I’m from Detroit and I was excited to learn about Third Man Records when Jack White first launched it. Detroit, once the world capital of R&B/soul, has for decades been a real underdog due to a series of corrupt mayors, the exit of the auto industry, and population decline. Over the past 15 years, parts of Detroit are really coming back to life, economically and otherwise. And I was hoping Third Man records would be a part of that. It pains me to say that most of the 20 or so records I’ve bought from Third Man are mediocre pressings, with above average surface noise and so-so mastering. I hope Jack White invests some resources into improving sound quality and pressing quality. Because the world needs more good pressing plants. And it would be great for Detroit to be known for high quality recordings once again.
Nope. Not everything he does is great. There is no need to even try to better the originals and early UKs. They are stunning as they are and don’t include a digital step. That we know. They are also more collectible. Reissues are hurting the hobby
Another great album that would be great to have in my collection. Syd Barrett, as you stated in this review a genius artist. The review and comparisons is always a pleasure to listen to and make notes about this record.
I have an OG Madcap Laughs and it also sounds fantastic. Like you said, open, airy, and full of life. Thanks for reviewing this since I was considering the box. Too bad this reissue wasn’t better. Syd is one of my favorite artists and the OGs are so expensive and rare.
I don’t see the point with this box set to be honest, since the 2014 releases (which were well received) are still available. Third Man Records has done a lot of good work, releasing and promoting more obscure garage/punk rock. It’s a pity that they are still struggling with the sound quality of their own pressings.
Thank you Michael, I appreciate this one a lot. I have orginal copies of both Barrett LPs (likely first pressing also) which I got in NYC as imports back then, and I hope someone else tries again someday? My compliments to you.
I have the 2014 Reissues of this 3 Albums. They sounds great and the vinyl was dead flat.They got good Reviews on Discogs too. I mean they are still available for order at JPC. Until now i didn't have good experiences with Third man Records Pressings. IMO they have a lausy Vinyl Quality.
I would cancel your subscription. They are doing too many things at once. Things are a little chaotic for them. I believe they need to take their time with legendary albums like that. Especially when releasing magical recordings. You have to pay outrageous shipping fees to get those albums into your beautiful country and in many cases pay extra fees when collecting them due to taxes and such. Stay the course and seek out the originals! Go in peace my friend, and the originals will reward you in the end!
The original of Barrett has a DR number of 11 with an interval of 10-13. Most likely with peaks under -1. So it should sound nice for the kind of music. The new release must have some of the new remasters with DR of 10 and intervals of 8-13 or 9-13. And higher than -1 peaks. So it must sound louder and more flat. It is likely impossible to find a version with a better mastering than the first pressings after them. All subsequent remasters are louder and more compressed. CD and now vinyl likewise.
I thought overall that the Barrett box was a bit disappointing. The jacket quality tells you most of what you need to know. But yeah the records were silent, clean and flat. But not amazing sounding.
wow did not realize Third Man did this box, and Barrett is one of my all-time favorite artists. I have the boxed EMI UK which sounds incredible. Good info and lovely to see the true 1st there.
Michael i bought the 2014 reissues and then i bought the 2nd press. No really huge difference, no super ouaou whatever advertising no Chad opening champaigns no Kevin Gray being immortalised for mastering a bloody record no nothing. A modest and respectful for the customer in house product which today would be praised as a work of art blablahblah I bought them 20 something euros. You can see where it goes. Too much hype too much overprice too much nothing and too many youngster's away from the musical experience. Well done to the industry. Please do not contribute to this. Take care.
Thanks for info. It's nice to see a normal video again Michael. 👍In my opinion, if vinyl doesn't sound good, then it's considered pure waste in my house.
