How Vinyl Me Please Lost A Customer And a Record Plant

[@vinylrichie007]

As a long time collector I never felt a need to subscribe to Vinyl Me Please. I will buy one of their offerings now and then.

[@derosa1989]

same. if something was really desirable for my collection, i'd just pay the one time 'tax'. it's not that big a difference. I had to look up my last order to remember what it was - "Monk's Music" back in June 2023. And now the AP version is coming out. It's annoying how the catalog titles VMP gets are being duplicated.

[@vinylrichie007]

@@derosa1989 There seems to be a lot of duplication.

[@latheofheaven]

Same here too... The most recent single album I got from them was the excellent Grateful Dead original mix of Anthem of the Sun, good stuff!

[@MikesVinylExperience]

Same as well. Never have subscribed but bought a few here and there.

[@zoomer1zoomer]

I am giving them a chance. I've been a member for 3 years, and got a lot of great releases over that time, including the excellent Miles box. Excellent mastering quality done by RKS for many titles. Customer service has been fantastic. I don't see that we'll have any big change going forward, they will continue to press at 3rd party plants. It would be a big loss of they leave the market, they are releasing many titles that the established audiophile labels would never touch.

[@SpyderTracks]

I have 4 Anthology box sets now, including the Miles Davis, and they are some of the most treasured pieces in my collection, the quality is extremely good. The Miles box, and a lot of their newer releases, are definitely pushing the boundaries of value to the point where I'm often looking elsewhere, the only reason I bought the Miles box is because I had a 40% off voucher, otherwise it was too much for my blood. I really like some of the content they focus on, specifically R&B, Rap and Hip Hop that other labels just don't tend to focus on if at all. But now Rhino have stepped up and having been putting out some really good Hip Hop and R&B. I'm still giving them a chance though also, because I want them in the space, I want them doing releases that others don't and I do like their quality. But they can't keep stepping up their prices as I don't think the quality is up on par with Tone Poets or Atlantic 75's or things like that.

[@zoomer1zoomer]

​@SpyderTracks may not be fair to compare 33s to 45s. But quality wise, two of the three A75s I bought had defects. And note many of them are done by RKS, who does most mastering for VMP.

[@SpyderTracks]

@@zoomer1zoomer I think perhaps it's more the vinyl formulation and pressing quality. But, when VMP work out the kinks in the new production plant which I seriously hope they do, I think they will focus on producing their own vinyl formula, or licensing the usual super vinyl compound perhaps for their premium releases. I wish them all the best, no matter what, they have filled a gap in the market, they've brought the quality of coloured vinyl near as dammit in line with that of standard black which no one had bothered to for decades, plus have put out more modern releases that other labels just wouldn't go near and were always stuck in 60's and 70's classics. I wish VMP every single success. And I fully agree with you on VMP customer service, I had the Miles box shipped to UK, it got lost handing over to Royal Mail, VMP didn't question me once, immediately shipped a replacement no questions asked, and arranged it with customs so I didn't have to pay further charges and then claim it back. They are superb.

[@zoomer1zoomer]

@@SpyderTracks VMP has said they will not be using this new plant. They have no association with it going forward.

[@freekeemonkee]

I have no problems personally with VMP. I get 2 records a month from them in the rock and classic tracks. Sometimes I swap, but I always get very nice sounding records. I can't afford a 1st UK press of Master of Reality, so I'm good with their version. They don't always press crazy color variants. I'm very happy with the service so far. They are a lot more Indie than I care for, but I re upped my sub in March and I hope they keep putting good stuff out. Next month I'll be getting T-Rex and Isaac Hayes, so I'm good with that.

[@Matasky2010]

Michael's is complaining about VMP without offering any valid justification other than they are 'trying to be cool' and now have legal issues. The releases are very high quality, often using the best engineers, and premium quality packaging. I don't see a problem other than prices are high, but they are on par with most other audiophile companies. VMP offer a variety of releases/ genres by design, you know that when you sign up. Either you're open to that concept or it's really not for you. Non members can just cherry pick the titles they are interested in. I don't see too many negative reviews of the VMP Master of Reality. If you expect it to beat a clean original I'd say your expectations may be a bit high.

