Thanks Greg. I read the Wikipedia on "I'm Not In Love" and it provided much insight into how they made the recording and created the sound. I especially like how they got the secretary to record, while whispering, "Big boys don't cry". I'll play it again today or tomorrow and listen with even more intent.
Thanks again. |
@bkeske
Brian, I highly recommend that you send the new AQ speaker cables to Audioquest for terminations. They have the proper spade connector for Vanderstein speakers. And for those cables you really should get the 1000 series spades. Also, the method for termination is far beyond a solder joint. They do a process that "co-mingles" the metals of the speaker wire and the termination. Bill Low, owner of Audioquest, told me about this many years ago. You can contact them to inquire on the cost and any other questions about the terminations. Again, highly recommended. Your new speakers deserve it.
Love " Forever Changes" reissue, made in Germany. Takes me back to junior high, we listened to this album back then.
10cc "The Original Soundtrack" I saw this album posted here last week. I always wanted it and never did buy it when current. So, I looked on Discogs and found a really good deal ($11) for a M- copy that is a UK pressing. Sounds quite good, and a great album. So good to get ideas from this thread. |
The Moody Blues "To Our Childrens Childrens Children" Bought this used last week, had to play it again yesterday. Very clean LP and surprisingly good SQ (for Moody's albums).
The Electric Flag "A Long Time Comin" I had this in 8th grade and forward, always loved it. It was lost long ago. I bought it used last week. Clean piece of vinyl, terrible SQ, but great music. Brought back many good memories.
Blodwyn Pig "Ahead Rings Out". Very obscure English rock/blues band. Really great music. SQ is good, but not great. I bought this album in 1970 (it was released in 1969) after seeing them perform. They were the middle act of 3, where the headliner was Three Dog Night. I saw a lot of great concerts as a teenager. |
@bkeske I have a copy of that Joni Mitchell album, Don Juan's Reckless Daughter. It's a Japanese pressing with the OBI sleeve. It's a great album, musically, and the sonics are outstanding. If your copy sounds as good as the one I have then you are in for a treat. I think that side 2 of disc 1 is my favorite. Do enjoy the album. |
Patricia Barber "Cafe Blue" 1-Step
For anyone interested, I just ordered a copy of this on Elusive Disc at a substantial discount, the purchase price of $99.49. The reason is that they have a few considered "scratch & dent" which have a minor issue with either the outer box or a seam. It could be that someone, somehow damaged the packaging at the factory. I say this because Elusive Disc is waiting for new stock from Impex, expected January 29. My guess is that Impex, which has a strong relation with Elusive Disc, provided their flawed boxes to Elusive Disc at a discount. I inquired before the purchase to be certain the record is still factory sealed and had never been sold or played. I was advised that to be the case, that the record is "A stock" quality, and that there are a few of these still available, after my purchase. If you are interested in this fantastic 1-Step issue of Cafe Blue I thought to let you know of this excellent value. Best to you all. |
Logins and Messina "Full Sail"
The Moody Blues "To Our Childrens Childrens Children"
John Klemmer "Touch"
Stomu Yamashta, Steve Winwood, Michael Shrieve "Go"
This is a very interesting album, rather spacey. Great SQ! |
A couple of days of music listening is this list below.
A good time, no doubt.
Joni Mitchell "Blue"
Barrabas, S/T
Jan Hammer Group "Oh,Yeah?"
Supertramp "Even In The Quietest Moments"
Supertramp "Breakfast In America"
Zubin Mehta conducts L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, "Suites from
Star Wars & Close Encounters of the Third Kind" MoFi Original Master
The Who "Quadrophenia" Classic Records reissue. I was lucky enough to get a sealed copy of this Classic Records reissue a couple of years ago. It really did capture the best details from the original tapes.
Roxy Music "Avalon" A great way to end the evening before bed. What depth and spaciousness in this recording/mastering.
|
@slaw The production method uses 10 lacquers that only 500 copies are made from each, totaling 5,000 copies. At 2,104 it is highly likely that you have 104 from the fifth lacquer. I hope this makes you feel much better.😊 |
@bkeske
There is a reissue of Joni Mitchel "Blue" that is superb in every way; music, sonically, excellent vinyl. It was on backorder for months and I recently received my copy. There are probably more available, still, at Acoustic Sounds and Elusive Disc. Not terribly expensive, I think it was $24. Excellent, early Joni.
