There's the saying, "He has the face of a criminal". Mike has the face of a non-criminal. Mike has the face of a law-abiding taxpayer. Mike has the face of a dentist. Mike has the face of a non-violent communist revolutionary. Mike has the face of your favorite uncle who makes the best lasagna you've ever eaten.
@@ralex3697 Did you watch the video? He said the sound quality was worse than every other audiophile pressing of this record, the master tape used had dropouts on it, and both copies he receieved had physical defects. Doesn't sound too "audiophile" to me.
Thanks Mike for the extreme attention to detail, as usual, and the honesty not a lot of sellers want to display! Making planes to come to the store from Detroit soon, would Love to be able to say Hello... thanks
One thing people sometimes miss when remastering Contemporarys, is that DuNann would often add reverb during the mastering process, with a plate reverb unit between the output of the tape deck and the input to the lathe. Because of the way he added it, this reverb isn't on the tape, which means that you can't simply make a straight transfer.
Yeah, there is a video with Bernie Grundman, Chad, and Fremer talking about the tapes and the various challenges remastering this album. The ERC website description does say they used their EMT plates to reproduce reverb, so they must have known they were required to add the reverb in mastering.
I dont own any if the ERC pressings but the main thing I dont like about their product is that their pressing quantities are super low while the same time the tapes are again super old and damaging the tapes to make such low pressing numbers isnt justified IMO. This music should be pressed from the tapes to masses, not to select wealthy few.
Mmm.. which masses are you trying to refer here? Most of them are either satisfied with streaming the full album on TH-cam or paying the amount for the bragging right.
Exactly. The ordinary collector who also has to pay bills and general life expenses shouldn't be left out to dry with this stupid "limited pressing" garbage. The wealthy can go jump or stand in line like the rest of us. They only want to buy so they can flip them at a grossly inflated price. The rest of us actually want to listen and appreciate the music. Eat the rich.
@@teukuaziz the masses who genuinely appreciate the music and would like access to reissues because they can't afford the ridiculous prices of the original pressings. The masses who aren't only interested in flipping them later to make a sleazy profit. the masses who don't like shitty streaming and unreliable tech. The masses who like the tactile and ambient nature of vinyl and have every right to own it. There shouldn't be any bragging right, nor should it be only available to snotty well off wanks because they have a $50,000 hi fi system and they can buy anything, any time as soon as it's available.
Are you certain the first owner didn't pack the record in the sleeve then shipped it, unlike the copy ERC sent you? Same for the "micro-scratches" on the first LP? Bubbles and dropout on the second LP are unacceptable however.
Both were sealed on the top of the PVC sleeve and wrapped in tissue paper. The tissue paper tears when you remove the stickers. Definitely not reseals.
Michael at 45rpm Audiophile really rates this release (as well as a few others from ERC) so I’m wondering if you’ve been really unlucky and received 2 duffers. In any case, the quality control isn’t up to scratch by the looks of it
So appreciate your honest appraisal. So much info out there, so many outlets, it can get muddy very fast, particularly when our obsession is easily swayed. LOL
Mike thanks again for the great information. You have gotten me into Jazz big time. For the last ten years my focus was psych from 60s and 70. The blues that is in that type of music is what I love about it. Now I am going to focus on tone poet and I love anything from Chad at Analog Productions . Just got my shirt from you and some free 45s. Love it. Thanks Jim
Their website claims they use original analog master tapes - “Officially Sanctioned Heritage pressings mastered from the original analogue master tapes. Cut in true monaural and Stereo using 1950’s Lyrec / EMI valve tape machines and Ortofon DS522 mono cutter head and Ortofon DS601 Stereo cutter head.”
Thank you for your honesty, I wish more people would be honest when products are poor, then maybe the Record Companies would take notice and "up their game" to give consumers a better product as we pay premium prices for vinyl in general.
Outer sleeves made from PVC are the ones that cause damage. Most outer sleeves are polyethylene or polypropylene which are both safe. There are versions of the polypropylene sleeves that have a resealable flap and therefore offer the most protection but you're fine with anything other than PVC.
@@jackgoetz5032 Thank you. I never knew this a few years back when I bought boxes of PVC sleeves and stored all my records. I guess I need to change asap.
You touch on my biggest pet peeve: It's amazing to me how so many people don't understand how to properly pack vinyl. Each record is a case-by-case basis as how to pack. As you say, some pressure is necessary, as it is key that the record isn't allowed to shift around during transit. Why is this so hard for most to understand? It drives me crazy - speaking generally here, but I'll buy a $200 record and it will come shipped in a .50 cent mailer. Folks, just mark it up another buck or two and use quality packaging... and your brain.
Pizza boxes still used by some sellers, not oversized and not protecting the corners. In addition one should try to avoid seam splits by shipping outside the sleeve as well.
I once was outraged after discovering 2 bubbles in a £17 sealed record I ordered straight from the label. I was like "records are not a cheap thing! you expect quality!" haha. After contacting the label, they apologised and sent me a new perfect record. I can't imagine how mad I'd be if I payed $450 for a record and I discoverd a bubble!!