[@MickSupper]

Maybe he just got bored with VMP and that's enough reason for him to cancel his subscription. I think his argument is solid. He gave plenty of kudos to them, so don't be so butt hurt

[@jean-philippemacioti-ducha3994]

Dear Michael, I have to call you out on this one. Been following your for a while and enjoyed your videos. Between my wife and I, you’re my German mistress cause I hide to watch them 😂. Anyway, I’m a VMP subscriber for 3 years, I also find myself in the situation where the titles don’t excite me so much but I get a store credit. On the other hand, I got some incredible records through them, the Miles box set, the Herbie Hancock one, Quincy… the Sly series is off the hook as far as I’m concerned. You’ve been raving about their releases, the packaging, the look of the records and also the sound for some time now. I don’t think it’s fair to dis them like this now. They’ve done a great job if you look at the vinyl industry as a whole and the vast amount of terrible reissues taking advantage of the record revival. To make a video entitled VMP lost a customer and a record plant saying that it’s not related isn’t honest. Your record digging method has changed, you have the privilege to be able to look for OGs, and that’s fine. But at a time when a company is struggling after being a game changer in the VC, it would be more responsible to show your support. Sincerely, JP.

[@darrenlund3835]

Well said

[@VinylOutsider]

I have been up and down with VMP. I found them through you. The people in their customer service are the best! I cancelled a few months ago, wrote them an email about why, then they surprised me with the BEST customer service response. I will cheer for them the next year at least.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

Hi Michael - The "Coolness" factor in their product cascaded into their approach of selecting a location for the plant and having things like a bar in the space and listening space (which was mentioned as one of the excesses of cost in the project) within the pressing plant location. It seems the board was caught napping a bit on knowing excactly what was going on and when they investigated, it led to the firings and the lawsuit.

[@jonthurston8275]

He seems barely able to contain his glee at the misfortunes befalling VMP. Odious.

[@apathyfilms]

I was/am rooting for VMP to succeed. I’m hoping it takes some time, but they work out the kinks. The reason is because as much as I LOVE acoustic sounds, Chad is never going to do all of the 80s and 90s underground, punk, alternative music that I want. I think VMP is probably the best best to get a AAA reissue of the Pixies catalogue. Or a truly great version of Double Nickels on the Dime. That being said, I agree about all the splashy colored vinyl. I’ve never signed up for VMP, just bought the records I wanted. I hope they turn out some real audiophile quality stuff - I’d love to support them.

[@homerhorowitz7649]

I’m with you. We don’t need another audiophile version of kind of blue or any of these jazz classics. Let’s give that treatment to my classics like Radiohead, smashing pumpkins, Fugazi, Arcade fire.. If VMP looses the plant I think mobile fidelity is our best bet. Mofi records are sitting since the scandal but that showed us all what can be done with goods digital files. We forgive you mofi, now get to work on the rest of that Beck catalog!

[@dozo99]

@@homerhorowitz7649 The VMP plant has not produced a single record. So Vinyl Me Please still uses the same pressing plants the used to. so imo no problems for VMP to press records.

[@DadTS13]

I'm sticking with them for now. Some of the Soul/R&B titles in AAA are must for me as the VMP are often better than originals where the originals are very hard to find in mint/excellent condition. They are also great on occasion for new music from new artists and their classic hip-hop titles are great. Some months I don't like the titles and just get the credits for future purchases though.Losing VMP would be a loss for vinyl collectors overall, I believe.

[@lennmb4478]

What are you talking about? Their quality is totally solid and they've had a number of great releases recently (though this is admittedly subjective). If you have a problem with the CEO or the price (it's always been too expensive), then say so. "I felt like it could have been better" is not a real complaint. This is disappointing--dumping on a company that has put a ton of work into the vinyl revival just because they've had an issue. You don't need to shit on a company because you don't like colored vinyl.

[@therealbushboy6440]

Since he buys records from that company in the uk that sells things for hundreds of pounds.. i dont think price could be an issue. I can’t think of any reason other than the titles chosen like nilsohns pussy cats lp being a problem

[@Arthur.in.the.Fridge]

VMP are garbage.

[@TheMadKollektah]

VMP lost me now, too. Me being also from the country of the Sauerkraut-Fresser, they don't offer Memberships to people outside of the States anymore, and that bugs the hell out of me. That means if there is a VMP press that i really like, i have to pay for the record first, then taxes and shipping on top of that. For a company that did all the right moves as a start up they sure mess up too much these days and i don't want no parts of it anymore.

