Abbey Road Butchered the Next Great Band: Velvet Underground

[@alasdaircraik6545]

Thanks Michael. Unfortunately I also bought these editions and you are absolutely right about them. They're atrocious. I'll never touch another Abbey Road remaster.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx for the confirmation Alasdair

[@chrisl5156]

Michael, your honesty is so refreshing. Please continue to "say it like it is". So many reviewers are afraid to do that.

[@ChrisGiarratano]

We need honest voices like yours. They are coasting on their name brand. Shameful is the correct term. They must do better.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx Chris!

[@costume5922]

This guy is the greatest pro wrestling promo in vinyl records.

[@brentcunliffe745]

If only more people spoke out and told it like it is. It would save us Vinyl freaks a lot of money and wasted time. Good on you.

[@sararibeiro4034]

It’s always positive to hear a criticism as long as it’s a constructive, maybe that way there can be change for the better. Thanks Michael

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx Sara :-)

[@sararibeiro4034]

@@Michael45RPM ;-)

[@Grooverski]

No respect for consumer or music that appears to be nothing more than another way to profit with minimal effort and expense.

[@Michael45RPM]

Respect is a good word in this context Mariusz

[@ClausHensingDenmark]

Michael - thanks. This is a very useful video. I know it must be better (for you) to make videos when the records are great and something to recommend. BUT it is also very important that someone tells the truth when big companies try to sell us crap products (in this case records). Again: Thanks for taking "a bullet" for the rest of us - and for sharing your opinion!

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx for this comment Claus

[@frogville]

abbey road is doing a disservice not only to the consumer, but it is an insult to the band, the mixing engineer, the mastering engineer from the original release, and time itself to butcher what the artist originally intended and to alter the sonic foundation of classics we are intimately familiar with. the reason we want a clean copy of the original recording is a positive emotional imprinting on our psyche that we relate to fond memories of the first listen and it brings us back to that moment in time.... unless it fails to invoke that response, and this is where Remastering fails, when they are not making the product better... unlike the Kevin Gray remasters.

[@Michael45RPM]

I. totally agree Frogville you put it very well

[@PopCultureGraveyard]

Good for you! These companies who do lackluster pressings of legendary records should be called out for their incompetence--especially at prices they're charging. You've made me feel very relieved that I still have my VU original pressings. Keep up the great work!

[@JardinagemOrg]

One of these days Abbey Road will ask you to check your tubes… All of them! I'm here saving serious money. 😅🖖🏻

[@ThoseBackPages]

PEEL IT MICHAEL! PEEEEEEL THE BANANA! :D

[@Michael45RPM]

Ok i will :-)

[@brandnewstart]

Can’t wait for your interview with the Abbey Road team! Refreshing to hear such up front honesty 👏👏

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Has he interviewed them yet?

[@brandnewstart]

@@BeesWaxMinder don’t think so

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@brandnewstart ah well… 👍

[@TheEeliciousOne]

Great video, thank you. They should go to their rooms and think about taking people's money unfairly. I saw this coming. To be honest, VU & Nico and White Light are not audiophile recordings in the first place. I had no idea how these would benefit from 1/2 speed mastering. Note that all those Sundaze version records (except the unreleased one) are in mono. Abbey Road seems to be just a brand these days, they're doing way too much. Real mastering engineers know what was necessary to do.

[@marcopolov673]

Please don’t feel bad making videos like this. It is very necessary, I loved your video just as much as I love your positive reviews. It’s part of the territory and we always appreciate your honesty. Take solace in the fact that you probably saved a bunch of people hundreds of dollars, thank you for everything you do!

[@floogee]

Michael. Well done. Very well done. To add to it. Not sure if you saw but Michael Fremer reviewed the Let it be box and in the video told a story that comes straight from you. He was chatting with someone from Abbey and told them they should share thr tapes with the Electric Recording Company. His stupid response? The Beatles don’t want to be seen as “bourgeois” by releasing audiophile versions. WHAT???? ‘The most commercialized band in history!’ was my thought? Total arrogance on their part which is why it’s so important you used your channel and it’s visibility to complain. Well done.

