Five stars for pre-electric recordings made in the mid 1920's? Absolutely, and if you can find a copy of this disc at a good price on Amazon buy it. The performances are first-rate. The music is conducted with great energy and panache by the composer and Alan Sanders' characteristically expert and informed booklet explains that these acoustic recordings represent Holst's work better than his slightly later electrical recordings of some of the same pieces especially The Planets. Holst did not enjoy making records and in addition to the fact that at the time he made the electrical recordings the new process was somewhat hit and miss in terms of sound quality, the composer appeared to lack the energy he gave to the pieces gathered on this disc on the Pearl label.
While it is true that there is a great of crackle and pop, the fact remains that this wonderful music is being performed under the man who wrote it and played with great distinction by among other bands, the London Symphony Orchestra.
Highly recommended.