The Yes Album - Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Today I have a recap of my findings on a shootout of The Yes Album. I had four pressings of this classic Yes Album to compare:
1971 UK Plum Label
1977 US Specialty
2023 Rhino Deluxe
2024 Analogue Productions Atlantic 75
This evaluation was part of a shootout on David Bianco's Safe and Sound Texas Audio Excursion You Tube Channel. Link to that livestream playback here; ruclips.net/user/live1e_32mCp...
The new Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series release of The Yes Album was mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio from the original analog master tape, pressed at Quality Record Pressings and issued in a tip on old style double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing. It is a 45rpm release on two 180gm records.
I've just been able to access high res digital files that were made on my system of three of the four pressings. Have a listen, preferably through your main system and see if you can hear the differences!
1977 Specialty:
tinyurl.com/5n732w3v
1971 UK Plum
tinyurl.com/3bx4vjbm
2024 AP 45
tinyurl.com/3wr7jumn
00:00 Introduction
01:07 The Livestream
02:20 The 1977 US Specialty
03:53 The 1971 UK Plums
06:40 The 2023 Rhino Deluxe
08:08 The Analogue Productions 45
16:33 Conclusion
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Reference System
-Basis 1400 Turntable
-Rega RB300 Tone Arm
-Audio Technica AT33EV MC Cartridge
-Hana ML MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Pre
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeaker
-Tributaries Series 8 Interconnect
-Herron Audio Interconnect Cable
-Panamax M5300PM Power Filter
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
@acousticsoundsks 
Видеоклипы
I'll be adding files for the US, UK, and AP later today, for I've Seen All Good People! Done on my rig!
Superb review, thanks Scott. All the reviews I’ve seen & read for this AP release mean this has become a “must have” for me. Thanks for sharing the file. The difference between this pressing & my mid 1970s UK re-issue is astonishing. Can’t wait for my copy to arrive now.
Thank you so much! I'm glad the files could give you an indication of what to expect. Wait till you hear the AP on your own system!
I’ve always loved this album and now I have a pressing that finally does it justice
That was my first thought "Finally"
After years of bad or indifferent sounding pressings of this, finally The Yes Album sounds on the same level as the musicianship.
Hey Scott, following up, received Yes 75th, amazing! There aren’t enough superlatives to describe how well this album is done, everything about it is superb, this is how vinyl should sound, highly recommended, Kudos to AP, I hope Close to the Edge is done just as well, stay well
Wonderful!!
Thanks for following up! I'm so glad you love it. Fingers crossed for the next two and Genesis!
Wonderful to see someone so moved by the sheer joy of music. You have persuaded me to order a copy Scott. Many thanks although my bank manager may not feel the same!
These type of 'peak audio experiences' don't happen all that often, but when they do, it's a physical and emotional high you don't forget. That we can repeat it any time we wish is the icing on the cake. Find a good reason to gift yourself this pressing. It will reward you many times over.
Please come back and let me know what you experienced!
Really looking forward to getting this one. Thanks for the wonderful review!
I'm looking forward to hearing all about it! Please let me know what you thought once you've got it!
Great review. Thanks, Scott. Looking forward to receiving my copy. BTW glad you’re sticking with your opening intro. It’s perfect!
Thanks so much. I have to agree on the intro, if it ain't broke don't fix it!
I always enjoy your reviews, Scott. I never watch one and then walk away saying, "Hmmm....I'm just not sure yet". I'll be picking this up very soon. Love your channel - you're on top of the pressing review mountain as far as I'm concerned. Have a good one!
Thank you so much for your comment and donation! You've been watching and commenting for a long enough time to get a feel for when I'm truly excited about something. When I am, I know the emotion is coming through - I can feel it, and the viewers who know me know it too. I hope you're thrilled as I was with this. Thank you again for the kind words.
Great job! I love the way this album sounded in your system! STELLAR ! ! !
It was magical! Hope we can it in one of your videos, Oz. Oh that reminds me to put the files in the description!
Great review Scoot. Agree that The Clap is transformed. It will be a go-to with friends.
The Clap was a great surprise! What a lovely little performance there.
Amazing review Scott! Thanks for putting such wonderful words together to describe this work of art. Your review is deserving of the pressing. Well done.
Hi Ryan,
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I'm so glad you caught my passion and enthusiasm for this very special release. Thank you!