[@Michael45RPM]

Wow thats interesting... thx a lot for sharing this Floogee... and Fremer has really good ideas even if they are not from him :-)

[@floogee]

My pleasure. You should watch his video just to hear exactly what this Abbey exec said. I swear, sometimes I think they lost the tapes and just won’t admit it. Just as plausible an excuse as what they make up. New ERC recording just announced, White Stripes

[@kgeo753]

@@floogee The Beatles are accused of money grabs often enough. Can you imagine if they put out albums that were $150 a piece? That's not to say they can't do better.

[@floogee]

I think the reputation the corporation known as The Beatles has can withstand anything. What needle gets moved if they cater to a different audience?

[@jazzcat2075]

This story is so stupid and bizarre that it must be true.

[@heribertovalentin1563]

Sorry to hear Micheal...that's a real shame....and shame on Abbey Road !!!!👺....Ed in New York 🏙🎶🎵🎶

[@alm5693]

I appreciate that you call out labels that put out crappy pressings/masterings of records that collectors are going to want to purchase. Please continue to call them all out until they stop. I have the budget Polygram pressings of the Velvet Underground Verve catalog. They're not stellar but it's interesting to know that I don't have the worst pressings of those albums.

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

Michael you know I’ve been waiting for this review …I think you helped me dodge a bullet! Much appreciated.

[@Michael45RPM]

you are welcome Bob 🤓. always

[@jonthurston8275]

The Sundazed box is mono versions (except the '1969' LP)... Not sure about the 2012 box, but the 2019 box I have is with lacquers cut by Kevin Gray and pressed at RTI instead of Rainbo. To my ears, whether mono adds something over stereo varies song to song, but in general this boxset is unquestionably my preferred way to hear these recordings. But then, I'm a huge fan of Kevin Gray's work (Sparklehorse "It's A Wonderful Life" and Cat Power "Moon Pix" as exemplars).

[@The90sGamingGuy]

Nothing wrong with an honest review. I was going to buy a few of the Bob Marley half speed masters from Abbey Road since i don't own any Marley albums on vinyl, but after watching your review on them i decided not to so thank you for your honest constructive criticism you saved me money. Keep the honest reviews coming.

[@frankhardenbol9998]

please DO these videos more often when needed. Cause this is exactly why i watch videos about re-releases, to find out if it's worth buying. Very informative thanks!

[@ginovairo6487]

Michael, although clearly you are not comfortable with your honest negative review of the Abbey Rd releases, I applaud you for your honesty. It sends a clear message to the manufacturer to lift their game and it’s up to them if they take constructive criticism as an opportunity to do better. Regardless, for me it is a strong message that your reviews are driven by your passion for excellence in sound quality and reinforces that I can trust you to provide honest insight to those of us with the same values and help us avoid costly disappointing investments. Well done and keep it up.

[@DarkSideOfThePepper]

Michael, being Honest, having your integrity is always better. Appreciate your honest review. Abbey Road truly does seem to be just in it for the money and not the quality of the music. Very unfortunate

[@logio69]

If there is a possibility for better change then sure it will come from this truly worth video,Thanks once again.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx George

[@VagueRANT100]

maybe Abbey Road should be renamed Penny Lane...or for you Michael....Dead End Street!

[@freddender6549]

Great video, I really felt your hurt. The guilty folk better pay attention lest their “ brand” become completely tarnished

[@thomashertl3037]

Hallo Michael, I am following your channel since a good while. You and I have a good lot in common, not only cause of our strong passion for Music Matters jazz Reissues. Why not do a female voices edition? Macy’s edition talks a lot about Ella F. What about Patricia Barber, Anne Bisson, Etta Cameron, Jacintha, Melody Gardot, …. Lyn Stanley … those great jazz vocalists with great audiophile pressing Releases? Happy to share an video conferencing with you. Thomas

[@Roberjohnson]

That's too bad. I got a couple of their Brian Eno 45 RPM half speed masters and really like them, then I got one of the Bob Marley albums they did and was so disappointed I haven't bought anything from them since.

[@charlesgund4812]

You should try and do a chat with him. I had an exchange with him online and he stood by his half speed mastering 🙄 I personally think the half speed process adds next to nothing….I think they do it so they can market it as being ‘audiophile’ or a premium product. The most important things are the source and a decent mastering engineer…which is why I love `Kevin Gray’s work.