Thanks Mike! I learn a lot from your videos. I'm all about the music. I don't buy RSD releases to sell them on eBay for a small fortune. I was glad to get U2 - Boy from your store on Black Friday. I could get that Sonny Rollins album for 30 bucks & be more than happy.
Based on the positive reviews from 45RPM I bought a ERC just some time ago. Already paid. Supply end of January. Hope I will not be disappointed like you.
All the people buying are sitting on it to resell. They will never listen to the recording. Funny how quick they sent an out of print pressing. The only thing they are printing is money. You create a hype plus demand and throw in supply ( limited quantity) and boom, you have a gravy train! I just subscribed to your channel because you are honest. Thanks for the review!
There is a reason I spend the time looking for decent original copies. I know there are plenty of exceptions, but I have tried to talk new collectors into searching out older copies, especially when a lot of times they can find the original for five to 10 dollars and it sounds better than something they're dishing out $40.00 to $50.00 for. I keep hoping with the way vinyl has been selling the last 15 years or so that we start getting people again who know how to master and cut like they used to. Unfortunately, many of the old guys who did it aren't around to teach it.
I am a new subscriber to your videos and although I really don’t know much about jazz I can understand exactly what your saying about the quality of what your buying. Thank you for making people aware of these issues and keep up the good work.
Very interesting Mike. Another bad aspect with these is that the Monos are usually just folds. You could get the Stereo and push the mono amp button and get both versions in 1. Just no reason to get the Mono.
@@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173 Yes it is. Theres no dedicated Mono mix for Forever Changes for example. And a lot of the original Jazz titles in Mono were also just folded tapes or cuts. Sorry.
@@AnalogPlanet Not according to Steve Hoffman who has explained that Contemporary for example, did not use different mixes for Mono. Atlantic is one that did and Im not talking about say Coltranes My Favorite Things. But just because theres a Mono tape doesnt mean its a different mix. Or do you suggest that for example Love Forever Changes has a real Mono mix?
This post is long but read anyway. It's a good topic to address, I bought my first record 74 and I still have it. When it became more popular to listen to music via vinyl, I was happy and thought like most people that then I can supplement my music archive. Quite quickly, I found that buying a record is not like it used to be, even though it was an exclusive press, it did not sound good at all. I simply stopped buying reissues. I have been thinking for a long time about why it has become like this and what I have come to the conclusion is that there are several new generations of buyers of the medium and there are people who would like to have a piece of the cake, therefore it has become like this. Then it is also the case that those who make reissues do not have the necessary experience to do this and then it also includes all these attempts to make the original recordings better with all conceivable modern accessories. Now it's easy to just complain, but when you stopped making vinyl albums in the 90's, an entire industry had to look around for other jobs and it was people who had worked all their lives, there were also those who inherited their parents' work when they had started working at the press plant when they were young and had to learn all the tricks. These people are gone today and many inexperienced people have taken their places. That is why it has become like this in my opinion. That they charge such high prices is that the buyers today are two types of new buyers and the older ones who could not afford to buy the records when they were young. It makes some people make quick easy money just out of ignorance, most have probably forgotten what it was like before or do not have the knowledge to know how it sounds or should be. If you ask me and I should be honest we who buy vinyl albums should not be so easy to fool because it is exactly what we are there is a belief in our society that if it is expensive it is also very good. We buy a false security but it is not just vinyl that is so but other things in our hobby. When I was young, hi-fi equipment was also expensive but not at all as it is today, unfortunately our hobby has become a cash cow where you can cut gold with a knife. You should get an example of how bad it is I bought Miles Davis Sketches of Spain because I did not find a good second hand item from WLV a year ago I have played that record a few times but did not like the sound quality of course the record is quiet at 180gr and all you can think of. But I found an edition from the late 70's early 80's on a nice price release that ran 8 round WLV it was a completely different presence and sound quality, which again confirms my thoughts. What do we have to learn? Well, that we should stop buying overpriced and remade albums where the practitioners do not have the knowledge to meet the lowest requirements.
I would like to hear how natural the added reverb sounds. The master tape is dry and the reverb was applied at the original mastering session. I believe ERC used an all analog tube reverb unit (heck, they may have an echo chamber at the studio----They are a full time studio/mastering house) for the mastering session. I believe The AP's are dry. Also, I'm not certain if the OJC's have added reverb.
Fascinating. Just today I received a $25 order of sale priced metal records from the label Nuclear War Now Prod. Whole order was packed beautifully. Every order I've received from them was like that. I'd personally pack a $450 record like it was going to be handled by angry apes. Insane that the quality was subpar.
Mike. Not sure if this is a video you made on your channel yet, but if it’s not, I would love to see a video with your recommendations for inner sleeves and how to clean records
Oh my.. you really had bad luck.... i got a lot of their releases... only one problem: small dent on the Love mono Cover which got exchanged immediately. Do you have the Mono or the Stereo release of Way out West from ERC? BTW i had to clean my Way out West mono 5 times before the pops has gone... the Stereo was much better
Why would you have to clean it that many times? It’s new. Also, he says the sound is inferior to the other pressings, including the original mono, which is a stunner. The OG contemporary is one of my best sounding records and it cost me $100.