Dear Michael, thank you for what you said about good old lost and never really found again Syd. When you hear Syd's solo albums for the first time? The recording sounds like it should be a complete disaster, but, instead? It's the perfect chaotic order. Syd thought in a fractured and out of sequenced way. Like children do. Like Brian Wilson, he was damaged by drugs and an underlining mental health issues. Yet, this 'acid crash victim' speaks crystal clear truth and comes across as emotionally authentic than others who are meant to be mentally 'correct'. There is something magical and beyond defining, about his work. So, perhaps. Syd wasn't mad or wrecked - just SO ahead of everyone else, even now, he knew the answers to questions, we still haven't ever heard spoken? David
Michael, do you think it's the mastering that's the issue of Third Man Records to the coloured vinyl? Years ago I popped the question regarding coloured vs black records to Music On Vinyl. They responded saying that the coloured version would not sound as good as the black. Whether that is true some 12 years later I hope not, but it's a thought. Generally I will not buy coloured vinyl because of what they told me unless it's not available any other way. Elton John Honky Chateau original UK wipes the floor when compared to the VMP coloured issue in my opinion. I must agree with you on the care in mastering, manufacture etc. At the prices charged, the consumer deserves more quality.
Vault edition is a cool release for sure. Gorgeous colours regarding the vinyl records. A pity the jackets don’t look top class. Uk original,wow an amazing find in that condition on the Harvest label. Fantastic to hear how good it sounds. Don’t you just love these originals ,Take care Michael 👌
I don’t understand why TMR let’s this fall short on the sound. It’s not the first time. I canceled my subscription a few years ago. If they step their game up I will consider coming back.
Oof. I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on that set. I almost bought a UK textured cover over the weekend. I already have 2 different pressings of the 74 double album comp.
In general , I have found Third Man stuff just so-so. More thought goes into fancy packaging and inane add-ons. It's not about the sound quality for them. Too expensive also.
Barrett was a much more successful artist than his reputation has allowed over the years. Of course, he suffered with his own burdens. Nevertheless, he was a man capable of making some amazing music. Dare I say that his two solo albums far better than almost everything Pink Floyd produced without him. (That’s not to take away from what a really great musician Waters) With your review, I’m glad that I grabbed an early copy of Madcap Laughs years ago. But I must say; I still have much love for Third Man. Jack White always remaining loyal to his roots in the Motor City. Excellent work M45. Danke, Shawn.
I have the 2014 Madcap Laughs which I think sounds really good. You can still get it (also Barratt and Opel) new for £24 in UK. It would be great if you could compare this versions with the Third Man pressing, Micheal.
@@alistairwilson5344 Third Man Vault is a subscription. I could subscribe and unsubscribe every quarter based on each release but it doesn't seem worth the hassle or the risk of missing an album I want. I keep most of the releases but this is one that I wouldn't listen to even once.
I got to be honest Michael, although I love Jack White, I have never been much of a fan of Third Man Records. I’ve had too many bad pressings from them. After watching one of their promo videos on how they make records, it’s no wonder the quality is not that great. They leave too much room for error. It’s only their recent partnered releases with Blue Note that came out wonderful. I’m really hoping hard here that TMR learns from their partnership and start releasing records at that level of quality
The all analog original UK pressings and even the early UKs spank those modern represses. Absolutely slap them hard. The box set lps sound sterile and digital to me. I had my wife listen just in case I thought I was going crazy and sure enough I was not. The reissues suck in comparison
I agree with you Michael, it's a shame that these companies don't put more quality in their records. For me, quality is what matters most. Great video, thanks for sharing.
I’m from Detroit and I was excited to learn about Third Man Records when Jack White first launched it. Detroit, once the world capital of R&B/soul, has for decades been a real underdog due to a series of corrupt mayors, the exit of the auto industry, and population decline.
Over the past 15 years, parts of Detroit are really coming back to life, economically and otherwise. And I was hoping Third Man records would be a part of that.
It pains me to say that most of the 20 or so records I’ve bought from Third Man are mediocre pressings, with above average surface noise and so-so mastering.
I hope Jack White invests some resources into improving sound quality and pressing quality. Because the world needs more good pressing plants. And it would be great for Detroit to be known for high quality recordings once again.
have the box on order. NOT going to shell out $$$ to get originals---so am happy with a 7/10 if i can afford to buy lunch too!!!
Maybe Chad can help us with a good sounding version in the future 🤞
Nope. Not everything he does is great. There is no need to even try to better the originals and early UKs. They are stunning as they are and don’t include a digital step. That we know. They are also more collectible. Reissues are hurting the hobby
@@Vinylfromtheundergroundin which way is hurting?