[@spectrum_archives]

Their Anthology box sets are amazing, I have had no issues with pressings and the customer service is unparalleled. Fast response and fast remplacement if something’s wrong. I take three month subscriptions and wait for the announcement to renew or not. The fact that the CEO is sacked, does not influence my decision to stay on board.

[@CharlieMessing]

Their great stuff will always be great. Something is going on if the CEO is out. I haven't seen many exciting releases lately...I figured it was just me....nope! I understand the many opinions. There should be opinions.

[@rosswarren436]

I've never found a "subscription model" to be very good. Long ago there were book clubs that were similar. During the year, you'd maybe get 4 or 5 great books and the rest were 'so-so' at best. If I want something I will buy it based on the economics and how much I really want it. I have limited shelf space, I can't be filling it with items I really don't care about. I wish them well, but they were never for me.

[@sauberf1372]

Oliver nelson eric dolphy sounds fantastic! Can‘t wait of the box of Coltrane! It‘s about the music!!

[@davidstanton1261]

Right On Micheal! I could not agree more! Peace and Love

[@kgeo753]

I jumped ship last year when they had three months of albums I didn’t care about but I’m glad they repressed Fiona Apple’s Tidal. I’d waited for that one for a long time.

[@popofthebop]

Michael, I think your reaction is seriously overblown. Sure if their offerings don’t interest you then suspend or cancel membership. However the internal malfeasance regarding these execs and the pressing plant is separate from the top quality reissues I receive from them. I’ve been a member for around four years and in that time have only ever received four flawed records, all of which were promptly replaced following my note and video demonstrating the issue. Ryan K. Smith’s mastering work is equal to the other “rock star” mastering engineers and it’s high time he be respected at the same level. The color and patterned vinyl is their gimmick to reach younger buyers, so what? As long as the record sounds good who cares? You’ve praised the Black Sabbath reissue yet say you feel it could have been better. I would be interested in your comparison to an original as well as the Rhino reissues. That would speak to how good a job VMP really did. To swear off all their product given your reasons seems to me a bit dramatic. I’m currently on a three month membership cycle after having been annual for several years. This gives me flexibility but costs me a few dollars more. I passed on everything this month for store credit. We’ll see how the next few months offerings go before I continue or suspend. All I know is I have a great many records I would never have but for VMP exposing me to them and remain grateful to their overall excellence (which can even happen when they press at GZ Media). Take a deep breath, these are only records after all!

[@Arthur.in.the.Fridge]

Lol.

[@charlesmount7528]

never had a problem with vmp. quite the opposite - their miles electric box sounds amazing!

[@markorchard2272]

Genau richtig Michael. Machen Sie die Grundlagen perfekt. Alles andere ist nicht wichtig.Vielleicht ist der Verlust Ihrer Gönnerschaft nicht der einzige Grund dafür, dass sie geschäftliche Probleme haben. Sie werden jedoch nicht die einzige Person mit der gleichen Strategie sein.

[@drumvc8060]

I have been a member of VMP for almost 2years now and subscribe to three tracks/lines. Over the last 3 months or so it is becoming increasingly difficult to have some excitement as to what is being offered, and also difficult to make any swaps as I have now run out of things I want via this route. I haven't yet cancelled my subscriptions - but am pretty close. Still hoping things will improve very very soon. Sad to hear of the pressing plant problems, let's hope they have the resource and appetite to turn things around. Thanks for the update, I feel we are pretty much all in the same place with memberships at VMP.

[@andysmusicden]

This was a very strange and incoherent video Michael, mixing your cancellation with their internal affairs. Are you cancelling because of the quality of their pressings, the selection of titles, or what? Being an on and off customer for some years, I think the quality of the pressings and the mastering (mainly by Ryan K Smith) has been on a high level in general and at least one interesting title per month. But I would never had subscribed for more than two tracks. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

[@drbryant23]

The recent Miles Davis Electric Years is one of my favorite box sets of all time. I agree that some of the coming titles leave me a little unimpressed, but I will keep my subscription in place for now.

[@brianjames5685]

There are so many businesses of all types today that start of by blowing peoples minds but then they start with the cost cutting and the next thing they disappear! I've never even owned a business and I can see this happening regularly with all types of business. The motor industry is I think the best example. Companies ruining their amazing reputations that they held for decades by manufacturing terrible quality vehicles. It doesn't take too long before people start avoiding those marks. I hope you're well Michael, I can't say this often but it's been sunny here in England today. Hopefully we get a reasonable summer this year as we didn't last year. If not I'm going to do something I never do and that's go on holiday to somewhere hot!

