That has to be the best decorated Christmas tree I've ever seen wow! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year have a good one. Keep the shows coming in 2024 cheers.
Nice video. My favorite was buying the Now and Then 7 inch single. I didn't buy much vinyl this year. I attended 6 concerts in 2023. Sting, Crowed House, Blondie, Squeeze, Duran Duran and John Mellencamp. It's fun to reflect on the fun we had in 2023.
Regarding the Red Album, I absolutely love it. I've been playing it non stop and I've been around since the Beatles were on the go. I do find some tracks better than others of course. But I've found on my smaller stereo "I am the Walrus" does sound flat (it sounds like the phase is reversed). But on my high end setup it sounds fine. I don't mind the ending one bit. I also LOVE "Magical Mystery Tour" as it's massive sounding now. Likewise "Norwegian Wood" - being able to hear ALL the bass notes now makes the song much, much better and fuller. I generally like the improvement of proper stereo for most of the earliest tracks, but the Rubber Soul tracks are fantastic. I seriously hope there's an imminent remaster of that album, as it's one of my favourites. All in all I think Giles did a fabulous job. I guess I don't fear change ;)
I agree that the songs from Rubber Soul sound very promising. I would assume we will get that remix next year. ♥️ That's something great to look forward to. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
,,,,,happy holidays,,,Mrs,Melinda,,,...tnx for a year of vinyl education,,and what to look for out garage saling....!😮,,,very helpfull channel to watch,,,peace-out!!..pat,land o' lakes,wi.
Hi Melinda, I don't have any comment on today's subject matter. Just wanted to say I've been subscribed to your channel from the early days and enjoy it very much. Thanks! I've been collecting for a lot longer than you and you've surpassed me by miles in knowledge and technical sound awareness. Thanks for sharing again.
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I'm honored that you have been watching for all of this time. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Take care.
That tree!!!! Great picks…. Happy holidays and here’s to 2024, more vinyl and perhaps (hopefully) more interesting and less obvious reissues. There’s a veritable mountain of gems waiting to be rediscovered.
Very good year in review, I am posting mine early next week, so many awesome new records released in 2023 it was a good year, hope you are having a great Christmas season, we have been listening to that Ray Charles "The Spirt of Christmas" a lot, Thank you so much for that, hope that you and yours have a Very Merry Christmas!
The Mobile Fidelity Greetings From Asbury Park release blew me away! Lost in Flood is amazing!I picked this up because of your recommendation! Thanks so much Melinda! Another terrific video!
Okay Melinda, this may be a shocker but none of my favorite records were shown, can you believe that lol. Nice list, you love your jazz. I have steered away from it this year and became focused more on the new music. We each have our happy spots. 10 years from now you will still have these wonderful classics and I may be wondering what the heck was I thinking lol
I think you will be happy with your choices 10 years from now. I love that you are buying the original copies of great records and you are taking chances with new music. That's why I love your channel - you help me hear something new every week. I also enjoy the occasional cat bite. Lol. The pictures of the grandson steal the show though. ♥️ Merry Christmas! ♥️🤗🎄
Thanks for the great video! I'd like to add a cheer for an Atlantic 75th release that emanated from Vinyl Me, Please. John Prine's 1973 album 'Sweet Revenge' was released in November, and knowing of your love of Dylan, I suspect that you would love this one. Hope I'm not sending you down the very deep John Prine rabbit hole! Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the suggestion. I really haven't listened to John Prine. It's probably one of those deals where I have heard him, I just didn't know it was him. Lol. If he's like Dylan, I will love him. ♥️ Thank you! Merry Christmas! 🎄🤗♥️
Happy Holidays Melinda. 2023 was a great year for new music releases. The Stones was off the charts, along with Now and than by the Beatles. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Dirty on my Diamonds 💎 is so worth a listen. My big winner was Charley Crockett Live at the Ryman. Years from now it will be considered one of the greatest live albums ever
It was a great year for music. I need to check out the Kenny Wayne Shepard release. He opened for Van Halen back on 2015 and I was very impressed. My husband really likes him too. I'll have to check out Charley Crockett. Thank you and take care.
Wonderful video! I'm one of those who's been shouting the praises of the Aja UHQR. Fun fact: not long ago in an old fashioned soda fountain, I had a black cow. Having heard that song for 40 years, never had a clue what it actually was, but apparently just a root beer float with chocolate syrup. 🙂
That's hilarious. 😄 I agree that the UHQR is wonderful. I had heard so much about it that there was no way it was going to live up to my expectations. Thank you and take care.
Nice "year in review" M!! Great stuff as always. Agree with you on the Andrew Hill. That was a great one. It is hard to keep up with trying to get all those. So many great pieces you showed here that I can't comment on them all. Btw...is that Audiophile style Christmas tree? LOL
Thank you! There are so many jazz records I wasn't able to pick up. We have so many choices. I'm glad I picked up the Andrew Hill title. ♥️😃 Happy Holidays!
Hi Melinda & Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ! - I just received my 4 LP reissue of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway by Genesis & it's an awesome 👌 early gift ! Exciting that The Rolling Stones & Beatles both are still generating so much excitement in late 2023. Got to see The Cure live twice this year but awaiting ( no longer patiently) the new album in 2024 ! See Ya 😊
I'm so glad the Genesis album is being so well received. ♥️ That's awesome! It's great to see The Beatles and The Stones in the spotlight with new music again. Thank you and take care.
nice i saw the lamb last month cure i watched a few videos here and there saw twice thats cool.only time i saw the band was dis. tour must have been 86 great show
Cheers and Jeers! I think that was “People “ magazine that always had that. I always used to pick up the end of year special edition. Plus I think they would have a tv special too for it. The Red and Blue Beatles is what I want to pick up, but we’ll see. I had to buy some new releases on cd this year because of cost. That’s my “jeers”. “It looks like someone spilled mustard all over the record!” 😂That was classic. Fun episode Melinda. Thanks for the end of year edition. Have a great week! Gary
I think you're right! As a little girl, we would spend the night at my cousin's house for Christmas Eve. She was a hairdresser so we would grab her magazines before heading to bed. We looked through a lot of People magazines. 🤗 Thanks for the reminder. 🤗♥️ Take care. 🎄
Wonderful video, Melinda. Looks like 2023 was another wonderful year for you, music-wise. Thanks for sharing your musical journey along the way again this year. I see you also picked up a pair of Andrew Jones SourcePoint speakers along the way. Hopefully those beauties are adding lots of "Cheers" and no "Jeers" toward your listening pleasure these days. Merry Christmas!
Fantastic video! I was amazed that you did not mention the Van Halen/Hagar Box Set Collection II that finally just got reissued. Happy spinning and Happy Holidays!
It was definitely considered. My feelings on it are mixed. Some of the records in that box beat the originals and some do not. It's a good box set and I'm glad it is now available but I wish it could have been even better. Thank you and take care.
Lots of great records! I would love to get those reissues of the Meters, but so many records that I’ve been thinking about. I like your Christmas tree! Have a beautiful holiday season!
I really liked the video and of course I am happy with the Stones mono box but I am very happy with the Japanese Budokan 8 LP box. I have got box of springsteen at a good price volume 1, the only thing missing is the born to run which I bought separately The 7 versions Hackney Diamonds and box of tina turner and brussels affeir red vinyl Japanese edition of the stones. Thank you for these wonderful videos and happy holidays to you. and your family
I really would have loved that Japanese Budokan box set too. If only it would have come at a different time of the year. I was already buying Christmas presents. I will no doubt regret that. ♥️ The Springsteen box gets great reviews. You got some real gems this year and I hope you treasure them for years to come. Thank you and Happy Holidays. ♥️🎄🤗
Thank You For hard work! The Red and Blue Beatles, I got cause I had to, as a BeatleNik, I have it but when it comes to listen, I'll probaly go to the old standards! I usually listen to their entire albums Merry Christmas! Your Tree looks great!
Hi! The stands are the ones that were built for the MoFi Sourcepoint 10 speakers. If you look up the speakers, you will find the stands. 😃 Thank you and take care.
Great video again Melinda. I love the new remix of the red and blue one! I don't understand why people complain about I Am The Walrus, i think it sounds wonderful and only the last minute sounds different! If you like the old mix you can still listen to it! Have a wonderful Christmastime and a happy new year
I was thinking. Since it’s Christmas. I thought…maybe you could do a video on your favorite Christmas albums. The ones you like the most and the ones that you think sound the best. I personally could do a hour video on Christmas albums. I’m been collecting for years. I just ordered the Brenda Lee Christmas album. I just played Glen Campbells That Christmas Feeling from 1968 and it sounds so good. Anyway Merry Christmas Happy New Year. Have a blessed holiday season 🎉.
A few years ago, I made a video showing my favorite Christmas songs by famous artists. The video didn't have a lot of interest but is still up if you're interested. You will have to go back three years. Thank you and take care.
Love the box sets I have the van Halen live on CD bought it for a dollar. Love the Christmas tree hope you guys have a merry Christmas, thank you for all the videos one of the best youtubers out there God bless. 🤗🎄
Great Job as always Malinda. I found the Coltrane to be top three of the UHQR series for 2023. In my opinion Aja was #1 with the 45 Miles Davis Kind of Blue taking the second spot. Thank you for your work Happy Holidays beautiful tree!
