I picked a copy of Pete Townsends' - "White City" for a dollar (actually I bought 100 albums for $100 on E-Bay, guaranteed not to be scratched), and Billy Idios' "Rebel Yell", and the sound quality is excellent.

Then I spent $25 on a re-issue of Pearl Jam's "Ten", and was disappointed.

Side note:
When I look at the "Your 5 newest cd's or lp's" thread, I am amazed on how many groups, that I've never heard of. I have bought music based on the opinions of other's that otherwise, would have passed my listening pleasures by, and I have hit on some, that really ring my bell. That's why free mp3's are good...it gives me a chance to listen to music that I never heard of, and then I go out and buy one or two of their albums. The RIAA is burning their own bridges, suing people.

Keep this thread alive...write your local congressman, and moderator, and let's make this a "sticky"!

Sorry about the Pearl Jam dissappointment...

I recently picked up two of the Kraftwerk reissues, and they are pretty crappy pressings. Lots of surface noise on both Man-Machine and Trans Europe Express. There's splotches of crackle on both, I think they didn't clean the dies or something. These reissues have a purple sticker and are usually going for about $8 sealed - not worth it at all because mint originals go for a bit more than that on eBay.

My original release of Electric Cafe blows them away, much lower noise floor, larger soundstage, and better highs.

Hey- if we keep this thread going it will practically become a sticky anyway! POWER TO THE PURPLE VINYL PEOPLE EATERS!

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LOL! i bought 'white city' from K-mart in 1985 for $7.96 (it still has the tag on it). it has a few good songs but it’s not a great album, IMO. i played it a few weeks ago and thought it sounded quite bright for an LP.

i still think we should limit the reviews to currently available releases and not obscure out-of-print titles. the whole idea about the SACD and DVD-A sticky threads is that all the SACD/DVD-As reviewed are currently available and can be ordered on-line. of course, knowing what LPs are available on-line and what LPs are not can be difficult. but i just don't see the point of reviewing, say, a 1965 LP that's been out-of-print for so long that it's impossible to get.

should we simply start reviewing LPs in this thread instead of waiting for sticky status?

I got Trans Europe Express also, and had the same surface noise, and visable water marks on the LP. I sent it back to MusicDirect, and had the same problem with the new one. I give up.

I absolutely agree with the idea of reviewing current, obtainable releases only, and also, with the idea of not waiting around for a sticky, since I want to increase my collection, now.

My system:

Sony PS-X600 (circa 1980)
Ortofon Super OM20 cartridge
Rotel RQ-970BX phono stage
WireWorld Equinox III+ interconnects
NAD C320BEE integrated amp
KEF Q35.2 loudspeakers
Beyerdynamic DT-770 pro headphones


Kate Bush – Hounds of Love (1985) (180-gram UK import. Part of EMI’s Centennial Collection, issued in 1997)

I bought this LP used for a measly $7 at my local record shop. It was used but in absolutely MINT condition. And what a steal! I don’t own another Kate Bush recording and thus cannot compare this with the CD. So I can only speak of this LP in absolute terms.

Musically speaking, you either love Kate Bush or you hate her. I doubt there’s much middle ground. Her best known work is probably her duet with Peter Gabriel on the song “Don’t give up.” I won’t take the time to describe the music on ‘Hounds of Love’ because the album is very unique and unusual. I suggest you listen to some sound samples here and decide for yourself.

Sonically speaking, there’s a lot to love with this LP. This is truly one of the best things I’ve ever heard – regardless of format or medium. If you are a vinyl skeptic, this LP will make a believer out of you. I currently have over 75 LPs in my collection (including new and vintage releases) and this is the best sounding one of the bunch – by far.

The ‘Hounds of Love’ LP just sounds right. The treble on this LP seems quite extended. Not bright but extended. Very clean and focused. There’s no hint of sibilance, harshness, or distortion to speak of. The ‘air’ around the instruments is amazing: I’ve not heard this kind of air on any of the 20+ SACDs I own. Midrange is liquid, with Bush’s vocals right up front (the line, “I’m cloudbusting, Daddy!” gives me chills every time). Bass is superb. There just seems to be a certain intimacy with the sound of this LP. It sort of draws you in. The cool thing is that the music has an intimate feel as well, so the sound and production matches the music perfectly.

This 180-gram LP is perfectly flat and surface noise is absolutely non-existent.

The EMI Centennial Collection ‘Hounds of Love’ LP gets my highest recommendation.

You can buy the 'Hounds of Love' LP from acoustic sounds for $25.


Björk -- Vespertine (2001) (180-gram UK import 2-LP set on the Polydor label)

Compared to ‘Hounds of Love,’ this LP is a bit of a disappointment. I own the CD and directly compared the redbook to the LP.

