George Michael: Older Deluxe Boxset

[@shengjiewang2683]

It's always a pleasure to hear from another fan talking about one of my favorite albums. So much to learn.

[@mjm5081]

Thank you for sharing! 🙏❤🌹 George 🌹❤🙏

[@liammolyneuxmusic]

Sat & watched with my wife Michael who was very impressed with your George knowledge.My wife Tracey being one of George’s biggest fans. Beautifully described in your video Michael. An album as a husband & wife you can enjoy together. Fantastic having it on vinyl.I went for 2LP on green vinyl sounds great. 😎👍

[@berniecasey7592]

I'm so happy to be buying the Older Deluxe box set - I was excited to buy Listen without "3 cd set" and was hoping for and Older set with extra tracks, I miss him so much-its a gift to have. Prayers we will recieve more to come. 😃💜

[@terrykeenan4308]

This is my favorite George Michael album, and so glad to finally have it in my vinyl collection. I elected to only purchase the vinyl and not the box set, but I'm looking forward to finally listen to it tonight with a nice cocktail. So happy that my wife and I were able to see him in 2009, the entire show was electric with no one sitting, but up on their feet dancing.

[@papabear1417]

I bought the 25th Anniversary of Older lp only. Had to wait a few months as delays. George is and always will be a Genius. His voice is so clear, expressive and soulful.

[@TheRollingStoness]

Gorgeous LP for sit down , legs stretched, with wine in hand listen ....get up only to flip the LP...got the 1996 LP .

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I bought the vinyl only. Box sets are a) too expensive and b) filled with stuff you don’t really need. The LP sounds fantastic and makes the album more enjoyable than ever. Each song has a soundstage I never noticed on the original CD.

[@huberts1682]

Thanks a lot for reviewing this, and for rekindling my interest in this record. Yes its commercial music, but this album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Every song is a masterpiece. I bought the standard black vinyl version today. Beautiful.

[@rastheike4329]

Sensual hearing. Artistic and beautiful fabric softener. Exitable receptivity to the beautiful. And a very good sound result leave nothing to be desired. This is success story. That cannot be avoided. Thanks for your opinion Michael. ❤️Heike

[@dossierzoeker5539]

Super album❤ I love it since it came out in 1996. Thanks for your review.

[@ronaldjq]

Thank you for posting this Michael! this is my favorite record from George Michael, as you said, the Brazilian/Jazzy atmosphere is amazing and very well done. I bought it right away.

[@yanks1fan09]

I bought the box set as well. Always thought this and Listen Without Prejudice 1 were his best albums. From a creative and vocal perspective Jesus To A Child is his best showing his vocals and maturity. This was well done in my opinion and worth the wait.

[@tturner12341]

I love Listen Without Prejudice. It’s a amazing album. Plus the video for Freedom 90! Is my third favorite video of all time.

[@danijelsan81]

It'll be delivered today!

[@NB-im4ok]

Although Listen Without Prejudice is my personal favourite George album, Older is fantastic. Thanks for sharing this video of the deluxe edition.

[@doublet630]

Agree on Listen without Prejudice.

[@ralfh.5068]

The Listen.. Album was not so influenced by his personal issues that were ahead for him. So it was a bit brighter. But both albums are enjoyable.

[@churchillsliver2259]

The music on this album beats any pop/RnB made since it’s release. It was my first time listing older when I first got this re issue and it’s in my top three albums of all time now.🎊 🎉

[@tturner12341]

Thank you 😊😊 I got mine yesterday. This boxset is beautiful. I bought this one too.

[@AlexandruBurda]

Nice review. I liked it so much that I end up buying the album, although I am not really a fan of George (but I liked some of his songs over time). Not the vinyl or this package but the CD, Virgin edition (I prefer CDs). Now I am impatient to give it a listen. 😄 Thanks for the inspirational review. 👍🙂

[@maurice4407]

Hi Micheal , one of my favourites. I bought the US release and the white UK release and I also have an original copy. For sure the reissues are quieter probably because the tracks are spread over 2 LPs. The original I thinks is a bit more dynamic but I will compare all 3 this weekend and get back to you.

[@jabensergei]

Hi Michael, agree with you, this remastering has that cashmere atmospheric touch that may not sweet everyone, but certainly has its onw place. Personally, I like it very much. Another interesting thing about this pressing is that tracks dont have space between and starting almost directly one after each other. Regarding the pressing quality, its nothing but great, very clean. And, if anybody interested how CD sounds compared to this LP release, you can check the video I just upload. Thx!

[@jamesattenborough2597]

Poor George, RIP. Such a huge talent

[@brianlewis5042]

That boxset is loaded. I got the regular reissue and it sounds amazing in my opinion. My problem is these box sets are taking up to much space. I have been a fan of George Michael’s since his Wham days. Unfortunately his deal with Sony was a terrible thing. Nevertheless this album is one for a collection just to sit down and enjoy some great music

[@seand67]

Looks amazing

[@SpyderTracks]

I bought the normal vinyl album as like you I was disheartened half the boxset was on cd. I completely agree that the remaster is really well done, soft lower notes which really suit the sound. It’s a great copy.

