Loved seeing you in the Acoustic Sounds group chat. I wish you and Michael Fremer could’ve interjected more but Bernie and Chad did have interesting stories to tell. PS, it would be great to see you do a one on one with Mr. Fremer sometime. Fingers crossed and keep up the great work because your channel has helped me expand my personal library quite a bit. Thank you!!!!
Great start with the overview. You are in for a treat exploring the vast catalogue of Pure Pleasure. I have around 50 of them. Some favourites are Ann Peebles, Etta James, the Art Pepper box set, Cassandra Wilson and not to forget all the great Strata-East and blues reissues. Still curious to find out how Pure Pleasure is linked to Speakers Corner. I guess on the top 2 we will find AP and Sam. :-) I also hope to see Intervention, Frederiksberg and Analog Spark high on the list. Not sure if Analog Spark is still alive though.
I am really happy for you, Michael, that you were included in Saturday's discussion. It speaks to how much we all respect your knowledge, integrity and humble approach. Keep up the good work and, as always, thank you for sharing. I am relatively new to the world of audiophile reissues, as I have mostly collected vintage vinyl until recently. I learn so much from your channel. Thank you.
Another wonderful video. I look forward to the rest of this series. Also, congratulations on the Kind of Blue video. In my opinion you have earned your place in that illustrious group with your insightful and interesting reviews.
Hey, habe deinen Channel per Zufall entdeckt. Sehr interessant das erste Ranking zu den Labels. Bin auf die nächste Folge gespannt, Speakers Corner ist wirklich Soundqualität. Welche ich sehr gelungen finde ist Toto IV. Werde mich die nächsten Tage durch die anderen Visdeos arbeiten. Auch mit 65 kann man ja noch was lernen. Grüße aus Hannover.
Speakers corner has been great at reissuing very good classical titles. Hope they continue that tradition. Good that you mention again the Craft Yuseef small batch fiasco and also you did mention that flippers problem to Chad yesterday, although I got the feeling that he did not care too much about it. Keep the your great job you are doing to the vinyl community, especially from the consummers perspective.
Love Speaker's Corner. Surprised you didn't have them higher Michael! I understand what you say about the jackets, but I do like that they release no fuss jackets but yet look classy. Gatefolds and box sets takes up a lot of space. Thanks again for great content, looking forward to your next videos.
I hope you can do one whole video on the Kind of Blue, comparison of all copies out there, or how many out there with some details. I am sure you heard many interesting stories about all the different presses.
Aloha Michael I really appreciate & enjoy this video with your insite on why you rank them as you do, given us your Pro's & Con's of the label with positive feedback on the labels potential of growing & what they need to fix to become the best label out there. Thank you again Michael. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii. Mahalo Ed
Nice idea for a series Michael (now officially recognised as "TH-cam Sensation"). I agree, the jury is still out with Craft. There is need for an action plan to steady the ship. Pure Pleasure and Speakers Corner turn out some excellent recordings at very reasonable prices. Both well organised with production and shipping. Worth checking out The Absolute Sound TAS List for highly regarded recordings.
#1 - Classic Records. We all know the Jazz, Classic Rock albums but the RCA Living Stereo (especially the CSO Fritz Reiner, violinist J Heifetz recordings) reissues started in 1994 meant so much to classical music lovers.
You beat me to the punch Michael, I had the very same idea of doing a video like this !! Great video and keen to see who makes your top 10 (as long as it's not ERC !!!!). Personally, I'm a huge fan of Analogue Productions and Blue Note with what they've done recently, Good to see Pure Pleasure in there, I have a few PPs and they are very very good.
I highly recommend a record that was put out on Pure Pleasure which is OOP now but copies can still be had at a reasonable price. That is Neil Ardley's Kaleidoscope of Rainbows. This originally came out on Decca in the 70s. It's a fusion of composed and improvised jazz, featuring many of the top London jazz/rock musicians of the time. I bought this Decca LP when it first came out and it remains a favorite record (along with its follow-up, Harmony of the Spheres). The Pure Pleasure 2x45lp edition takes the already excellent sound up a notch. I think you'd love it!
It's gonna be interesting to see where MOFi gets placed on the list. To be honest, nowadays I would not put them in the top 3 when it comes to sound (not counting the one steps, which I've never heard). For me, Analogue Productions is the clear winner, great sounds, great jackets (except for the Ella & Louis, Oscar Peterson Se Hey Requests and some others), great pressing, and very importantly, a nice number of in print releases, something that not many other labels can say. I love Music Matters, but that's a non existant label these days, since you can't really get their releases without paying exorbitant amounts of money.