‘Vespertine’ is my favorite record of 2001. I assume you all know who Björk is so I won’t go into detail about her style. This album is a bit different from her earlier offerings due to the more organic nature of the production. This album is heavy on the strings and choir and light on the beats. Many fans don’t like ‘Vespertine,’ calling it ‘easy listening.’ But it’s my favorite Björk album. Sound samples are here.

‘Vespertine’ is a digital recording. In fact, Björk apparently recorded her vocals at home in Iceland on her laptop. Still, it sounds pretty good, if a bit ‘digital.’ This album was also issued on DVD-A. Because of this, I can only assume it’s a higher-resolution digital recording (probably done in 24-bit).

IMO, the CD sounds slightly harsh and grainy. Sibilance rears its ugly head on the redbook version. The choir seems heavily compressed, and so it’s impossible to get a sense of the individual singers. They all seem to blend into a blob of voices. Same holds true for the strings – there is little or no air around the parts of the orchestra.

The LP is not much better than the CD. First of all, sibilance is even worse on the LP – but only on certain sides. Side 4 seems to be sibilant-free while sides 2 and 3 can bite your ear off. And strangely, the sibilance only exists in the right channel. I can only assume then that the sibilance is due to a problem in the manufacturing (note: I don’t have a sibilance problem with my cart or phono stage). My copy was also a bit warped. Not much of problem because my cart tracks it just fine, but I’ve never seen a 180g LP warped this much. Surface noise is within the acceptable range.

The LP has a bit more depth than the CD. Then again, LPs almost always seem to have more depth than their redbook counterparts. The midrange, as expected, is better on the LP, with Björk’s vocals being a bit more natural sounding. The choir and strings seem to have a bit more air around them, with less constriction. The LP has a little less treble and a little less graininess (always good in my book). All in all, though, I’m a bit disappointed with the LP. If you already own the CD, I probably wouldn’t bother buying the LP.

You can buy the 'Vespertine' LP from acoustic sounds for $30.

Later this week: My Bloody Valentine’s ‘Loveless’ (1991) and Radiohead’s ‘OK computer’ (1997).

Well, for a short review, bjork's LP of homogenic sounds great, although i would think that it was digitally recorded, it certaintly doesn't sound like it, (I've got the 180g one little indian pressing), and is almost as black as a CD. Pick this one up if you can find it.

I would concur with arnett - my copy of Vespertine is far behind the CD version due to the sibilance. You're brave to admit to hearing that - risking having some shmoe tell you to set your tracking force properly!

I wonder what caused all the sibilance - cheap mics? Mic's too close to her mouth? It's a real shame anyhow...

I recently got this 3xLP and have put it in high rotation. My only comparison is a few of the tracks I downloaded (before it was released) on 192kb MP3s. The pressing is on 160g vinyl (or feels like) @ 45 rpm.

I'm amazed by how palpable the bass is. Very organic sounding and well proportioned, unlike the murky quality the MP3s had. The highs are even better though, I honestly have to admit this is one of the best sounding records in this respect (of the 50 or so I have to date). If there is sibilance, I can’t hear it through my rig, or maybe haven’t given it enough listens. Surface noise isn’t the lowest I’ve heard so far, but below the average for a new pressing.

The soundstage is airy and thrown past your cans considerably well considering this is hard to achieve with electronic music. So many details revealed themselves now that I have listened to the vinyl, it’s really wonderful. Definitely surpasses the downloaded version.

System:
Linn Axis / Basik arm
Ortofon X5-MC
Gram Amp 1
MIT3 interconnects
CMoy w/ Grado 125's

Led Zeppelin I-IV.

I didn't get the box set because it was more money than just getting them individually, and they are the same discs, without a poster, 45rpm extra of Stairway to Heaven (which I've heard more times than anyone would ever need to, being that I was a teenager in the '70's), and a box. Jimmy Page was the grand master decision maker of what went into these remasters.

They were pressed on 200 gram vinyl, with original covers, and poly inserts.

These are far superior to the original albums, and the CD versions. Aside from some late '60's early '70's distortion, these album exhibit the raw power of true rock and roll, that shaped the music world as we know it. There are sounds that I've never heard before, and the drums, guitar , bass, vocals, and light keyboards, all get fair share of the soundstage. "Whole Lotta Love" flies all over the living room, and I am not disappointed with one cut from these four albums.
They are the best that they can be, and are a worthwhile "get".
It was a good way to turn my 11 year old daughter on to the blues and rock (although she has attended a Yes concert, and a Metallica concert with me, and transitioned from Janet Jackson to Creed and Pearl Jam due to the exposure).