[@thomaskandersen7250]

I work in an independent record store, and the only release we have left, is the box-set, and i guess it has to do with the times were living in. We take notice of that, and many of our customers, doesen't spend the amount they are use to. So the "normal" vs. was quickly sold out. Just wanted to share something from my world. ✌️❤️🇩🇰

[@Michael45RPM]

thx for sharing Thomas!

[@torbjornsjoberg6516]

Hi! Again, where can we post general questions, tips and ideas about vinyls etc. to you? Please get a mailbox where we can post to. We all understand that you can not answer in short times but we all understand, take the time! But it is so much that we can discuss! Please Michael!

[@Michael45RPM]

Please use the comment section, i think here is the best place, dont you agree?

[@torbjornsjoberg6516]

@@Michael45RPM Michael it is ok! I just think more general topics as for example how to get the labels to present mastering, pressing, differences US/EU and so on, maybe do not fit in the comments about another topic. But I will apply, thanks Michael 🤗👍

[@shakinghell1318]

I’m reminded of just how handsome this man was. Truly blessed with looks and a voice! Unfortunately his music is pop fodder to me - great to hear on the radio or in a pub but I’d never spend money on the releases. This set looks great though 😊

[@thomaskandersen7250]

Your right about the sonic signature of the sound, with has mostly to do with the production.

[@ivanroman7291]

This summer I read an article from the producer, where he stated there are no physical Masters from "older" as it was recorded and mastered directly to be stored in a Hard Drive, without any particular Digital media in mind. That must also leave a sonic signature when postproducing for cd/record pressing

[@bigedhaaheo]

Aloha Michael, I must admit, I've never listened or cared to listened to George Michael's record albums. But this one got me curious, so I'll be checking it out. Thank you for the review. Always looking forward to seeing your next video. Mahalo Ed

[@fantasticmr.fox77]

Would love a video or 2 on The Fall - of course not audio quality focused project but fantastic. Kind of the opposite of Audiophile.

[@MrLovell1971]

I bought the 2 lp version I passed on the box set because I have all the extras the mixes I was hoping for alternate takes or more unreleased the upper was released back in the late 90s which I have Michael great review . Lovellandrew

[@dennyeredd5451]

Another very informative review, I would love to see you do a thread on box sets? Do you think they really are value for money, is the quality and availability good enough, and price? Are they simply too expensive? 👍👍

[@sameerrajakumar]

I was hoping someone would upload this older 2022 deluxe remaster album on KZbin to listen to , cause it is expensive like u say

[@peterponcin9664]

compared the cd with the lp sounds better its not audiophile the lp breathes mores more details more pleasant

[@sebastianbachert9528]

I know this album by heart. I have the Boxset, too. But to me it's not an audiophile pressing at all. I cleaned it, I gave it several runs. But my K2HD sounds more spacious, with wider stage and depth. And I've got some clicks and surface noise. Some listeners on Discogs faced the same issues with this reissue. Bought it from JPC, so perhaps trying another one could help? What do you think? Thanks for this video!

[@Michael45RPM]

i dont think that this has something to do with JPC Sebastian. But try a return and see if it gets better

[@restructures]

Agreed - something seems to have gone wrong in the vinyl mastering. The CDs sound better in this case.

[@charlesgund4812]

But how does it sound compared to a fresh digital file?

[@MsKalachakra]

Not familiar with Older, going to check it out. Listen without prejudice is the last vinyl I have.

[@scotthutch3682]

It will be bittersweet for you- that you get to hear this for the first time- but that you missed out on listening to it all these years

[@itsvladzino3246]

Welcome back. In my opinion.

[@ohaddoo23]

Sold my og copy two years ago for 650€ and as any vinyl junkie i always regretted this a bit. It's always hard to part ... But on the day the reissue came out i cheered hurray, opend a Cremant and toasted to George. The record sounded ok, but i had the CD as well and in comparision the vinyl wasn't that great (too many tracks, doubtfull if it was mastered for vinyl) like many others from the 1990ies (who e.g. really wants the original NAS It Was Written, when the reissue on 2lp is so much better). Just ordered the 2LP and hope it will sound nice and not be warped too much. Thanks for all your nice videos!

[@kevinmkeating]

Great review. Thank you

[@RFerreira2009]

How is Fastlove? Still suffering from ridiculous clipping?

[@tomwebb7091]

I enjoy this album alot. Easily Georges best album. Growing old gracefully. I bought black, green, blue and red copies lol! I got carried away and was excited at the prospect of it being over 2LPs rather than 1 like the OG. I listened to the black first.... noisy and non filled. Returned. Cracked open the green copy.... warped but plays quieter. I cracked open a blue copy... almost flat and quiet enough. All three are mastered the same without any doubt. Despite some pressing issues the mastering remains the biggest problem. A couple of tracks sound poor and the inner grooves have some distortion i would never have expected. I also find it a little tonally grey. I think my OG CD sounds better. After hearing the youtube clip comparing new 2LP to OG first press it confirms despite the single sided long length of the OG it sounds more lifelike. This new reissue is certainly worth 25 quid vs the expensive OG for sure but its abit disappointing... not terrible, not at all unlistenable but could have been alot better i feel.

