Hi-Res Downloads

96kHz/24-bit FLAC*, Universal Music 075012 (supplied by www.highresaudio.com)

On And On (2013) was the second album from Hawaiian-born surfer Jack Johnson recorded in his own Mango Tree studios, since when he has released four further studio albums and three live recordings, as well as writing the songs for the 2006 animated movie Curious George, in between his extensive charitable activities which include education in schools about nature conservation, etc. It features his song ‘Gone’ which was covered by Black Eyed Peas (as ‘Gone Going’) on the band’s album Monkey Business where Johnson sang the chorus. The recording is up-front and intimate, Johnson’s voice and intricate acoustic guitar closely mic’d, while fellow players Merlo Podlewski (bass) and Adam Topol (drums) appear well balanced throughout these soulful and often spirit-lifting ballads. But is it worth having in a 96kHz/24-bit container? Probably not. JB

Sound Quality: 70%

Hi-Fi News Lab Report

While this download will light the 96kHz LED on your outboard USB DAC, spectral analysis clearly reveals it to be a 44.1/48kHz upsample with bursts of distortion >20kHz caused, presumably, by compression in post-production. PM