Thank you for the Tommy review. I found this channel because i was stunned at how awful my original 1973 MCA recording sounded compared to the Spotify version. Now I know why I haven't listened to it since 1973.
I have a rough Decca US pressing and it sounds so much better than the shitty MCA pressing I have . The Decca US pressing sounds like Pete is in the room with you playing that acoustic .
Just picked up a 1974 Track Records copy. A little surface noise but love the mastering & pressing! Keith Moon steals the show! Found in Britain via Discogs.
These are your best videos by far IMHO. No one else (of any real credibility, accept Fremer) are really doing this type of indepth comparisons of classic LPs. I wish you would do more of these in the future. It's incredibly helpful when trying to nail down which of the better repressings/remasterings to choose when "the real thing" isn't affordable. Keep up the good work! 👽🖖"Na-nu"
I absolutely love the US Decca pressing! I have a beat-up, scratched to hell copy that I got for 3 euros, that despite all that has an explosive sound, unlike any other version I've ever heard.
I have a U.S. Decca pressing and I love it. Decca/MCA had two pressing plants, Pinckneyville, IL and Gloversville, NY. These two plants distributed to all of the United States. Strangely enough, Decca didn't have a west coast pressing plant as most labels of the time did (in 1971 Capitol's Los Angeles plant pressed for them). My copy is a Pinckneyville pressing. You know it by the number 2 stamped in the run out groove.
Thank you for taking me up on my suggestion. I had an original US Decca in my early teens and wore it out on a crappy GE turntable. Replaced it with a UK of the alternate mix, which at the time didn't know existed. I was also surprised by its lack of punch in the sound, being so familiar with that US original. Also when Tommy exclaims and asks "OR DO I BREAK THE MIRROR!?, we here an alternate, less effective glass breaking sound in that alternate mix.
I've owned and heard several pressings, but just yesterday I scored an early auto-sequenced US Decca copy for a dollar. The jacket is ragged, but it still has the book. The vinyl is probably VG, a few light scratches and maybe a tad of groove wear, but for whatever reason, this is the best mix I've heard so far. Lots of detail and nuance, things I swear I've never heard before.
The difference of the 2-volume Track release from 1972 is not Sally Simpson, but Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker). That has the vocals different from the original release. The Decca and Track 1st (or 2nd) pressings are known to be great. But Classic Records being a good combination of the two, that's interesting. Thanks for the tip.
Interesting. Have a '70s MCA pressing that sounds good-didn't notice anything obvious. The MoFi 1990 CD is strange. "Eyesight to the Blind" is not the official UK/US release, and "Sally Simpson" is different, too (as you mention). Weird, as they used the original master tapes.
To my own ears, I have a French reissue 1978 or so (Very smooth & relaxing sound ). It is written CISIS on records and it sounds better than the First US & a German reissue as well.
I'm so glad MCA Records doesn't exist anymore. I hated those reissues and the first CDs they put out were abysmal. The artwork on the MCA CDs was pretty sickening and the audio is flat. I just got a copy of the new Half-speed remaster and it's the best sounding mix I've ever heard of this.
Very nice comparison, thanks for that. It's a pity that you didn't include the 1969 Dutch pressing in your comparison. Incidentally, I often miss the Dutch pressings in comparisons. The Dutch did it well imo.
Nice review. I think the only other ones worth mentioning would be the German phases which I’ve heard is okay and the Decca Gilbert Kong mastered US copies from about 1970 or so. I have the latter and it is a different sound to the standard Decca US copy I have as well.
Just recently came across this comparison review and it inspired me to pull out the Classic records reissue I bought at a local indi record shop so long ago i can't remember. Was it 2006? Maybe. Anyway, buying vinyl is such a crapshoot. Even the expensive reissues. You praised the quietness of this pressing, but disc one of my set has so much surface noise is sounds like it has sand in it. And it goes through most of side 1. I remember that when i bought it I listened to maybe half of side one and put it back in the stack and went back to my early Decca pressing. I never listened to the Classic pressing again until last weekend. Side one is still a disaster (of course), side 2 is a little better, but sides 3 & 4 are pristine, and seemly cut hotter than disc one. Odd. You mentioned the bass, and yeah, it's there, but what stood out to me (disc two) were the vocals. Holy Moly. But it seems to me that the treble is a little recessed. The cymbals are way down in the mix. Still, well worth a listen, and disc two of the Classic reissue will be my go to, while I'll stick with my Decca when i want to listen to disc one. Thanks for your postings.