I am happy that ORG is repressing some of their older albums now. There were a couple of the Coltranes I missed out on in the first run. Speakers Corner is really a blessing. They've put out a lot of quality Jazz and Classical Reissues. Now I can't wait to see where the list goes from here.
Pure Pleasure is the most interesting label to me right now. I've been buying some of the Strata East and CTI releases and they've all been fantastic. Anyone that enjoys the early 70s soul/funk/jazz/fusion sound should get to their website and fill your boots! Two big recommendations: Freddie Hubbard First Light for a CTI example and the newly released Charles Rouse Two Is One on Strata East - both beautiful, superb records.
Great interesting video -looking forward to continuation! Do you know if there ever was audiophile editions of Radio Ethiopia and Easter by Patti Smith group ?
Great idea Michael. I am struggling to think of 10 labels left to go. I can only think of 8. For Pure Pleasure get the Art Pepper Box Set if you haven’t already - world class music and presentation. I have around 80 PP titles I will think of some more really good ones to recommend. I am interested in your criteria for an audiophile label. I think they have to be standalone and not affiliated with a major label, use the best pressing plants and best mastering engineers and in most cases should be AAA. I’m looking forward to your top ten.
Excellent subject Michael, really looking forward to this idea developing. One thing I disagree about, the Speakers Corner Patti Smith I found to be disappointing, maybe the original recording wasn’t good but I don’t see a lot of improvement over the original. Thank you as always for taking the time and looking forward to the Bernie Grundman interview.
I really enjoy the Speaker Corner records I own, but I always feel they're not in the same league when it comes to sound/physical products as the most recent Analogue Productions, Tone Poets, Sam Records, Impex or Music Matters. On the other hand, they do offer a diverse catalogue, I just have doubts about their sources.
I can second Pure Pleasure Records, their quality so far, for me at least, has been wonderful. When you take into account their price point, I really don't know how they do it. My 1st and still favourite release from them is John Lewis Grand Encounter: 2 Degrees East - 3 Degrees West. I have found no better record for a sunny Sunday afternoon in the back garden. With regard to Craft, again I can't fault them, I got lucky with Eastern Sounds and managed to order it, it arrived here in the UK nearly three weeks ago without a hitch and sounds marvelous. Vinyl, sleeve, box and all packaging is top class. Speakers Corner is another label I too look out for. As well as Transformer (which I picked up after watching one of your previous videos), Ian Dury - New Boots And Panties !! and Count Basie And The Kansas City 7 are also really nice listens.
Dear Michael, wonderful video as usual I agree with you completely but I had a constant annoying issue with speakers corner, they sound fantastic but almost all of their pressings have annoying loud clicks and pops, I have 25+ records, no matter how much I clean them, I don’t have these issues with any other label. and these were bought from different sources, acousticsounds, elusive disc, pure pleasures etc. I play them on a decent turntable rega p10 +apheta 3 MC . Has anybody noticed the same.
Yes Michael I find it strange too, it’s the only label which had this issue in my collection. Could it just be bad luck with 25 different records ? I like their classical reissues especially the Ansermet recordings on DECCA, which sound fantastic, but ruined by the loud pops and clicks.
Comments: Pure Pleasure - I have one but it’s still waiting to be listened to; Craft - beautiful looking jackets, they really shine, I love the Leon Spencer one they did for VMP (don’t get me started on Eastern Sounds. I don’t think the package is lost, just delayed but the entire process needs to be rethought); Speakers Corner - I have Tobacco Road by Brother Jack McDuff, which is terrific but it did have a couple of ticks or pops.
Oh, I should also add that I have that turn of a friendly card. And although I never quite loved the softer pop oriented APP, the accentuated upper mids and highs, without losing bass impact, greatly enhance that record.
Received my copy of the Tone Poet edition of Dexter Gordon's "One Flight Up." A nice step up in pressing quality from the 2015 Blue Note release. Music: A+ (IMO, as good a it gets.) Cover/packaging: A (glossy gatefold cover, nice inner sleeve) Audio/pressing quality: A- (a bit of surface noise and lack of audio "wow" factor in terms of detail and presence make it a very nice pressing, but not elite.)
Love the ranking videos and especially this topic! Classic has to be #1, beyond that I'm very curious whether MFSL or AP will be higher. Also, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on other labels that press analog records like Rhino, but may not be considered an "audiophile label".