[@narnalentraffarsparet9482]

Thanks for posting! Maybe they should buy a few days of Bernie Grundmans time and figure out if this is due to a technical problem or simply the down to the craftmanship. Whatever reason the real problem is in the management team, this will damage their brand,. I hope they fix this quickely and stop wasting vinyl and pressingplant time. ❤️from🇸🇪

[@tplank216]

Michael, I couldn't echo your sentiment any more on the topic of the Velvets needing a high quality reissue campaign. I would love to see Speakers Corner or Pure Pleasure get the license to the masters. Those two labels have been really consistently doing great stuff, and seem like they would be a great fit for a group like them.

[@Michael45RPM]

They would do better for sure Travis

[@splintered6040]

I understand how you found it difficult to make this video, Michael. However, please do not apologies for it… Your frank and honest response to these cuts is very much appreciated and respected. What the hell are Abbey Road Studios playing at? Their time honoured status and reputation is clearly being damaged by these and previous half-speed masters. Very sad and I agree with you… they need to halt further production and review their full process and fix systemic production failures and implement stringent QC before releasing any more.

[@Michael45RPM]

Agree Splintered thx for the comment

[@michavandam]

I wish you would d e s c r i b e the bad sound. All you sad was "flat", but what does that mean? No reverb? Distortion? The wrong balance between different instruments? Etc. Instead of being emotional, you'd better be factual. By the way, you're sporting a classic 1940 German hair style. It's hard to forget that listening to your German accent for eight minutes.

[@MrSteff1123]

A year ago before I really anything much about new audiophile pressings I bought the abbey road press of VU & nico and holy crap I was so dissapointed. I actually compared it to spotify streaming and it actually sounded better! The streaming DAC I have is not even close in quality to my analog setup, but even spotify managed to sound better than what abbey road did. VU is one of my favourite bands of all time, so now I guess ill go hunting for a good price of the sundazed box.

[@Michael45RPM]

You can get them for a really fair price... up to now.... Stefan

[@michaelhorgan9525]

Sundazed was selling them for 109.99 USD but it is sold out though that does not include shipping to either US or EU.

[@Willthelistener]

There are two versions of the Sundazed mono set - the original from c 2012 and then a Kevin Gray cut c 2019.

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

VU is probably top 3 favorite group for me. I would have been tempted to buy those remasters so good to know to stay away. I use to have that box set, I will bring that back again. Sad to charge that much and get poor quality. Abbey Road won’t be sending you a Christmas card.

[@muchorelaxo5580]

Thanks for your frankness on these terrible pressings. Abbey Road studios seem to expect everyone to assume that they must be the best .

[@playbackamusicloversjourne8620]

So glad someone is speaking up about the overhyped methods employed by some companies. Sorry you wasted your $ buy you've likely saved many people from wasting theirs.

[@davidbristow3492]

Hi Michael, took a gamble and bought the first Velvet Underground & Nico and WLWH half speeds. I was expecting bad things after watching your review, but they are great. Quality quiet, flat pressings, sonically lively not flat, good soundstage with a lot of detail and air. Obviously they're still low-fi recordings as they originally were. Maybe the 2021 repress has fixed something since the 2019 ones?

[@bmmaaate]

This guy really doesn't say anything about why he thinks they sound bad.

[@rocker11281]

@@bmmaaate That's the point. Still wondering what is bad about this releases.

[@larsnegendahl5184]

Michael, Thanks for you opion. I think you are too hard on the Abbey Road pressing of the Velvet Underground albums. I have compared the "The Velvet Underground & Nico" in 3 pressings; This new Abbey Road, a 1972 US pressing (Full Analog) and a 2008 "4 Men With Beards" (probably digital and also with a bad reputation). I do not think that the pressing from Abbey Road is so bad sounding. Actually it is the best sounding of these 3 pressings. I do not have the box from Sundaze. Normally, I think you are right in your reviews and therefore I am a little puzzled about this. Are there differens in production quality? or in sound systems? I have many - to me - very good sounding Abbey Road half speed matering releases like: John Martyn, Paul McCartney, Japan, Queen (A Night at the Opera), Chic, Cream, Blind Faith and CCR. You can not in generelt say that all Abbey Road half speed mastering releases are bad sounding !