Thanks for your past review on the 'Hotel California' one step; I picked it up and it is amazing. I'm loving the Beatles Red & Blue as well, although it's not perfect -some of the songs still sound better in mono. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hiya Melinda. Love the jumper. Looks a bit like a Faroese Islander design 🇫🇴 You’re the first one I’ve seen since, Alan (?) and me, to show a Rolling Stones MLB edition. Mine is the Colorado Rockies. Bet that one is rare in Europe. So many amazing records you show. And such quality! All that Jazz I’m not even close to getting! Hey, but I got a whale I wanted for 12 years today! 😊
@@MelindaMurphy Yes, baseball fans are rare enough in of itself here, ha ha. I posted the unboxing a couplemof hours ago, couldn’t wait, 12 years! It is the 2011 Super Deluxe Edition of The Who’s Quadrophenia 😊
Hi again. I love the Aja UHQR and Bruce MoFi new releases, hope for more Bruce as well. Also love Hackney Diamonds, but the LA Dodgers variant is the best. Also purchased Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow recently which is a great one, and some Fiona Apple reissues. RSD I picked up Gram Parsons, Linkin Park Demos, The Doors, and a few others. I think my favorite jazz purchase was Cannonball Adderley in Chicago-Verve Acoustic Sounds Series. Thanks for the fun video once again.
You picked up some terrific records. I'm glad the Sheryl Crow album finally got a proper reissue. I have been curious about the Gram Parsons RSD release. How is it? Let's hope the Bruce MoFi's keep on coming. 😄 Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy The Gram Parsons is definitely worth getting if you are a fan, or even as an introduction to his music. And having Emmylou Harris singing with him is always a plus, I love her voice. I’d say get it if you are on the fence and let us know what you think. 🤪
My favorite Tone Poet (so far) is the Chet Baker reissue, it lives up to the hype! That being said, I have seven Grant Green Tone poets, I love jazz guitar, and his "I want to hold your hand" is due this weekend, can't wait! Great video, as always and Merry Christmas!
The tree looks great! I picked up the Beatles blue release but have not listened to it yet. I don't get too picky about remixes because I see them as just an addition to the catalog and not a replacement so if I don't like some of them that's ok. Which Miles Davis are you missing? I only have one Mofi Davis and it's ON THE CORNER and it's fantastic. I love that record so much I practically have it memorized and when I first spun the Mofi I heard so many new things I was blown away! What a record! Great video and take care!
On The Corner is an amazing release and I really like all of the Miles Davis MoFi releases. I am missing Four & More. If that gets a repress, I will scoop it up. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Great video ! I'm aligned with you on several of these. Hackney Diamonds, find my self going to it often. Same goes for the Hotel CA One-Step. The sound quality is top tier, lately been playing the The Last Resort a lot. Furthermore, glad to see how you feel about the UHQR AJA. It's my go to copy of AJA. While it is excellent, my reaction is not like so many others in the vinyl community. Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas Melinda! Love the show!! ❤️ 2023 was a pretty good year for me as well. I got my first UHQR & Mo-Fi Fidelity records ever this year! I got the Elephant UHQR & Van Halen Mo-Fi. By the way, you have a beautiful Christmas tree! ❤️🤘🏻
Thank you for the kind compliment. ♥️🤗 Those are two great audiophile records. Elephant was definitely worthy of being included in the video but I have been singing its praises quite often in previous videos. Same for VH as I just reviewed it last week. I hope you continue to enjoy both. Merry Christmas! ♥️🎄
Because of my limited vinyl budget I had to go for the red and blue reissue albums on CD. Sure I could have waited to save my pennies to the the vinyl copies but I wanted to hear them now. Even on CD they sound phenomenal. Also I do not have to flip the albums over to play the other side as well. Glad to see so much of their early period music to be finally released as remastered in the red album because the spotlight is often on their later period music. Glad to see your a lover of Jazz music.
The problem with the CD releases is that they are way over compressed. Somebody did a waveform comparison of them and wow, what a huge and obvious difference between the vinyl and the CDs. The vinyl is considerably more dynamic.
When I think back to all of your videos in 2023, it struck me just how much ground you've covered. Some of he artists you mentioned in this video leave me cold. 😜 That's okay, because I have some highlights in my vinyl acquisitions this year too. The very best 33 1/3 rpm records released this year are the all analogue Craft Recordings Bill Evans Waltz for Debby and Sunday at the Village Vanguard. Sunday at the Village Vanguard is truly great. When I heard that record for the first time, it sounded like being in a jazz club I used to frequent when I lived in the Silicon Valley. When you get a record to sound that good, you know that you really have something. Coltrane's A Love Supreme UHQR is a great version of the album from AP/QRP. 😻 It is everything that I hoped it would be. It sounds better than AP/QRP's 45 rpm version mastered from the master tapes years ago. Everything that comes with this UHQR makes it a true celebration of the greatest jazz album of all time. Another highlight in 2023 was the Craft Recordings release of The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall album set. This album is a must have for any serious jazz collector, since this concert showcases some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. 👍👍👍👍👍 The joy of new releases in 2023 isn't over yet. Larkin Poe is issuing a vinyl EP of acoustic versions of some of their songs on their most recent Blood Harmony album. It just shipped. That is very likely to be a gem for Larkin Poe fans like me. 😻
Thank you for sharing your favorite releases. The Bill Evans records are getting great reviews and I would have bought them immediately if I didn't already have the AP Bill Evans box set. I'm trying to quit buying duplicates. Hopefully, OJC will continue to put out releases I don't already have. It's a great label. I will have to listen to the Hot House box set. The musicians are stellar. How could it go wrong with Kevin Gray and those jazz players? 🥰 I hope you enjoy the Larkin Poe record. Thank you and take care. ♥️🎄🤗
Yes, Craft Recordings are excellent. Trust me, the BET's OJC's are so good that I'd make an exception for one or both of the albums. You don't have to flip 33's as much and you have less wear on your 45 by alternating. Hot House has master takes, alternates, and bass overdubs (Mingus recorded bass tracks to improve the original recordings). You can hear the album on YT. Thank you and you take care too. I'll see you on the flip side. 🎄👍💖🎸😎 @@MelindaMurphy
Great video. I totally agree with your comments on AJA , UHQR edition. It sounds good but not great. I have a few other albums , some UHQR's and other labels which sound better to my ears. And before someone gets on my case, I have a decent HiFi set up. Also I am very selective about buying live albums. I saw mixed reviews on the sound quality for the live Grant Green so gave it a hard pass. Happy Christmas.
Unlike you, I had pre-ordered the Grant Green album. I wish I had waited. Aja does sound very good but I think so many people raced about it that my expectations were way too high. Like you, there are other UHQR'S that stand out more for me. Elephant is excellent and deserves the high praise. Thank you and take care.
Greetings from England, The Steely Dan Pretzel Logic is fine but for the price of it I'm afraid it's a failure. If it was $40 I don't think there would be many complaints. Great content, have a great Xmas Melinda!
I hear you with Pretzel Logic . I’m in the minority ..I totally love it and it’s worth the money to me . Mostly because I would pay the UHQR money for those songs . It’s my favourite S.D record
The Red & Blue Beatles LPS sound phenomenal - like we are sitting in Studio 2 Abbey Road - Giles Martin has developed skills on audio beyond any expectations - His Dad would be proud and I love the new version of "I Am The Walrus" great job on that! - Aja Steely Dan I have the original 1977 ABC issue mastered by Bernie Grundman another one of my heroes so I passed on all reissues - Great Video Melinda❤See you next week!
You have an excellent copy of Aja. The original sounds terrific. I'm delighted to hear your love for Giles Martin and the remixes. For the most part, he has done a great job and no doubt his dad would be proud. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
Hi Melinda, fun video thank you! Cheers - ‘Now and Then’ by the Beatles. Jeers - blooming awful cover art to ‘Now and Then’, an absolutely appalling presentation of this final great Beatles song. But the fact that 2023 saw great new music from the Beatles and the Stones makes it legendary and I can hardly believe I’m typing this sentence! Best wishes to you and your husband for the holiday season, thanks for another year of entertaining videos and merry Christmas from London
Yes, the Now and Then album cover was a huge head scratcher. That was a misstep. 🫢 It was a great year to have new music from The Beatles & The Stones. Thank you and take care.
Good video, as always! I have a few MOFI, all of which I bought used. This week I got CSN and Paul Simon, Still Crazy on the new MOFI 45 rpm set. Wow is all I can say. Exceptionally quiet, deep dynamic sound and just amazing. The packaging is great too. I don't like spending that much on an album, but it sure does sound sweet! I'm sure your new MOFIs are equally as good. And, now I'm looking at the reissue Phil Collins. Happy Holiday!
The One Steps aren't cheap but they do sound great and the packaging makes them feel special. ♥️ I enjoy them as well. The Phil Collins "Face Value" album by Analog Productions is wonderful as well. Thank you and take care.
Ah ! Received my Andrew Hill yesterday and gave it a spin a few hours ago. Didn't know anything about it but had the chance to buy it more than half price, so I trusted the Tone Poet Series and oh my, what an incredible album ! Sound quality is superb, the playing is fantastic. The only flaw but maybe I'm picky is as the record what not issued until the 80's and the album cover was done for the 2004 edition, I found the font type a bit too anachronistic for a 1968 recording. But a gorgeous cover nevertheless, can't go wrong with Tone Poet !
I got one minute into your video and got an unskipable Ad two minutes later I got another unskipable Ad. Come on TH-cam WTH! I’ll come back later and try watch ur video again Melinda, Take care 👍🏻
@@MelindaMurphy You do have the choice Melinda of putting Ads at the beginning and end of your videos ONLY not during the video when u monetize them. I never put ads during my videos only at the start or end, nothing more annoying then ads popping up in the middle of someone speaking!
