Leon Russell
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Reubent! I didn’t think Romeo Void was issued on LP. Love warm in your coat, but I only have the CD. Also, I have a few C. Simon SACDs on my wish list. Maybe I’ll save some money and search out some vinyl. The problem is that my 2 CS LPs are pretty noisy, even after double vac/wash. Tonight (after Romeo Void) it will be Los Lobos - How Will the Wolf Survive |
reubent, In the hey day of vinyl, there were so many pressing plants running on all cylinders just to keep up with the demand. Also, then, (there was no other medium). So, the numbers in the dead wax are important in a historical perspective. As rushton pointed out, an early pressing is very desirable, but based on the pressing plant, who was operating the plant at the time and their knowledge and how that knowledge was implemented during the pressing and how "lucid" the operator was, has a lot to do with the pressing quality. A WLP, (white label promo) lp that I referred to earlier, was a first run pressing that was mostly issued to radio stations to play to promote an artist' current song. I have personally been a fan of these lps as they are consistently better sounding IMO, from other pressings. |
astro58go and Rushton, Thanks for the responses. I’m not really a collector and I currently have a modest, but musically good sounding, system. I am not the type to collect multiple copies of an LP and compare them for sound quality. I’m a "buy and forget" guy. My curiosity was mostly regarding comments I see in this thread, and other threads, regarding LP’s. I often see folks saying an LP they are enjoying is an original pressing, or a first pressing. I was curious to understand how they knew this. Of course, its easy when you buy a record when it is first released. I’m thinking that is almost a guarantee that it is a first pressing. However, years after initial release, it seems like a difficult task to try to determine the pressing. Thanks for your time in replying. It is much appreciated. Tom |
reubent, I agree with astro58go: Good question. And astro offers a nice introduction to the topic. One could go on and on and on about how to determine the answer for particular LPs and record labels. But, here’s the thing... First pressings are not the right guide to finding the best sounding records. So, what are you looking for? If it is "collectability" then yes, seeking out first pressings may make a record more collectable and therefore more valuable. Similar to first editions of books. But if your objective is finding the BEST SOUNDING pressing, first pressings are not always the best. Generally speaking, earlier MIGHT be better. If it is from the first master, first mother, first stamper off the mother, first few records off that particular stamper... But there are so many variables:
Of all the indicators I know to watch for in looking for good pressings, they are the mastering and cutting engineers and what in what pressing plant the record was made. So, I DO examine the deadwax when buying used records. For some of the codes in the deadwax, see: https://richmondaudiosociety.com/2012/07/02/dead_wax_inscriptions/ Overall, I’ve long ago given up on obsessing over first pressings for the sake of finding a first pressing. |
In the end, for me, I listen/buy so much, that I rely on my ear to tell me which pressing sound the best. I can relate that time frame to others. As far first hand knowledge on any specific older pressing, I defer to what sounds best to me and try and go from there. This method, (without total knowledge behind the #s), brings me the most joy. |
reubent, Great question! I've looked into it. The answers I received were basically, time and experience. I know Fremer is very knowledgeable here. You'd have to have a full time job in deciphering the dead wax/meanings to be an expert. He is the guru. Regarding my mentioning of the Black Dub lp. I know it's a first pressing by the very fact that I ordered it the day I heard it was released. Since then, I know by my ongoing (looking) that it has be re-issued once domestically and Music On Vinyl has their version. (Most MOV are digital files, mostly sounding very good). I've had great luck with MOV, but, I think my pressing would be desirable? From my meager understanding, regarding pressings I say are 1st or close... early pressings of say 60's/70's have in their dead wax on the matrix #'s ..for example 1A, 4A, .... or sometimes the letter/number can be reversed.... for instance B4= side 2...4 stamper/mother. I'm no expert, but this should give you some idea. I'm still learning. Here is one I'd like deciphered... My favorite lp ever, "Bookends", the copy I most listen to is.. Side one...XSM 11887 1F Side two...XSM 11888 1B I found this one for $1.00 at a church yard sale. We are all learning. Happy Listening! |
rushton, astro58go and All, I do not want to highjack the thread, so please let me know if I should start a new thread for this question....... I've seen many mentions of "original pressing" or "1st pressing" in this thread. My question is regarding how to tell if a record is really a first pressing or an original pressing? Is there a standard labeling scheme that identifies the pressing? If not, how do you know? |
Rushton, Big PS fan. I bought the latest re-masters of "Still Crazy..." & "There Goes..." While I don't have an original "Still Crazy..", I do of the other and the latest is very, very good! My favorite lp all time is "Bookends". Have an original early pressing,....nice! (Actually, I own around 4 originals.) Could not agree more regarding the importance of proper cleaning. Thanks for your article! |
Everyone knows the old cliche of rediscovering records when a new piece of gear comes into our systems, right? Well, for me its been rediscovering my records as I get them cleaned with this new diy ultrasonic cleaning regimen I'm now using. Wow! Listening to records I've had for 30-40 years, many of them acquired used even then, and finding clarity, impact and musicality I didn't recall. That was the way with the Carly Simon I mentioned earlier. My wife said "yeah, riiiiiight." Then she heard it and went WOW! So nice to have a whole new collection to explore. :-) For what I'm talking about, see: http://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/rushton-paul-diy-approach-ultrasonic-cleaning-lps/ |
astro58go, The Glen Hansard vinyl EP showed up in the mail today. His version of Drive All Night is special. Interestingly the list of musicians is a veritable "who’s who" of Reubent favorites. In addition to Glen Hansard, Jay Bellerose and Patrick Warren, you’ve got some of my favorite musician - Greg Leisz, David Pitch, Jake Clemons and Eddie Vedder. And produced by Joe Henry. Wow, good stuff...... |
astro58go, Glen Hansard.....Who Ray LaMontagne wants to be when he grows up! LOL. Just kiddin'... I had never heard of Glen Hansard. Thanks for the tip. Do you think Jake had anything to do with the choice to cover "Drive All Night"? BTW, I was the same with Springsteen. There were plenty of Springsteen songs I liked, but I didn't have much from the boss, except an old CD of Nebraska. That was until I went to see one of his shows a couple of years ago. Turned me into a big fan. I've been around the concert block, a few of times, but I have yet to see a better show than Springsteen. Magical.... |