[@festersuncle6298]

I have the mid 80's box and it's nice sounding......I have a East Coast o.g. VU Nico too, $50 a few years back. You're correct about non audiophile. Loaded really does it for me. The Loaded outtakes boot lp is great too. FYI the Japan (UK) 2007/8 pressing is nice and quiet and great sounding.

[@Willthelistener]

Thank you for your forthright video. 1) it’s a shame these 3 albums don’t feature in the Acoustic Sounds Verve Reissue series 2) the Sundazed box used the mono mixes if I am correct and there are two versions with the 2019 set cut by Kevin Gray and pressed by RTI 3) I was disappointed with the 45th anniversary cuts too. IMO UME missed another opportunity there. 4) UME are also quiet on the mix used for the third album and missed to opportunity to release both mixes on vinyl when they did the 45th anniversary in a single lp

[@robertsaul234]

It's sad how such an iconic studio's name has become a warning label instead of a hype sticker.

[@fj103]

Typical!! No excuse for Abbey Road..... Can't wait to hear your take on ERC's new release ;) At least ERC have Music in their Blood...!

[@Michael45RPM]

They have for sure have you seen the new announcement? Unbelievable!

[@markusberzborn6346]

Yes, this is a move I never expected.

[@rongreen1538]

I’ll never buy another Abbey Road release, pure marketing hype over quality.

[@前橋みき]

Excellent Michael and please continue as this was your best video so far! Why? Because it was brutually honest which is why I watch you! I don't muppets telling me that everything is wonderful etc etc too many of them on YT- We need sincerity and honesty and calling Abbey road out for bad work is the right thing to do...so please please do NOT change or I will switch off! 👍👍

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

After seeing this as well as the Rolling stone box review. I will not buy an Abby Road Release until it gets rave reviews. And with a name like Abbey Road its easy to remember to steer clear.

[@canjo7301]

Michael, outstanding video very well said. Please, please, please continue to review and tell us what "audiophile" albums we in the community need to avoid. Maybe, just maybe the way to stop them is to hit them where it hurts the most, their bottom line. As for the Abbey Road Studios, I am pretty sure they will not release the Beatles mastertapes to Mo-Fi, Analogue Productions or anyone else again, I hope I am wrong. Same goes for Page, all the Led Zepplen reissues I have purchased sound terrible compared to my old copies. Keep up the great work...

[@Michael45RPM]

i will try my bet Canjo :-)

[@canjo7301]

@@Michael45RPM Thanks for the reply. I can not tell you just how much I really enjoy your videos. We really need you to keep the pressure on these labels and studios.

[@Michael45RPM]

I think keeping up the pressure must be a joint venture Canjo

[@canjo7301]

@@Michael45RPM I am doing my part now, I bought the Let It Be, box, but other than that I am trying to find older pressings that are in decent shape. My best find so far is a Delaney & Bonnie & Friends On Tour that was still in shrink, opened it up Richmond Pressing. Go figure...

[@peterjonas4971]

I bought the box set that came out in '85 on Polydore which has the first w/ Nico, White Light, self title as well as "Another View" and "VU." And those pressings still sound good to me, after years. But I would love better versions on vinyl. Thank you for warning me about these pressings.

[@markusschulzbro]

Michael, you don’t have to sorry for honest opinion. We need more true honest music lovers here on KZbin. 🙏

[@spark7516]

Thanks for saving me money, Michael! Too bad. These are albums that deserve a proper pressing.

[@Michael45RPM]

Right Park.. and it is by far not the first time....

[@deadquietvinyl]

Anyone having any opinion if digital is better on these bad record LPs? When it comes to new pressings of course. Like this Abbey Road set of vinyl?

[@35mmview18]

Sadly their recording engineers seem unable to do their job with any pride or skill. I won't be buying any of them and will continue to pass on your passionate message.