[@derickvillarino]

such a shallow reason for a company the tries their best to give us good vinyl releases. also relating the pressing plant issue as a factor on his decision was poorly explained. in fact, he was trying to force it in. this vid made me want to support vmp even more.

[@VinylRundown]

They never owned a record plant. Their mgmt pretended (lied) they were related to “vinyl pressing media” which is a separate company. The CFO/CEO are now being sued for dishonesty.

[@Derfunkmeister]

I don't like colored vinyl and prefer black vinyl. The only colored I like is the clear vinyl from the UHQR series from Acoustic Sound.

[@VinylLatte]

I think there’s a point being missed. The VMP plant and VMP club are separate entities. The reason for VMP club leadership being let go is because they mislead customers to believe they were one in the same, laundered money to fund its startup, and signed VMP releases to be pressed by the factory which hasn’t been able to meet its schedule.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

I said "No, Thank You" to Vinyl Me Please a long time ago. Sad that this happened but they took to many risks in their music choices.

[@oldloaf]

I haven't been in a record club since the late 70's with RCA and Columbia House! :) I almost took the plunge with VMP, but decided against it. I buy too many records as it is! Keep up the great videos, Michael.

[@Olympiakospp]

I would suggest it's not worth the risk to prepay into VMP subscription service because the company maybe in a volatile position financially..

[@sefarba]

Hey Michael. I canceled my sub a while back, couple of bad experiences and the responses from their support team were less than adequate, I’ll leave it at that. I agree with the lack of information about their sources, it doesn’t help at all. Also, as you said, their attempt at trying to satisfy both their “younger” audiences who might be into vinyl for the “cool” factor and their more audiophile audiences, like us, it was inevitably going to be a problem. It’s very difficult to try and do both, most labels have failed at this. On a side note, I don’t think they’re good at taking feedback seriously. We have given them quite a bit over the last few years and they don’t seem to care.

[@totalrunningtime]

I was only a subscriber for a very short window, and I am very happy with the records I received. On the other hand, the only title they’ve released since I let go of my subscription of any interest to me is Masters of Reality. I’m not sure their internal problems concern me, but it is one more reason to shy away. None of these reissue labels are releasing titles that consistently intrigue me enough to pay for a subscription, but I’ll concede that I’m not their target audience.

[@tubinonyou]

So, I've been saving up store credit for several months and had amassed $275 to put toward the Grateful Dead box. In the time since I started saving the store credit, I actually acquired all the contents of the box so it's a bit of a silly purchase. However, yesterday I noticed that the Grateful Dead box said "Almost Gone". Plus, I heard the news about their controversy and felt my store credit might be in jeopardy. So, I did the only thing a nuts record collector would do and purchased the Grateful Dead box. I know that's nuts because I felt my store credit was in jeopardy so I gave them more cold hard cash? Anyways, the Grateful Dead box no longer says "Almost Gone" and is still available for purchase. We'll see if I ever get it but I felt like I might have a better chance being reimbursed the more recent my transaction was if they end up not delivering. Not feeling great about my subscription any longer.

[@annaphallactic]

If it hasn't shipped yet and you're having second thoughts, you can still contact them to cancel and get your credit back!

[@tubinonyou]

@@annaphallactic I kinda wish I wouldn't have saved up all that store credit because I don't know that there's $275 worth of other stuff from VMP that I don't already own. I'm probably gonna peace out from the subscription before June rolls around. Unless they announce the next 3 months and there's some bangers.

[@pogmahoin]

Hey Michael , I have been disappointed lately with the output of VMP, I have swapped 3 times over last 6 months for store credit as nothing interested me in swaps. I’m subbed up to September and I’m gonna cancel after that.

[@ScottTice1971]

Ditto

[@Daniel-hk3ru]

As with any business, providing a quality product/services is critical and especially with regards to physical format like records. As I read the article in The Denver Post, it appears to be quite a mess. I hope VMP can make the leadership changes to get their business back on track. Finding the right individuals to take on executive roles is at times a real gamble. I must admit, I still have a soft spot for VMP. So true Michael, where one door closes another opens !