Best to you. |
@bkeske I have that same 1974 Court Spark, on Asylum Records. Bought it new, back then, and it is in perfect condition. Later on I picked up a Nautilus copy. I think the original is a little better sounding on the midrange. But the Nautilus is quieter vinyl. I'm glad to have both. The 1974 jacket has a wonderful raised letter design of the title and Joni Mitchel, while the Nautilus copy does not. Enjoy your original copy, it's wonderful music, and I believe Joni at her very best. |
@slaw
I don't believe it is UK, but I could be wrong. I see 30,971 RE1 so it must be a reissue and probably a high number on the pressing. No wonder all of the vinyl noise. However, it does have "Oh Well" and in fact that is the reason I bought it back in 1973 or so. It's a great album as is "Kiln House". I really like that early era Fleetwood Mac. I saw them in concert during that era, it was excellent! Again, I am hoping that a heavy setting US cleaning will help with the vinyl noise issue. I hope to have a US machine before the end of this first Quarter. |
I certainly hear that about "the ever present danger". I gave up offshore fishing for the summer and this far have not had a ski day this season.
Definitely playing music!
Tim Weisberg "Night Rider"
Fleetwood Mac "Then Play On" I have an early pressing from around 1973 this is in perfect condition. The music is phenomenal, the SQ is very good, but the vinyl is quite noisy. I hope that a US cleaning will solve that issue.
Yes "Fragile" Mobile Fidelity 45 RPM One -Step. Just got this copy and WOW, it's fantastic! By far the highest grade of vinyl quality. And what an awesome album of music. I must have loaned out my original copy many years ago and not have gotten it back. Glad to have this new issue. Really, very impressive. |
@reubent - Tom, no I do not have that particular Jeff Beck album. I'll check it out. Always looking to add to my collection from those who I admire. And of course, seeking to discover new music as well.
It was slaw who I got the idea from to get Barrabas. And I sure am glad that I did, it's a great album. |
I finally got to it.
Jeff Beck "Truth"
Jeff Beck "There And Back"
This album is very well produced from recording to mastering/plating/pressing. SQ is very, very good.
Now I'm in the mood for more Jeff Beck, later today. |
@reubent I'll check into that album, searching first on Discogs for a NM/M- copy. I do enjoy that genre of music.
All along I had thought that my copy of Jeff Beck "Truth" was the original I had in high-school. Believing that as the case I had thought for sure it was thrashed from parties, playing on the Magnavox console at home, etc. I just now looked at it and realize that it is a replacement copy I probably bought after getting my first real hi-fi system in 1973 (graduated high school in 1972 and immediately worked to save and buy a rather good hi-fi system which was the most bad-ass system in my college dorms). I'm sure to have played it many times but as all my early albums are of that era were very well cared for, it is in perfect condition. A good cleaning today and on the turntable it will go, probably before dinner. Yeah! |
Joe Cocker "With a Little Help From My Friends" I just got a very clean NM condition copy through Discogs. Brings back great memories.
Albert King "Blues For Elvis" Spiritofradio mentioned that about 10 days ago and got me thinking I should add that to my collection. I got a very clean NM condition copy through Discogs. Could have had better bass on the recording/mastering, but what a great album, musically. Thanks for the good suggestion.
Linda Ronstadt "Greatest Hits"
Jeff Beck with the Jan Hammer Group, Live. What a great album. The majority of this album are songs from Blow By Blow. SQ is about average for live recordings, not bad but not great. The music is fantastic. I have an OP of Blow By Blow and last year I bought a new copy of Blow By Blow at 45RPM, Analogue Productions/QRP. If you are a Jeff Beck fan, and particularly like that album, I highly recommend getting the 45RPM copy. It is absolutely stunning! |
@boxer12 Wishing a speedy recovery for your wife. Best to the both of you and a very healthy 2021. |
I'm very fortunate to have all of The Police albums having bought them as each came to market, back in the day. All are in perfect condition.