[@jo66hn41]

You should ABSOLUTELY call out reissues that are substandard. This is the only way that there will be any hope for improvement. The only Abbey Road Half Speed Masters that I own are Japan's "Tin Drum" and "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" 45rpm X 2 disks and they sound really, really, really GOOD. But I did not buy them until I had gotten feedback saying that these remasters had been done well. Anyway thanks for the heads up and please maintain the rage! ✊

[@michaelhorgan9525]

I probably should have bought the Sundazed box when it was on sale for 109.99 USD.

[@mercuryscat2703]

I was going to purchase the second and third albums in this series… not now though . I trust your ears .

[@F4O2R7D]

I just have to say this, anyone who listens to one persons or other peoples opinion on sound quality is doing a disservice to themselves. If you base your buying and acquisition of records on someone else's opinion without listening for yourself your missing out. Michael's opinion on records is so predictable it's funny to watch. I would love to put him through a listening session of records where he hasn't been able to predetermine a bias by reading first before listening to the records. I do understand how people new to records try to find the fast track to a good pressing, or the best as they can be expensive. But the journey is part of learning and knowing what sounds good. No one else can tell you this, reading can't tell you this, preconceive bias and internet myths can't tell you this. The only way to truly know what sounds good to you is listening to multiple copies of the same tile, in your system with your own ears.

[@smallaxe2097]

Most of these companies cashing in on the vinyl craze aren't making a product you actually listen to.... they are making a collectable that you hang on your wall so you look like a cool kid.

[@kgobrien1]

A more detailed description of the sound quality that has you so upset would be helpful. Thanks.

[@Michael45RPM]

Buy them and see for yourself :-) no just kidding

[@hubtunes9607]

I stopped buying Abby Riad remasters after your first review of The Stones. You should too 🤪

[@Michael45RPM]

I think you are right :-)

[@ivanmaltoni8760]

Thanks for your video. Can you talk about Love Supreme Live in Seattle? How sounds?

[@Michael45RPM]

Did a Live Stream about it... get it its Great!

[@ivanmaltoni8760]

Thanks

[@ronjetten6535]

Michael, I enjoy watching your channel but with all due respect I just watched an 8 minute video hearing you say it’s not good, it’s bad etc and saying that the Sundazed versions sound good but I still don’t know what the real issue is here. It would be good if you would explain in detail why you think these records sound bad. Surface noise? EQ? Or is it something else? And what is the difference with the Sundazed editions that make them sound so much better? once again I enjoy watching your channnel and love your enthusiasm and I look forward seeing more future videos.

[@aaronalamo284]

Thanks Michael. I appreciate you make these videos. You are saving us from falling into a trap and that's great. It also makes your other videos more valuable. Because it shows that you have a criteria and you know the difference between good pressings and bad ones. I encourage you to keep these type of videos coming. Not everything can be good always and there is no shame on that.

[@conradpoos2859]

I would like to recommend the new documentary about the band from director Todd Haynes. It is currently streaming on Apple TV. Wunderbar.

[@Michael45RPM]

Yes its a great watch

[@martinproietti]

Thanks you Michael for this video. It is important that you make them because they represent what most of us think. How in the world can these realese be so bad with the resources available at AR. When I see what the gentleman at SAM Records is able to do on his own. Not all vinyl lovers have the budget for high end hifi but the still deserve a quality reissue on a mainstream product!! Enough ranting 😉😀

[@Michael45RPM]

You are right Sam is the perfect example the should visit him and hope that he talks to them!

[@jackchaseconsulting]

Thanks for the video Michael. When I got back into collecting vinyl in mid 2015 one of the first things I purchased was that box set by Sundazed. New, for under $100 USD. For some reason I have been feeling that there were better versions out there, and these half-masters sound like they might be the way to go. Thanks to the internet I can prescreen bands by choosing to listen to their full album on KZbin. The only risk I am taking is how well the sound translates to my fairly modest home setup. And also when buying used, if the seller has embellished the condition of the record. As far as music shopping goes, people like yourself, and KZbin are my friends. :)

[@terrywho22]

Thank you Michael. You just saved me $50, and possibly more important, saved me from the frustration that comes with receiving a garbage product that I would of otherwise had very high hopes for.

[@fts81]

Speaking of ERC, they’re doing the white stripes next. Again, I highly recommend the third man records vault releases!