Yes, I enjoy his channel. Cool that he collects all these expensive reissues. Gives you an idea of what is out there. I just think many of them are over priced and don’t hold up to the originals. Wish he would do a shoot out with original pressings
@@Joooools5000 yes i own several OJC LPs pressed in the 80s. one of them is soultrane. sounds amazing. u could get them for ard $5usd back then but these days they go for at least 30usd for the HOT titles
I've had nothing but good luck with ERC. All the vinyl I've bought from has been flat, quiet and excellent sound quality. I think they provide a superb product at a premium price, but you get what you pay for. I've not had any issues with damaged covers or vinyl blemishes of any kind. Sometimes oversight happens, I've had UHQR issues from Acoustic Sounds along with other expensive new records from other retailers with a damaged cover, or some light marks on the vinyl. I've always contacted the company and they're usually more than happy to remedy any issues.
2 questions. If the dropout was on the pressing shouldn’t it have been on both copies ? Did you play both and compare . Also if you have a near perfect original and other Stereo copies, why did you need this copy in the first place ? Anyway I’m a new subscriber a d found this very interesting. Thanks for sharing
Great video! the so called Audiophile labels (at least some of them...) are taking us for granted as they increase the price (supposedly for the Limited edition) and improve the packaging without really doing the basics for the pressing itself. Personally I will not buy any jazz record from ERC simply because the company is specialized in Classical Music Reissues. As for Sonny Rollins Way out West, I am very happy with my 80's Contemporary stereo reissue, French pressing ($9.95 at that time), the recording is great, very natural, you really feel that the 2 greats are enjoying themselves. It even sounds good on CD (OJC remasters Box)! Great job The 'In' groove!
I was waiting for you to throw it Mike and see it boomerang back! You used a perfect term that the vc are considered by record companies... 'gravy train'!
On many vintage LP or new pressing using vintage lathe I can hear the noise from the lathe motor/bearing. This noise or vibration from the motor is transfered to the grooves. If you do not know about this phenomenon you think is a bad cut. So if you pay for a vintage cut you can have any kind of anomalies.
Hey Mike, I realize I'm a few years late to this video but has ERC changed at all? I can only hope so, because this kind of "high end" should be considered criminal.
I purchased the ERC stereo version of Bill Evans "Everybody Digs Bill Evans". It was flawless in terms of sound quality. No packaging damage at all, but agree that it could be improved. Acoustic Sounds packaging is stellar! I recently received the ERC stereo version of Love "Forever Changes". There were a couple of minor flaws on the vinyl label on one side and a barely noticeable crease on the album cover. They replied to my email immediately and had a copy shipped that same day. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt at this point.
@@AnalogPlanet after reading your multiple comments on this video, I've come to the conclusion that you are just a loud crybaby and over-the-top spaz. Your credibility is shot to hell now with the way you've gone overboard all over the internet with the childish insults and the continual hammering of this guy, who's only fault is being honest about the low quality QC of a company. You're turning more and more people against you just by opening your mouth. He's looking like the grown up here and you're coming off like a jealous little weasel. Your comments give you away..... They say more about you and your lack of character than anything else ever could.
A friend of mine in the VC known as The Vinyl Archivist did a shootout that included the ERC pressing of the Love album, and there were very similar problems. The second song was basically unlistenable. Knowing this and seeing this vid, I’d personally avoid ERC pressings. There’s too many unknowns for that amount of money.
The Mono version at least was for sure the OG tapes, as they say on their site: "To our knowledge this is the first occasion that the original mono tapes of this recording have been re-cut in true mono since the original release some 61 years ago." Maybe the tape itself was damaged? Yeah, seems like a DEEP stroke of bad luck here. Sorry to hear it. I have heard that these lps sound most ideal on a tube system. Who knows though. Have you done a shoot-out on this title yet? Would love to see that.
The emperor has no clothes. My original mono on contemporary cost me less than $100 and it is killer. I assumed that for this price, and with modern equipment, electric recording company would have produced something better. Also surprising that they wouldn’t identify whether it came from an original master.
Thanks for the information. These reissue companies outside of label or band control always leave me concerned that its crap. I started buying vinyl because a lot of the small bands I listen to were a big part of the process. Now that I want to revisit a lot of my favorite music from the past you have to be careful.
This is a very interesting review. Most people seem to be fixated on the rather creepy and fetishistic "unboxing", and just assume that, given the high prices, the product must be worth the money. I respect your honesty. My problem is slightly different from yours, however. I've never bought a vinyl album which I could also get on CD - mainly because I have cheap hi-fi, and my hearing's probably not good enough to justify the expense. What I HAVE bought is more contemporary jazz/improvised music which is issued only as vinyl (presumably because there's not enough music from the gig to fill a CD) and which comes from small record labels. If the pressing is poor, there's no alternative. In some cases the LPs are pretty expensive. There are times when I wonder whether most of the buyers of very pricey vinyl reissues simply keep the discs unplayed until they can sell them at a profit.
