Stan Meets Chet.....but not quite in stereo!

[ArtSalt]

I recently purchased the Japanese CD version of Stan Meets Chet on Verve with the edition code UCCU-9754. This is the current version you can purchase from CD Japan. It alledges to be in stereo, but in fact it is mono.

What's more, compared to my stereo version from Polygram in 1996, remastered by Andrew Nicholas, it sounds dull and lifeless. The 1996 edition is by far the better version, albeit a little bit glassy when you crank the sound-up.

I wonder if my ears are playing tricks on me, perhaps as 1996 was at the height of the loudness wars, I am merely under the illusion that loudness is equalling sound quality?

Indeed, generally, I find the differences in remastering quality extremely subtle and generally a case of slight improvements, or even a different focus on a certain instrument in the foreground. And in most cases, I find the Japanese remastered versions are the best. So something seems amiss here, and perhaps the current version is closer to the original pressings, but I somehow doubt it.

Anyone else experienced a similar situation?

I must admit this is bugging the hell out of me, as I listen to each version and note the differences.