Audiophile Vinyl

As most post-LP-revival releases boast 180g vinyl and because excellent sound quality is almost a given, calling any new pressings ‘deluxe’ or ‘luxury’ seems moot. Aside from major label/current artist releases for which sound quality and audiophile appeal are secondary to being on trend, most new LPs are made with care. With new pressing plants opening and vinyl’s resurgence no longer regarded by the major labels as a craze, we’re enjoying LPs of better quality and lower risk than during the era when it was the dominant format. If the turn of this century is regarded as the start of vinyl’s return to the mainstream, I can state that, out of more than 1000 LPs I’ve reviewed in the past 25 years, only three were so warped as to be unplayable. Before this new era, warped or LPs which skipped were not uncommon.

Taking it up a notch

Record companies now see the need for consistent, high-quality pressings, such as Atlantic’s 75th anniversary reissues. But the specialist labels which never forsook vinyl – Mobile Fidelity, Impex, Sundazed and others – have upped their game because their more discerning audiophile clientele differs from, say, fans of new artists eager to appear ‘cool’.

Here are 20 recent LP releases for aficionados. They may qualify thanks to remastering from original tapes, half-speed mastering, One-Step pressings, unreleased material, lavish sleeves, bonus tracks, new liner notes or a mix of these merits. Vinyl addicts, enjoy the buffet.

Van Halen
Van Halen II
(Mobile Fidelity UD1S 2-033 2x45rpm 180g LPs)

If anyone’s surprised that hard rock/glam rock/hair rock bands merit the deluxe treatment, MoFi’s ongoing series of Van Halen reissues makes you stop, think and add these to other heavy metal sonic gems from Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake and a few others. 1979’s Van Halen II proved the band’s red-hot debut wasn’t a fluke, its mix of hardcore rock and accessible, radio-friendly material defining their popularity beyond the Beavises and Butt-Heads. The all-self-penned tracks include ‘Dance The Night Away’ and ‘Beautiful Girls’, while those obsessed with Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work have plenty to savour. One to play loud.

A-Ha
Time And Again: The Ultimate A-ha
(Rhino R1 726625 2xLPs)

Norwegian synth pop trio A-ha’s 2016 2CD ‘best of’ finally makes it to a gatefold vinyl double LP package, but with some changes. Firmly of the CD/MTV era – who can forget the amazing animated pencil-drawing video for ‘Take On Me’? – the band turned 40 last year so it’s apt that this coincides with a fresh appreciation. The vinyl corresponds to CD1 of the 2CD set, delivering its 19 tracks instead of the digital double’s 35 in total, but adds two – ‘This Is Our Home’ and ‘I’m In’ – which are not in the CD collection, so completists will want this not just for the analogue experience.

Phil Collins
Both Sides (All The Sides)
(Atlantic/Craft 0603497825905 5xLPs half-speed mastering)

A revisit of Phil Collins’ fifth solo studio album, from 1993, this massive expansion takes the UK No 1 up to five LPs. Older readers will recall that at the time, Collins was as big a rockstar as his daughter is now a superstar actress on Netflix. Enhancing the original album, cut at half-speed by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, are early demo tracks, rare singles and B-sides, live tracks from the era and some from his MTV Unplugged appearance. The LPs arrive in a sturdy slipcase worthy of jazz or classical multi-LP sets, with a 16-page booklet containing extensive liner notes by esteemed journalist Michael Hann.

Paul McCartney & Wings
Red Rose Speedway
(MPI/Universal 02448 58324 half-speed 180g)

Although half-speed mastering falls in and out of favour this 50th anniversary reissue of Wings’ 1973 release ignores the format’s ups and downs. Proudly declaring this was remastered in 2022 at Abbey Road from the original 1973 master tapes at half-speed, it’s pressed onto immaculate 180g vinyl and packaged to perfection. ‘My Love’ remains too saccharine for some but there’s ‘When The Night’ and the Abbey Road-style medley at the end of Side 2 to savour.

The Animals
The Animals
(Parlophone 5021732442697 mono yellow vinyl)

Stickered to acknowledge the album’s 60th anniversary, it’s a reminder of one of the best of the British Invasion bands, nearly forgotten despite the impact of ‘House Of The Rising Sun’. That alone merits respect, the extended version added here as a bonus track. Notable for Eric Burdon’s raw vocals, The Animals re-introduced America – as did The Stones – to John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry and other blues/R&B legends. The 2CD set [5021732442703] adds the dire stereo mix.