I really enjoy your videos, very educational, keep them coming. Cheers from Chicago u.s.
Another great album that would be great to have in my collection. Syd Barrett, as you stated in this review a genius artist. The review and comparisons is always a pleasure to listen to and make notes about this record.
I have an OG Madcap Laughs and it also sounds fantastic. Like you said, open, airy, and full of life. Thanks for reviewing this since I was considering the box. Too bad this reissue wasn’t better. Syd is one of my favorite artists and the OGs are so expensive and rare.
I don’t see the point with this box set to be honest, since the 2014 releases (which were well received) are still available. Third Man Records has done a lot of good work, releasing and promoting more obscure garage/punk rock. It’s a pity that they are still struggling with the sound quality of their own pressings.
Thank you for the information on Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd. Genius, yes!
Thank you Michael, I appreciate this one a lot. I have orginal copies of both Barrett LPs (likely first pressing also) which I got in NYC as imports back then, and I hope someone else tries again someday? My compliments to you.
The 2014 reissues of Opal, Madcap and Barrett are cheap and sound very good, just saying...
I have the 2014 Reissues of this 3 Albums. They sounds great and the vinyl was dead flat.They got good Reviews on Discogs too. I mean they are still available for order at JPC. Until now i didn't have good experiences with Third man Records Pressings. IMO they have a lausy Vinyl Quality.
I would cancel your subscription. They are doing too many things at once. Things are a little chaotic for them. I believe they need to take their time with legendary albums like that. Especially when releasing magical recordings. You have to pay outrageous shipping fees to get those albums into your beautiful country and in many cases pay extra fees when collecting them due to taxes and such. Stay the course and seek out the originals! Go in peace my friend, and the originals will reward you in the end!
The original of Barrett has a DR number of 11 with an interval of 10-13. Most likely with peaks under -1. So it should sound nice for the kind of music.
The new release must have some of the new remasters with DR of 10 and intervals of 8-13 or 9-13. And higher than -1 peaks. So it must sound louder and more flat.
It is likely impossible to find a version with a better mastering than the first pressings after them. All subsequent remasters are louder and more compressed. CD and now vinyl likewise.
syd Is the master . That reeks of 1970 . The quality . London , abbey road . Cruise around that area and listen to syd . Preferably in an old jaguar .
I thought overall that the Barrett box was a bit disappointing. The jacket quality tells you most of what you need to know. But yeah the records were silent, clean and flat. But not amazing sounding.
Wow! Amazing to know! Thank you so much Michael. Great to know your candid thoughts! Danke! 😊
wow did not realize Third Man did this box, and Barrett is one of my all-time favorite artists. I have the boxed EMI UK which sounds incredible. Good info and lovely to see the true 1st there.
Hello Michael, thanks once again for your reviews: this one too is fully competent and enjoyable.
All the very best!
Luigi
(from still sunny Italy)
2014 Euro pressing is fantastic too. Optimal press, quiet vinyl, mastering is open and detailed.
Michael i bought the 2014 reissues and then i bought the 2nd press. No really huge difference, no super ouaou whatever advertising no Chad opening champaigns no Kevin Gray being immortalised for mastering a bloody record no nothing. A modest and respectful for the customer in house product which today would be praised as a work of art blablahblah
I bought them 20 something euros. You can see where it goes. Too much hype too much overprice too much nothing and too many youngster's away from the musical experience. Well done to the industry. Please do not contribute to this. Take care.
Thanks for info. It's nice to see a normal video again Michael. 👍In my opinion, if vinyl doesn't sound good, then it's considered pure waste in my house.
Dear Michael, thank you for what you said about good old lost and never really found again Syd.
When you hear Syd's solo albums for the first time? The recording sounds like it should be a complete disaster, but, instead? It's the perfect chaotic order. Syd thought in a fractured and out of sequenced way. Like children do.
Like Brian Wilson, he was damaged by drugs and an underlining mental health issues.
Yet, this 'acid crash victim' speaks crystal clear truth and comes across as emotionally authentic than others who are meant to be mentally 'correct'.