First of all how did You Enjoy doing that Miles Davis thing on May 8th 2021 and Speaking with some of the biggest people in the Industry and as usual You have An Awesome Channel
I have the alan parsons project turn of a friendly card as well but i think sometimes it is a bit to bright in some passages. Also i think there is only this album and eye in the sky by speakers corner, i would really like to see the rest of his catalog as a hifi version. Can you say something about the herbie hancock editions by speakers corner? Because they did crossings and sextant, which i would really like to have if they sound good. Thanks for this series, i think this is a good guide where and what to buy next😄
Crossing and Man-Child is Top Notch, Sextant was done by MoV and this sounds very good too. I did not see Speakers Corner did a Sextant Release. Maybe I missed it.
@@louiscyphre2555 oh yes you're right, sextant was only remastered by MoV. Anyhow i really like MoV, never had an issue with the record itself, they really do good pressings. I really like what they did with the jimi hendrix series and the remaster from the analog tapes. Thanks for the review, crossings was an album that i had to get into, sometimes way to psychic for me haha
No VOD, Transversales Disques, Black Sweat, WTWTFWW, Hallow Ground, Trunk, Finders Keepers, Dark Entries, Superior Viaduct, Unseesn Worlds, Recollection GRM, Left Ear Records, Die Schachtel, Sub Rosa, Aguirre, Blume, SouffleContinu, Bureau B, Soave, etc ? Michael ! 😉
He Michael, would you agree Speakers Corner probably make the worst jacket/cover amongst them audiophile labels? the artwork always seem soft and out of focus, but their sound quality is amazing! I hope they will improve that dept. over time.
@@leon9021 Thank you for the information! Maybe it is sold out just on pure pleasure's website. Just check acoustic sounds website, it's still available for pre-order.
I would have definitely put swapped Craft and Pure Pleasure. I love Pure Pleasure. I have a number of their releases, so great! I haven't experienced any problems with their releases and they have so many titles to choose from. I would say Pure Pleasure and Speakers Corner are on the same level.
I agree with you. Pure Pleasure has a vast catalogue and are more conistent than Craft, which really is hit and miss. One big issue with Craft is their tendancy to choose the wrong pressing plant. Killer masterings by the excellent Jeff Powell messed up by noisy pressings in several cases unfortunately.
Pure Pleasure are based not far away from me in South London, and have been putting out great stuff for years. I have been buying from them for at least a decade. Their reissues of Strata-East and Nimbus West recordings (Charles Tolliver especially) are absolutely top-notch. PP and Speakers Corner have a very close relationship here in the UK, you can order SC and PP records direct from the Pure Pleasure website.
My tastes are very different, but I have a few speakers corner releases. The vangelis heaven and hell is what that album is supposed to sound like. Synth dominated music is typically eq’d completely wrong. It needs all the growling and grinding of the various waveforms. But analog synths cover a huge frequency range. And it is too easy to dull the instruments resulting in a dull master. I don’t know if speakers corner folks include a bunch of German electronica fans. But whoever mastered heaven and hell totally gets the focus.
Michael, I have a lot of stuff on Craft (not the one-steps though). A really sensational release you should get is the Kevin Gray cut of Abbey Lincoln's "ABBEY IS BLUE" , the landmark Riverside album from 1959, which is out in a week or so. It is done to the standard of the Chet Bakers, but is musically better IMO (I think it is one of the two or three greatest jazz vocal albums ever made). The sound is just superb, and the production by Bob Grauer and Orrin Keepnews exceptional. - Kevin
Nice Video Michael - thank you. Just to note that Speakers Corner don't need to go to the US to find a better printer for the Jackets. I have bought some beauties from Deutsche Grammophon recently. Much better quality than those Stoughton jackets that crease badly inside the gate fold [Tone Poet series] and the glossy stock they use doesn't feel as beautiful to handle as good quality uncoated stocks used by labels like Erased Tapes & DG. I know you keep your records inside plastic liners so perhaps the tactile quality of the covers is not so important for you?
@@Michael45RPM Yes I'd prefer to feel the jacket. I know how much time the designer spent choosing just the right stock. My record collection isn't a financial investment. They are for me [and my family] to enjoy, so yes they age a bit over time - but that's all part of the experience of living with and enjoying records. I don't keep the plastic covers on my furniture either!
@@andysmusicden I just looked at some I bought recently from GM [Max Richter, Balmorhea, Roger & Brian Eno, Ludovico Einaudi] but I can't find any print credits. Sorry. Perhaps if you contacted GM directly they could tell you?
Wondering if you have al green gets next to you on pure pleasure and if so your thoughts on the pressing. Keep up the wonderful work Michael and congratulations on being part of the forum yesterday.