Great as always! Love that you explain what makes one pressing superior over another, especially since I like my bass much like you do ;^) Some King Crimson would be nice to hear about in the future, ItCotCK is clearly best on a first press since the original tapes went missing after, but what about something like Red (my personal favorite)?
My vintage copy is US Decca 1969 and there is something I can't read scribbled in cursive on the dead wax. Anyone know what that is? Is it a mastering engineer's name or what? Anyone know? The other stamps in the dead wax are: DL 75126 7 11976 12
I had my Tommy album out hoping he would include it in his review. Unfortunately it is the 1973 MCA re-issue and should never be listened to hahaha... at least I only paid $14. I will be looking for a better version since it is one of my favorite albums. I recently started collecting vinyl records... its a learning process
I hear ya! I'm new to this, like very new, I just saw a copy at $10 but was unaware of the different pressings and stuff, I might have to go back today and take another look at it, see if it's worth it.
I have a US Decca DXSW 7205 THAT ALSO HAS A DL 75127 on it. I read it might be a Pinckey version or something. So I presume its not the original? or am I wrong? I also have a crappy MCA version I never play. Was looking at a 2013 Polydor Track Black label one. I noticed you didn't list that. Any info on that one. Should I get or not? Also how do you tell if it is an original Decca pressing? Years ago I scored he Gold CD version which the sound is on the low side. but its alright for the car. How about the Who Sellout any reviews for that LP's different versions? Thanks
First thing to say is great videos Mike. Mike or anyone on here have a theory as to why the USA MCA (and other US labels) records from the 1970s and I guess beyond are so crappy. And why for the most part the USA pressing are not as good as say the UK, German and others?? Is it a lack of caring by the company to either hire good people or buy good material to create the records??? Or do the customers here in the USA not care and will just buy the records no matter what? I know I had no clue about record quality in the 1970s. I had a crappy little plastic K-mart special to play them on anyway so I would never have heard any difference in record pressing quality. All I knew is that was the record I wanted so I bought it. I keep hearing record reviewers like Mike here say in many cases to stay away from most US pressings made in the 1970s. So all of my Elton John and The Who and Lynyrd Skynyrd and others are no good? Oh well thanks for any input.
I know this is an old post but I bought that same crappy copy too back in the late 70’s. I thought there was something wrong with my turntable. It’s pristine though for lack of play
Also,the 1977 MCA label wasn't Blue (not used until late 1979/early 1980),but the Black label. Wasn't there also a 1978/1979 Tan and White MCA Pressing as well?
Sorry but not all of us that love vinyl and actually grew up listening to it and we’re born in the sixties. Have the privilege of owning a $50,000 plus macintosh, super sonic, bla,bla,bla system. Some of us mere shlubby mortals down here have been hearing and loving the sound of the records they have grown up with. I find your elitist condescension of that YOU feel is unworthy, distasteful. Telling people that the records they love and have been listening to for decades are total garbage is not the best way to sell more records. Just my opinion. Yes, absolutely some recordings are far superior than others. But quite frankly. You’re not selling Ferrari’s or Cartier watches. Vinyl music is not an elitist thing!! That’s the beauty of it...
Thank you for the Tommy review. I found this channel because i was stunned at how awful my original 1973 MCA recording sounded compared to the Spotify version. Now I know why I haven't listened to it since 1973.
I have a rough Decca US pressing and it sounds so much better than the shitty MCA pressing I have . The Decca US pressing sounds like Pete is in the room with you playing that acoustic .
Why did you stop doing these? They are so great! Would love to hear one on The Kinks’ “Village Green”
Maybe he ran out of funds having to buy 10 copies of every album ? 🤫😵💫
Just picked up a 1974 Track Records copy. A little surface noise but love the mastering & pressing! Keith Moon steals the show! Found in Britain via Discogs.
Just getting back to listening to my vinyl collection. So glad I came across this channel. Excellent!
These are your best videos by far IMHO. No one else (of any real credibility, accept Fremer) are really doing this type of indepth comparisons of classic LPs. I wish you would do more of these in the future. It's incredibly helpful when trying to nail down which of the better repressings/remasterings to choose when "the real thing" isn't affordable. Keep up the good work! 👽🖖"Na-nu"
I absolutely love the US Decca pressing! I have a beat-up, scratched to hell copy that I got for 3 euros, that despite all that has an explosive sound, unlike any other version I've ever heard.