[@Michael45RPM]

Yes this is the news of the week never expected this one probably because Jack White opened a record store in London

[@fts81]

@@Michael45RPM sure, I forgot about that. Their last vault with the Bob Dylan bootleg is great. And Jack White presses the best subduing colored vinyl, they’re great. I’m looking forward to the erc.

[@jpjaansen9189]

I have just ordered a NM Sundazed Box. I will be happy to compare them against my 80th Polydor Reissues… Thanks Michael!!

[@Michael45RPM]

Cool inform us on the result JP

[@jpjaansen9189]

Oh yes! A word to Abbey Road… John Martyn - Solid Air 2016 is fantastic. Not only a fantastic album, even the mastering/pressing is great. Did they listen to the TP??

[@Michael45RPM]

can not answer this :-)

[@nickthegun]

I returned the recent DJ Shadow half speed master. The left channel was completely blown out and sounded appalling (no, it wasn’t the cartridge or anti-skate)

[@Big-J-8579]

Thanks. Sometimes you just have to say what you wish you did not have to say.

[@pmpgonzalez]

I was lucky enough to buy Verve’s reissues of these albums, a few years ago. They sound great. It’s a disgrace, what Abbey Road is doing. Thank you for pointing that out.

[@frankkortstee9877]

Really? The 2012 version? My 2015 repress of this, was dissapointing to my ears. Dull

[@pmpgonzalez]

@@frankkortstee9877 it’s a 1967, complex album. It’ll never sound stellar, I suppose.

[@frankkortstee9877]

Yes, that was my guess aswel, but I don't have a good comparisson with a "great" sounding one. For better sound maybe the live 1993 recordings. Not sure if there is a LP version of that. The live NL show was of another planet, but that was maybe of other reasons as well 😉

[@pmpgonzalez]

@@frankkortstee9877 😂😂😂 I’ll try and find that record. Let’s find out how much is actually good and how much were… let’s say, external “agents” 😂😂😂

[@frankkortstee9877]

Looked it up. There is a vinly version op the live 1993 european tour, repress 2014 US and Europe pressing. Does anybody know the quality of the pressings?

[@edvandeventer]

I really believe that at some point a label will step up and do this correctly. Hopefully with the documentary that just came out (which is quite good) there will be some renewed interest and fan base. Maybe with a little momentum there will be a higher demand for a quality reissue and mastering. VU fans seem like the type that will demand it more vehemently than most. Thanks for another fantastic video. Also sorry to comment off topic, but will you be looking at those new AAA My Bloody Valentine reissues that are shipping here soon?

[@Michael45RPM]

New Blood Valentine? are you sure they are new? i think they are out for quite some time maybe they are being repressed?

[@edvandeventer]

@@Michael45RPM Oh that might be and I'm probably wrong, but I thought "Loveless" and "Isn't Anything" are getting new AAA remasters. The album "MBV" was always fully analog though. Again I may be mistaken on this.

[@Michael45RPM]

maybe you are right if so please link here

[@mymixture965]

I don't know why I should buy all this reissues, I just had another experience. I found an old "Coltrane Sound" an original Atlantic and I also have the reissues, Berni Grundmann mastered Rhino version. The original butchered the Grundmann mastering, nothing to discuss here, everybody who listens would agree. Get an original, does not have to be a first pressing, just stay before digital, so before mid 80´s and you are good.

[@drbryant23]

Excellent video. It needed to be said. It isn't a lack of talent; some of their masterings sound very good. What appears to be missing is consistent care and dedication to sound quality. Based on the sheer number of reissues with MILES@ABBEY ROAD in the deadwax, I suspect that at this point, they are just cranking out product to meet the demands of their customers. It's unfortunate.

[@davidmorgen4558]

One band id Luv to see first 6 albums remastered which were originally on liberty records in the us is Amon Dull 2 which of course were influnced by V.U. ....One of my personal fav is yeti a truly Remarkable collage of sound if there ever was such A thing...Need I say More!

[@dozo99]

I watched this video for the second time. I'm thinking about buying the Mark Knopfler boxset. But..... Yes, its also Abbey Road mastering. It would be nice to have Sailing to Philadelphia on vinyl. But Im afraid to be just as disappointed as Michael is now. The high rez digital is pretty d... good.