I love this album but I do not have an analog copy. I have four original lps but not his big three albums.so many great songs on this one. I can’t get next to you, tired of being alone, I’m a ram, driving wheel,right now right now, all because.
Pure Pleasure is a great label. Not quite as consistent as Speakers Corner in my view and with similar quality jackets. They are I think a level below Analogue Productions but at the price they can be excellent value. A few Pure Pleasure releases I've enjoyed: Neil Ardley - Kaleidoscope of Rainbows, Picture of Heath (with Chet Baker & Art Pepper), Buck Clayton - How Hi the Fi, Nat King Cole - After Midnight, Richard Holmes & Gene Ammons - Groovin' with Jug, John Lewis, etc. - Grand Encounter, Abbey Lincoln - Straight Ahead, Charles Mingus - Mingus Dynasty, Presents, Newport Rebels, Max Roach - We Insist, Sonny Rollins - What's New, Ben Webster - Atmosphere for Lovers and Thieves. And in blues the Chicago the Blues Today box set.
Pure Pleasure did a Jazz Messenger album with Horace Silver which was awesome but Duke Ellington, Ellington’s Masterpiece is not so good compared to Analogue Productions 45rpm version.
Pure Pleasure … mixed feelings. I have yet to hear a record that’s truly outstanding. There are many good records, many so-so and a few that are just myeh. Just picked up a double album of Sarah Vaughan that’s great musically, but not so great sonically. Don’t know who remastered it, there’s entirely too much treble… oh well.
I agree on PP. I have gotten rid of the handful of their titles I bought. I never listened to them because they didn't sound all that great. Would rather spend a bit more to have a much-better sounding issue. Perhaps the titles I chose weren't their top releases, though.
I am going to digress. When Cratf nails it (as with their Johnnie Taylor, Chet Baker or Delaney & Bonnie reissues) or what Speakers Corner or Pure Pleasure deliver, as the Classic Series from Blue Note is just what should be the bare minimum of the reissues. There's no reason we should put up with less. Then there should be its place for ultra high quality such as UHQR and one steps and all the rest. To see Rhino, etc, hit and miss all the time is a shame
![30 ชั่วโมงคนเดียว บนรถไฟชั้น 3 โซเวียต [Around The World Ep. 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MlE9boAVqDA/mqdefault.jpg)
Loved seeing you in the Acoustic Sounds group chat. I wish you and Michael Fremer could’ve interjected more but Bernie and Chad did have interesting stories to tell. PS, it would be great to see you do a one on one with Mr. Fremer sometime. Fingers crossed and keep up the great work because your channel has helped me expand my personal library quite a bit. Thank you!!!!
That's Speaker Corner edition of Songs In The Key of Life could be a topic to discuss with Michael Fremer, since he really didn't like it.
Agree!
Great video again
I love pure pleasure and speaker corners.
Donny hathaway everything is everything is wonderful
Great start with the overview. You are in for a treat exploring the vast catalogue of Pure Pleasure. I have around 50 of them. Some favourites are Ann Peebles, Etta James, the Art Pepper box set, Cassandra Wilson and not to forget all the great Strata-East and blues reissues. Still curious to find out how Pure Pleasure is linked to Speakers Corner.
I guess on the top 2 we will find AP and Sam. :-) I also hope to see Intervention, Frederiksberg and Analog Spark high on the list. Not sure if Analog Spark is still alive though.
I am really happy for you, Michael, that you were included in Saturday's discussion. It speaks to how much we all respect your knowledge, integrity and humble approach. Keep up the good work and, as always, thank you for sharing. I am relatively new to the world of audiophile reissues, as I have mostly collected vintage vinyl until recently. I learn so much from your channel. Thank you.
Thanks Michael, looking forward to the next episode, you continue to expand my knowledge of the subject.
Nice ranking of the labels. Will look forward to the rest of the list.
Another wonderful video. I look forward to the rest of this series. Also, congratulations on the Kind of Blue video. In my opinion you have earned your place in that illustrious group with your insightful and interesting reviews.
Thank you so much Mark
Bags & Trane - awesome record! Sound is incredibly good, indeed! Must have guys!
As always, great episode. Particularly enjoyed your shout out to Pure Pleasure records who certainly deserve more attention across the VC.
I Agree Shaun!