My guess is this box set probably does sound better, but what I have sounds quite good. In particular, Ghost In The Machine is superb! That album is often times one of my "go too" LPs on the later side of Saturday night, after I have had a few. Man, it sounds really good... |
@big_greg Man, am I jealous of that Japan pressing of Led Zeppelin II. I tried a reissue of Houses of the Holy and it sucked. My original copy is much better, much more pleasant and analogue sounding, but has too much surface/vinyl noise. Maybe a good ultra sonic cleaning will do the trick for me. I plan on getting one of those machines in the next few months, or less.
My answer to your question about the Gaucho album is rather long. For that reason I will send it to you via a PM. However, it's late so I'll get on it in the morning. Have a pleasant evening. |
@big_greg which album are you referring to? |
I have an early pressing of Gaucho and it is EXCELLENT SQ!
The news about our Capital is so sad and disheartening. I think that my blood pressure went up a bit today. I had to play some softer and relaxing music.
Tim Weisberg, "Dreamspeaker"
Grover Washington, Jr. "Winelight"
Grover Washington, Jr. "Inside Moves"
All are very good SQ and nice mood music. |
B.B. King
Deuces Wild
Two disc set with a ton of awesome guest musicians, i.e., Van Morrison, Tracy Chapman, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, David Gilmore, Willie Nelson. Really great album.
Elton John
Tumbleweed Connection |
Steppenwolf, 'Monster'. That was a good suggestion. I checked my file and found that I do have that. Early pressing, in perfect condition. Not sure why I haven't played it in many, many years. I saw Steppenwolf in 1970 at an outdoor festival. I always like them a lot. I'll clean this and play it over the weekend.
What a great thread this is. I get ideas for what is within my own collection, sometimes buried very deep. I also get ideas to purchase music I don't already have. Great perspectives from everyone. Thanks guys. |
Happy New Year. I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2021.
And man, do we need that!
Jimi Hendrix, 'Electric Ladyland' Reprise reissue, from the Authorized Hendrix Family Edition
Supertramp, 'Crime of the Century' MoFi reissue. I also have an original copy from first release. Been loving this album since day one.
Manfred Mann's Earth band, 'Watch' Very well done album, great SQ. |
@geof3 Yes indeed, those albums are mastered exceptionally well. I especially think that of Avalon. Sit in the sweet spot, plenty of SPL, and just fall into the music. It takes you on a trip...
I too have first presses of Avalon and Boys and Girls. Fantastic! |
You guys got me thinking about that Albert King album. I don't see a reissue from Vinyl Me Please but I do see a NM/M- copy on a Stax reissue. Thanks for the good idea. |
Been listening to my hi-fi, of course. Just not listing the LPs here for a while. Yesterday was a few nice ones.
Joni Mitchel, 'Blue' Reprise Records reissue. Nicely done!
The Beach Boys, 'Surf's Up' Analog Productions and QRP pressing. Excellent SQ!
Stanley Clarke, 'School Days' Friday Music reissue, RTI pressing. I have an original pressing of this album and while the SQ is great the vinyl quality had a lot of noise. It's a favorite of mine, so, I pre-ordered the reissue and it finally arrived. The vinyl is excellent and SQ is really, really good. I think the mastering found some fine details that I had never heard before on my original pressing. But, I also found that in the mastering they cut off some of the lowest frequencies in a few musical areas that are present on my original. Too bad for that. Otherwise, the SQ is superb and very revealing of the finest in detail with perfect placement (not too far forward, not far back, just right!). If you are a Stanley Clark fan this is a very worthy add to your collection. |
Merry Christmas, everyone. Be safe and be healthy.
The discussion about 10 days ago on Pink Floyd, 'The Division Bell' got me going. I ordered it right away and it just arrived. I'll clean it and enjoy in a listening session later today. Looking forward to that.
