What are your go to LP's for evaluating new gear or new tubes?

@sls883 

Picked up an October Project cd, looks to be self titled? I enjoyed it. Have another one on the way. Lots of deep bass and nice dynamics. Thanks.

@billpete Test Record Number One? Yes, it's in Swedish, but he sound is universal. Many years ago I was in contact with Therese Juel, and she sent me her translation of the lyrics:

The phone is calling
I’m chasing out the sound
A voice in my ears says
“Hi – remember me?” 
I hesitate for a start
I’m little bit confused
Next moment I remember
Like a life from the past 
"I’m saying “Hi – hi my old friend"
“Where have you been? It was long time ago!
Hi my old friend” 
We´re sharing our lives
The time is passing by
Cause we haven't met
For many, many years
But I feel we were very close
As close as yesterday
The time is passing by 
And outside my door
the rain is falling down
The time is passing by

I had to doctor her English a bit, as her original made no sense to me.

@billpete

Thank you for letting me know about the pink label copy. That is good to hear!

So here are my findings. I ordered a 1st pressing A&M copy. It has the same issues. So, at least, with the A&M USA releases. I believe that @bdp24 is entirely correct. They reek of incorrect Dolby A decoding of an unencoded tape. The moment that he brought it to my attention I could hear it. I can't speak to the Pink Rim copies since I have never heard one. The copy that they are streaming on Qobuz had to come from A&M because it has the same problems.

I also purchased the 2008 Island "Back to Black" 180g remastered. Whatever issue happened with A&M releases. Did not happen with this remaster. It was like hearing the album for first time. The attack of the drums and the pick of the guitar. The vocals. The piano. Everything opened up. I can't tell you how it compares to the original Pink Label UK release. But it sounds awesome in my book. Since all I have to compare it to is the A&M abomination that was released onto the world.

Now, following in your footsteps of never having enough. I could not help myself. I had to hear the Analog Productions 45 rpm 200g remasters. So I reached down deep in my pocket and purchased a pristine copy.

It was a bit disconcerting at first, when I heard the space and detail that is this pressing reveals. But once I wrapped my head around it. It is absolutely stunning! There are details that I have never heard. It also has such a transparent background that I can't tell that the stylus is on the record in the silence. It will be hard to beat this. As good as I thought that the 2008 Island remaster was. This is far superior. Unfortunately, I don't have the 33-1/3 rpm version to compare it to. But I bet that it sounds really good as well.

I had my eye on that German Pink Label. I would be interested to know what it sounds like. One question for you. Would you say that your Pink Rim copy sounds closer to you A&M copy or to your Pink Label copy. I am trying to determine if the Pink Rim copies suffered from the same fate as the A&M copies did.

@billpete The first two albums feature Mary Fahl as the lead singer.  She went solo after that.  They are both excellent albums.

Their newest album, The Ghost of Childhood, have two ladies singing.  Very different, but really excellent.  You can stream it on Qobuz.  I had to buy the cd direct from the band via Bandcamp.  It's a signed copy. 

@dogberry 

That's pretty cool. Mine is Therese Juel, title Levande. 

How is it that you were in contact with her? People on here never cease to amaze me. I used to feel the same way about my old friends on the Vinyl Asylum. I'm pretty sure most of them have passed on. Getting old, not fun.