Hey, habe deinen Channel per Zufall entdeckt. Sehr interessant das erste Ranking zu den Labels. Bin auf die nächste Folge gespannt, Speakers Corner ist wirklich Soundqualität. Welche ich sehr gelungen finde ist Toto IV. Werde mich die nächsten Tage durch die anderen Visdeos arbeiten. Auch mit 65 kann man ja noch was lernen. Grüße aus Hannover.
Hallo Manfred toll das du dabei bist :-)
Interesting series learning new stuff, keep them coming. Going to try Speakers Corner. As always great job Michael.
Hi. I did a little shout out to you and your channel in my latest video about BN classics and 80s. Thanx for the videos. Keep up the awesome work.
Speakers corner has been great at reissuing very good classical titles. Hope they continue that tradition. Good that you mention again the Craft Yuseef small batch fiasco and also you did mention that flippers problem to Chad yesterday, although I got the feeling that he did not care too much about it. Keep the your great job you are doing to the vinyl community, especially from the consummers perspective.
Love Speaker's Corner. Surprised you didn't have them higher Michael! I understand what you say about the jackets, but I do like that they release no fuss jackets but yet look classy. Gatefolds and box sets takes up a lot of space. Thanks again for great content, looking forward to your next videos.
I hope you can do one whole video on the Kind of Blue, comparison of all copies out there, or how many out there with some details. I am sure you heard many interesting stories about all the different presses.
Once more, a great video and awesome idea for a new series. Especially new comers can get a nice overview of the existing audiophile labels
I have some PurePleasure LPs and they are wonderful in any aspect . I truly recommend you get into them.
Aloha Michael
I really appreciate & enjoy this video with your insite on why you rank them as you do, given us your Pro's & Con's of the label with positive feedback on the labels potential of growing & what they need to fix to become the best label out there.
Thank you again Michael.
Looking forward to seeing your next video.
Aloha from Honolulu, Hawaii. Mahalo Ed
Great series!! I have the Speaker's Corner version of Mingus's "Tijuana Moods." Fantastic album and *excellent* pressing.
I have the Speakers Corner reissue of "Horses" and I wholeheartedly agree. It's a terrific product.
Nice idea for a series Michael (now officially recognised as "TH-cam Sensation"). I agree, the jury is still out with Craft. There is need for an action plan to steady the ship. Pure Pleasure and Speakers Corner turn out some excellent recordings at very reasonable prices. Both well organised with production and shipping.
Worth checking out The Absolute Sound TAS List for highly regarded recordings.
Good to see you Michael..looking forward to this
#1 - Classic Records. We all know the Jazz, Classic Rock albums but the RCA Living Stereo (especially the CSO Fritz Reiner, violinist J Heifetz recordings) reissues started in 1994 meant so much to classical music lovers.
You beat me to the punch Michael, I had the very same idea of doing a video like this !! Great video and keen to see who makes your top 10 (as long as it's not ERC !!!!). Personally, I'm a huge fan of Analogue Productions and Blue Note with what they've done recently, Good to see Pure Pleasure in there, I have a few PPs and they are very very good.
I highly recommend a record that was put out on Pure Pleasure which is OOP now but copies can still be had at a reasonable price. That is Neil Ardley's Kaleidoscope of Rainbows. This originally came out on Decca in the 70s. It's a fusion of composed and improvised jazz, featuring many of the top London jazz/rock musicians of the time. I bought this Decca LP when it first came out and it remains a favorite record (along with its follow-up, Harmony of the Spheres). The Pure Pleasure 2x45lp edition takes the already excellent sound up a notch. I think you'd love it!
thx for Sharing
It's gonna be interesting to see where MOFi gets placed on the list. To be honest, nowadays I would not put them in the top 3 when it comes to sound (not counting the one steps, which I've never heard). For me, Analogue Productions is the clear winner, great sounds, great jackets (except for the Ella & Louis, Oscar Peterson Se Hey Requests and some others), great pressing, and very importantly, a nice number of in print releases, something that not many other labels can say. I love Music Matters, but that's a non existant label these days, since you can't really get their releases without paying exorbitant amounts of money.
I am happy that ORG is repressing some of their older albums now. There were a couple of the Coltranes I missed out on in the first run. Speakers Corner is really a blessing. They've put out a lot of quality Jazz and Classical Reissues. Now I can't wait to see where the list goes from here.
Thanks for the video. I have a few speakers corner releases. Toto IV is one of my favorites.
Great seeing you in the middle of the legends, well deserved too. Welcome back :) .
Pure Pleasure is the most interesting label to me right now. I've been buying some of the Strata East and CTI releases and they've all been fantastic. Anyone that enjoys the early 70s soul/funk/jazz/fusion sound should get to their website and fill your boots! Two big recommendations: Freddie Hubbard First Light for a CTI example and the newly released Charles Rouse Two Is One on Strata East - both beautiful, superb records.