There is something magical and beyond defining, about his work. So, perhaps. Syd wasn't mad or wrecked -
just SO ahead of everyone else, even now, he knew the answers to questions, we still haven't ever heard spoken?
David
Michael, do you think it's the mastering that's the issue of Third Man Records to the coloured vinyl? Years ago I popped the question regarding coloured vs black records to Music On Vinyl. They responded saying that the coloured version would not sound as good as the black. Whether that is true some 12 years later I hope not, but it's a thought. Generally I will not buy coloured vinyl because of what they told me unless it's not available any other way. Elton John Honky Chateau original UK wipes the floor when compared to the VMP coloured issue in my opinion.
I must agree with you on the care in mastering, manufacture etc. At the prices charged, the consumer deserves more quality.
Vault edition is a cool release for sure.
Gorgeous colours regarding the vinyl records.
A pity the jackets don’t look top class.
Uk original,wow an amazing find in that condition on the Harvest label.
Fantastic to hear how good it sounds.
Don’t you just love these originals ,Take care Michael 👌
ooooh i do Liam :-)
I wouldn't be able to make the comparison. It's mid November and I still haven't received my order.
Again some records I need in my Life. Thanks Michael..:-)
The reissue is waiting for me for two weeks now. I'll let it wait a bit longer.
Question: Are we talking about the mastering or is it a new mix, too?
I don’t understand why TMR let’s this fall short on the sound. It’s not the first time. I canceled my subscription a few years ago. If they step their game up I will consider coming back.
i will do this too now, and they are not the only ones .....
Great to see more of the short reviews lately! Danke, mein guter deutscher Freund!
Not familiar with that reissue but thank you Michael. 👍🏻
my pleasure, thx for watching!
Oof. I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger on that set. I almost bought a UK textured cover over the weekend. I already have 2 different pressings of the 74 double album comp.
In general , I have found Third Man stuff just so-so. More thought goes into fancy packaging and inane add-ons. It's not about the sound quality for them. Too expensive also.
Barrett was a much more successful artist than his reputation has allowed over the years. Of course, he suffered with his own burdens. Nevertheless, he was a man capable of making some amazing music. Dare I say that his two solo albums far better than almost everything Pink Floyd produced without him. (That’s not to take away from what a really great musician Waters) With your review, I’m glad that I grabbed an early copy of Madcap Laughs years ago. But I must say; I still have much love for Third Man. Jack White always remaining loyal to his roots in the Motor City. Excellent work M45. Danke, Shawn.
I have the 2014 Madcap Laughs which I think sounds really good. You can still get it (also Barratt and Opel) new for £24 in UK. It would be great if you could compare this versions with the Third Man pressing, Micheal.
I live in the U.S. and my box hasn't shipped yet but this one is going on eBay as soon as I receive it. Syd Barrett is not my cup of tea.
Why did you buy it if it's not your cup of tea?
@@alistairwilson5344 Third Man Vault is a subscription. I could subscribe and unsubscribe every quarter based on each release but it doesn't seem worth the hassle or the risk of missing an album I want. I keep most of the releases but this is one that I wouldn't listen to even once.
The Third Man subscription is not cheap. Might be time to cancel.
I got to be honest Michael, although I love Jack White, I have never been much of a fan of Third Man Records. I’ve had too many bad pressings from them.
After watching one of their promo videos on how they make records, it’s no wonder the quality is not that great. They leave too much room for error.
It’s only their recent partnered releases with Blue Note that came out wonderful. I’m really hoping hard here that TMR learns from their partnership and start releasing records at that level of quality
The all analog original UK pressings and even the early UKs spank those modern represses. Absolutely slap them hard. The box set lps sound sterile and digital to me. I had my wife listen just in case I thought I was going crazy and sure enough I was not. The reissues suck in comparison
I agree with you Michael, it's a shame that these companies don't put more quality in their records. For me, quality is what matters most. Great video, thanks for sharing.
bad days in israel you need to say something. you looks happy than ever
Bad? I think its more than bad... its a Nightmare!
@@Michael45RPM thank you sorry for my last words 🙏