Rush
Counterparts/Test For Echo
(Rhino Atlantic RD1 82528/RD1 83739 2xLPs each)

Amidst a cluster of Rush reissues, including the Rush 50 set, this pair – from 1993 and 1996 – benefit from being ‘3-sided LPs’, the fourth side etched in these deluxe reissues. The Canadian power trio oozed virtuosity, evident in both releases. Counterparts continued their mid-career move from synthesisers back to a guitar-led sound, while the title track of Test For Echo [pictured] was accessible enough to reach No 1 in the US. Both sound sensational.

Tina Turner
Tina Turns The Country On!
(Parlophone 5054197929304 half-speed 180g)

Tina’s solo debut – still with Ike but before Private Dancer made her a star – consisted of covers of country/country-rock songs, and it’s amazing. No idea why it wasn’t a hit in 1974, but it earned a Grammy nomination. What taste! James Taylor’s ‘Don’t Talk Now’, Dylan’s ‘(He) Belongs To Me’ and ‘Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You’ – magical. Also out are 1975’s Acid Queen [5054197929311] and from 1979, post-Ike, Love Explosion [5054197929410].

Dr. John
The Brightest Smile In Town
(Sundazed LP5659 2xLPs)

A miracle: more unreleased tracks from the legendary 1982 sessions which already gave us the superb Frankie & Johnny [HFN Dec ’24] and Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack [HFN Mar ’24]. Sundazed’s new edition of The Brightest Smile In Town provides six tracks never before on vinyl, plus an extended version of the title track, alongside the original ten. Production was overseen by the late Dean Roumanis of Mark Levinson and Krell, so the vocals-and-piano sound is simply exquisite.

Frank Zappa
Apostrophe (’)
(Zappa Records ZR20046-1 180g coloured vinyl)

First issued in 1974, one of Zappa’s most successful, highly regarded and accessible albums has been remastered by Bernie Grundman and stamped on gold-coloured 180g vinyl to commemorate his first US Gold Record. It’s the best-sounding Zappa reissue in ages, from ‘Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow’ to ‘Stink-Foot’ – an absolute gem. Booklet contains new essays and previously unseen photos, and there’s also a 2LP/1x7in set with bonus tracks, and a 75-track 5CD/Blu-ray edition.

Joni Mitchell
Ladies Of The Canyon
(Mobile Fidelity UD1S 2-049 2x45rpm 180g LPs)

You won’t hear me debating which of Mitchell’s albums is her best – the consensus seems to be Blue [UD1S 2-050] – but this merits the lavish treatment afforded by the One-Step process. Released in 1970, it was her third studio LP – by this time she was regarded with the same awe as Dylan. Three of the 12 tracks – ‘Big Yellow Taxi’, ‘Woodstock’ and ‘The Circle Game’ – are enough to render this a five-star classic, and it’s a must-own if you’re a devotee of the singer-songwriter genre.

Skip James
Today!
(Bluesville/Craft Recordings R00744 180g vinyl)

Thanks to British blues devotees and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in the US kick-starting the genre’s revival, long-forgotten bluesmen like Skip James were rediscovered and given studio time. This sublime session – just James on guitar or piano, with bass support on one track – was recorded in 1966, his third post re-emergence album. James’ high voice distinguished him from other rural blues heroes, and it’s ear-opening to hear his ‘I’m So Glad’ compared to Cream’s interpretation.

UFO
Obsession
(Chrysalis CRV1182 3x180g LPs)

Hard rockers UFO’s seventh album, from 1978, has been augmented by a complete concert – a welcome reissue practice which provides context. The gig is a 2024 mix of ‘Live At The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland’, originally heard via Strangers In The Night and filling the four sides of LPs 2 and 3. Obsession was the band’s final outing with guitar hero Michael Schenker before going on hiatus until 1993, so this live set is both exciting and a touch poignant.

McIntosh Sessions
Vol 1: The Peter Erskine Quartet
(McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2xLPs 33/45rpm)

Those familiar with McIntosh will know it once had its own associated record label, so this is no gimmick but a return to the days when hi-fi companies were involved in making music. As the title says, this is Volume 1, and it’s a stunning debut for the series, a live session of original jazz from drummer Erskine, pianist Alan Pasqua, bassist Darek Oles and saxophonist Bob Mintzer. The deluxe elements? Mastering at Nashville’s Sterling Sound, AAA production, 180g vinyl pressed by RTI, and both a 33.33rpm LP with eight songs and a 45rpm LP with four of the tracks for comparison. The sound is truly ‘off the chart’.