PP have been doing a great job with Strata-East and they are about to do the samee with Nimbus West (so lots of lovely Horace Tapscott on the horizon)
This video got me looking at their websites. Thanks again!
There are many great lithographers in Germany! Stoughton runs Heidelberg presses btw....
would like to see your top 20 (or more) covers list
Great stuff michael! I look forward to the next installment
Speakers Corner does a great variety of stuff, their version of "Jazz" by Ry Cooder is amazeballs.
Great interesting video -looking forward to continuation! Do you know if there ever was audiophile editions of Radio Ethiopia and Easter by Patti Smith group ?
Michael great subject matter.
Great idea Michael. I am struggling to think of 10 labels left to go. I can only think of 8. For Pure Pleasure get the Art Pepper Box Set if you haven’t already - world class music and presentation. I have around 80 PP titles I will think of some more really good ones to recommend. I am interested in your criteria for an audiophile label. I think they have to be standalone and not affiliated with a major label, use the best pressing plants and best mastering engineers and in most cases should be AAA. I’m looking forward to your top ten.
cool the Art Pepper Sounds really tempting James
Excellent subject Michael, really looking forward to this idea developing. One thing I disagree about, the Speakers Corner Patti Smith I found to be disappointing, maybe the original recording wasn’t good but I don’t see a lot of improvement over the original. Thank you as always for taking the time and looking forward to the Bernie Grundman interview.
I really enjoy the Speaker Corner records I own, but I always feel they're not in the same league when it comes to sound/physical products as the most recent Analogue Productions, Tone Poets, Sam Records, Impex or Music Matters. On the other hand, they do offer a diverse catalogue, I just have doubts about their sources.
I have a few SC releases and the Speakers Corner version of Lou Reed’s Transformer is quite superb. As is my SC version of Coltrane’s Love Supreme
Great idea for a video series. Can’t wait for more. You’re killing it Michael. Please be my best friend. 😜
I can second Pure Pleasure Records, their quality so far, for me at least, has been wonderful. When you take into account their price point, I really don't know how they do it. My 1st and still favourite release from them is John Lewis Grand Encounter: 2 Degrees East - 3 Degrees West. I have found no better record for a sunny Sunday afternoon in the back garden. With regard to Craft, again I can't fault them, I got lucky with Eastern Sounds and managed to order it, it arrived here in the UK nearly three weeks ago without a hitch and sounds marvelous. Vinyl, sleeve, box and all packaging is top class. Speakers Corner is another label I too look out for. As well as Transformer (which I picked up after watching one of your previous videos), Ian Dury - New Boots And Panties !! and Count Basie And The Kansas City 7 are also really nice listens.
Dear Michael, wonderful video as usual
I agree with you completely but I had a constant annoying issue with speakers corner, they sound fantastic but almost all of their pressings have annoying loud clicks and pops, I have 25+ records, no matter how much I clean them, I don’t have these issues with any other label. and these were bought from different sources, acousticsounds, elusive disc, pure pleasures etc. I play them on a decent turntable rega p10 +apheta 3 MC . Has anybody noticed the same.
hmm i can not confirm this problem Nabeel .. strange....
Yes Michael I find it strange too, it’s the only label which had this issue in my collection. Could it just be bad luck with 25 different records ? I like their classical reissues especially the Ansermet recordings on DECCA, which sound fantastic, but ruined by the loud pops and clicks.
Comments: Pure Pleasure - I have one but it’s still waiting to be listened to; Craft - beautiful looking jackets, they really shine, I love the Leon Spencer one they did for VMP (don’t get me started on Eastern Sounds. I don’t think the package is lost, just delayed but the entire process needs to be rethought); Speakers Corner - I have Tobacco Road by Brother Jack McDuff, which is terrific but it did have a couple of ticks or pops.
Oh, I should also add that I have that turn of a friendly card. And although I never quite loved the softer pop oriented APP, the accentuated upper mids and highs, without losing bass impact, greatly enhance that record.
Received my copy of the Tone Poet edition of Dexter Gordon's "One Flight Up." A nice step up in pressing quality from the 2015 Blue Note release.
Music: A+ (IMO, as good a it gets.)
Cover/packaging: A (glossy gatefold cover, nice inner sleeve)
Audio/pressing quality: A- (a bit of surface noise and lack of audio "wow" factor in terms of detail and presence make it a very nice pressing, but not elite.)