I have a U.S. Decca pressing and I love it. Decca/MCA had two pressing plants, Pinckneyville, IL and Gloversville, NY. These two plants distributed to all of the United States. Strangely enough, Decca didn't have a west coast pressing plant as most labels of the time did (in 1971 Capitol's Los Angeles plant pressed for them). My copy is a Pinckneyville pressing. You know it by the number 2 stamped in the run out groove.
Another great video love your pressings comparisons. hope you do more thanks
Thank you for taking me up on my suggestion. I had an original US Decca in my early teens and wore it out on a crappy GE turntable. Replaced it with a UK of the alternate mix, which at the time didn't know existed. I was also surprised by its lack of punch in the sound, being so familiar with that US original. Also when Tommy exclaims and asks "OR DO I BREAK THE MIRROR!?, we here an alternate, less effective glass breaking sound in that alternate mix.
I've owned and heard several pressings, but just yesterday I scored an early auto-sequenced US Decca copy for a dollar. The jacket is ragged, but it still has the book. The vinyl is probably VG, a few light scratches and maybe a tad of groove wear, but for whatever reason, this is the best mix I've heard so far. Lots of detail and nuance, things I swear I've never heard before.
I wonder how the 2022 compares.
Love my Decca pressing. Great job on the record rundown as always, Mike!
KPG also did the 1989 20th anniversary pressing that sounds nice to these ears.
one of my favorite records of all time..thx for sharing mate..u rock
Love your pressing comparison videos! Please do one on Rush and/or The Smiths!
Jacob The newet Smiths by Rhino are supposedly better than the original.
There is a lot of difference in the various pressings. Its nice to collect some of them. Great Video!
Love these videos, man. +1
Would love to see you do more jazz comparisons, though! ;)
The difference of the 2-volume Track release from 1972 is not Sally Simpson, but Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker). That has the vocals different from the original release. The Decca and Track 1st (or 2nd) pressings are known to be great. But Classic Records being a good combination of the two, that's interesting. Thanks for the tip.
Interesting. Have a '70s MCA pressing that sounds good-didn't notice anything obvious. The MoFi 1990 CD is strange. "Eyesight to the Blind" is not the official UK/US release, and "Sally Simpson" is different, too (as you mention). Weird, as they used the original master tapes.
Don't know how I never found this channel or your store since I'm in Phoenix, but you've earned my sub.
To my own ears, I have a French reissue 1978 or so (Very smooth & relaxing sound ). It is written CISIS on records and it sounds better than the First US & a German reissue as well.
I'm so glad MCA Records doesn't exist anymore. I hated those reissues and the first CDs they put out were abysmal. The artwork on the MCA CDs was pretty sickening and the audio is flat.
I just got a copy of the new Half-speed remaster and it's the best sounding mix I've ever heard of this.
Very nice comparison, thanks for that. It's a pity that you didn't include the 1969 Dutch pressing in your comparison. Incidentally, I often miss the Dutch pressings in comparisons. The Dutch did it well imo.
Nice review. I think the only other ones worth mentioning would be the German phases which I’ve heard is okay and the Decca Gilbert Kong mastered US copies from about 1970 or so. I have the latter and it is a different sound to the standard Decca US copy I have as well.
Yep, mine have G.K. in the deadwax. Superior mix for sure.
Make one video like this for Who's Next
Hi Mike, thoughts on the most recent Abbey Road Remastered version of Tommy done by Miles?
What are his thoughts on the Abbey Road half speed mastering of Tommy?
Just recently came across this comparison review and it inspired me to pull out the Classic records reissue I bought at a local indi record shop so long ago i can't remember. Was it 2006? Maybe. Anyway, buying vinyl is such a crapshoot. Even the expensive reissues. You praised the quietness of this pressing, but disc one of my set has so much surface noise is sounds like it has sand in it. And it goes through most of side 1. I remember that when i bought it I listened to maybe half of side one and put it back in the stack and went back to my early Decca pressing. I never listened to the Classic pressing again until last weekend. Side one is still a disaster (of course), side 2 is a little better, but sides 3 & 4 are pristine, and seemly cut hotter than disc one. Odd. You mentioned the bass, and yeah, it's there, but what stood out to me (disc two) were the vocals. Holy Moly. But it seems to me that the treble is a little recessed. The cymbals are way down in the mix. Still, well worth a listen, and disc two of the Classic reissue will be my go to, while I'll stick with my Decca when i want to listen to disc one. Thanks for your postings.