Ok - I’m sold. Just ordered my copy. If it’s half as good as the Analogue Productions pressing of Phil Collins Face Value, I’ll be very happy.
I think you'll be very happy. Compare it to an earlier pressing of The Yes Album and you'll see what I mean.
Hey Scott, thanks for your review, just ordered this album yesterday, can’t wait to receive it after listening to your stellar review, always thought there was more that could be pulled out of this recording, so much going on. Love your honest and insightful reviews, stay well.
Great. You will not believe it! You have to come back and let us know, please!
Great review. I was blown away by this record. The best Atlantic 75 so far. I thought the UK plum sounded great until I heard this.
Thank you for watching and commenting about this. I agree. This reissue is so far ahead of any previous version, it can be called the best of this series thus far. I don't think any of us really understood how great this recording was. There's no going back for me, because I know that my previous pressings only give a slight glimpse of what's fully revealed here.
As I said and you know "It's not subtle"!
No one has to strive to discern its superiority.
In listening to the files I just posted, I can even hear it over an iPhone speaker! Lol. (But I recommend everyone download them or stream through your main system)
This is a fantastic album and AP have smashed it out of the park , I am so looking forward to the other yes and genesis titles. Scott I do love your reviews 👍😁
Thank you so much, I appreciate the feedback.
I'm so glad to hear you are amazed too!
THANK YOU...GEORGE ROMANIA
You're welcome, George! Thank you for watching!
all right all right all right all right all right .....
I'm IN. LOL. I'm ready! One of my ABSOLUTE favrourites since I was a teen.
PERFECT. ALBUM.
Thanks for takin' the time to review and compare. Much appreciated !
I don't rave about something lightly! You're going to love it!
@@ThePressingMatters This afternoon I 'accidentally' ran my stylus across side A of my long listened to copy that I've owned since I was a teen .... I didn't SCREAM OUT IN PAIN .... as I thought I would, I just laughed, realizing I really am committed, to getting this new A75 LMFAO. It was a moment though. (I had the tooth pick out near the platter to fix a repeating skip, the other day. And I had forgotten DUH, that I had left the tonearm down after finding it. Any way. I am ALL IN now for SURE. lol
You're going to be alright! That old copy will be in the trash soon enough. I predict no regrets. I don't think anyone who has heard it is searching for anything else. Can't wait to hear back from you!
I just got a copy of this. I've never heard it in its entirety (I can feel the bottles now aimed at my head). I'm really looking forward to hearing it.
You got the best copy in existence in my opinion, Jeff. I hope you love it as I did
You are right on. This album never sounded very good until today. Remarkable
It's odd to think it became so famous given the generally poor sound it had received. That says a lot about how musically compelling the record is, that it was able to connect with listeners of the day. We're very lucky to have this finally in this quality of sound.
I can’t wait to get this, such a fantastic piece of music, with the Atlantic 75 magic.
The only thing I wish they had done was to, retrospectively, get a new album cover by Roger Dean.
Great review!
Thanks! It's very exciting, finally you're going to hear what this recording was really capable of. You've got to return and let me know what you think!
Scott, I totally agree and like Selling England, this pressing completely blew me away. You are spot on with your observations about the Clap, Tony Kaye's organ sounds, the Wurm, and all the rest. It's just as dramatic of a difference as you described. What Chad and co have done here makes me even more excited for the other Yes and Genesis titles.
I'm so excited for the next Yes albums and of course the Genesis titles. Good times for us prog fans!
Thank you for letting me know my descriptions were accurate.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for supporting what I'm doing! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi Scott. Great review and spot on. For me, the Bass, Drums and Vocals are so obvious an improvement that it's incredible. When you first drop the needle, I love the surprise that the album delivered to me upon first listen, as you alluded to, a physical and emotional reaction of pure satisfaction! I had to listen to my Fragile One-Step after this one, and it did not have the same feeling as TYA has from AP. I may have to get Fragile from AP when they release it next year!. In baseball terms, KG and CK hit a Grand Slam with TYA! Cheers
Hi Dean. What a great comment, thank you! Based on what I heard here, my hope is that Fragile has as great an improvement. There's definitely a lot of potential there, even with the 2016 Kevin Gray being my personal favorite there. Indeed the One Step got quite a bit right, but I agree it didn't have that same level of complete satisfaction and awe.