Love the ranking videos and especially this topic! Classic has to be #1, beyond that I'm very curious whether MFSL or AP will be higher. Also, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on other labels that press analog records like Rhino, but may not be considered an "audiophile label".
The Speakers corner Decca classical reissues are also fantastic.
Agreed, fabulous releases!
First of all how did You Enjoy doing that Miles Davis thing on May 8th 2021 and Speaking with some of the biggest people in the Industry and as usual You have An Awesome Channel
Pheeew that was quite something... although I could not contribute much :-)
@@Michael45RPM just being in the room would have been Great for me
You did well
Thank you for this list!
I have the alan parsons project turn of a friendly card as well but i think sometimes it is a bit to bright in some passages. Also i think there is only this album and eye in the sky by speakers corner, i would really like to see the rest of his catalog as a hifi version. Can you say something about the herbie hancock editions by speakers corner? Because they did crossings and sextant, which i would really like to have if they sound good. Thanks for this series, i think this is a good guide where and what to buy next😄
I do not have their Herbie Hancock editions
Crossing and Man-Child is Top Notch, Sextant was done by MoV and this sounds very good too. I did not see Speakers Corner did a Sextant Release. Maybe I missed it.
@@louiscyphre2555 oh yes you're right, sextant was only remastered by MoV. Anyhow i really like MoV, never had an issue with the record itself, they really do good pressings. I really like what they did with the jimi hendrix series and the remaster from the analog tapes. Thanks for the review, crossings was an album that i had to get into, sometimes way to psychic for me haha
No VOD, Transversales Disques, Black Sweat, WTWTFWW, Hallow Ground, Trunk, Finders Keepers, Dark Entries, Superior Viaduct, Unseesn Worlds, Recollection GRM, Left Ear Records, Die Schachtel, Sub Rosa, Aguirre, Blume, SouffleContinu, Bureau B, Soave, etc ? Michael ! 😉
i get you Stunti but i do Not consider them Audiophile, With one exception
@@Michael45RPM yes I was cheeky, of course, but not completely, since this again shows how subjective audiophile still can be.
Hi Michael, I was wondering if you have any Stockfisch records and what you thing of them?.
He Michael, would you agree Speakers Corner probably make the worst jacket/cover amongst them audiophile labels? the artwork always seem soft and out of focus, but their sound quality is amazing! I hope they will improve that dept. over time.
Pure pleasure will release Ornette Coleman's The Shape Of Jazz To me and it is already sold out on their website.
You mean Speakers Corner. And its not sold out as far as I can see.
@@leon9021 Thank you for the information! Maybe it is sold out just on pure pleasure's website. Just check acoustic sounds website, it's still available for pre-order.
I wish I had gotten the Beano Speakers Corner when I could..
I would have definitely put swapped Craft and Pure Pleasure. I love Pure Pleasure. I have a number of their releases, so great! I haven't experienced any problems with their releases and they have so many titles to choose from. I would say Pure Pleasure and Speakers Corner are on the same level.
I agree with you. Pure Pleasure has a vast catalogue and are more conistent than Craft, which really is hit and miss. One big issue with Craft is their tendancy to choose the wrong pressing plant. Killer masterings by the excellent Jeff Powell messed up by noisy pressings in several cases unfortunately.
Pure Pleasure are based not far away from me in South London, and have been putting out great stuff for years. I have been buying from them for at least a decade. Their reissues of Strata-East and Nimbus West recordings (Charles Tolliver especially) are absolutely top-notch. PP and Speakers Corner have a very close relationship here in the UK, you can order SC and PP records direct from the Pure Pleasure website.
@@esethevooduupeopleofficial7699 Oh, wow! I didn't know they were linked. That's very cool!
My tastes are very different, but I have a few speakers corner releases. The vangelis heaven and hell is what that album is supposed to sound like. Synth dominated music is typically eq’d completely wrong. It needs all the growling and grinding of the various waveforms. But analog synths cover a huge frequency range. And it is too easy to dull the instruments resulting in a dull master. I don’t know if speakers corner folks include a bunch of German electronica fans. But whoever mastered heaven and hell totally gets the focus.
I think craft are a fantastic company. Up there for me.
Michael,
I have a lot of stuff on Craft (not the one-steps though). A really sensational release you should get is the Kevin Gray cut of Abbey Lincoln's "ABBEY IS BLUE" , the landmark Riverside album from 1959, which is out in a week or so. It is done to the standard of the Chet Bakers, but is musically better IMO (I think it is one of the two or three greatest jazz vocal albums ever made). The sound is just superb, and the production by Bob Grauer and Orrin Keepnews exceptional. - Kevin
Totally agree, it's a classic and so brilliantly recorded!
