I recorded for a major folk label in the 60's. One vocal mike, one guitar mike. Analogue 4 track tape.
One thing about cd re-issues is that they use modern equipment to digitalise which allows them to mess about with the tonal values of the original recordings. Sometimes they come out quite tinny,and, as you say, in your face. Sometimes the modern obsession with bass tones takes over in the re-mixing. Young technicians have to fiddle with things to justify their existence.