So with that said, on to the comparison. Right out of the gate, the most obvious, immediate difference between the Amazon download mp3s and the original LP is that the Amazon version is NOT presented in the original stereo. Although the sound is crisp and clear, it lacks the punch and the impact of the vinyl version. It absolutely boggles my mind that this was done, and I can see absolutely no reason for it. Aside from that, the mastering levels are clearly ridiculous, though to be completely fair, the sound is still very good and there is plenty of life left in the VU meters for this one. What I really can't get over is the mono presentation of the audio. The mix definitely sounds good, but the original LP was never issued in a mono version, so what gives? This factor alone is enough to place the 1970s album in first place over the downloads, and the added removal of the dog barks that are supposed to follow the end of album closer "Has Anybody Seen My Dog?" seals the deal. The vinyl version is still easily available in the secondhand market, and it is the one I am recommending as long as you get it in a quality, playable condition.

Sesame Street Fever, along with a few other tie-in albums (Mickey Mouse Splashdance and Urban Chipmunk among others) is the story of my early childhood, representing some of my very earliest forays into the world of recorded music. A great deal of care and attention went into this particular digitization project for me, from the acquisition of multiple VG+ condition copies of it, to a full scan of the entire album artwork (including the gatefold) and reproduction of it as a jewel case sized CD booklet, and the meticulous cleanup of the sound by the manual removal in audio software of as many pops and clicks as reasonably possible. One of my best friends, not understanding, asked me during the project if I hadn't anything better to do with my time, but this album is totally worth it. Just check the online reviews if you don't believe me. Definitely recommended.