" this is one of my all time favorite CDs"
Great album Steve. I just bought the SACD for $20 (new) and will probably pick up the vinyl version too.
I say try the black dot AND buy another one new for 5 bucks (since it is your fav). Or if u have a SACD player, purchase that format as it sounds amazing.
It sounds like Laser Rot to me. While fairly common with early LD's it also sometimes happens with CD's.
Basically, it is a quality control issue where the reflective metal layer is not adequately isolated and over time it corrodes, oxidizes or similarly deteriorates.