The packaging alone made me cringe. I recently ordered an album off of urban outfitters website. A clearance record at that! It was in a currogated boxAnd that box was wrapped in thick giant bubble wrap, and that was nestled in an even larger cardboard box but perfect fit so nothing was shaking around. This was for some clearance album from a big box store clocking in at $17 shipped and this $450 snake oil on the wax just shuffle about?
Good on you for speaking out to your audience man. It cannot be easy or comfortable for you but someone needs to point out these horrible marketing scams.
Would note the 1st LP is from a collector and not direct ERC, so who knows what happened where beforehand? The collector presumably had no issues at all with what he got from ERC, or he would have asked for a replacement which they give. Only the 2nd LP was direct from ERC and all was great except the pressing which ERC could replace. I'm just a happy ERC collector sharing what my experiences - thanks.
Chancers! That goes for anyone or any company that tries to jump on the vinyl bandwagon trying to sell high dollar product but have absolutely no idea on how to provide high quality throughout ALL stages of the process!
New subscriber, life-long collector. I noticed you weren't happy with the plastic sleeve that you said caused "vinyl rash"? What protective sleeves do you recommend? (I was just about to invest in 5,000 sleeves for my library. Thanks!
Wow what a hassle. I heard about this re-issue label a few years ago, and after hearing what they charge for new i said too rich for my blood no thank you.
Wow. I'm shocked! I guess most of these goes straight to China, Singapore and Korea, hence we never hear much about them. I tried to get some of their Bach reissues when they were released, but never managed to get hold of one. Maybe I was lucky after all...
I can always trust the record guy that looks like this dude.
Just bought 2 records off him. 👍 agreed
He says the Deluxe "Way Out West" was cut from tape. It wasn't. It was cut from a digital file.
There's the saying, "He has the face of a criminal". Mike has the face of a non-criminal.
Mike has the face of a law-abiding taxpayer.
Mike has the face of a dentist.
Mike has the face of a non-violent communist revolutionary.
Mike has the face of your favorite uncle who makes the best lasagna you've ever eaten.
@@Frip36 a communist revolutionary is a good thing?
It is to CaptainSunday
Man the bend on that 1st copy...I’d be annoyed if I got a $20 record from Amazon in that condition
I know!
@@TheVinylGuru Id be annoyed on a $2 thrift find !
@David Mander huh
Me too and it would go straight right back to them
WHOAAAA
Really great post Mike. I’m learning a huge amount of information about these jazz titles and the various presses. Thanks for your time.
Mike, your honesty is coming out loud and clear. That is why I've been such a happy customer of yours. Thank you!
Brutal......thanks for sharing a Real, Honest review.
It needs to be told because there are too many cowboys around ruining the art of collecting for us who appreciate high quality.
@@tonymontana897 i love your name and opinion, tone!
@@TheVinylGuru Thank you. Love your channel.
I'm learning so much from you,cant wait to get my record I ordered on RSD. Thanks for your honesty,and passion.
Just got my record today, thank you for caring to pack it well.
Great video!! The video has ruffled a few feathers on various Facebook groups and online forums.
Oh how i would love to see these dorks crying, if you provide links.
It makes the new hand-poured Let It Bleed look like a bargain.
Complete waste of money, like most RSD cash grabs, at least the Electric Company are audiophile pressings
@@ralex3697 Did you watch the video? He said the sound quality was worse than every other audiophile pressing of this record, the master tape used had dropouts on it, and both copies he receieved had physical defects. Doesn't sound too "audiophile" to me.
Yeah, I didn’t fall for that “hand poured” BS either
Hahaha for real....
They named the pour machine Tim. He hand poured each copy .LOL
Never have been able to afford one of these so im living vicariously through you!
OMG! Vinyl Guru in the wild!
I have an OG Canadian Mono in perfect shape... jealous ? lol
Glad you're shining a light on these type of issues. Liked what you had to say about the recent Stones Let It Bleed RSD release as well.
Thanks Mike for the extreme attention to detail, as usual, and the honesty not a lot of sellers want to display! Making planes to come to the store from Detroit soon, would Love to be able to say Hello... thanks
Thanks for the Love Mike, I had to edit my bad syntax 🍒
One thing people sometimes miss when remastering Contemporarys, is that DuNann would often add reverb during the mastering process, with a plate reverb unit between the output of the tape deck and the input to the lathe. Because of the way he added it, this reverb isn't on the tape, which means that you can't simply make a straight transfer.
Yeah, there is a video with Bernie Grundman, Chad, and Fremer talking about the tapes and the various challenges remastering this album. The ERC website description does say they used their EMT plates to reproduce reverb, so they must have known they were required to add the reverb in mastering.
$450.00 should yield absolute perfection! Shame on the companies whose quality doesn’t match their prices.
You hit the nail on the head!!! Premium reissues like this should not have quality control issues like this. These sort of problems are inexcusable.
Really are you kidding? Split seams are causes by SHIPPING. If you don't like it walk your butt to the store and buy the record.
Enjoy your videos, bought a album on black Friday from your store just to show some appreciation for your hard work. Thanks for all your vinyl info
Well, I definitely did not expect this reaction! What a disappointment! Your honesty is appreciated, Mike.