When it comes to cheers, I agree how it was awesome that they repressed those Miles Davis records! And I’m with you on that one step hotel California..soooo good. Oh! And my Van Halen one step came in today! Listened to it for the first time before I watched this video. I’ve never heard that album sound like that! Every instrument and vocal was in perfect unison, and I felt the drive and energy of every song. It felt like I was at a live concert! PS: Love the tree and Christmas sweater!
The Van Halen One Step is my favorite release of the year. It's fantastic!!! I'm so glad to hear you are happy with it as well. I would have included it in this video but I just discussed it last week. 😃♥️ Hotel California was also high on my list. Thank you for the kind compliments. Take care. ♥️🎄
I honestly don't know if I will get rid of the records that are jeers. I will give them more time before I decide. They were definitely disappointing. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
I got the Walmart version of A Love Supreme, and love it. It was under $20, mastered by Ryan K. Smith, and it sounds phenomenal. That said, I'm sure the UHQR version sounds better, so in your case it makes sense when the only version you have of an amazing LP is of the utmost quality. It just didn't make sense for me to get it when I have a cheap copy that sounds outstanding.
I don't have any personal cheers or jeers, but it's enjoyable to watch you go through yours. I did buy some records this year, but haven't played any. One of those is the James Guthrie remix of "The Wall;" hoping to get around to it soon.
@@MelindaMurphy Indeed...Peg With Micheal McDonald On Guest Vocals...Come On...And Those Melodies On Deacon Blues...I'm Back In 1977 At The Age Of 8 Years Old In Oklahoma Hearing That On A Quiet Weekday Afternoon~Whilst My Mother Was Napping[And I Suppose To Be Too...Wink Wink Nudge Nudge 😀😀]...Splendid Memories Indeed...I Finally Found A Copy Of It On CD At A Least Expected Place: Walgreens For $2.99 Several Years Ago...Back To The Title Track Which Featured Steve Gadd...He Was An Amazing Monster In Drums...
To be honest, this video was made before the VH One Step arrived but I decided that since I made a complete review video of the Van Halen One Step anyway, it didn't need to be repeated here. It's definitely the release of the year for me. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
MoFi definitely made the correct choice with those thinner boxes. They still give a “premium” and deluxe experience, while not unnecessarily having 1 album take up the same space as 6 albums on your shelf.
Some songs are just made for an audiophile pressing. Hotel California and In the Air Tonight come to mind. Guitar and drums and a good melody and lyrically interesting. Happy holidays! and Thanks for the video!
I love this question. It's a great topic. 😃 It's very hard for me to let go of originals but my new version sounds better and it's a common record. I have had a goal of streamlining my collection and that's one way to do it. My daughter gets the copies I let go of so they go to a good home. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
I always enjoy this collectors viewpoint, it is always so conversational and polite. In typical style, even her negative ratings were positive. That's very welcome by me, , so many are trapped into negativity, and additionally , it is a narrative style that gets clicks.
Happy holidays Melinda! I agree about Aja. I saw all the excitement for that record and for me it’s just…meh. Maybe if I was more of a Steely Dan lover I’d love it more but I agree that it is not the greatest sounding album. To me anyway. My excitement was Hotel California. To me that was an AMAZING record! It sounded fantastic and I’m extremely happy getting it. Another great album for me (cheers) was Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon. I paid a ton for that record. It sounded really great to me. Having said that however the DSOTM is a jeers for me because it’s such a massive box set that doesn’t even fit inside the shelves with all my albums. I have to lay it down on top of the shelf and it takes up a lot of space. Finally I was thrilled with The Beatles red and blue set. I’m still getting used to the differences from the original so for me it’s a cheers and jeers. I am very grateful, honored and blessed we did get a NEW Beatles record after all these years and for that it’s a cheers. Great video Melinda. I always look forward to all you share with us. Happy holidays to you and your family. PS. I apologize I haven’t been able to send out that item to you yet. I had to remember where I put it but I found them this week so I’ll be sending it out to you hopefully before next week. It’s nothing great just a little something I’d like you to have. Thanks again for all you do for us! You are very much appreciated. ❤️🤗 Debbie
That Pink Floyd box set looked amazing and was very large. I'm sure it takes up a lot of space but it's beautiful. The Aja UHQR is good but I was expecting it to blow me away. Lol. I have been enjoying the Beatles releases too. Don't worry. I know everyone is busy. Feel free to wait until after Christmas if you wish. I appreciate the thought that you want to send something. Thank you in advance. Take care and Merry Christmas. 🎄♥️
I’ve never gotten all the love for Aja. I actually think it’s the worst SD album. It’s always sounded good as well. The original was always considered an audiophile pressing. Still thinking about getting the Stones box. Just not sure I’ll listen to it. I just got the Grant Green 313, haven’t listened to it yet, but I’ve always found Third Man Pressing to be mediocre. Great video. Hope you and your family are good. If we don’t speak beforehand, Merry Christmas!!
Hi Steve! The Rolling Stones box is nice. They sound good - not mind blowing, but good. I like Aja but I really felll for the idea that the sound quality would blow me away which it didn't. Lol. My favorite SD album is Gaucho and I can't imagine how they will improve on the original that I have. Analogue Productions is capable of surprises though. I have been very disappointed with Third Man. These Blue Note records were not what they should have been. Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your family. ♥️🎄
Yes! They listened to their customers. I like the old and the new boxes but the new ones will take up less room. That will make a lot of people happy. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
Not to change the subject but I'm curious if you've ever listened to Michael Kiwanuka? I was thinking of his song "You Ain't The Problem" and I bet it would sound amazing on vinyl even on my modest system.
I agree with you the new Rolling Stones album, I’ve spun that many times since its release. Really like that one. The Eagles MoFi, that album is outstanding. Regarding The Beatles, I get that some might not like the new mixes, but the originals are still out there. I think these new mixes are just nice additions to the catalog. I have to say that another great pressing from this year is the Vinyl Me Please reissue of Elton John’s “Honky Chateau”. That one sounds amazing as well.
Wow!!! Excellent choice. I agree with you that Honky Chateau is incredible. I wish I had mentioned that in the video. Thank you for bringing that one to my attention again. Take care. 🤗♥️
I’ve bought 450 albums this year, lots of gems especially Grant Green Nigeria, however my favourite is the new Peter Gabriel album, the Brightside version, just so interesting blew me away.
Got it right: • Coltrane UHQR • Slight “meh” for UHQR Aja ( Yes very good but not as “magical” as a mint AB 1006 original or even the Cisco in my humble opinion and that of several others ) • Got it wrong: MOFI 1-Step Hotel California ( It is absolutely horrible! )
For some reason, there is no middle ground with Hotel California. The people that love it really love it and others really dislike it. We definitely agree on the Coltrane UHQR and it should have been a bigger hit and received more praise. Thank you and take care.
I love the MoFi Van Halen box set and gave my review for it last week. ♥️🤗 The Stones box set was a great release and gave everyone a second chance on having that box set. Thank you and take care.
Ahmad is a fine listening. I got crazy over this as I took 5x return to get a good copy (any damage you can think of had been deliverd) I experienced a difference in sound with the copies,. The one stayed with slightly warped but clearer than any of the others. Third man, what have you done? Pls check out the Emerald live double worth every Dollar. Cheers from Germany Klaus
I have been wanting that Emerald Live release for a long time. If it's still available after Christmas, I will pick it up. ♥️ It's a shame The Awakening was such a botched job. It's a fantastic album. Take care.
For me was buying the ERROR new double album by the Warning. A nice teal and cream/white record plus a huge poster. Great songs on this double album that rocks big time.
@@MelindaMurphy Check out their music if you haven't already and you know what I mean. Specially the concert live at teatro Metropolitan CDMX, I am sure you will enjoy it. It's here on YT.
Probably not the first Blue Note release that comes to mind but my favorite release this year was the Jack Wilson album Easterly Winds. Been a fan of Wilson for some time. Also enjoyed his playing on the album Katana which Blue Note released last year.
Though I buy CD's as opposed to vinyl, I'm always going to be biased toward most things Brian Jones-era Stones related and have to admit that mono box looks particularly tasty. As for the Red & Blue, I'm with the consensus that while the Blue is definitely flawed, it's the revamped clarity of those crucial, early Beatlemania-defining cuts on the Red album that are a major plus for me, even if I agree that the original I Saw Her Standing There and the incendiary Twist & Shout in mono will always possess a punchier, proto-punkish edge. Either way, time to give Ringo his due! And bring on the Rubber Soul remixes!
Unfortunately I can’t play my vinyl records now because of the fact that I have a broken receiver I need to buy a new receiver but I love buying vinyl records so that way when I do buy a new receiver I have some wonderful records to listen to which I think is great. shopping online is OK but there’s something wonderful about going into a record store and looking at CDs cassettes and vinyl the only cassette album I have a Smokey Robinson and the miracles 35th anniversary edition but I think it’s a fantastic album the red and blue I also love the revolver super deluxe box set I decided to go with the LP version because the fifth desk has only four songs I love getting all the music especially on CD there should be more songs than there are on the revolver super deluxe but hearing the remix revolver tracks for the first time was such a mind blower for me especially on yellow submarine and here there and everywhere where everything is so clear and brought up
I hope you are able to have that receiver fixed very soon. ♥️🤗 I love Smokey. He has one of the most beautiful voices of all time. Thank you and take care.