The bass playing on this and the sound of the bass in general combined with the improved drum sound was another delight of this mastering. You can hear every nuance in Chris Squire's performance on a visceral level without resorting to the somewhat thick sound they gave us on the One Step.
It's such a pleasure when there's nothing to critique!
I used to have this before I did my vinyl clearout 🙄. Bought it again since then (plus the CD) as I love this album. Damn! It’s gone on my ‘must buy’ list now following your review here, Scott.
Btw, glad you didn’t edit out any of your laughing at the beginning 😄.
Hi Robert!
I'm glad I left in the laughing too. I've watched it a few times and it still makes me laugh. A couple of people said I must have had some laughing gas or a special brownie lol. No I was high on the feeling of joy that I got from this pressing!
If you love the album you know what you have to do. You will thank me later 😁
@@ThePressingMatters 🤣 Scott, I’m definitely going to have to give in to that voice in my head that’s saying ‘buy this record, Robert, buy this record’. I’m sure you hear that voice too, even though the name might be changed 😄.
Wow. Yes is my favorite band. I had no intention of buying this but after hearing you talk about Wurm I got goosebumps. It might be my favorite track of all time. My soul needs to hear and feel this record in all its glory. Thanks again Scott
You will thank me, it's never sounded so good. Whatever you might have, you'll be shocked and delighted with the improvements. Pure bliss for Yes fans.
@@ThePressingMatters I have an old pressing from the early 80s, but I agree it’s far from an audiophile recording and is harsh in certain areas but I really look forward to hearing this in the best possible sound. And when I upgrade my system even better.
@@bluebuddha74 For sure, but you will notice it on your system as it is now as well. The better your system, the more nuance you'll hear though
Have to agree this one sounds excellent.
Thank you for watching and commenting. It pretty positive so far here and across the internet. Glad you are enjoying it.
Great review of one of the albums I really like. I have many versions of The Yes Allbum, including the recent AP 75 version. I fully agree with your review, spot on. A small sidenote - or trivia if you don't mind - about your highlight "Wurm" (my highlight as well BTW): Steve Howe joined Yes with The Yes Album, but previously he played in a band called Bodast. Check out their song "Nether Street" !
Thanks so much for your comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the review and felt it was accurate to what you heard as well.
Very interesting g history also. I'll see if I can hear that track somewhere.
Thanks so much for watching..
yes scott. i had exactly the same experience you have. i was absolutely shocked at how good this has come out. its pure joy to listen to. before i listened to 90125 which i was a bit disappointed as i found it a bit digital sounding..its good but nowhere near as good as the yeas album. for me its the best sounding atlantic 75. thanks for the great review.
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your experience with us. It seems like most of us had the same reaction - completely awestruck. I sat there in wonder, just reveling in every second of this. I was of course scribbling notes filled with superlatives but quickly dropped the pen and paper - there wasn't much point. It was head and shoulders better and the most enjoyable audio experience I've had in quite a while.
I don't have every Atlantic 75 released but of those I do, this had the greatest jump in quality over what we've been listening too prior to it. That was the biggest surprise. True fans like yourself will know it the moment the needle hits the groove and it never lets up. A wonderful journey through all four sides. When it finished I was filled with joy and admiration. How often does that happen!
Enjoy, my friend!
Have received my copy and concur with your thoughts. It certainly is a huge improvement over my Friday Music version. Probably my ageing ears are at fault but the only quibble is the flatish sound of the drums with the lower register not quite as high in the mix. Otherwise a stunning release and highly recommended for Yes fans.
Hi Barrie!
Thank you for your thoughts and comparison to the Friday Music 45.
Can't wait to get this. I have the excellent Friday Music double 45rpm release. I'm sure this will absolutely smash it though.
I would have loved to find out. I'm trying to get one to borrow to satisfy my curiosity!
Please let us know what you think!
Thanks for providing the samples. If you compare the EQ (using an audio analysis tool) between the Plum and the AP75 there is a HUGE difference.
The high end of the spectrum is really boosted relative to the Plum (or the Plum for some reason depressed). It's no wonder they sound quite different.
There are other differences in the waveforms that are interesting, for example, the vocal intro on the AP75 seems boosted relative to the Plum.
That is really interesting. Fortunately I think the AP strikes the right balance, proving more detail without resorting to being bright. Did you have a preference in the files or the records on your system?
