Why are recordings from the late 60s and 70s so pleasant?

[CptKaos]

psychology, nostalgia and "the good ole days" is alive and well

 

[TimTim]

There are plenty of terrible recordings from the 60s and 70s as well. So it’s not quite fair to compare the best of then with the worst of now.

 

[slartibartfast]

psychology, nostalgia and "the good ole days" is alive and well

Maybe but there aren't many modern Rock recordings that sound as good as Steely Dan, Dire Straits or Pink Floyd for example.

 

[dtc]

Vinyls have even harmonics which add to a smooth, natural sound. If the vinyls were digitized with a high quality ADC then those harmonics will be present in the digital version. Tube equipment also produces even harmonics so is often more pleasing than solid state. Some people, especially those who few up with solid state equipment and high levels of compression, find that those even harmonics make the sound soft.

Electric guitars produce odd harmonics which is why the sound usually has an edge to it. By comparison string instruments produce even harmonics.

And, as many have noted, the lack of dynamic compression will lead to a much more natural sound.

 

[castalla]

psychology, nostalgia and "the good ole days" is alive and well

True but also true

 

[FuckaZip]

The producers were artists, just like the artists themselves.