I'm pissed off today, as I've been waiting weeks for delivery of The Beatles red album on red vinyl along with a tshirt (which held the order up). I finally get it today after all, and I go to play it, and my amp packs up two songs in. Why do things always go wrong when you haven't got any money? This is going to be expensive - what great timing.
I'm so sorry. I agree that it does seem like everything hits at once. Life can be so hard. I hope that it works out and isn't too expensive. Best wishes to you. ♥️
First, all the best to you and the family for the holidays! I have the black/yellow "eclipse" pressing of 'Electric Byrd' that I picked up directly at Third Man--there is also a blue/white "eclipse" version that I think is only being sold direct by Blue Note. Both are limited to 313 copies. The neat thing about the black/yellow and blue/white is that they are, respectively, Third Man and Blue Note official colors. Sure I'd have preferred a slightly different style of black/yellow, but it does start conversations! The Grant Green 'Club Mozambique' won't sound all that good (similar to Lonnie Smith's Club Mozambique Blue Note album) as they were both recorded live here in Detroit in the early 70s, and obviously care wasn't taken when recording these albums. They function well as good historical "documents" if you will (and Lonnie Smith's performance is on fire, despite the mediocre recording), but they are not audio masterpieces. You knew I'd probably chime in on 'Aja.' My opinion is that it is good, but nowhere near $150 good. I have the early AB pressing and due to the tape being brand new back then, I hear more detail on that old pressing. What we ended up with in the UHQR is a beautifully pressed copy of a 46 year old COPY of the master tape. (And that's one thing about Analogue Productions that always bothered me--if Chad doesn't get the original tape, he finds a copy, rather than doing the right thing and not releasing it as a premium product.) I think the record is a landmark musically and have liked it for decades, but all the gushing about it being The Best Record Ever Made? I don't think so. (At least I can resell it in a few years for sick money. 😁) The same happened with Face Value. I think the 45 RPM sounds like mush (sorry) compared to the 1983 Virgin CD I imported from the UK back when CDs first came out. I was *so* looking forward to hearing a good LP pressing of the dynamics of Phil's drums on "In the Air Tonight" and was sadly disappointed, compared to what I am used to. Again, Chad went with a tape *copy* (this, a Dolby A copy of the original master), rather than passing on it and giving customers a good-sounding product. I wish you could hear this CD--the attack of those drums is so immediate and visceral that it made me jump out of my seat the first time I heard it. (Granted, it lacks the resolution of LP or high-res digital, but it still does so much more right than this 45 RPM version, again, due to it being from a proper master, *and* being only a couple of years old when the CD came out.) Other parts of the record sound OK but I hear some loss of definition and smearing in things like percussion and brass. Typical of a tape copy and Dolby A processing. We deserve better for $60. I had the prior vinyl reissue (with the "old Phil" cover) and it didn't impress me--kind of bright and edgy, and probably digitally sourced. The Atlantic 75 series does have some Genesis titles coming that were mastered from the original master tape and I'm looking forward to those. In fact, 'Selling England by the Pound' is en route to me now. (I skipped 'Hello, I Must Be Going' as it is similarly made from a Dolby A copy, IIRC--AP's site gives details on the sources now.) And I have others they've done in the past that are breathtaking. I just feel their output is hit or miss. And yes, Pretzel Logic does deserve a thumbs down, but that one is not the fault of Analogue Productions or Bernie Grundman. Going back to both an older CD (not the doctored-up version from the Citizen Steely Dan box set and subsequent CD reissues from those masterings) and a recent SACD, that's just the way the master tape sounds. It's muted, muffled, and kind of dead sounding, which is a shame as it has some good songs on it. I bought a handful of Blue Notes this year but unfortunately, only a couple were 2023 releases! (Electric Byrd, Cornbread.) But, I did get a couple of those Verve Acoustic Sounds Series titles and those sound superb (Stan Getz 'Jazz Samba,' Wes Montgomery 'Smokin at the Half Note,' Bill Evans 'Trio 64', and one or two others). The two new Bill Evans reissues of 'Waltz for Debby' and 'Sunday at the Village Vanguard' also sound excellent. Take care!
It definitely does start conversations. At the end of the day, the music is what matters. If I knew it was going to be this ugly, I wouldn't have paid extra. Lol. The UHQR's are so expensive, they have to be perfect. That puts a lot of pressure on AP but three records are top dollar and they have to be amazing. The Aja UHQR is very good and I'm happy with it. It just didn't live up to the hype. 🤗♥️ I was thrilled to pick up Cornbread and Electric Byrd. Thank you and take care.
Thank you for always being so cheerful with a smile on your face 😊
Awww! Thank you very much! 😃♥️
That has to be the best decorated Christmas tree I've ever seen wow! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year have a good one. Keep the shows coming in 2024 cheers.
Thank you so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ♥️🎄🤗
Nice video. My favorite was buying the Now and Then 7 inch single. I didn't buy much vinyl this year.
I attended 6 concerts in 2023. Sting, Crowed House, Blondie, Squeeze, Duran Duran and John Mellencamp.
It's fun to reflect on the fun we had in 2023.
Having a Beatles single was pretty amazing. ♥️🤗 It's fun to look back. I can't believe another year is almost over. Thank you and take care.
Regarding the Red Album, I absolutely love it. I've been playing it non stop and I've been around since the Beatles were on the go. I do find some tracks better than others of course. But I've found on my smaller stereo "I am the Walrus" does sound flat (it sounds like the phase is reversed). But on my high end setup it sounds fine. I don't mind the ending one bit.
I also LOVE "Magical Mystery Tour" as it's massive sounding now. Likewise "Norwegian Wood" - being able to hear ALL the bass notes now makes the song much, much better and fuller.
I generally like the improvement of proper stereo for most of the earliest tracks, but the Rubber Soul tracks are fantastic. I seriously hope there's an imminent remaster of that album, as it's one of my favourites.
All in all I think Giles did a fabulous job. I guess I don't fear change ;)
I agree that the songs from Rubber Soul sound very promising. I would assume we will get that remix next year. ♥️ That's something great to look forward to. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
Hi Melinda, enjoyed the video. Your Christmas tree is beautiful. Take care
Thank you so much! 🤗 Happy Holidays. 🎄♥️
Another terrific post. Thanks so much. Have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year, with lots of sensational music.
Thank you so much. Merry Christmas! 🤗♥️🎄
Thanks for another informative video Melinda.
Thank you very much! 🤗♥️
,,,,,happy holidays,,,Mrs,Melinda,,,...tnx for a year of vinyl education,,and what to look for out garage saling....!😮,,,very helpfull channel to watch,,,peace-out!!..pat,land o' lakes,wi.
Love your Christmas tree and good video too, happy holidays!
Thank you so much! Happy Holidays. ♥️🎄
Hi Melinda, I don't have any comment on today's subject matter. Just wanted to say I've been subscribed to your channel from the early days and enjoy it very much. Thanks! I've been collecting for a lot longer than you and you've surpassed me by miles in knowledge and technical sound awareness. Thanks for sharing again.
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I'm honored that you have been watching for all of this time. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Take care.
Thanks for the video! I enjoyed & appreciated your take on these records, as always. Have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much! 🤗♥️ Merry Christmas. 🎄
Splendid Christmas Tree...I Finally Completed Mine Yesterday...
Thank you! ♥️🤗
I have found myself playing Dance with Death quite a lot more than I thought I would. It’s fantastic. Happy holidays!
I agree. It was the surprise release of the year for me. 🤗 Thank you and take care.
That tree!!!! Great picks…. Happy holidays and here’s to 2024, more vinyl and perhaps (hopefully) more interesting and less obvious reissues. There’s a veritable mountain of gems waiting to be rediscovered.
Yes, I look forward to what 2024 has in store. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Enjoyed so much this video. Thanks for sharing :)
Thank you! I appreciate it. ♥️🤗
Very good year in review, I am posting mine early next week, so many awesome new records released in 2023 it was a good year, hope you are having a great Christmas season, we have been listening to that Ray Charles "The Spirt of Christmas" a lot, Thank you so much for that, hope that you and yours have a Very Merry Christmas!
We just listened to it last night. 😃 I'm glad you are enjoying it. Side 2 is perfect. ♥️ I look forward to your review. Merry Christmas. 🎄
The Mobile Fidelity Greetings From Asbury Park release blew me away! Lost in Flood is amazing!I picked this up because of your recommendation! Thanks so much Melinda! Another terrific video!
I'm so glad you enjoy it. I am looking forward to more Bruce Springsteen MoFi's. I hope we get many more. Thank you and take care.
Hey Melinda great setup \ upgrades. Another great album that will "shine" on your new setup is Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
Yes. That's a great record that sounds amazing. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
Okay Melinda, this may be a shocker but none of my favorite records were shown, can you believe that lol. Nice list, you love your jazz. I have steered away from it this year and became focused more on the new music. We each have our happy spots. 10 years from now you will still have these wonderful classics and I may be wondering what the heck was I thinking lol
I think you will be happy with your choices 10 years from now. I love that you are buying the original copies of great records and you are taking chances with new music. That's why I love your channel - you help me hear something new every week. I also enjoy the occasional cat bite. Lol. The pictures of the grandson steal the show though. ♥️ Merry Christmas! ♥️🤗🎄
Really fantastic to watch your recap of the best and worst. Great vid.