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Oh man so sorry that is not good. Great video

[@rodrigollanes7619]

In 2017, UMe released a box set on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of VU & Nico. At least in my box set, the pressing of that album is B0022028-01-A G-2. Sounds decent (not very good...). It is the same matrix as the 2014 Newbury pressing. White Light and VU are the 45th anniversary reissues (WL / WH - B0019338-01-A G-1; VU - B0022028-01-A G-2). Both pressed at United and lacquers cut by Ron McMaster. At best: decent. It is the most disappointing box set I have ever bought. We definitely need good reissues from VU, one of the most important bands in rock history.

[@rodrigollanes7619]

Oh, and I won't buy the VU Abbey Road 1/2 mastered. I don't belive in 1/2 mastered. I only have Exile on Main Street, McCartney, Ram and the Beatles 50th anniversary remixes. I think any 70's pressing (UK, US, German) of those albums is better. I think the Beatles remixes are fine.

[@mikejeffries8630]

Hi Michael. Great channel. The VU and Nico is my favourite album and I would appreciate a little more explanation on what it is you hear that is so bad about this pressing . I’ve just listened to it for the first time and my first impressions are quite positive. I’ve never heard an early all-analogue copy but I have several copies, including a Japanese edition, the B2B reissue (highly regarded, btw) and the budget-priced 80s UK, which I believe is also all-analogue. I’ve also got your mono box, which is likely to be digitally sourced. I’ve not done a shoot-out but nothing stuck out as being particularly awful . ‘Butchered’ is a strong word, so could you give some detail on what you find so objectionable about this particular pressing, especially in comparison with other stereo pressings. I respect the passion in this review but it lacks specifics. Thank you.

[@NickP333]

Michael, don’t be sorry for delivering the truth. This Abbey Road thing seems like it’s just becoming some kind of sick joke at this point. I mean, how can you get it so wrong so many times? Their track record seems to keeps getting worse, and they’ve got to know about the problem. Thanks, Michael.

[@Michael45RPM]

Hey Nick thx for sharing your opinion here

[@andybetts1484]

Michael, I haven't heard these releases yet (and it looks like I probably won't bother) but your videos are an inspiration. I value everything that you, Fremer and Mike Esposito (The In groove) say. I learn a lot from you guys. I'm a huge Velvet Underground fan, and from this video i've learned one thing.... Seek out the Sundaze box. I didn't even know that existed!

[@jazzandcocktails7]

Did you catch the documentary on Apple Tv?

[@andybetts1484]

@@jazzandcocktails7 nope...haven't got apple TV.... Although I do have a "questionable" firestick that's been altered slightly

[@henni1964]

Michael, never heard a "half speed mastering" vinyl myself, but I trust you. Then what's the point of this mastering technique, I really don't get it. Lucky me, I followed the advice of my brother in law a decade ago and got myself a copy from UMG Japan (2007) for around 40 Euro back then (and some other releases from UMG Japan at the time). My copy is still in mint condition and I just looked up the actual prices. It's insane how they skyrocked! But for me of course, the musical experience comes first. Abbey Road how dare you??

[@briansaul6509]

I love that "try listening to it at regular speed"!! You are right on. I have been frustrated with the quality of the latest Abbey Road pressings. It's almost as if "half-speed mastering" means "half-way- into- it -mastering". From what I have heard so far ( Marley, Stones) they are not so good at all. I have a copy of Goats Head Soup - Stones on the way and I am kind of mad at myself for pulling the trigger on it. I have not heard it yet but I cross my fingers.... btw Michael were you able to order the White Stripes White Blood Cells from ERC? Did they change the ordering process?

[@joachimpinhammer273]

If Electric Recordings would do The Velvet Underground & Nico from the mono masters with the original cover art in all its glory, I would buy it in a minute. And I have to confess that I have not not been willing to pay that much for a single record yet.

[@biggspeed46]

Im new to this world of collecting records and so far I'm loving it. I think you should do more videos like this to help folks such as myself and also call these companies out who expect us to pay premiums for their lackluster products. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@davids.816]

I haven't had a problem with any Abby Road stuff like Everything but the girl, DJ Shadow ect. But, I'm sure glad I didn't pick this one up lol.

