^^ We've mastered some LPs from source files that were 16/44 and had good results. The issue here has more to do with how the digital file was created, and it sounds like the REM LP you refer to used the same master for the LP as was used for the CD. Generally speaking, the CD master will contain more compression than the master for the LP, as it is expected that the CD will be played in a car, where there is no such expectation for the LP! But I do agree with you the production has everything to do with it!!
Vinyl?
I have a Rega P6 and have been listening to some vinyl to break it in but one thing I noticed is that vinyl is not always a better choice. I listened to, for example, Dave Mason's It's Like You Never Left on vinyl and it clearly shows that the original recording was poorly done. Contrast this with Johhny Hodges Blues which is amazing on vinyl.
My advice? Some recordings are worth the investment in vinyl but others aren't because the original recording just wasn't that good.
My advice? Some recordings are worth the investment in vinyl but others aren't because the original recording just wasn't that good.