Thank you very much! 🤗♥️
Thanks for the great video! I'd like to add a cheer for an Atlantic 75th release that emanated from Vinyl Me, Please. John Prine's 1973 album 'Sweet Revenge' was released in November, and knowing of your love of Dylan, I suspect that you would love this one. Hope I'm not sending you down the very deep John Prine rabbit hole! Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the suggestion. I really haven't listened to John Prine. It's probably one of those deals where I have heard him, I just didn't know it was him. Lol. If he's like Dylan, I will love him. ♥️ Thank you! Merry Christmas! 🎄🤗♥️
Happy Holidays Melinda. 2023 was a great year for new music releases. The Stones was off the charts, along with Now and than by the Beatles. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Dirty on my Diamonds 💎 is so worth a listen. My big winner was Charley Crockett Live at the Ryman. Years from now it will be considered one of the greatest live albums ever
It was a great year for music. I need to check out the Kenny Wayne Shepard release. He opened for Van Halen back on 2015 and I was very impressed. My husband really likes him too. I'll have to check out Charley Crockett. Thank you and take care.
Wonderful video! I'm one of those who's been shouting the praises of the Aja UHQR. Fun fact: not long ago in an old fashioned soda fountain, I had a black cow. Having heard that song for 40 years, never had a clue what it actually was, but apparently just a root beer float with chocolate syrup. 🙂
That's hilarious. 😄 I agree that the UHQR is wonderful. I had heard so much about it that there was no way it was going to live up to my expectations. Thank you and take care.
Nice "year in review" M!! Great stuff as always. Agree with you on the Andrew Hill. That was a great one. It is hard to keep up with trying to get all those. So many great pieces you showed here that I can't comment on them all. Btw...is that Audiophile style Christmas tree? LOL
Thank you! There are so many jazz records I wasn't able to pick up. We have so many choices. I'm glad I picked up the Andrew Hill title. ♥️😃 Happy Holidays!
Hi Melinda & Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ! - I just received my 4 LP reissue of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway by Genesis & it's an awesome 👌 early gift ! Exciting that The Rolling Stones & Beatles both are still generating so much excitement in late 2023. Got to see The Cure live twice this year but awaiting ( no longer patiently) the new album in 2024 ! See Ya 😊
I'm so glad the Genesis album is being so well received. ♥️ That's awesome! It's great to see The Beatles and The Stones in the spotlight with new music again. Thank you and take care.
nice i saw the lamb last month cure i watched a few videos here and there saw twice thats cool.only time i saw the band was dis. tour must have been 86 great show
Nice one Melinda 👍🏼thanks for the shout out 😊
You're welcome. The Meters album was an excellent recommendation. Take care.
Cheers and Jeers! I think that was “People “ magazine that always had that. I always used to pick up the end of year special edition. Plus I think they would have a tv special too for it. The Red and Blue Beatles is what I want to pick up, but we’ll see. I had to buy some new releases on cd this year because of cost. That’s my “jeers”. “It looks like someone spilled mustard all over the record!” 😂That was classic. Fun episode Melinda. Thanks for the end of year edition. Have a great week!
Gary
I think you're right! As a little girl, we would spend the night at my cousin's house for Christmas Eve. She was a hairdresser so we would grab her magazines before heading to bed. We looked through a lot of People magazines. 🤗 Thanks for the reminder. 🤗♥️ Take care. 🎄
Wonderful video, Melinda. Looks like 2023 was another wonderful year for you, music-wise. Thanks for sharing your musical journey along the way again this year. I see you also picked up a pair of Andrew Jones SourcePoint speakers along the way. Hopefully those beauties are adding lots of "Cheers" and no "Jeers" toward your listening pleasure these days. Merry Christmas!
The MoFi Sourcepoint 10 speakers are definitely a cheer. ♥️ I did have an excellent year. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas. ♥️🎄
Fantastic video! I was amazed that you did not mention the Van Halen/Hagar Box Set Collection II that finally just got reissued. Happy spinning and Happy Holidays!
It was definitely considered. My feelings on it are mixed. Some of the records in that box beat the originals and some do not. It's a good box set and I'm glad it is now available but I wish it could have been even better. Thank you and take care.
Whoa Whoa Whoa, I spy a REL S/812??!!!! What a Subwoofer upgrade!! I know you gonna be doing an episode about that right?? You gotta!! Can’t wait!!😯🤘
Ssssshhhh! 🤫 Lol. Yes, a video is coming soon and I have two of them. Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy 🤐🤐🤐🤐
Awesome video Melinda! All great albums and I love your tree! It's looks beautiful. Hope all is well 😃♥
Thank you so much! We are doing great. Take care. ♥️
@@MelindaMurphy Great to hear! Thank you! 😃♥
Thanks for the vid! Always enjoyable to watch.
Thank you! 🤗♥️
Lots of great records! I would love to get those reissues of the Meters, but so many records that I’ve been thinking about. I like your Christmas tree! Have a beautiful holiday season!
So many records but too little money and space. Lol. I understand. The Meters releases are very good. Thank you! Happy Holidays! ♥️🤗🎄
I really liked the video and of course I am happy with the Stones mono box but I am very happy with the Japanese Budokan 8 LP box. I have got box
of springsteen at a good price volume 1, the only thing missing is the born to run which I bought separately The 7 versions Hackney Diamonds and box of tina turner and brussels affeir red vinyl Japanese edition of the stones. Thank you for these wonderful videos and happy holidays to you.
and your family
I really would have loved that Japanese Budokan box set too. If only it would have come at a different time of the year. I was already buying Christmas presents. I will no doubt regret that. ♥️ The Springsteen box gets great reviews. You got some real gems this year and I hope you treasure them for years to come. Thank you and Happy Holidays. ♥️🎄🤗
Thank You For hard work! The Red and Blue Beatles, I got cause I had to, as a BeatleNik, I have it but when it comes to listen, I'll probaly go to the old standards! I usually listen to their entire albums Merry Christmas! Your Tree looks great!
I understand. Every song on The Beatles studio albums is great. ♥️🤗 Thank you and Merry Christmas! 🤗♥️🎄
Hi Melinda. Great video. Quick question, what stands are you using for your speakers?
Hi! The stands are the ones that were built for the MoFi Sourcepoint 10 speakers. If you look up the speakers, you will find the stands. 😃 Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy thanks for the response :)
so so sorry i am late watching this but i watch it tonight another great video my friend.
Hi Curtis! Thank you and Merry Christmas! ♥️🎄
@@MelindaMurphy and you to my friend
Great video again Melinda. I love the new remix of the red and blue one! I don't understand why people complain about I Am The Walrus, i think it sounds wonderful and only the last minute sounds different! If you like the old mix you can still listen to it! Have a wonderful Christmastime and a happy new year
Very true! We always have the older albums. They are still very easy to find. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. ♥️🤗🎄
Enjoyed the cheers and jeers video. Cheers to you !!
Thank you so much! ♥️🤗
I was thinking. Since it’s Christmas. I thought…maybe you could do a video on your favorite Christmas albums. The ones you like the most and the ones that you think sound the best. I personally could do a hour video on Christmas albums. I’m been collecting for years. I just ordered the Brenda Lee Christmas album. I just played Glen Campbells That Christmas Feeling from 1968 and it sounds so good. Anyway Merry Christmas Happy New Year. Have a blessed holiday season 🎉.
A few years ago, I made a video showing my favorite Christmas songs by famous artists. The video didn't have a lot of interest but is still up if you're interested. You will have to go back three years. Thank you and take care.
Love the box sets I have the van Halen live on CD bought it for a dollar. Love the Christmas tree hope you guys have a merry Christmas, thank you for all the videos one of the best youtubers out there God bless. 🤗🎄
Thank you so much for the kind words. ♥️ Take care.
Merry Christmas and God bless. ♥️
That's a great Christmas Tree behind you Melinda, how long did it take to decorate it ?
Thank you. Christmas tree decorating always takes me a long time. Lol. It's worth it though. Happy Holidays. 🎄♥️
Happy Holidays to you too.
Great Job as always Malinda. I found the Coltrane to be top three of the UHQR series for 2023. In my opinion Aja was #1 with the 45 Miles Davis Kind of Blue taking the second spot. Thank you for your work Happy Holidays beautiful tree!
Agreed! They are all amazing releases. A Love Supreme is gorgeous. Thank you and Happy Holidays. 🎄🤗
Thanks for your past review on the 'Hotel California' one step; I picked it up and it is amazing. I'm loving the Beatles Red & Blue as well, although it's not perfect -some of the songs still sound better in mono. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I agree with both assessments. The Beatles albums aren't perfect but they're pretty good overall. Thank you and take care.
Hiya Melinda. Love the jumper. Looks a bit like a Faroese Islander design 🇫🇴
You’re the first one I’ve seen since, Alan (?) and me, to show a Rolling Stones MLB edition. Mine is the Colorado Rockies. Bet that one is rare in Europe.
So many amazing records you show. And such quality! All that Jazz I’m not even close to getting!
Hey, but I got a whale I wanted for 12 years today! 😊
Thank you for the kind words. The Rockies is probably pretty rare in Europe. 😃 May I ask what your whale is? Congrats! Take care.
@@MelindaMurphy Yes, baseball fans are rare enough in of itself here, ha ha.
I posted the unboxing a couplemof hours ago, couldn’t wait, 12 years! It is the 2011 Super Deluxe Edition of The Who’s Quadrophenia 😊
Hi again. I love the Aja UHQR and Bruce MoFi new releases, hope for more Bruce as well. Also love Hackney Diamonds, but the LA Dodgers variant is the best. Also purchased Tuesday Night Music Club by Sheryl Crow recently which is a great one, and some Fiona Apple reissues. RSD I picked up Gram Parsons, Linkin Park Demos, The Doors, and a few others. I think my favorite jazz purchase was Cannonball Adderley in Chicago-Verve Acoustic Sounds Series. Thanks for the fun video once again.
