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realgone wrote:Are there any tracks on the Polydor WBWB comp that are from better sources than the US version? Is the European version still the go to cd for any of the tracks that are on it?

Andreas wrote:I have now made my first comparison of the Polydor WBWB against the MCA WBWB.

General observation: The Polydor is a bit louder.
Some tracks are from the same digital master.

My Generation, Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere: From the same digital master (but at different volumes).
The Kids Are Alright: Polydor has the full length version, and also sounds miles better than the shorter MCA mix.
Substitute: Polydor is mildly duophonic. (Only apparent with headphones). MCA version is pure mono and sounds better.
I'm a Boy: Unpleasant on Polydor, more distortion than on the MCA. Definitely the same mix, though.
Happy Jack, Pictures of Lily: As previously noted, only the MCA has the correct single mixes. Besides that, the Polydor versions sound "closer to the source".
I Can See for Miles: More clarity and punch on the Polydor. Compared to that, the MCA sounds like from a copy tape. Both versions have the complete first note (which is clipped or cross-faded on every other version that I am aware of.)
Who Are You: Couldn't hear a difference.
Won't Get Fooled Again: Polydor has the album version (sounding similar to the Who Collection), MCA has the single mix (sounding worse than The Singles).
Magic Bus: Polydor has the mono mix, MCA the stereo mix, but not with the complete intro as Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy.
I Can't Explain: Couldn't hear a difference.
Baba O'Riley: The Polydor has the same fade-in as on The Who Collection and the old Polydor Sell Out CD. The MCA has narrower stereo image. Both are, of course, not even close to being the best versions on CD.

I didn't listen closely to the remaining tracks, I don't think there were big differences, and all those sound better on other CDs.