@@ThePressingMatters the AP definitely sounds the best to me.
@zoomer1zoomer I think the files convey that. Hearing it in person, the impression is even better. Great reissue where there's no question it's better sounding.
Great review. Much better than mine. I've still got a long way to go. I absolutely agree with you 100%. My UK Plum is terrible. One of the worst original pressings I've got. Harsh sounding, strident and whatnot. Same goes for the US and the Grundman. The latter is a tad better but still not spot on. The Kevin Gray is. You really fall in love with the album here: smooth, detailed, with great soundstage. I'm even considering making a needledrop of my copy to save hours on the 45 or maybe buying a second copy. It's that good. Let me just tip you into the German Alsdorf PF pressing from the late 70s, early 80s: before the KG, this one was my go-to copy. It's a pleasure to listen to the German version. Smooth, with tight and melodic bass. Never harsh, strident or annoying in anyway. The KG has got all that and more. Thanks for your time
Thanks so much for your comment! I'm pretty sure this is playing out the same as we both heard across most of the commentary I've seen online, either RUclips or forums. People are starting to realize how great this one really is. A back up is not a bad idea!
Whata review!!
I hope that means you liked it!
@@ThePressingMatters Yes of course - very much so!
Appreciate as always your attention to detail, Scott, and your passion for not just great music but the artistry involved in making the music sound better than ever before.
(Also, where did you get your brownies and can I have one? Kidding!) (I think)
Peace.
R.
Hi Ron,
Thank you for your comment!
You wouldn't believe how critical I am of my own video. I'll reshoot for dozens of reasons that would seem insignificant to anyone else. Stumbles, vocal issues, lost thoughts, wrong overall tone, etc. Add to that variable lighting conditions, batteries running out and I can spend the day trying to 'get it right' Dozens of deleted "takes' and "false starts"
With this I was about to give up after a whole day, took a breather and said "one more try"
It wasn't perfect and I just had to laugh and plow through it.
I thought it gave it "the human touch" lol
Probably did look like I was high as a kite! Just high on the music, honestly!
@@ThePressingMatters I thought your video was perfect. You’re a human being, Scott, you’re allowed to not be perfect once in a while ;)
After you posted your video, the Yes Album shot to the top of Acoustic Sounds’ top sellers list. You’re an influencer!
Ha maybe!
So glad I can finally put my plum OG away forever, knowing that it wasn't a bootleg but it was just a poor pressing. The AP version is so superior it is like listening to a totally different album.
Thanks for your comment! It's good to hear from those that have the plum. It seems the two I heard are not outliers. It sounds like an inferior source and a poor pressing on top of it. I know now my search has ended.
Who knew it could be this good?? The AP is a revelation!!
@@ThePressingMatters And thank you, David and Brad for clarifying that there is an issue with the UK plum OGs. I am so looking forward to AP's 'Close to the Edge' 'Fragile' and Genesis's 'Foxtrot' releases now.
The first press is the one, has the 1841 Broadway on the label.
Hi
Do you think it's better than the AP 75? Is is a George apuros mastering? It's supposed to be the best of the originals. I didn't hear it
@@ThePressingMatters
I went to the home of a friend with a very revealing system. I felt the A75 was awesome on my system. The fellow with the good system had that GP (both sides) and 1841 Broadway on the label.
The detail of the OG was impressive. The pluck of the bass strings, the definition of the organ. In comparison, the A75 was good, but didnt have the same detail.
I actually chased down an OG for myself(which can be difficult on Discogs because so many records are mislabeled) and on my system the OG still wins.
But it's only that original mastering that has the magic. None other, and I know because i have a later '70s repress thats awful.
I encourage you to get your hands on one to hear what Im talking about.
@@ThePressingMatters
It's worth noting that GP did another master of the album, and that one, the one I previously had, is awful.
@raymondullmer2222 I will! Sounds impressive!
I have George Piros copy from new, and a Rhino reissue RM in the deadwax from new 2003 and now also the Atlantic 75 series
I'd love to have had a Piros pressing to compare. Any thoughts on the AP 45?
@@ThePressingMatters I'm on my 3rd play last night. Exactly how you described it. Kevin Gray has remastered it in a away that the recording almost sounds now like an audiophile recording. Extremely smooth sounding. I didn't do an AB comparison. What's the point.
Damn you...😂
I don’t play this much anymore...so I'll have to think about this issue.