You picked up some terrific records. I'm glad the Sheryl Crow album finally got a proper reissue. I have been curious about the Gram Parsons RSD release. How is it? Let's hope the Bruce MoFi's keep on coming. 😄 Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy The Gram Parsons is definitely worth getting if you are a fan, or even as an introduction to his music. And having Emmylou Harris singing with him is always a plus, I love her voice. I’d say get it if you are on the fence and let us know what you think. 🤪
Awesome as usual, great tree. How's Philip and your daughter. You should put a family , would be nice to see all of you. Merry Christmas.
I would love to have my video on for one of my videos. I hope she says yes someday. 🤗 Thank you and take care.
I’m right there with you on your Tone Poet pick. I chose the Dance With Death as my #1 pick of this year on another channels contest.😊
It's wonderful. I'm so glad they released it. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
Interesting choices Melinda I must get into Jazz more great video!
Thank you very much! If you enjoy listening to piano, start with Bill Evans. He's a perfect way to start listening to jazz. Thank you and take care.
My favorite Tone Poet (so far) is the Chet Baker reissue, it lives up to the hype! That being said, I have seven Grant Green Tone poets, I love jazz guitar, and his "I want to hold your hand" is due this weekend, can't wait! Great video, as always and Merry Christmas!
Grant Green is incredible. The new release should be incredible. ♥️ The Chet Baker Tone Poet is among the best. Thank you and take care.
Love the vintage style (70's) xmas tree❤
Thank you very much. 😃🎄 Merry Christmas.
The tree looks great! I picked up the Beatles blue release but have not listened to it yet. I don't get too picky about remixes because I see them as just an addition to the catalog and not a replacement so if I don't like some of them that's ok. Which Miles Davis are you missing? I only have one Mofi Davis and it's ON THE CORNER and it's fantastic. I love that record so much I practically have it memorized and when I first spun the Mofi I heard so many new things I was blown away! What a record! Great video and take care!
On The Corner is an amazing release and I really like all of the Miles Davis MoFi releases. I am missing Four & More. If that gets a repress, I will scoop it up. 🤗♥️ Thank you and take care.
Great video ! I'm aligned with you on several of these. Hackney Diamonds, find my self going to it often. Same goes for the Hotel CA One-Step. The sound quality is top tier, lately been playing the The Last Resort a lot. Furthermore, glad to see how you feel about the UHQR AJA. It's my go to copy of AJA. While it is excellent, my reaction is not like so many others in the vinyl community. Happy Holidays!
We are in complete agreement on these. 🤗♥️ Thank you! Happy Holidays! 🎄
Merry Christmas Melinda! Love the show!! ❤️ 2023 was a pretty good year for me as well. I got my first UHQR & Mo-Fi Fidelity records ever this year! I got the Elephant UHQR & Van Halen Mo-Fi. By the way, you have a beautiful Christmas tree! ❤️🤘🏻
Thank you for the kind compliment. ♥️🤗 Those are two great audiophile records. Elephant was definitely worthy of being included in the video but I have been singing its praises quite often in previous videos. Same for VH as I just reviewed it last week. I hope you continue to enjoy both. Merry Christmas! ♥️🎄
Because of my limited vinyl budget I had to go for the red and blue reissue albums on CD. Sure I could have waited to save my pennies to the the vinyl copies but I wanted to hear them now. Even on CD they sound phenomenal. Also I do not have to flip the albums over to play the other side as well. Glad to see so much of their early period music to be finally released as remastered in the red album because the spotlight is often on their later period music. Glad to see your a lover of Jazz music.
The problem with the CD releases is that they are way over compressed. Somebody did a waveform comparison of them and wow, what a huge and obvious difference between the vinyl and the CDs. The vinyl is considerably more dynamic.
The CD's have been a very popular choice. I'm glad they sound so good. ♥️ No flipping is an added bonus. Thank you and take care.
CDs are over compressed and vinyl are over priced. ha ha Good day jimhines. :) @@jimhines5145
When I think back to all of your videos in 2023, it struck me just how much ground you've covered. Some of he artists you mentioned in this video leave me cold. 😜 That's okay, because I have some highlights in my vinyl acquisitions this year too. The very best 33 1/3 rpm records released this year are the all analogue Craft Recordings Bill Evans Waltz for Debby and Sunday at the Village Vanguard. Sunday at the Village Vanguard is truly great. When I heard that record for the first time, it sounded like being in a jazz club I used to frequent when I lived in the Silicon Valley. When you get a record to sound that good, you know that you really have something. Coltrane's A Love Supreme UHQR is a great version of the album from AP/QRP. 😻 It is everything that I hoped it would be. It sounds better than AP/QRP's 45 rpm version mastered from the master tapes years ago. Everything that comes with this UHQR makes it a true celebration of the greatest jazz album of all time. Another highlight in 2023 was the Craft Recordings release of The Complete Jazz at Massey Hall album set. This album is a must have for any serious jazz collector, since this concert showcases some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. 👍👍👍👍👍 The joy of new releases in 2023 isn't over yet. Larkin Poe is issuing a vinyl EP of acoustic versions of some of their songs on their most recent Blood Harmony album. It just shipped. That is very likely to be a gem for Larkin Poe fans like me. 😻
Thank you for sharing your favorite releases. The Bill Evans records are getting great reviews and I would have bought them immediately if I didn't already have the AP Bill Evans box set. I'm trying to quit buying duplicates. Hopefully, OJC will continue to put out releases I don't already have. It's a great label.
I will have to listen to the Hot House box set. The musicians are stellar. How could it go wrong with Kevin Gray and those jazz players? 🥰 I hope you enjoy the Larkin Poe record. Thank you and take care. ♥️🎄🤗
Yes, Craft Recordings are excellent. Trust me, the BET's OJC's are so good that I'd make an exception for one or both of the albums. You don't have to flip 33's as much and you have less wear on your 45 by alternating. Hot House has master takes, alternates, and bass overdubs (Mingus recorded bass tracks to improve the original recordings). You can hear the album on YT. Thank you and you take care too. I'll see you on the flip side. 🎄👍💖🎸😎 @@MelindaMurphy
Great video. I totally agree with your comments on AJA , UHQR edition. It sounds good but not great. I have a few other albums , some UHQR's and other labels which sound better to my ears. And before someone gets on my case, I have a decent HiFi set up. Also I am very selective about buying live albums. I saw mixed reviews on the sound quality for the live Grant Green so gave it a hard pass. Happy Christmas.
Unlike you, I had pre-ordered the Grant Green album. I wish I had waited. Aja does sound very good but I think so many people raced about it that my expectations were way too high. Like you, there are other UHQR'S that stand out more for me. Elephant is excellent and deserves the high praise. Thank you and take care.
Greetings from England, The Steely Dan Pretzel Logic is fine but for the price of it I'm afraid it's a failure. If it was $40 I don't think there would be many complaints. Great content, have a great Xmas Melinda!
Excellent point! I agree with you completely. Thank you and Merry Christmas! 🤗♥️🎄
I hear you with Pretzel Logic . I’m in the minority ..I totally love it and it’s worth the money to me . Mostly because I would pay the UHQR money for those songs . It’s my favourite S.D record
Wishing you and your family a Happy Xmas!!!!!!!
Thank you! Merry Christmas! 🤗♥️🎄
The Red & Blue Beatles LPS sound phenomenal - like we are sitting in Studio 2 Abbey Road - Giles Martin has developed skills on audio beyond any expectations - His Dad would be proud and I love the new version of "I Am The Walrus" great job on that! - Aja Steely Dan I have the original 1977 ABC issue mastered by Bernie Grundman another one of my heroes so I passed on all reissues - Great Video Melinda❤See you next week!
You have an excellent copy of Aja. The original sounds terrific. I'm delighted to hear your love for Giles Martin and the remixes. For the most part, he has done a great job and no doubt his dad would be proud. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
@@marktait2371 Holiday Pints to you mate it's been a bloody expensive year for vinyl🎄🇬🇧🎸🎉🎉
Hi Melinda, fun video thank you! Cheers - ‘Now and Then’ by the Beatles. Jeers - blooming awful cover art to ‘Now and Then’, an absolutely appalling presentation of this final great Beatles song. But the fact that 2023 saw great new music from the Beatles and the Stones makes it legendary and I can hardly believe I’m typing this sentence! Best wishes to you and your husband for the holiday season, thanks for another year of entertaining videos and merry Christmas from London
Yes, the Now and Then album cover was a huge head scratcher. That was a misstep. 🫢 It was a great year to have new music from The Beatles & The Stones. Thank you and take care.
Good video, as always! I have a few MOFI, all of which I bought used. This week I got CSN and Paul Simon, Still Crazy on the new MOFI 45 rpm set. Wow is all I can say. Exceptionally quiet, deep dynamic sound and just amazing. The packaging is great too. I don't like spending that much on an album, but it sure does sound sweet! I'm sure your new MOFIs are equally as good. And, now I'm looking at the reissue Phil Collins. Happy Holiday!
The One Steps aren't cheap but they do sound great and the packaging makes them feel special. ♥️ I enjoy them as well. The Phil Collins "Face Value" album by Analog Productions is wonderful as well. Thank you and take care.