Stickin' to cds
So, the Chet Baker “CHET” ERC preorder just dropped. Edition of 300 true mono lp’s sold out in minutes-
350 euros $545.00 usd with shipping
I dont own any if the ERC pressings but the main thing I dont like about their product is that their pressing quantities are super low while the same time the tapes are again super old and damaging the tapes to make such low pressing numbers isnt justified IMO. This music should be pressed from the tapes to masses, not to select wealthy few.
Mmm.. which masses are you trying to refer here?
Most of them are either satisfied with streaming the full album on TH-cam or paying the amount for the bragging right.
Couldn’t agree more.
Exactly. The ordinary collector who also has to pay bills and general life expenses shouldn't be left out to dry with this stupid "limited pressing" garbage. The wealthy can go jump or stand in line like the rest of us. They only want to buy so they can flip them at a grossly inflated price. The rest of us actually want to listen and appreciate the music.
Eat the rich.
@@teukuaziz the masses who genuinely appreciate the music and would like access to reissues because they can't afford the ridiculous prices of the original pressings. The masses who aren't only interested in flipping them later to make a sleazy profit. the masses who don't like shitty streaming and unreliable tech. The masses who like the tactile and ambient nature of vinyl and have every right to own it. There shouldn't be any bragging right, nor should it be only available to snotty well off wanks because they have a $50,000 hi fi system and they can buy anything, any time as soon as it's available.
Are you certain the first owner didn't pack the record in the sleeve then shipped it, unlike the copy ERC sent you? Same for the "micro-scratches" on the first LP? Bubbles and dropout on the second LP are unacceptable however.
Both were sealed on the top of the PVC sleeve and wrapped in tissue paper. The tissue paper tears when you remove the stickers. Definitely not reseals.
I've never gotten an ERC record that was not packed in an inner rice paper sleeve. NEVER.
The second copy you received also appeared to have had a cover that looked like potato chip....not flat.
I’m happy with my $20 dollar OJC reissue of Way Out West. It sounds great 😊
for 450 Euro they should sell it as 15 ips 2 track tape.
that actually is the price of a 15 IPS from the tape project
Hahaha true
Michael at 45rpm Audiophile really rates this release (as well as a few others from ERC) so I’m wondering if you’ve been really unlucky and received 2 duffers. In any case, the quality control isn’t up to scratch by the looks of it
So appreciate your honest appraisal. So much info out there, so many outlets, it can get muddy very fast, particularly when our obsession is easily swayed. LOL
Love the honesty. Keep it up and keep it real. I respect your opinion and trust your advice. Thank you!
Sorry this happened to you Mike. A friend of mine calls this problem "the file drawer bias" referring to the stack of bad reviews never written.
The problem is Mike doesn't read audio magazines. I've written many negative reviews. I really do not like people smear with a broad brush.
@@AnalogPlanet how the heck do you know that he doesn't read them?
Mike thanks again for the great information. You have gotten me into Jazz big time. For the last ten years my focus was psych from 60s and 70. The blues that is in that type of music is what I love about it. Now I am going to focus on tone poet and I love anything from Chad at Analog Productions . Just got my shirt from you and some free 45s. Love it. Thanks Jim
Their website claims they use original analog master tapes - “Officially Sanctioned Heritage pressings mastered from the original analogue master tapes. Cut in true monaural and Stereo using 1950’s Lyrec / EMI valve tape machines and Ortofon DS522 mono cutter head and Ortofon DS601 Stereo cutter head.”
Who's their mastering engineer?
Thank you for your honesty, I wish more people would be honest when products are poor, then maybe the Record Companies would take notice and "up their game" to give consumers a better product as we pay premium prices for vinyl in general.
Thank you for this. Noted on 16:56 the outer sleeve issue. So is there a video on the optimal outer sleeves?
Outer sleeves made from PVC are the ones that cause damage. Most outer sleeves are polyethylene or polypropylene which are both safe. There are versions of the polypropylene sleeves that have a resealable flap and therefore offer the most protection but you're fine with anything other than PVC.
@@jackgoetz5032 Thank you. I never knew this a few years back when I bought boxes of PVC sleeves and stored all my records. I guess I need to change asap.
You touch on my biggest pet peeve: It's amazing to me how so many people don't understand how to properly pack vinyl. Each record is a case-by-case basis as how to pack. As you say, some pressure is necessary, as it is key that the record isn't allowed to shift around during transit. Why is this so hard for most to understand? It drives me crazy - speaking generally here, but I'll buy a $200 record and it will come shipped in a .50 cent mailer. Folks, just mark it up another buck or two and use quality packaging... and your brain.
Pizza boxes still used by some sellers, not oversized and not protecting the corners. In addition one should try to avoid seam splits by shipping outside the sleeve as well.
I once was outraged after discovering 2 bubbles in a £17 sealed record I ordered straight from the label. I was like "records are not a cheap thing! you expect quality!" haha. After contacting the label, they apologised and sent me a new perfect record. I can't imagine how mad I'd be if I payed $450 for a record and I discoverd a bubble!!
You could have bought the CD and taken it way out west on holiday with you for the remaining $440! ;0)
I read a huge article on these expensive records.