Incidentally, when the album was first released (I believe only on CD initially, but I could be wrong), I saw the North American tour of that show at The Rose Bowl, in Pasadena. Very good seats, awesome concert! My second time to see Pink Floyd, the first being the 'Animals' tour. Also, an awesome and very memorable concert! |
Well, I went back to Discogs and searched for Joe Cocker, "With a Little Help From My Friends. I found a NM/M- Speakers Corner copy that I bought for $35 plus shipping. Much better than what I had seen at $400.
Thanks for the recommendation. |
@spiritofradio Yes, I do buy some quality NM/M- from Discogs. Last I checked I couldn't find any of that level of quality. I'll check again. I was just hoping to find a new reissue, from Speakers Corner. I much prefer new LPs verses used ones. Though, I have had a few good NM/M- LPs from Discogs that are truly quality pieces. I'll go back and search again. Maybe some new postings will surprise me. That album was influential when I was 16. I saw Joe Cocker that year and he did the entire album with a tremendous group of backup singers. What a night! What a weekend. Many memories from that festival, including Jimi Hendrix.
Totally WOW!!!! |
@slaw I have been trying to find Joe Cocker 'With a Little Help From My Friends' for over a year. All I can find is NM/M- used for $400. I have searched for a Speakers Corner release and can not find it. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you. |
You got me thinking...
I just pulled out my copy of 'Brother Where You Bound' for playing tonight.
I've owned it since it first released and is in perfect condition. Should add to a great evening of high fidelity music.
Thanks guys! |
You guys have some music in your collections that I have never heard of. That's the beauty of this thread, new music to discover from verified people who know what they are talking about. I'll be looking to get some more of these new (for me) discoveries.
Tim Curry, 'Fearless' Fantastic album I have owned since it first released.
Elton John, 'Tumbleweed Connection' Reissue that I got last year. Remastered by Bob Ludwig and cut at Abbey Road Studios. Sounds very good.
Genesis, 'A Trick of the Tail' I have owned this since first released, in perfect condition. Sounds fabulous!
Dire Straits, "Brothers in Arms' Reissue, 2-disc set. Wow, this sounds so awesome! Way better than my original copy. |
Great article. I love learning something every day.
Thanks for the info. |
MC, you really didn't know that Boston is a band? If not then you really missed some good Rock Music from the late 70s/early80s. |
Barrabas, S/T 1974. Thanks again, Slaw, for the recommendation.
Led Zeppelin, 'Physical Graffiti' My US Original Pressing from 1975. It's in perfect condition but, still, the production quality (and thus the SQ) leaves plenty to be desired. Sounds good, but should be better. What an awesome collection of music. Led Zeppelin at their best! |
Carly Simon, 'Come Upstairs'
The Beach Boys, 'Surf's Up' Analogue Productions. This is great!
Robert Cray, 'Strong Persuader'
The Doobie Brothers, 'Livin' On The Fault Line' Original pressing, perfect condition, fantastic sounding. |
I had a Beogram in the garage. Packed up like new in the original carton. Sold it last year. Put the money toward a Lyra Delos cartridge. Made much more sense then hanging on to the Beogram (in its carton, in the rafters). |
Yep, the cost of a quality record is certainly more than not long ago. However, many (but unfortunately not all) are just fantastic sounding. The way I (have to) look at it is this. I eat good food and it costs a good amount of money. If I can spend $30 on a meal for two (obviously that means cooking at home, the same grade of food for two when dining out would be around $80 or so) which is quite enjoyable but can be enjoyed only once, then I can certainly spend $30 to $50 on a high-grade LP that will last the rest of my life and be enjoyed many times. Well, that is the best rationale I come up with to help justify it. I only buy 2 to 4 albums per month and I make sure that I budget myself to afford that and it not make a financial issue for me. That aspect seems to work, for me. And oh, the pleasure of listening to those high-grade vinyl albums. It sounds so good sometimes that I start thinking about eating more canned tuna and getting a few extra albums some months...LOL
It is nice to get a bargain on a NM/M- album from Discogs. But that doesn't always hold true for what I am looking for. You guys discussing Pink Floyd, 'The Division Bell' has now placed me into spending another $43. I have it on CD, but that doesn't play so well on my turntable. Sounds great in the car, though. |
@slaw I received the Barrabas album. It's quite good. Thanks for the recommendation and going the extra yard in your description. A nice addition to my collection. Very good SQ.