[@jpjaansen9189]

Two examples for great Abbey Road Half Speed Masters: John Martyn - Solid Air, Brian Eno - Ambient 4 / On Land. It seems, they have a versatile output…

[@pjotrbromm]

I agree on the Eno On Land, sounds great! Thanks to Michael for the warning they're certainly not all of that quality!

[@mutton7891]

The new DJ Shadow - Endtroducing sounds great too.

[@eddiecucumber5342]

I have purchased some abbey road half speed mastered such as Creedence Clearwater revival and I find they sound like flat high res digital. Does not have the warmth or fluidity of analogue source. However on the positive the separation of voices in the tight harmony is very good (perhaps because of harmonics😃 lacking). There is I suspect plus and minus depending on recording. For Velvet Underground because of the music, there is no upside. I really don't understand because other records from Abbey road such as the Giles Martin Beatles remixes sound good, albeit from a digital source. By the way keep up with the honest appraisals. To many reviewers blow smoke up peoples ?*%$#!.

[@markusberzborn6346]

I have had mostly positive experiences with Sundazed LPs anyway. For example, their mono pressing of the Vanilla Fudge debut album or their Dylan LPs are nice efforts. Not on a par with the later MFSL versions of course, but really decent sounding.

[@Michael45RPM]

So we should look at their other releases thx Markus

[@HoomanR17]

@@Michael45RPM definitely.. I see good things from them.. would enjoy seeing you do some comparison if you can get a hold of the good ones.. some of the Dylan and Donovan are pressed at QRP but you have to know which one.

[@Michael45RPM]

tell us Hooman 😎

[@Daniel-hk3ru]

Thank you for the straight talk.

[@paulboudreau3754]

I have the Japanese 200g pressing from 2007. Outstanding. UIJY-9005

[@rhessex]

Thanks for the heads up. Good to share this.

[@andysmusicden]

I guess it’s not the half speed mastering process as such that is an issue, considering that the MoFI releases are also half speed and these are constantly praised. I haven’t heard neither the Sundazed mono box or these new releases, but I think it is hard to compare mono vs stereo.

[@paulspanbauer4125]

Yeah I wouldn’t blame it on the half speed mastering itself - I have heard many fine results of half speed mastering. Abbey Road’s remasterings of The Rolling Stones were weak - they even had to redo Exile on Main Street due to the backlash on their first attempt. I have their reissues of Brian Eno (I found those to be good) and Japan (ok). Even ok to good isn’t what I expect in a hyped reissue. - I expect excellence. Thanks for the review - I’ll definitely avoid these!

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

Good on you for calling them out.

[@brianlewis5042]

The sad part of this is for those who don't know the difference in releases, they will feel that they will have an important release. I think it is mostly corporations cashing in on the vinyl reassurance and are willing to put out anything. I know you wanted to find something good to say and saw it was difficult for you, just keep giving us your honest opinions that's important. Negative reviews are the toughest one to do, but they are sometimes necessary. Cheers..

[@Michael45RPM]

right Brian thx

[@simonmattock2880]

I share your pain - such a missed opportunity

[@aafarooqui]

Great video. Do you feel the same about the Rolling Stones studio box set of the later albums?

[@Michael45RPM]

Can not answer that, from what i have heard this one is better

[@thomasmarker8198]

Good with your skeptisism over bad recordings - i think they will listen.

[@Michael45RPM]

Lets hope they do... i doubt it

[@bikemike1118]

Also think it’s important and necessary to tell those idiotic recording engineers as well as pressing companies off who create such crap !! Very important!! Well done, Michael 👍🏼

[@Michael45RPM]

@@bikemike1118 right Bikemike and thx

[@maxwellpolar6131]

Hi Michael ! Great video as always ! Have listen to the 2 Serge Gainsbourg boxes half speed mastering issued from Abbey Road studios ? I am a big fan of Gainsbourg and before buying thes expavsive boxsets i prefer asking this question.... excuse me for my poor english ..i am a french guy 😉! Thanks for your honesty .. Jean-Michel

[@Michael45RPM]

No i have nit listen to them can you please link them? i would love to see them Maxwell