Re-recordings...

For the most part; i don't have a problem, and i like quite a few re-recorded releases. The original album/songs don't cease to exist just because they've been re-recorded. 'Heavy Metal Thunder' by Saxon is a prime example of this thing done right. Instead of just releasing yet another greatest hits album, they went into the studio and recorded a double cd of fan and band favourites with their current line-up.. and you know what?.. it absolutely smokes!. The solos are more aggressive, the bass and drums kick your ass and the whole thing is a great accompaniment to the originals.

I tend to agree with the "leave well enough alone" crowd. Remixing/mastering existing recordings? Fine. Sometimes that can improve the sound of a classic recording. But completely re-recording an entire album seems, as others have said, like rewriting history. Especially if its a classic. At the very least, don't replace the original, allow those of us who may be purists to have the choice of purchasing the original, the re-record, or both.