Michael Jackson
Off The Wall
(Mobile Fidelity UD1S 2-061 2x45rpm LPs)

Because Mobile Fidelity now scrupulously declares a digital stage in its transfers, there’s no reason to deliberately deny yourself this fine-sounding, nicely-packaged edition of Thriller’s predecessor. Jacko’s fifth solo LP, released in 1979, has plenty of snap and here sounds slightly warmer than the label’s SACD release [HFN Jun ’25]. It’s a great set too, full of familiar tracks – one from The Beatle he would later outbid for the rights to The Beatles’ songs.

The Beatles
1964 US Albums In Mono
(Apple 02465 71746 8xLPs 180g vinyl)

UK readers be warned: this set of six Beatles LPs plus the 2LP documentary The Beatles’ Story will shock any who’ve not heard the US mixes. That the track listings do not correspond to the UK releases is jarring – they wouldn’t match until Sgt. Pepper – but the sound differs markedly. After 60+ years of purists deriding these, on reflection they’re simply remixed but not necessarily worse. The sleeves aren’t exact reproductions either, being higher quality than the originals. Meet The Beatles!, The Beatles’ Second Album, A Hard Day’s Night, Something New, Beatles ’65 and The Early Beatles can also be bought separately.

MAX
Beyond Rodan
(Digital Cellars DC5RM2LP 2LPs 180g vinyl)

A short-lived band from the tiny jazz-rock genre, MAX recorded but one LP. Only 200 copies were pressed in 1974, now fetching $500-$1000 on the secondhand market. This seven-piece outfit produced a fabulous blend of horns-driven rock à la Blood, Sweat & Tears, on a par with their second LP. Yes, it’s that good. This set houses the original remastered Rodan LP and eight unreleased tracks. If ‘Big Band Rock’ is your thing, don’t miss it.

Stealers Wheel
Stealers Wheel
(Intervention Records TR-001 180g vinyl)

Intervention doesn’t just go for the best sources, it also creates packaging vastly superior to the originals. I compared this to my mint 1972 promo copy and Intervention’s lavish, heavier sleeve alone promised a special event. But it’s the thick, flat, quiet vinyl and Kevin Gray’s mastering from the ½in tape safety copy which means you are unlikely ever to hear a better version of ‘Stuck In The Middle (With You)’. Scottish folk/rock at its best, and try not thinking of Reservoir Dogs.

Bruce Springsteen
The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle
(Mobile Fidelity UD1S 1-056 One-Step SuperVinyl)

Released in MoFi’s ‘alternate’ One-Step lineup of 33.33rpm single-LP sets instead of the 45rpm doubles, but seemingly without any sacrifice – the packaging is exemplary, a rigid slipcase housing the inner jacket. As for the audio, I don’t recall the Boss’s second LP as sounding better than his debut, both (remarkably) released in 1973. With this, it’s easier to decipher his lyrics, while the percussion sounds nearly as good as on 1975’s Born To Run.

Sun Ra
Stray Voltage
(Modern Harmonic MH-8311 2xLPs orange vinyl)

Sun Ra was prolific, but who knew there were so many riches yet to unearth? This new collection consists of 16 of the artist’s unreleased electronic music experiments from the 1970s and ’80s, pressed on two frosted orange vinyl LPs. The widely variable array of material is best described as ‘soundscapes’, and across the seven cuts sharing the Stray Voltage title, plus live tracks and more, it delivers sounds your system is unlikely to have processed before.

Miles Davis
Miles ’54: The Prestige Recordings
(Craft Recordings 88072 57250 4LPs 180g vinyl)

Miles’ time at Prestige brings to mind the five albums with his Quintet, but this deals with earlier 1954 sessions, 20 tracks culled from four other LPs with Sonny Rollins, Mingus, Monk, Horace Silver and Art Blakey. Celebrating the 70th anniversaries of these sessions and of Prestige Records, this box is as luxurious as it should be – mastering by Paul Blakemore, lacquers cut by Kevin Gray, and fresh writing by music historians Ashley Kahn and Dan Morgenstern.