I'm more partial to original pressings than re-do's, though it's on a case-by-case basis. That said, the 45 rpm SRV set that Chad did has some very impressive tracks, Tin Pan Alley (Dark Side of Town) among them. Agree re Live at Massey Hall- also wonderful. Frankly, the RLJ album is good even as a standard issue Warner pressing from back in the day. (I published a shoot-out of multiple pressings, including various remasters, a month or so ago).
I don't listen just for sonics, but they are important. If you are going to buy older records, Warner Green labels are almost consistently good, and some are fabulous sounding- many are things you can find in a used bin for almost nothing. I'm just scratching the surface here, and obviously, it depends on your taste- Hoodoo Man Blues 45rpm by chad is excellent, given the difficulty and cost of finding a minty first pressing. I've collected a considerable number of old Vertigo Swirls and Island pink labels- most are gems, sonically and musically, though some of the music is dated or less accessible unless you are into that period (UK/psych/prog).
I don't listen just for sonics, but they are important. If you are going to buy older records, Warner Green labels are almost consistently good, and some are fabulous sounding- many are things you can find in a used bin for almost nothing. I'm just scratching the surface here, and obviously, it depends on your taste- Hoodoo Man Blues 45rpm by chad is excellent, given the difficulty and cost of finding a minty first pressing. I've collected a considerable number of old Vertigo Swirls and Island pink labels- most are gems, sonically and musically, though some of the music is dated or less accessible unless you are into that period (UK/psych/prog).