I really appreciate your review. I hope your store is close enough for me to visit.
Thanks Mike! I learn a lot from your videos. I'm all about the music. I don't buy RSD releases to sell them on eBay for a small fortune. I was glad to get U2 - Boy from your store on Black Friday. I could get that Sonny Rollins album for 30 bucks & be more than happy.
Based on the positive reviews from 45RPM I bought a ERC just some time ago. Already paid. Supply end of January. Hope I will not be disappointed like you.
How does a replacement for a 'Limited (Numbered) Edition' work?
Always enjoy your insights and honest assessments.
All the people buying are sitting on it to resell. They will never listen to the recording. Funny how quick they sent an out of print pressing. The only thing they are printing is money. You create a hype plus demand and throw in supply ( limited quantity) and boom, you have a gravy train! I just subscribed to your channel because you are honest. Thanks for the review!
There is a reason I spend the time looking for decent original copies. I know there are plenty of exceptions, but I have tried to talk new collectors into searching out older copies, especially when a lot of times they can find the original for five to 10 dollars and it sounds better than something they're dishing out $40.00 to $50.00 for. I keep hoping with the way vinyl has been selling the last 15 years or so that we start getting people again who know how to master and cut like they used to. Unfortunately, many of the old guys who did it aren't around to teach it.
Im learning at some great expense that there is no replacement for a nice clean orignal copy
I am a new subscriber to your videos and although I really don’t know much about jazz I can understand exactly what your saying about the quality of what your buying. Thank you for making people aware of these issues and keep up
the good work.
Very interesting Mike.
Another bad aspect with these is that the Monos are usually just folds. You could get the Stereo and push the mono amp button and get both versions in 1. Just no reason to get the Mono.
This is not true!
@@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173 Yes it is. Theres no dedicated Mono mix for Forever Changes for example. And a lot of the original Jazz titles in Mono were also just folded tapes or cuts. Sorry.
ERC mostly uses the actual mono tape and a mono cutter head. You know about as little here as this record store owner
@@AnalogPlanet Not according to Steve Hoffman who has explained that Contemporary for example, did not use different mixes for Mono. Atlantic is one that did and Im not talking about say Coltranes My Favorite Things.
But just because theres a Mono tape doesnt mean its a different mix.
Or do you suggest that for example Love Forever Changes has a real Mono mix?
Thanks for the video. I just picked up a NM 1988 OJR vinyl copy for $30
This has been a public service announcement. Thanks Mike!
Thank you very much for the heads up, Mike. I can save my money now.
This post is long but read anyway.
It's a good topic to address, I bought my first record 74 and I still have it. When it became more popular to listen to music via vinyl, I was happy and thought like most people that then I can supplement my music archive. Quite quickly, I found that buying a record is not like it used to be, even though it was an exclusive press, it did not sound good at all.
I simply stopped buying reissues. I have been thinking for a long time about why it has become like this and what I have come to the conclusion is that there are several new generations of buyers of the medium and there are people who would like to have a piece of the cake, therefore it has become like this. Then it is also the case that those who make reissues do not have the necessary experience to do this and then it also includes all these attempts to make the original recordings better with all conceivable modern accessories.
Now it's easy to just complain, but when you stopped making vinyl albums in the 90's, an entire industry had to look around for other jobs and it was people who had worked all their lives, there were also those who inherited their parents' work when they had started working at the press plant when they were young and had to learn all the tricks. These people are gone today and many inexperienced people have taken their places. That is why it has become like this in my opinion. That they charge such high prices is that the buyers today are two types of new buyers and the older ones who could not afford to buy the records when they were young. It makes some people make quick easy money just out of ignorance, most have probably forgotten what it was like before or do not have the knowledge to know how it sounds or should be.
If you ask me and I should be honest we who buy vinyl albums should not be so easy to fool because it is exactly what we are there is a belief in our society that if it is expensive it is also very good. We buy a false security but it is not just vinyl that is so but other things in our hobby. When I was young, hi-fi equipment was also expensive but not at all as it is today, unfortunately our hobby has become a cash cow where you can cut gold with a knife.
You should get an example of how bad it is I bought Miles Davis Sketches of Spain because I did not find a good second hand item from WLV a year ago I have played that record a few times but did not like the sound quality of course the record is quiet at 180gr and all you can think of. But I found an edition from the late 70's early 80's on a nice price release that ran 8 round WLV it was a completely different presence and sound quality, which again confirms my thoughts.
What do we have to learn? Well, that we should stop buying overpriced and remade albums where the practitioners do not have the knowledge to meet the lowest requirements.
I would like to hear how natural the added reverb sounds. The master tape is dry and the reverb was applied at the original mastering session. I believe ERC used an all analog tube reverb unit (heck, they may have an echo chamber at the studio----They are a full time studio/mastering house) for the mastering session. I believe The AP's are dry. Also, I'm not certain if the OJC's have added reverb.
Fascinating. Just today I received a $25 order of sale priced metal records from the label Nuclear War Now Prod. Whole order was packed beautifully. Every order I've received from them was like that. I'd personally pack a $450 record like it was going to be handled by angry apes. Insane that the quality was subpar.
