LP JOURNEY INFINITY 1982 COLUMBIA HALF SPEED HC-44912 W/ INSERTS NM NEAR MINT

$

125

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Infinity, released in 1978, is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Journey and is widely considered their commercial breakthrough. The album is significant for two major changes: the addition of lead vocalist Steve Perry and the influence of producer Roy Thomas Baker (known for his work with Queen).

Key Points of the Album

• Steve Perry's Arrival: The album marks the debut of Steve Perry's powerful tenor vocals, which moved the band's sound from its earlier progressive rock style to a more accessible, radio-friendly pop-rock and arena rock format. Perry's presence is credited with giving Journey a new identity and a path to mainstream success.

• Producer Roy Thomas Baker: Baker's production style, including layered harmonies and a bombastic, full sound, became a trademark of Journey's music. He helped refine their sound and give it a polished, commercial edge.

• Track Highlights: The album is home to several of the band's most recognizable and enduring songs, many of which are still staples on classic rock radio. Notable tracks include:

  • "Wheel in the Sky"

  • "Lights"

  • "Feeling That Way/Anytime" (often played as a medley)

  • "La Do Da"

  • "Patiently"

• Lineup: The classic lineup for this album included Steve Perry (lead vocals), Neal Schon (guitar), Gregg Rolie (keyboards, vocals), Ross Valory (bass), and Aynsley Dunbar (drums). This was the last album to feature Dunbar before he was replaced by Steve Smith.
  
  

  The CBS Mastersound version of Journey's Infinity (HC 44912) is a specific, audiophile pressing of the album, released by CBS/Columbia Records. These pressings were part of a series of "half-speed mastered" records that aimed to offer superior sound quality compared to standard commercial releases.

  Here's a brief summary of the key characteristics of this particular pressing:

  • Half-Speed Mastering: This is the defining feature of the CBS Mastersound series. The mastering lathe (which cuts the grooves into the lacquer for the vinyl record) and the master tape are both run at half the normal speed. This technique allows for a more accurate transfer of the audio signal, leading to a wider frequency response and better transient response.

  • Audiophile-Grade: The Mastersound pressings were marketed to audiophiles and are generally considered a higher-quality version of the album. The goal was to provide a more detailed and dynamic listening experience, bringing out the nuances of the original recording.

  • Distinctive Packaging: These records often came in special packaging that identified them as part of the Mastersound series. This included a protective plastic inner sleeve, a "Mastersound" logo on the album cover, and sometimes a special insert explaining the mastering process. The catalog number for this specific pressing is HC 44912, which is different from the standard release (JC 34912).

  • 1982 Release: The CBS Mastersound version of Infinity was released in 1982, several years after the album's initial 1978 release. This was a common practice for audiophile labels, which would often go back to popular albums and re-master them for a new, high-fidelity audience.

  • Sound Quality Debate: While half-speed mastered records are generally prized by collectors, some audiophiles and critics have debated the sound quality of the CBS Mastersound series specifically. Some have found them to be brighter or to have less low-end compared to other pressings. However, they are still considered a premium and sought-after version of the album for their clarity and detail.

  In short, the Journey Infinity HC 44912 CBS Mastersound LP is a rare and collectible audiophile pressing of the album, distinguished by its half-speed mastering process and special packaging, offering a high-fidelity listening experience of the classic record.

LISTEN   “Wheel In The Sky”

• 1982 LP Released on Columbia Records # HC-44912 CBS Mastersound (Stereo).
  
  
  
• Jacket  has slight corner wear. No cut out marks on the album .
  
   
  
• Record is in NM Condition and will Perform with Brilliant Sound Reproduction. Inserts included. (Lyrics sheet & CBS Master Sounds Record Promotion with albums pictured.)
  
  
  
• Record is professionally cleaned for your listening pleasure.