Great as always!
Love that you explain what makes one pressing superior over another, especially since I like my bass much like you do ;^)
Some King Crimson would be nice to hear about in the future, ItCotCK is clearly best on a first press since the original tapes went missing after, but what about something like Red (my personal favorite)?
This was entertaining.
Keep up the good work man.
Great review!! What do you think of the QUIEX SV-P edition? Is it worth the money?
Thank you for your video. What do you think of latest editions of Geffen 2013 and Polydor 2015?
My vintage copy is US Decca 1969 and there is something I can't read scribbled in cursive on the dead wax. Anyone know what that is? Is it a mastering engineer's name or what? Anyone know? The other stamps in the dead wax are: DL 75126 7 11976 12
I had my Tommy album out hoping he would include it in his review. Unfortunately it is the 1973 MCA re-issue and should never be listened to hahaha... at least I only paid $14. I will be looking for a better version since it is one of my favorite albums. I recently started collecting vinyl records... its a learning process
I hear ya! I'm new to this, like very new, I just saw a copy at $10 but was unaware of the different pressings and stuff, I might have to go back today and take another look at it, see if it's worth it.
It's not that bad. I think people take it a little too far.
What do people think of the MCA The Who 25th anniversary edition from 1989?
I have a US Decca DXSW 7205 THAT ALSO HAS A DL 75127 on it. I read it might be a Pinckey version or something. So I presume its not the original? or am I wrong? I also have a crappy MCA version I never play. Was looking at a 2013 Polydor Track Black label one. I noticed you didn't list that. Any info on that one. Should I get or not? Also how do you tell if it is an original Decca pressing? Years ago I scored he Gold CD version which the sound is on the low side. but its alright for the car. How about the Who Sellout any reviews for that LP's different versions? Thanks
Would love to hear your take on a Steely Dan record. Most people would want Aja, but would prefer Countdown To Ecstasy or the troublesome Katy Lied
I only like the MCA Label cause it folded into my favorite studio, Universal Pictures.
How about doing similar with Quadraphenia and Who's Next?
keep up the good work
First thing to say is great videos Mike. Mike or anyone on here have a theory as to why the USA MCA (and other US labels) records from the 1970s and I guess beyond are so crappy. And why for the most part the USA pressing are not as good as say the UK, German and others?? Is it a lack of caring by the company to either hire good people or buy good material to create the records??? Or do the customers here in the USA not care and will just buy the records no matter what? I know I had no clue about record quality in the 1970s. I had a crappy little plastic K-mart special to play them on anyway so I would never have heard any difference in record pressing quality. All I knew is that was the record I wanted so I bought it. I keep hearing record reviewers like Mike here say in many cases to stay away from most US pressings made in the 1970s. So all of my Elton John and The Who and Lynyrd Skynyrd and others are no good? Oh well thanks for any input.
Hi....so mine says MCA2-10005 (formerly DXSW7-205)...do I have the crappy pressing? Rats. My night is ruined :(
I know this is an old post but I bought that same crappy copy too back in the late 70’s. I thought there was something wrong with my turntable. It’s pristine though for lack of play
i just found the record ,,in my basement,,and its the us 1972 repress.ok..and the cover is in bad shape..lol but i love it...
Such a masterpiece, I have the Decca and the 2006 version
Played the Decca until the grooves wore out
how about doing whats going on by marvin gaye
Restringing? Don't you mean replacing? LOL
Also,the 1977 MCA label wasn't Blue (not used until late 1979/early 1980),but the Black label. Wasn't there also a 1978/1979 Tan and White MCA Pressing as well?
1969-1972 Bowie!!!
From my experience, the MCA black rainbow label always sounds bad no matter what artists.
Sorry but not all of us that love vinyl and actually grew up listening to it and we’re born in the sixties. Have the privilege of owning a $50,000 plus macintosh, super sonic, bla,bla,bla system.
Some of us mere shlubby mortals down here have been hearing and loving the sound of the records they have grown up with.
I find your elitist condescension of that YOU feel is unworthy, distasteful. Telling people that the records they love and have been listening to for decades are total garbage is not the best way to sell more records. Just my opinion. Yes, absolutely some recordings are far superior than others. But quite frankly. You’re not selling Ferrari’s or Cartier watches. Vinyl music is not an elitist thing!! That’s the beauty of it...