didn't leave me wanting to hear it more. But for a few extra dollars, you are given the opportunity to hear these alternates for what they're worth.
You're not buying this for the sound quality, or the US prints vs the British prints or the differences in old vs new mastering techniques used for this pressing or any of that. You're buying this because you want the infamous "butcher" cover. This is a really cool opportunity to have that, and the more socially acceptable sticker that was placed over all those record covers long ago. You're a Beatles fan. Just spend the money and enjoy having it.
I bought this (along with the other remastered Zeps) to replace my box set. The box lacked the bass of the old albums, to my ears. These releases bring the sound quality back to what I remembered. If you're curious, "Houses of the Holy" (the song) is actually on the Album Physical Graffiti, which has not been remastered in this series yet.
The bonus disc TOTALLY makes this purchase worth it. I really like that they put "Soily" from One Hand Clapping on this. It blows away the version on Wings Over America. Most people won't care but I noticed that there is a very slight remastering error at 2:45 on Magneto and Titanium Man - otherwise I would have given it 5 stars. However, don't let that stop you from getting this and enjoying it.
Paul let the rest of the band have more input on this one. It's a light-hearted album and takes me back to my teenage years. I really like the John Bonham "Beware My Love" extra. Also, when I listed to Paul's demo of Let 'Em In, it just reinforced to me that he tends to have the whole structure of a song worked out in his head before it's recorded. I'm glad I got this one.
I was not happy with the remaster of the box set so I think these new remasters sound so much better - fuller bass. I never heard LZ 3 all the way through before so it took me by surprise when the beginning of Immigrant song began with that hiss. I had to look that up to make sure there wasn't something wrong with my disc. It turns out that was studio sound deliberately placed on the original recording.
I like the remastering job done this time. They got it right. It's a toss-up for me about the value of disc 2, even including the unreleased La La, but the cost is not that great from the single disc, so it was worth it for me to get it, especially since I got the deluxe versions of the other 2 albums.