MOFI Alan Parsons Project - I Robot - One-Step Ultradisc - listening verdict & prog-rock charades.
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- Listening to and considering the stunning-sound quality of the new @Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab One-Step Ultradisc pressing of The Alan Parsons Project - I Robot.
Is it a key to prog-rock heaven, or is it just a bit of fun?
Many thanks to David Brook at the vinyl adventure.com for getting this out to me so quickly.
It's in stock now! While stocks last, at: www.thevinylad...
Ive got my fathers original copy from 77.This to this day sounds as good as anything ive ever heard.
It is definitely one of the best sounding albums ever made: that’s what I am trying to get at with my comments: I don’t think it’s up there with Dark Side Of The Moon, or Abbey Road, musically; but technically, it is absolutely first-class!
I have MOFI’s 45 rpm and will probably stick to it
I am an ardent AP Fan Dave, ever since first listening to "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" back in the mid-70's. I Robot is one of my favourite albums by AP and I am awaiting my MOFI copy from David Brook. I recently purchased the remastered 11 - vinyl album box set at Christmas and have been wading my way through. Every album is sonically gorgeous! As you know, I love electronic music and prog and therefore the APP satisfies my appetite with abundance. His partner Eric Wolfson (who sadly died some 10 years ago or so) is credited with much of the music / song writing, leaving Alan to put his expertly magic touch to the production. An exceptionally talented duo, IMHO. I know what you mean regarding the Vangelis influence and I too, have a copy of 666 by Aphrodite's Child - excellent album indeed. Once I receive my MOFI copy, I will compare this to the original vinyl I own and the remastered copy recently purchased in the box set. Will let you know my findings......
Hi Dave, I only really know I Robot and Eye In The Sky, I do need to give TOMAI a listen…
There’s no arguing the sonic gorgeousness! Look forward to having an APP session with you soon!
AP may well be an "acquired taste" but he did sell a shed load of albums over a 10 year period. In a sense all music is derivative but I like the music and love the musicianship and production qualities. I have various copies (but not the MoFi) of which the MOVLP is my favourite. I do have the Eye in the Sky MoFi but prefer the MOVLP to that.
Hi Ian, thanks for your feedback. I think Eye In The Sky is the only other APP album I've ever owned myself... I really ought to revisit it.
Great review and like others have stated I own multiple pressings (I believe 7) including the original MFSL from 1980. I love this copy, but my favorite is my $30 Music on Vinyl deluxe set.
Thanks for sharing!
Bought this and Pyramid back in the day. As you say, it's very derivative and also a good hifi demo record. Don't think I've played either for over 40 years.
Haha! I don’t know how many years it’s been since I last played this. I’d guess thirty… I’ve played it a good half-dozen times since getting it though: superb demo material!
To me it sounds exactly like The Alan Parsons Project :)) I love this album and have 4 versions, with the One-Step sounding the best to my ears. Sorry to hear that Genesis has some noise at the end of your copy, as I love that ending track, very musical. My copy had a huge scratch at the start of I Robot and I created a RUclips short for Mofi. When they heard it, they sent a replacement right away and I did not have to send the scratched copy back or to destroy it like some labels make you do. I am glad Mofi made the 33 RPM 1S for this as I would prefer that going forward, over the 45 RPM. Cheers ruclips.net/user/shortsd2H-I6JUW78
The noise really is very quiet, but I thought worth mentioning it…
I do kinda love this album, it’s definitely fun, but mostly appealing to the geeky teenager in me.
Good to know you got your faulty copy replaced without fuss.
Maybe you can give me some input about it; trying to decide between the MOFI 45RPM vs UD1S, is there such a big difference regarding sound? I'd not mind about flipping it more often; on the other hand since I'm in Canada and the UD1S comes with defects I guess my return would not be as easy as others. Thanks!
@@EzequielLFriscia I do not have the 45 rpm but I have heard people say it has more bass than the UD1S. To Mofi's credit, I did a video of a defect I had and they sent me another one, so I did not have to return my bad copy.
I was a huge APP fan. My albums were in my parents basement although I think my little brother took them.
Time to visit little brother? 😉
I love that recording. I got it along with Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells on Easter Sunday when I was 13 from my dad. I was so excited about the 45rpm that’s coming out until the digital step was out in the open. Of course they didn’t lower the price. I’m happy with my pressing. I bet an OG UK would be better though. It would be interesting to hear the difference between your one step and an OG.
I might well look for an original now I’ve got the One-Step, somewhat ironically perhaps...
I’ve heard it many times over the years (mostly in the 70s & 80s, but never actually bought it on vinyl until now. It is a truly spectacular recording!
I’ve had nothing but problems with my one steps, and I’m not alone. Just look at Discogs or RUclips on the horrendous QC of one step super vinyl. It is also not the quietest vinyl, it is probably the noisiest vinyl I own. Not to mention, the warps, offcentered pressing. One steps is the biggest scam in the industry. You can get better performance from standard HQ180g.
You may have noticed but I've really slowed down on my MOFI One-Step purchases and reviews. It started with the 'MOFI-Gate' revelation that I'd been talking about 'AAA' records when in fact they weren't. I'd been lied to as had everyone of course, and I really hate mis-information.
I have also had far more warped One-Steps than I feel happy with. I suspect the "Super Vinyl" formulation has a lower melting point and a lower 'burn point' than regular vinyl. When you get a good one, they are great, but still do tend towards being a touch 'clinical sounding to my ears.
Dave can I put a viewer request in!? Could you do a video on how you protect your vinyl, whether the process changes for used vis a vis new etc with affiliate links to products (if you have it).