Off topic: Anyone that enjoys Zeppelin, should get the DVD, simply entitled DVD, that has 5 hours of the early years, including some gymnasium/garage sessions.

By the way...I too have enjoyed Massive Attacks mp3's and will take the advice of going the LP route. Thanks!

There are so many great albums on vinyl; it’s hard to pick out a few for “review”. So, here’s a sample listing of five readily available current releases that no vinyl collection should be without, since the difference from the CD version is so dramatic (in no particular order):

1. Radiohead – Hail to the Thief and OK Computer: OK, that’s two. Both of these sound infinitely more interesting on vinyl. HTTF is in 45rpm!
2. The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi…: Red vinyl German pressing: A little harder to find, but worth it! (I bought it at Amazon.com/uk.)
3. Genesis – Selling England…: Classic Records reissue.
4. Any of the new Peter Gabriel reissues, especially “UP”.
5. Pink Floyd – DSOTM: 30th anniversary vinyl.

There are many, many more.

And just so everyone doesn’t think I am a blind vinyl purist, here’s one example of a record that doesn’t sound as good on vinyl as it does on CD: Jack Johnson – On and On. The CD version (which I sold) is better than the vinyl version (which I own).

Finally, just for fun, here’s a list I wrote for another board, of the top eleven reasons why I love vinyl:

11. Fantastic, oversized cover artwork – an art gallery in your home!
10. Endless supply of old vinyl at reasonable prices.
9. Thousands of great recordings never made it to CD.
8. Today is arguably the true golden age of vinyl, with some modern pressings superior to anything ever issued in the past.
7. Vinyl adds new dimensions to the audiophile experience, with a collecting element found in no other area of stereo appreciation (alternative pressings, etc.).
6. Vinyl causes people who otherwise would not be caught dead supporting a thrift store to become major patrons.
5. Equipment tweaking is most often interesting and relaxing. A nice turntable rig is a thing of great beauty.
4. Vinyl is a more tactile, musical experience. For me, CDs are sometimes like listening to a recording of music, while vinyl can be like listening to a musical instrument.
3. By its very nature, vinyl forces the listener to pay more attention to the music, thus increasing appreciation. (One of our current plagues is that the hyper-convenience of digital formats – and the endless supply of alternative entertainments – have relegated music to a background role...nobody sits and listens any more.)
2. Vinyl most often sounds better, if you have a decent system.
1. Vinyl is more fun.

Out Hud - STREET DAD

Ok, so again, I only had the MP3 to compare to this LP. Somehow I think the high frequencies are rolled off, but they are at least very tame. Upon first removing it from it's sleave, I saw all these light scuffs all over the vinyl. Luckily, these are pretty much inaudible and just surface. The bass on it is not as tight as the MP3 samples I had heard (again @ 192k). Warpage is fairly low, and it's about a regular 150g pressing. Surface noise is about average, and seldom intruding. Generally, a good quality pressing.

On a side-note: they shipped it to me, declaring it $25, (paid $11.29 through Zerotec + shipping), and so I had to pay all these duty fees. I've emailed them expressing my annoyance at this mis-representing the shipment, maybe they will refund me those taxes.






Radio Head - Kid A

Now this is a fine pressing. 2 x 10", in a nice gate-fold sleave. The surface noise is really low on this one, and the mix is different and much BETTER than the CD version, as I've heard is the case for most of their releases (will verify that eventually). The guitars seem a little bit more prominent, as well as the vocals. I was able to pick up on a lot more of the fine details in the sounds on the vinyl. There was hardly a single thing I found offensive in the sound, it was just spot and quite tame in the upper frequencies (no sibilance). I highly recommend this one, it's become something of a reference disc for me. The soundstage has opened up considerably over the CD version, and the transients are so quick.

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Does anyone think (or know for a fact) that this may have come from shipping, and/or temperature fluctuations during shipping? I'm always hesitant to buy shipped vinyl for this reason. Yeah, I know if they're in a store, they had to have been shipped from somewhere, but if it's in a box with a bunch of other discs keeping it flat... thoughts? I recently unearthed a dozen '70s LPs still sealed in the (loose) shrinkwrap (no special presses, just regular CBS stuff) and only two were slightly warped. One flattened out noticeably after I left it on my desk for an hour or so.

Edited away

I'll second chillysalsa's recommendation of Kid A. Picked it up a couple of days ago, it's much better than the CD. The only thing I can complain about is the packaging is really tight (esp. on the first disc), I had trouble pulling it out cleanly.

I also picked up the 180g pressing of "In Step" by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Mix is good (sounds a bit more diffuse than the latest CD remaster) but surface noise is a tad high for a 180g pressing, and the record is noticeably warped!