Thanks for bringing this to light.
I agree on the no bad reviews.
More have to tell the truth. 😎
Mike. Not sure if this is a video you made on your channel yet, but if it’s not, I would love to see a video with your recommendations for inner sleeves and how to clean records
Thanks mate .
I really appreciate your honesty.
Oh my.. you really had bad luck.... i got a lot of their releases... only one problem: small dent on the Love mono Cover which got exchanged immediately. Do you have the Mono or the Stereo release of Way out West from ERC? BTW i had to clean my Way out West mono 5 times before the pops has gone... the Stereo was much better
Why would you have to clean it that many times? It’s new. Also, he says the sound is inferior to the other pressings, including the original mono, which is a stunner. The OG contemporary is one of my best sounding records and it cost me $100.
Not surprised you bought one!
@@MatthewClark1984 And why is that a problem? Somehow it sounds like, that it is one.
Yes, I enjoy his channel. Cool that he collects all these expensive reissues. Gives you an idea of what is out there. I just think many of them are over priced and don’t hold up to the originals. Wish he would do a shoot out with original pressings
I hope that was just bad luck....because I recently order Mal Waldron Sextet-Mal/2.
if ur on budget and want an all analog copy, go for an 80s ojc copy
I picked one of these up 18 months ago at a record fair - NM, part of a 3 for £20 deal! Sounds fantastic
@@Joooools5000 yes i own several OJC LPs pressed in the 80s. one of them is soultrane. sounds amazing. u could get them for ard $5usd back then but these days they go for at least 30usd for the HOT titles
I've had nothing but good luck with ERC. All the vinyl I've bought from has been flat, quiet and excellent sound quality. I think they provide a superb product at a premium price, but you get what you pay for. I've not had any issues with damaged covers or vinyl blemishes of any kind. Sometimes oversight happens, I've had UHQR issues from Acoustic Sounds along with other expensive new records from other retailers with a damaged cover, or some light marks on the vinyl. I've always contacted the company and they're usually more than happy to remedy any issues.
2 questions. If the dropout was on the pressing shouldn’t it have been on both copies ? Did you play both and compare . Also if you have a near perfect original and other Stereo copies, why did you need this copy in the first place ? Anyway I’m a new subscriber a d found this very interesting. Thanks for sharing
Mike answered the 2nd question in his video. He was curious and got it in exchange.
Thanks for the honest low down on these Mike. All you did was tell the truth. Some people just don’t like that.
best video you have done so far.
greetings from Vancouver Island, new to your channel and enjoying very much...
Great video!
the so called Audiophile labels (at least some of them...) are taking us for granted as they increase the price (supposedly for the Limited edition) and improve the packaging without really doing the basics for the pressing itself. Personally I will not buy any jazz record from ERC simply because the company is specialized in Classical Music Reissues.
As for Sonny Rollins Way out West, I am very happy with my 80's Contemporary stereo reissue, French pressing ($9.95 at that time), the recording is great, very natural, you really feel that the 2 greats are enjoying themselves.
It even sounds good on CD (OJC remasters Box)!
Great job The 'In' groove!
You are the man! Always telling it like it is. What a scam.
Right? Wild man....
This video is the real scam.
@@AnalogPlanet How so AP?
If I was going to spend $450 I'd buy one of those re-issue tapes from Acoustic Sounds.
I was waiting for you to throw it Mike and see it boomerang back! You used a perfect term that the vc are considered by record companies... 'gravy train'!
I'm so glad I never developed an audiophile ear. I learned about music on old 78s, 45s and Lps. Ignorance is bliss.
“Audiophile”....another term for snob....think they are better than you because they have 100k worth of equipment
On many vintage LP or new pressing using vintage lathe I can hear the noise from the lathe motor/bearing. This noise or vibration from the motor is transfered to the grooves. If you do not know about this phenomenon you think is a bad cut. So if you pay for a vintage cut you can have any kind of anomalies.
Thanks, you just saved me the $$$ I was about to drop on their Forever Changes reissue.
MIKE from The 'In' Groove! Incredible review!!!
Is there a possibility that you received counterfeit copies. ERC might want provide feedback.
For new release costing $450 that should be the best quality record & packaging on earth.
Hey Mike, I realize I'm a few years late to this video but has ERC changed at all? I can only hope so, because this kind of "high end" should be considered criminal.
I purchased the ERC stereo version of Bill Evans "Everybody Digs Bill Evans". It was flawless in terms of sound quality. No packaging damage at all, but agree that it could be improved. Acoustic Sounds packaging is stellar! I recently received the ERC stereo version of Love "Forever Changes". There were a couple of minor flaws on the vinyl label on one side and a barely noticeable crease on the album cover. They replied to my email immediately and had a copy shipped that same day. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt at this point.
ERC gets unfairly pummeled on this video. This video is every bit the 'scam' he claims is ERC.
@@AnalogPlanet after reading your multiple comments on this video, I've come to the conclusion that you are just a loud crybaby and over-the-top spaz.