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Totally agree!!

[@tturner12341]

I don’t have the original copy of Older but, I definitely know vinyl. Since I’ve been buying it for 50 years. I don’t think it’s possible for the original to sound better. Because when you put so much music on one side of a record the sound quality will go down. Because the grooves of the record are crammed together. I’ve read that the original single LP from 1996 sounds awful. I can’t say for sure because I never heard it. I did buy the deluxe boxset and I think it sounds really good. Maybe not audiophile but very nice. Mine sounds pretty quiet. With vinyl…you might get a couple pops and cracks. That’s vinyl. Now I’m going to have to listen to the remastered CD that came in the boxset.

[@tturner12341]

@@sebastianbachert9528 how can you put so much music per side of a record and get better sound. It just doesn’t make sense 😢. But, I never owned the original album on vinyl. I do have the original CD and now the remastered CD in the boxset.

[@sebastianbachert9528]

@@tturner12341 mostly the sound improves, when the grooves get more space on more sides. But I really think, that the older vinyl reissue can't cope with the sound quality of the CD, which is normally possible, when the source is good (given w/ older) and the mastering and pressing process is perfect. Though I'm kind of a bit disappointed..

[@tomwebb7091]

@@tturner12341 For such an experienced record collector and listener im surprised you havent realised that side length plays second fiddle to mastering when mastering is done mediocre over two sides vs done well over one. Along with Older, another example is the recent Alice in Chains Dirt reissue that proves this as well... the single sided 30mins each side LP CAN sound better than the 2LP if its mastered better. I totally agree that the 2 sided nature of this new Older SHOULD bring massive sonic benefits but this release squanders the opportunity entirely. Dont get me wrong...it doesnt sound bad (like as in really bad). It just isnt mastered anywhere near as well as it COULD and SHOULD be for a premium 25th anniversay celebratory release done with half the side length of the superior OG. Of course i dont mind if someone says the OG sounds worse because its all subjective when it comes to sound. We dont all hear identically after all. What we can alo agree on is when a pressing is done with quality or lack of. Optimal have been very poor since 2019 when previously they did great consistent work... scratched, warped and non filled LPs are common from them now, sometimes shockingly so and sometimes all at once 😳😳. And so it proved with my black copy at least being non filled and noisy. On this i accept no argument lol!!

[@bigedhaaheo]

Debating if I should buy the Box set it's on sale on Amazon in America $ 127.17 or buy the 2 lp for $ 34.97. ?

[@iansmithpersonal]

I think this is a very greedy, over-priced release. £140!!! They are forcing CD buyers to pay for vinyl, and vinyl buyers to buy CDs when they don't want them. There isn't even a Surround Sound mix, even though they produced one and it's on Apple Music. They claim it contains "unreleased tracks". Not true. There is nothing here that isn't already available. No polylined sleeves, and even the booklet is paperback rather than hardback. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY POUNDS! It's beyond depressing to see rave reviews for such a mediocre, over-priced release.

[@restructures]

I don't like the vinyl mastering here -- there's something wrong with the bass frequencies on side D in particular. But worth getting for the art prints, book, & remix CDs, IMO.

[@sebastianbachert9528]

The book is the main reason for me to buy the Boxset. And Upper on vinyl. But you're right: the mastering is a big problem here. Don't know why they did it themselves and did not give the job to some of the mastering gurus. KPG or Bob Ludwig do great cuts from digital. But now it's too late....

[@Elvis-wu6et]

Many people are saying that cd sounds better. I have original cd and it’s much hotter. Many people like that. Vinyl master is soft comparing to cd. For me, cd have to much bass and high’s are sometimes painful to ears. I like vinyl more, it’s more natural, but it is not perfect. Michael, you should listen to cd to hear what is polished 😊 Cheers!

[@mkberlin]

Great reissue, but the box set feels like a rip off. I got the translucent green double LP, which sounds great for 30 EUR. At least 120 Euro more to get just one additional vinyl, a bunch of CDs and some art prints, is too much. If they would have included the original maxi singles as vinyls this box would have been a clear buy.

[@AnjaRuben-Gesell]

Wäre soooo schön, es auf deutsch zu hören. Mit meinen paar Englischkenntnissen komme ich leider nur sehr puzzlehaft voran. Aber glaube doch begriffen zu haben, daß es keine 10 auf der Werteskala ist aber eine gute 8,5 ...?! Super- reicht mir doch schon

[@anthonybernard3689]

Is your wife allowed to touch your turntable? 😆

[@Michael45RPM]

Of course!

[@fnd111]

No high quality sleeves, no hardcover book. CDs should have been SA-CDs. For that kind of money - I'm out.

[@nikeu7110]

Hi Michale. What outer and iner sleeves you are use for lp’s. Nagaoka or??? Especially outer sleeves are??

[@Michael45RPM]

VSS i will make a video about it soon .... again ....

[@sararibeiro4034]

Beautiful album. I liked your review very much. Thanks Michael