Ah ! Received my Andrew Hill yesterday and gave it a spin a few hours ago. Didn't know anything about it but had the chance to buy it more than half price, so I trusted the Tone Poet Series and oh my, what an incredible album ! Sound quality is superb, the playing is fantastic. The only flaw but maybe I'm picky is as the record what not issued until the 80's and the album cover was done for the 2004 edition, I found the font type a bit too anachronistic for a 1968 recording. But a gorgeous cover nevertheless, can't go wrong with Tone Poet !
That's a fair criticism. But it's also a fantastic album. You got a fantastic deal on it. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
I got one minute into your video and got an unskipable Ad two minutes later I got another unskipable Ad. Come on TH-cam WTH! I’ll come back later and try watch ur video again Melinda, Take care 👍🏻
I'm sorry! Unfortunately, I have no control over the commercials. That sounds ridiculous.
@@MelindaMurphy You do have the choice Melinda of putting Ads at the beginning and end of your videos ONLY not during the video when u monetize them. I never put ads during my videos only at the start or end, nothing more annoying then ads popping up in the middle of someone speaking!
Excellent !!! I agree with The Eagles One-Step, amazing !!!!
It's one of the best releases of the year. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
When it comes to cheers, I agree how it was awesome that they repressed those Miles Davis records! And I’m with you on that one step hotel California..soooo good. Oh! And my Van Halen one step came in today! Listened to it for the first time before I watched this video. I’ve never heard that album sound like that! Every instrument and vocal was in perfect unison, and I felt the drive and energy of every song. It felt like I was at a live concert! PS: Love the tree and Christmas sweater!
The Van Halen One Step is my favorite release of the year. It's fantastic!!! I'm so glad to hear you are happy with it as well. I would have included it in this video but I just discussed it last week. 😃♥️ Hotel California was also high on my list. Thank you for the kind compliments. Take care. ♥️🎄
Elemental also released some Motown reissues.
I suppose you'll be parting with some of your jeers(???).
Terrific Christmas tree.😊
I honestly don't know if I will get rid of the records that are jeers. I will give them more time before I decide. They were definitely disappointing. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
Awesome video 😊
Thank you! 🤗♥️
I got the Walmart version of A Love Supreme, and love it. It was under $20, mastered by Ryan K. Smith, and it sounds phenomenal. That said, I'm sure the UHQR version sounds better, so in your case it makes sense when the only version you have of an amazing LP is of the utmost quality. It just didn't make sense for me to get it when I have a cheap copy that sounds outstanding.
I completely understand. I think they are pressed from the same metal work. The Walmart version is very good. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
Doesn't make a difference WHAT copy of A Love Supreme you have. As long as you have it period...you're in the cool club!!! LOL
I don't have any personal cheers or jeers, but it's enjoyable to watch you go through yours. I did buy some records this year, but haven't played any. One of those is the James Guthrie remix of "The Wall;" hoping to get around to it soon.
I didn't know they did a remix of The Wall! Wow! I will be looking that one up. 😃 Thank you and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy Just checked the hype sticker. Bernie Grundman's involved too, as well as someone I'm not as familiar with, Joel Plante.
@@charlesf2804 they have both worked on Pink Floyd release. That should be amazing. ♥️
@@MelindaMurphy I must correct myself. It's remastered, not remixed, and from the original analog tapes.
Deacon Blues~Aja...With Some Of The Most Memorable Melodies...Im Take Back To 1977 When I Hear That LP...Are U Bloody Kidding? Aja=Memories...
The songs Aja and Josie are very impressive on this UHQR. Peg has special memories for me. Thank you and take care. 🤗♥️
@@MelindaMurphy Indeed...Peg With Micheal McDonald On Guest Vocals...Come On...And Those Melodies On Deacon Blues...I'm Back In 1977 At The Age Of 8 Years Old In Oklahoma Hearing That On A Quiet Weekday Afternoon~Whilst My Mother Was Napping[And I Suppose To Be Too...Wink Wink Nudge Nudge 😀😀]...Splendid Memories Indeed...I Finally Found A Copy Of It On CD At A Least Expected Place: Walgreens For $2.99 Several Years Ago...Back To The Title Track Which Featured Steve Gadd...He Was An Amazing Monster In Drums...
Great list! I was familiar with the cheers releases but not so much the jeers. Did I miss the Van Halen Mofi?
To be honest, this video was made before the VH One Step arrived but I decided that since I made a complete review video of the Van Halen One Step anyway, it didn't need to be repeated here. It's definitely the release of the year for me. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
Ohhhh OK. I knew you really liked the VH. Mine is in transit from The In Groove!@@MelindaMurphy
Enjoy the Holidays!❤
Thank you very much! 🎄🤗
I also picked up the Bill Evan’s on RSD and I really enjoyed it.i find that when it comes to jazz I prefer piano jazz
Jazz pianists are my favorite. ♥️ The Bill Evans RSD releases have been so good. Thank you and take care. 🤗
MoFi definitely made the correct choice with those thinner boxes. They still give a “premium” and deluxe experience, while not unnecessarily having 1 album take up the same space as 6 albums on your shelf.
I think they were listening to their customers on this one. They will definitely save space. Thank you and take care.
Manythnx Melinda 🤘
Thank you! ♥️🤗
Some songs are just made for an audiophile pressing. Hotel California and In the Air Tonight come to mind. Guitar and drums and a good melody and lyrically interesting. Happy holidays! and Thanks for the video!
I agree. Those songs are stand outs. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
Happy Holidays! ♥️🎄
Just curious, why get rid of the original pressings? I would think they would be fun to keep from both a collection and a comparison standpoint.
I love this question. It's a great topic. 😃 It's very hard for me to let go of originals but my new version sounds better and it's a common record. I have had a goal of streamlining my collection and that's one way to do it. My daughter gets the copies I let go of so they go to a good home. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
The splatter Mondo copy of That Thing You Do! Is a beautiful record. Long overdue vinyl pressing of a great soundtrack
I'm so glad that it finally got released. It sounds like a beautiful record. Thank you and take care.
I always enjoy this collectors viewpoint, it is always so conversational and polite. In typical style, even her negative ratings were positive. That's very welcome by me, , so many are trapped into negativity, and additionally , it is a narrative style that gets clicks.
Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments. Have a wonderful weekend. 🤗♥️
Happy holidays Melinda! I agree about Aja. I saw all the excitement for that record and for me it’s just…meh. Maybe if I was more of a Steely Dan lover I’d love it more but I agree that it is not the greatest sounding album. To me anyway.
My excitement was Hotel California. To me that was an AMAZING record! It sounded fantastic and I’m extremely happy getting it.
Another great album for me (cheers) was Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon. I paid a ton for that record. It sounded really great to me. Having said that however the DSOTM is a jeers for me because it’s such a massive box set that doesn’t even fit inside the shelves with all my albums. I have to lay it down on top of the shelf and it takes up a lot of space.
Finally I was thrilled with The Beatles red and blue set. I’m still getting used to the differences from the original so for me it’s a cheers and jeers.
I am very grateful, honored and blessed we did get a NEW Beatles record after all these years and for that it’s a cheers.
Great video Melinda. I always look forward to all you share with us.
Happy holidays to you and your family.
PS. I apologize I haven’t been able to send out that item to you yet. I had to remember where I put it but I found them this week so I’ll be sending it out to you hopefully before next week. It’s nothing great just a little something I’d like you to have.
Thanks again for all you do for us! You are very much appreciated.
❤️🤗 Debbie
That Pink Floyd box set looked amazing and was very large. I'm sure it takes up a lot of space but it's beautiful. The Aja UHQR is good but I was expecting it to blow me away. Lol. I have been enjoying the Beatles releases too.
Don't worry. I know everyone is busy. Feel free to wait until after Christmas if you wish. I appreciate the thought that you want to send something. Thank you in advance. Take care and Merry Christmas. 🎄♥️
I’ve never gotten all the love for Aja. I actually think it’s the worst SD album. It’s always sounded good as well. The original was always considered an audiophile pressing. Still thinking about getting the Stones box. Just not sure I’ll listen to it. I just got the Grant Green 313, haven’t listened to it yet, but I’ve always found Third Man Pressing to be mediocre. Great video. Hope you and your family are good. If we don’t speak beforehand, Merry Christmas!!
Hi Steve! The Rolling Stones box is nice. They sound good - not mind blowing, but good. I like Aja but I really felll for the idea that the sound quality would blow me away which it didn't. Lol. My favorite SD album is Gaucho and I can't imagine how they will improve on the original that I have. Analogue Productions is capable of surprises though.
I have been very disappointed with Third Man. These Blue Note records were not what they should have been. Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your family. ♥️🎄
My Van Halen One Step is in the new skinny box. Yay. 😊
Yes! They listened to their customers. I like the old and the new boxes but the new ones will take up less room. That will make a lot of people happy. Thank you and take care. ♥️🤗
Do you have to move your belt to play 45 rpm records?
Not the belt. I just have to push a button.
Not to change the subject but I'm curious if you've ever listened to Michael Kiwanuka? I was thinking of his song "You Ain't The Problem" and I bet it would sound amazing on vinyl even on my modest system.
I'm not familiar with Michael Kiwanuka. I'll have to check that song out. No doubt it would sound great on vinyl. ♥️🤗 Thank you and take care.
I want less Jamal and never did get into Steely Dan just not me. ( An Awesome video as usual Thank You. )
Lol. You're funny! 😃 Thank you & Happy Holidays.