By the way wish you were here is probably my favourite album despite being more hip hop reggae based. When I first heard I robot I got very excited because the topology of the sound was so wide and varied. Thematically the wish you were here notes whetted my appetite. By the end of the album I was hugely disappointed. A sonic tease but just did nothing for me
Hi @DMD, I was actually thinking of doing a record cleaning / care video having recently seen a lot of ‘fear’ about the use of surfactants / detergents…
Might well be the next video. Thanks for the request!
@@DaveDenyer that would be very helpful indeed! Many thanks
Nice one dale had it pre ordered but not getting as with most of these dsd. Got the original when it came out because Steve Harley was on it. It’s one of those lps I only played iRobot I wouldn’t want to be like you. Which I love and the Harley track. I got the original mofi of it which is all analogue.
I’m pretty sure it was the original MOFI we played back in my days in retail. It’d be good to hear one of those again.
@@DaveDenyer yip it would be good to hear them side by side. Are You getting the new Patricia barber one step. Dave. I think now I hear it was a digital recording I might miss.
@@scottspinner1 not sure about the Patricia Barber… to be honest in the case of Cafe Blue even though it is digital recording the tape sounds the best… so, if I am going to indulge myself it would make sense to buy the tape, or just skip it; like Alan Parsons Project, Patricia Barber is more demo material for me… I don’t really feel the urge to be completist.
Hi Dave - since we're talking about the brilliant Alan Parsons here - is this edition hopefully authorised by him? (& angreing with you: "666 - The Apocalypse of John, 13/18" is a fantastic album!)
Hi Arne, I assume he or the record label has authorised this release, but I don't know exact details.
Glad you like 666, I only discovered it a few years ago. Absolutely love it!
My feelings exactly, about APP, that they're technological tours de force, but musically it's like there's no strong theme or musical idea about the album, other than to blow your mind sonically. I like to listen to it for the phenomenal sound, but cringe my way through most of the record. :)
Thanks Thomas!
Cringe... I'm glad that I don't have such a critical ear. Life is too short to bash beautiful music and entertainment. That's just me.
Review comes off like this was your first listen to this album which is strange since I would not lay out $100 for an album I haven't heard nor liked. Personally I've always liked this album since it came out and bought this version day one. However I don't feel any improvement over my original although I really haven't A/B'd them. Certainly my system doesn't rate enough to prominently showcase as you do. That may make a difference although I doubt you are comparing to other versions since this appears to be your first listen.
It’s the first time I’ve owned this on vinyl although I’ve played it on vinyl many times, especially during the 1980s, and loved it for it’s spectacular sound.
When I saw it was coming from MOFI, and I’m very much enjoying the OneSteps, I wanted to give it a go. I did give the CD a few listens to reacquaint myself with the music.
I do like that it’s 33rpm and doesn’t take up too much shelf-space, but I am now wondering what the forthcoming 45rpm version will sound like?
@@DaveDenyer I have the 33. Will therefore have to get the 45. The collector in me has a heavy influence at times. Love having sets and series etc of items.
@@mrcasey69 LOL, having heard (and been extremely impressed with the sound quality), I’m now extremely curious to hear the 45rpm version when that comes out, and the original MOFI release which would’ve been what I was playing back in the 1980s.
I bet I’ll end up getting both!
Anyone who knows me would say I’m a bit (or a lot) obsessed!
@@DaveDenyer I can relate. I got into the tapes last February and started a new crazy ,whirlwind trip. A marvelous adventure this all is. Grateful for your help and advice along the way. Great videos and website. Thanks.
@DaveDenyer I'm not a big fan of 45s although I have plenty. This one has too much flow which the 45 would ruin. That's the biggest reason I went with this one. I think they're planning on doing a 45
lol I think it has to be said Jeff Wayne sounds like Alan Parsons Project as it was released AFTER this.
LOL good point @rhorto01 👍
Most interesting... Funny... as extremely 'derivative' as you quite strongly repeat throughout your detailed review, for me personally it is my very favourite Alan Parsons album, and certainly, to me again, orders of magnitude more enjoyable than just about ALL his subsequent albums, including the mind-numbingly BORING Eye in the Sky that everyone seems to be so excited about. ALL of Alan Parsons songs to me quite basically SOUND THE SAME... 😁 I know that is being perhaps a tad harsh, but same sing-songy structure, same EXACT measured sterile drumbeat, etc.
As derivative as this album is, and I understand your take on it, still, for me personally it is by far, *WAY* more enjoyable than just about all of the rest of his very samey, very boring albums. The one exception perhaps is his first, Tales of Mystery and Imagination. BTW, I'm surprised that you didn't mention the previous MFSL 2-45 release, which I have and I feel, like you say about this one, that it is quite sonically stunning and certainly by far the very best pressing I've ever heard of the album. I just thought it was kind of interesting how you pretty much made it fairly clear how 'unimpressed' you were with the album musically, and yet from the beginning I've always felt quite strongly that almost ALL of his other albums, a least to me, sound quite boring, pedestrian, and FAR less engaging than this one. Kind of interesting the differences in taste from person to person 😊
Agreed: I never really got into APP, I remember Eye In The Sky being perhaps the biggest hit (most hyped?) back in the day, but it really didn’t float my boat.
I’m 99% sure the copies we had in the shops I worked in were the original MOFI. To be honest I think I’ll hunt down a copy of that, it’ll double-dose the nostalgia!
Personal taste: it’s a good thing. Life would be soooo boring if we all liked the same thing…
I didn’t mean to offend APP fans with my review. It’s a bit like Patricia Barber: the appeal for me is the sound, not the songs.
@@DaveDenyer Cool... I was afraid that I may have offended you! 😊 I get a little exuberant sometimes, sorry about that mate... Now, about your taste... 😁