@noromance I find that if one side sounds great and the other side (or even one song verses another) not so good, it's likely the stamper or some other part of the production process and not your stylus, or anything else. The problem with vinyl is the lack of consistency in production. However, the sound of vinyl makes it well worth having to go through some anxiety here and there.
Frank Zappa, 'Sheik Yerbouti' This one is bright, all sides, but still sounds good. Just keep the volume down some. See above...
Barrabas, S/T 1974
James Newton Howard Quintet, Sheffield Labs D2D
Al Stewart, 'Year of the Cat' MoFi Original Master Recording. I got that when it came out, I think somewhere around 1982. Just struck my fancy today. |
@boxer12 Congratulations to you. I wish you well on your new venture. I truly believe in and enjoy the merits of quality cables. At some point I may try one of yours and have fun swapping into my system.
Best to you on your product launch in 2021. |
@slaw Similarly, I have found that my interconnect and speaker cables definitely had a change (for the better) at about 30 hours of run-in time. I never thought of the change to be a "golden glow", as you put it. But all other aspects you described are exactly what I found to be, beginning at around 30 hours.
The bottom line is that yes, indeed, these current day cables of more exotic materials and construction do have a run-in time. And they do settle in and sound much better. Years ago I would never had thought that to be the case. But listening is believing. And now I do believe!
It sure is fun, too. |
@noromance I verified my original copy on Discogs. They state that the first UK pressings are verified by the inside of the gatefold, right side, showing "Produced by David Gilmour". Other pressings show "Written by Roger Waters". My copy shows "Produced by David Gilmour". That makes me feel I have a special copy. No wonder it sounds so awesome. And yes, the gear is "on fire". Never sounded so good. |
I finally got the new Symposium Foundation Rack Ultra and several sets of Rollerblock Jr HDSE. Everything is all set up, leveled, etc. A new Niagara 3000 connected to the newly installed dedicated 20 amp line (using 10 gauge romex). This was a serious upgrade, in total, to my system. I expected to hear a solid improvement in SQ. What I got went beyond my best expectations. Holy cow! It's like adding an entirely new high-end component(s). Recently reading some entries here of Pink Floyd records gave me reason to do just that, last night.
First up, to warm up the tubes and my ears...
Elvis Costello, 'My Aim Is True'
Tom Petty, 'Damn the Torpedoes'
Then a small hit and a glass of wine. Next up...
Pink Floyd, 'Meddle' the reissue on Pink Floyd Records - Excellent!
Pink Floyd, 'The Wall' (all 4 sides). My original copy from when first released. Excellent condition. Phenomenal sound quality.
I thought I knew my records very well. I'm now hearing musical information and the finest of nuances in the material I never knew was there. The depth, soundstage, imaging are fantastic, better then ever. Very 3-dimensional. This is a real treat! |
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Everyone, please be safe and stay healthy. Enjoy the day. |
@haflerdimwit
Welcome to this thread. I hope that you enjoy your new (to you) gear and many years of vinyl audio bliss. |
@slaw
Steve, fantastic article on your MyMat. Congratulations! Well deserved.
I'll be contacting you soon. I really must try this out on my system. |
@slaw
Thank you so much for putting in the extra effort. I have been looking for something that would satisfy just what you described for the music and especially the SQ. I trust your "highest recommendation!" Thus, I'll pull the trigger. I see them on Discogs, NM/M- for $10 to $20, plus shipping. I look forward to it.
Also, "Volunteers" on MFSL/45rpm, I am jealous. Nice one for the collection.
My new Symposium Foundation Rack Ultra is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. It will take me a couple of days to assemble all the parts, load all of the components, and make all of the signal connections. The Barrabas album should arrive just in time. Thanks again. |
@slaw is your Barrabas copy the one with the orange colored face, wide open mouth, being held in a purple sort of large sleeve covered arm/hand? It's a wild album cover. Your description sounds like it would be an interesting addition to my collection. I have never heard of them, but am willing to take a chance. A brief description, please. |
@dayglow I really like what you have added to this thread. You are an awesome guy. |