I have a couple og's, the Friday Music double 45 LP that I've always been less than thrilled by, and the Steven Wilson remix, which I love.
I was waiting for the AP Fragile, but who knows when that will drop.
As a lifelong Yesfan, I'm a sucker for buying multiples...
I'll think about it 😂
I just posted the files, and although the Friday Music isn't there, you can hear the AP version of I've Seen All Good People!
Thankfully it's not limited so you have time to think 😁
Hi Scott - Great review as always. Do you have the Friday Music 45 rpm release? Wondering how it compares. Friday Music can be quite hit and miss but think they did a great job on this one.
I'd always heard the Friday Music version was a good one, but unfortunately I never bought one nor was I able to borrow one for this. I kind of swore them off after too many misses, so I can't say for sure. From comments I've seen from those who have both, the AP easily outclassed it.
I wonder why no one considered using the Steven Wilson Remixes in their comparison (referring to the shoutout done for the three albums). Are those that inferior to the ones used for the comparison? My only record exposure to Yes was that SW remixes box set.
I don't have one William, but from what I gather they are very good if not excellent, but are of course a remix. For this evaluation, it was to determine the best sounding version of the original mix.
I've done some videos comparing original mixes remixes, and that deserves to be kept separate. It's fascinating too. My most recent was for Bridge of Sighs.
@@ThePressingMatters thank you for taking the time to answer my comment. I have to admit I am not too familiar with Yes’ s work. I only like Relayer for the longest time but that was it for me. I got exposed to the rest of the work via that SW box and I didn’t realize they can be that different from the original work. Based on your recommendations, I got the 2016 Fragile and the AP Yes Album, and I will start my exploration of the band when I receive them. Thanks again!!
Awesome, William! People really love that box, but I think when you hear this AP you'll experience the album on a deeper level.
What do you think about shootouts being done without knowing which pressing you're listening to?
I think it's ok if you feel you have a bias for some reason. I tried it a few times with a friend for fun. I think it was for the Aja shootout. It does remove preconceived notions I suppose. But honestly I just want to evaluate which has the best sound. I don't let that I just paid a lot for one of the contenders influence me. I could care less if my expensive pressing doesn't turn out to be my favorite. This happened quite a few times with MOFI One Steps. Something else topped them and I was glad to find out which and publish my findings.
Some people with channels might struggle with bias, or have some allegiances. I don't. I just want to hear the one that moves me musically.
Atlantic tended to keep their master tapes in Los Angeles. That's the case with the Led Zeps anyway. I love the red/plum UK Led Zep II. It doesn't have the inner detail of the US RL original, but it's great on its own.
Yes, when I looked at the label, it says under license from Atlantic USA. So maybe the recording was done here. I haven't researched that. It might explain why this is claimed to be from the original analog master tape rather than a tape copy, and might be why the Plum DOES sound like it was from a copy tape.
Curious if you’ve heard the Friday Music 45 rpm ?
No, unfortunately I have not but it was on my wishlist for a while and then it was out of print. I am curious about it. Do you have either that or the new 45?
is this one of thees high on dentist drugs videos ?
Nope that's sober excitement!
Your own copy was mastered by E.F. = Ed Feinblatt. His pressing on TYA was indeed mediocre.
Thank you for that information! I do wonder where George Piros' mastering falls in this group, but I'm completely satisfied with the new AP 45. So nice to relax and go deep into this. It's like a voyage of discovery.
@@ThePressingMatters : Well I now have a few pressings 😂. I have a UK plum which I do like due its vibrancy - I am UK based so I may be biased. I also think the recent BG cut is very good. I hunted down a George Piros(GP) 1977 copy , only to get a Dennis King (DK) side 1, and E.F. Side 2 : of which side 1 sounded very good. My next GP 1977 supposed copy was GP side 2 & E.F. side 1 : with the Piros side being excellent and E.F. Mediocre. So I then found a GP side 1 and DK side 2. I think I prefer GP to DK (although the later is very good still). My AP 45 arrived today , so I am about to do my own shoot out and post to the Hoffman site. You obviously think the AP is very good , so I am looking forward to hearing. Thanks for taking the time to post you videos, I enjoy your honesty and Careful consideration you give in your reviews, Cheers 😊
Fantastic array of different pressings. I'll be very interested in what your conclusion is. I'll be looking on SHF for your review.