Your credibility is shot to hell now with the way you've gone overboard all over the internet with the childish insults and the continual hammering of this guy, who's only fault is being honest about the low quality QC of a company.
You're turning more and more people against you just by opening your mouth. He's looking like the grown up here and you're coming off like a jealous little weasel.
Your comments give you away..... They say more about you and your lack of character than anything else ever could.
What are the best outer sleeves for long-term vinyl storage?
Awesome review. Thoroughly enjoyed it
A friend of mine in the VC known as The Vinyl Archivist did a shootout that included the ERC pressing of the Love album, and there were very similar problems. The second song was basically unlistenable. Knowing this and seeing this vid, I’d personally avoid ERC pressings. There’s too many unknowns for that amount of money.
The Mono version at least was for sure the OG tapes, as they say on their site: "To our knowledge this is the first occasion that the original mono tapes of this recording have been re-cut in true mono since the original release some 61 years ago." Maybe the tape itself was damaged?
Yeah, seems like a DEEP stroke of bad luck here. Sorry to hear it. I have heard that these lps sound most ideal on a tube system. Who knows though. Have you done a shoot-out on this title yet? Would love to see that.
Are you sure that cover wasn't made by Frito-Lay?
Are there any unauthorized Taiwan pressings from the 70s on coloured vinyl in paper sleeves? I'm sure they'd sound just as good.
The emperor has no clothes. My original mono on contemporary cost me less than $100 and it is killer. I assumed that for this price, and with modern equipment, electric recording company would have produced something better. Also surprising that they wouldn’t identify whether it came from an original master.
kudos for calling out over priced releases with bad quality control. Are vinyl prices approaching a bubble similar to the tech stock market
Why the ads every two minutes?
Mike, what are your thoughts on The Beach Boys' SMiLE? Do you prefer the SMiLE sessions or the Brian Wilson version?
Thanks for the information. These reissue companies outside of label or band control always leave me concerned that its crap. I started buying vinyl because a lot of the small bands I listen to were a big part of the process. Now that I want to revisit a lot of my favorite music from the past you have to be careful.
Wow. Great and much needed review obviously.
You mentioned the Getz / Gilberto - what’s better the MOFI of the new Acoustic Sounds version that just came out?
AS Im pretty sure.
@@leon9021 cool thanks 🙏
This is a very interesting review. Most people seem to be fixated on the rather creepy and fetishistic "unboxing", and just assume that, given the high prices, the product must be worth the money. I respect your honesty. My problem is slightly different from yours, however. I've never bought a vinyl album which I could also get on CD - mainly because I have cheap hi-fi, and my hearing's probably not good enough to justify the expense. What I HAVE bought is more contemporary jazz/improvised music which is issued only as vinyl (presumably because there's not enough music from the gig to fill a CD) and which comes from small record labels. If the pressing is poor, there's no alternative. In some cases the LPs are pretty expensive. There are times when I wonder whether most of the buyers of very pricey vinyl reissues simply keep the discs unplayed until they can sell them at a profit.
Mike I would love to know your opinion about the new resonance Rollins release
The packaging alone made me cringe. I recently ordered an album off of urban outfitters website. A clearance record at that! It was in a currogated boxAnd that box was wrapped in thick giant bubble wrap, and that was nestled in an even larger cardboard box but perfect fit so nothing was shaking around. This was for some clearance album from a big box store clocking in at $17 shipped and this $450 snake oil on the wax just shuffle about?
Good on you for speaking out to your audience man. It cannot be easy or comfortable for you but someone needs to point out these horrible marketing scams.
Audiophiles queueing up to hear the sound of a pin in the 450 quid record balloon. Bravo, Mike.
Would note the 1st LP is from a collector and not direct ERC, so who knows what happened where beforehand? The collector presumably had no issues at all with what he got from ERC, or he would have asked for a replacement which they give. Only the 2nd LP was direct from ERC and all was great except the pressing which ERC could replace. I'm just a happy ERC collector sharing what my experiences - thanks.
Chancers! That goes for anyone or any company that tries to jump on the vinyl bandwagon trying to sell high dollar product but have absolutely no idea on how to provide high quality throughout ALL stages of the process!
New subscriber, life-long collector. I noticed you weren't happy with the plastic sleeve that you said caused "vinyl rash"? What protective sleeves do you recommend? (I was just about to invest in 5,000 sleeves for my library. Thanks!
Any non PVC sleeve will work.
Hi Mike, when can we buy a tee shirt? Plenty of UK fans that would be happy to wear one!
So which version sounds best, Mike?
My copy was noisy. Had to wash it after first play never normally have to do that. Didn’t take all noise out.
Thanks for these awesome videos! What is the model of your turntable? Thanks!
Mike, slightly off topic but just wondering what the Black Friday 'Rollins in Holland' sounds like?
Wow what a hassle. I heard about this re-issue label a few years ago, and after hearing what they charge for new i said too rich for my blood no thank you.
They are using the master tapes ....
Wow. I'm shocked! I guess most of these goes straight to China, Singapore and Korea, hence we never hear much about them. I tried to get some of their Bach reissues when they were released, but never managed to get hold of one. Maybe I was lucky after all...