Nice Video Michael - thank you. Just to note that Speakers Corner don't need to go to the US to find a better printer for the Jackets. I have bought some beauties from Deutsche Grammophon recently. Much better quality than those Stoughton jackets that crease badly inside the gate fold [Tone Poet series] and the glossy stock they use doesn't feel as beautiful to handle as good quality uncoated stocks used by labels like Erased Tapes & DG. I know you keep your records inside plastic liners so perhaps the tactile quality of the covers is not so important for you?
I get you. Some Jackets have such a beautiful texture, that it hurts to put them into plastic sleeves ....
@@Michael45RPM Yes I'd prefer to feel the jacket. I know how much time the designer spent choosing just the right stock.
My record collection isn't a financial investment. They are for me [and my family] to enjoy, so yes they age a bit over time - but that's all part of the experience of living with and enjoying records. I don't keep the plastic covers on my furniture either!
Do you know who is printing the DG reissues?
@@andysmusicden I just looked at some I bought recently from GM [Max Richter, Balmorhea, Roger & Brian Eno, Ludovico Einaudi] but I can't find any print credits. Sorry. Perhaps if you contacted GM directly they could tell you?
Wondering if you have al green gets next to you on pure pleasure and if so your thoughts on the pressing. Keep up the wonderful work Michael and congratulations on being part of the forum yesterday.
What are YOUR thoughts on Gets next to You? It is one of my fave AG records and I have an original Hi pressing?
I love this album but I do not have an analog copy. I have four original lps but not his big three albums.so many great songs on this one. I can’t get next to you, tired of being alone, I’m a ram, driving wheel,right now right now, all because.
Pure Pleasure is a great label. Not quite as consistent as Speakers Corner in my view and with similar quality jackets. They are I think a level below Analogue Productions but at the price they can be excellent value. A few Pure Pleasure releases I've enjoyed: Neil Ardley - Kaleidoscope of Rainbows, Picture of Heath (with Chet Baker & Art Pepper), Buck Clayton - How Hi the Fi, Nat King Cole - After Midnight, Richard Holmes & Gene Ammons - Groovin' with Jug, John Lewis, etc. - Grand Encounter, Abbey Lincoln - Straight Ahead, Charles Mingus - Mingus Dynasty, Presents, Newport Rebels, Max Roach - We Insist, Sonny Rollins - What's New, Ben Webster - Atmosphere for Lovers and Thieves. And in blues the Chicago the Blues Today box set.
Great videos. Anyone told you, you look like Metallica singer?
no Not up to now
👌🎶
I had to go through three copies of Donny Hathaway before I had a copy with no issues (speakers corner)
I know where this is going. Analogue Productions #1
We will see .....
Pure Pleasure did a Jazz Messenger album with Horace Silver which was awesome but Duke Ellington, Ellington’s Masterpiece is not so good compared to Analogue Productions 45rpm version.
Oh, and though they aren't positioned as an audiophile label I'd also give a shout to ECM records.
Pure Pleasure … mixed feelings. I have yet to hear a record that’s truly outstanding. There are many good records, many so-so and a few that are just myeh. Just picked up a double album of Sarah Vaughan that’s great musically, but not so great sonically. Don’t know who remastered it, there’s entirely too much treble… oh well.
I agree on PP. I have gotten rid of the handful of their titles I bought. I never listened to them because they didn't sound all that great. Would rather spend a bit more to have a much-better sounding issue. Perhaps the titles I chose weren't their top releases, though.
Whats was the label for the the first section at # 14? Perhaps add some links.
I love your shelves. Can you talk about them in a future video? Where you got them?
When i do the roomtour rf
I am going to digress. When Cratf nails it (as with their Johnnie Taylor, Chet Baker or Delaney & Bonnie reissues) or what Speakers Corner or Pure Pleasure deliver, as the Classic Series from Blue Note is just what should be the bare minimum of the reissues. There's no reason we should put up with less. Then there should be its place for ultra high quality such as UHQR and one steps and all the rest. To see Rhino, etc, hit and miss all the time is a shame
pure pleasure should've made it higher in the ranking...
Michael has a little sunburn from hanging out for 2 hrs with the big stars yesterday :)
Er...that would be moonburn if he was hanging out with the stars (LOL)
Deceived of CarlySimon from speakers corner as a poor vynil quality ……so much scratch’s……too bad