@@MelindaMurphy bows
I agree with you the new Rolling Stones album, I’ve spun that many times since its release. Really like that one. The Eagles MoFi, that album is outstanding. Regarding The Beatles, I get that some might not like the new mixes, but the originals are still out there. I think these new mixes are just nice additions to the catalog. I have to say that another great pressing from this year is the Vinyl Me Please reissue of Elton John’s “Honky Chateau”. That one sounds amazing as well.
Wow!!! Excellent choice. I agree with you that Honky Chateau is incredible. I wish I had mentioned that in the video. Thank you for bringing that one to my attention again. Take care. 🤗♥️
Nice video and I shall refrain from Xmas tree critique as a man I am officially clueless in tree decoration - according to my wife
Haha! Fair enough. 😄 Thank you and take care.
I’ve bought 450 albums this year, lots of gems especially Grant Green Nigeria, however my favourite is the new Peter Gabriel album, the Brightside version, just so interesting blew me away.
That's very cool to hear. I'm so glad the Peter Gabriel album is that good. ♥️ Thank you and take care.
Got it right:
• Coltrane UHQR
• Slight “meh” for UHQR Aja
( Yes very good but not as “magical” as a mint AB 1006 original or even the Cisco in my humble opinion and that of several others )
• Got it wrong: MOFI 1-Step Hotel California
( It is absolutely horrible! )
For some reason, there is no middle ground with Hotel California. The people that love it really love it and others really dislike it. We definitely agree on the Coltrane UHQR and it should have been a bigger hit and received more praise. Thank you and take care.
In this toxic wasteland of the VC, you are a breath of fresh air!
Wow! Thank you so much. ♥️🎄🤗
cant go wrong with that stones box set. i guess the Van Halen set is the best. great video as always beautiful melinda and happy holidays 👍
I love the MoFi Van Halen box set and gave my review for it last week. ♥️🤗 The Stones box set was a great release and gave everyone a second chance on having that box set. Thank you and take care.
Records > Vinyl Release. Let's bring back the word "records," Melinda. You could be our champion.
I definitely prefer calling them records. I'll work on it. 😃 Thank you and take care.
Ahmad is a fine listening. I got crazy over this as I took 5x return to get a good copy (any damage you can think of had been deliverd) I experienced a difference in sound with the copies,. The one stayed with slightly warped but clearer than any of the others. Third man, what have you done? Pls check out the Emerald live double worth every Dollar. Cheers from Germany Klaus
I have been wanting that Emerald Live release for a long time. If it's still available after Christmas, I will pick it up. ♥️ It's a shame The Awakening was such a botched job. It's a fantastic album. Take care.
@@MelindaMurphy Picked all 3 Volumen. More than satisfied.
For me was buying the ERROR new double album by the Warning. A nice teal and cream/white record plus a huge poster. Great songs on this double album that rocks big time.
It does sound like a beautiful record and I'm so glad you are enjoying it. It wasn't an "error" after all. Lol. 😉
@@MelindaMurphy Check out their music if you haven't already and you know what I mean. Specially the concert live at teatro Metropolitan CDMX, I am sure you will enjoy it. It's here on YT.
@@MelindaMurphy It sure wasn't 🤟😃✌️
Probably not the first Blue Note release that comes to mind but my favorite release this year was the Jack Wilson album Easterly Winds. Been a fan of Wilson for some time. Also enjoyed his playing on the album Katana which Blue Note released last year.
I still need to pick up Easterly Winds. Hopefully, it will still be available after the holidays. Great pick. 😃 Thank you and take care.
Though I buy CD's as opposed to vinyl, I'm always going to be biased toward most things Brian Jones-era Stones related and have to admit that mono box looks particularly tasty. As for the Red & Blue, I'm with the consensus that while the Blue is definitely flawed, it's the revamped clarity of those crucial, early Beatlemania-defining cuts on the Red album that are a major plus for me, even if I agree that the original I Saw Her Standing There and the incendiary Twist & Shout in mono will always possess a punchier, proto-punkish edge. Either way, time to give Ringo his due! And bring on the Rubber Soul remixes!
Yes, I will be happy to get the Rubber Soul box set. ♥️ I like what I have heard so far. Thank you and take care.
Unfortunately I can’t play my vinyl records now because of the fact that I have a broken receiver I need to buy a new receiver but I love buying vinyl records so that way when I do buy a new receiver I have some wonderful records to listen to which I think is great. shopping online is OK but there’s something wonderful about going into a record store and looking at CDs cassettes and vinyl the only cassette album I have a Smokey Robinson and the miracles 35th anniversary edition but I think it’s a fantastic album the red and blue I also love the revolver super deluxe box set I decided to go with the LP version because the fifth desk has only four songs I love getting all the music especially on CD there should be more songs than there are on the revolver super deluxe but hearing the remix revolver tracks for the first time was such a mind blower for me especially on yellow submarine and here there and everywhere where everything is so clear and brought up
I hope you are able to have that receiver fixed very soon. ♥️🤗 I love Smokey. He has one of the most beautiful voices of all time. Thank you and take care.
I'm pissed off today, as I've been waiting weeks for delivery of The Beatles red album on red vinyl along with a tshirt (which held the order up). I finally get it today after all, and I go to play it, and my amp packs up two songs in.
Why do things always go wrong when you haven't got any money? This is going to be expensive - what great timing.
I'm so sorry. I agree that it does seem like everything hits at once. Life can be so hard. I hope that it works out and isn't too expensive. Best wishes to you. ♥️
First, all the best to you and the family for the holidays!
I have the black/yellow "eclipse" pressing of 'Electric Byrd' that I picked up directly at Third Man--there is also a blue/white "eclipse" version that I think is only being sold direct by Blue Note. Both are limited to 313 copies. The neat thing about the black/yellow and blue/white is that they are, respectively, Third Man and Blue Note official colors. Sure I'd have preferred a slightly different style of black/yellow, but it does start conversations!
The Grant Green 'Club Mozambique' won't sound all that good (similar to Lonnie Smith's Club Mozambique Blue Note album) as they were both recorded live here in Detroit in the early 70s, and obviously care wasn't taken when recording these albums. They function well as good historical "documents" if you will (and Lonnie Smith's performance is on fire, despite the mediocre recording), but they are not audio masterpieces.
You knew I'd probably chime in on 'Aja.' My opinion is that it is good, but nowhere near $150 good. I have the early AB pressing and due to the tape being brand new back then, I hear more detail on that old pressing. What we ended up with in the UHQR is a beautifully pressed copy of a 46 year old COPY of the master tape. (And that's one thing about Analogue Productions that always bothered me--if Chad doesn't get the original tape, he finds a copy, rather than doing the right thing and not releasing it as a premium product.) I think the record is a landmark musically and have liked it for decades, but all the gushing about it being The Best Record Ever Made? I don't think so. (At least I can resell it in a few years for sick money. 😁)
The same happened with Face Value. I think the 45 RPM sounds like mush (sorry) compared to the 1983 Virgin CD I imported from the UK back when CDs first came out. I was *so* looking forward to hearing a good LP pressing of the dynamics of Phil's drums on "In the Air Tonight" and was sadly disappointed, compared to what I am used to. Again, Chad went with a tape *copy* (this, a Dolby A copy of the original master), rather than passing on it and giving customers a good-sounding product. I wish you could hear this CD--the attack of those drums is so immediate and visceral that it made me jump out of my seat the first time I heard it. (Granted, it lacks the resolution of LP or high-res digital, but it still does so much more right than this 45 RPM version, again, due to it being from a proper master, *and* being only a couple of years old when the CD came out.) Other parts of the record sound OK but I hear some loss of definition and smearing in things like percussion and brass. Typical of a tape copy and Dolby A processing. We deserve better for $60. I had the prior vinyl reissue (with the "old Phil" cover) and it didn't impress me--kind of bright and edgy, and probably digitally sourced.
The Atlantic 75 series does have some Genesis titles coming that were mastered from the original master tape and I'm looking forward to those. In fact, 'Selling England by the Pound' is en route to me now. (I skipped 'Hello, I Must Be Going' as it is similarly made from a Dolby A copy, IIRC--AP's site gives details on the sources now.) And I have others they've done in the past that are breathtaking. I just feel their output is hit or miss.
And yes, Pretzel Logic does deserve a thumbs down, but that one is not the fault of Analogue Productions or Bernie Grundman. Going back to both an older CD (not the doctored-up version from the Citizen Steely Dan box set and subsequent CD reissues from those masterings) and a recent SACD, that's just the way the master tape sounds. It's muted, muffled, and kind of dead sounding, which is a shame as it has some good songs on it.
I bought a handful of Blue Notes this year but unfortunately, only a couple were 2023 releases! (Electric Byrd, Cornbread.) But, I did get a couple of those Verve Acoustic Sounds Series titles and those sound superb (Stan Getz 'Jazz Samba,' Wes Montgomery 'Smokin at the Half Note,' Bill Evans 'Trio 64', and one or two others). The two new Bill Evans reissues of 'Waltz for Debby' and 'Sunday at the Village Vanguard' also sound excellent.
Take care!
It definitely does start conversations. At the end of the day, the music is what matters. If I knew it was going to be this ugly, I wouldn't have paid extra. Lol.
The UHQR's are so expensive, they have to be perfect. That puts a lot of pressure on AP but three records are top dollar and they have to be amazing. The Aja UHQR is very good and I'm happy with it. It just didn't live up to the hype. 🤗♥️ I was thrilled to pick up Cornbread and Electric Byrd.
Thank you and take care.