[@LPS-R-US]

I feel, IMHO, Michael 45 is saying "PLEASE PLEASE ME" vinyl Me PLEASE.

[@EddieJazzFan]

My take is that they have tried to expand too fast and offer too many titles that are not that popular. And the really desirable titles are always out of stock. Customer service is not great either.

[@giantsteps69]

Interesting. I’ve had nothing but extremely positive experiences with their customer service.

[@zoomer1zoomer]

Are you kidding? They have the best customer service in the business.

[@EddieJazzFan]

@@zoomer1zoomer Are you kidding? Maybe your experience is different than mine, but you cannot call them and talk to a live person and they take days to answer messages.

[@zoomer1zoomer]

@@EddieJazzFan if you have a problem, open a ticket and it gets resolved. I have 100% satisfaction over the last 3 years. If there is a defect, send a video and they replace it for free, no need to even ship back the the defective title. For anyone outside the US, contrast that to AS who make you place another order to get a replacement.

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

I never subscribed, I picked up VMP 'Deaf dumb blind' and it was very nice. The vinyl craze bubble has burst (thank goodness) The OJC series is hitting it out of the park for me.

[@Derfunkmeister]

And hey Michael, can you answer me this question, why are the records from Deutsche Grammofon Original Source series cheaper in America $ 39,95 and here in Germany € 54,00 to 59,00. It seems to me that they are jacking up the prices here in Europe. If I buy an American Import here in Europe it would be more expensive here than there but when a Record is being made here in Europe and exported to America it should be cheaper here than there. Has that thought occurred to U?

[@EMP698]

The only thing I take of this video is that VMP releases records that are not the same old same old and A75 is an overpriced rehash of tittles have been reissued 100 times. The internal company drama of board vs execs about the pressing plant is something you will never know the truth about in corporate América

[@ralex3697]

Agree wholeheartedly, I just can’t get on board with colored vinyl. Just too much of a novelty that easily wears off for me. Dave Mason - Alone and Together - 1970 - Marble Vinyl - sounded awful I have some vinyl re-issues that unfortunately are pressed with coloured vinyl. Meh ! I like the artist so I purchased them. The biggest miss is the re-issue of the Rolling Stones - Box Set - Colored vinyl In my humble opinion Michael, Acoustic Sounds ticks all the boxes for me.. The only difference from when I started collecting in 1969 is my musical tastes have changed. Jazz has moved to the forefront. It’s been a great journey though and a highly fulfilling hobby Thank you for your wonderful channel. Excellent information and very interesting. Your collection is also stellar. Well thought out. It also shows how passionate you are about the music. At 65 I’m still enjoying the music.

[@gregoryirwin263]

Having to have a subscription service to buy their records is a ridiculous business model

[@robertocarlos_v]

It appears that your main drive of cancelling the subscription is your buying habits which has transitioned from reissues to OGs. IMO, VMP LP quality is above average and variability in pressings is because they are pressed in different plants that have had problems with consistency. Their plant was going to help with that variable, and maybe increase profits. I guess now they are back at square one.

[@j-mharari3374]

.........well, I ( French Record Company ) was considering VMP to produce our 2° analog LP edition ( devoted to a legendary french female violinist, in genuine stereo )....but now, franckly.....

[@Matasky2010]

I don't think SQ has ever been a criticism against VMP, most are very highly regarded as is their packaging. Of course they have some occasional pressing issues, so does EVERY other pressing plant in the world. Pressing flawless vinyl is no easy task.

[@davidellis5141]

The lack of exciting or adventurous new titles is why I did not resubscibe to VMP. There are hundreds of 80's & 90's titles waiting to be reissued.

[@analoguecity3454]

Too bad they choose to let drama get in the way! 😭 I don't think it will hurt the other companies, might even strengthen them, IDK!

[@viiinullviii3178]

I can't judge VMP's problems in any way. I was never a customer. Having others curate my collection was never my thing. But if you leave this specific topic aside, you will notice more and more: it is mainly Kassem's products that are being hyped here. Other labels are increasingly disappearing from focus. I want to put forward a wild, certainly completely wrong theory: This is all about advertising. Btw.: Good business conduct in Germany involves not publicly badmouthing the competition. This is different than in the States. You just have to decide whether you want to be a competitor or a critic.

[@billymuellerTikTok]

I had a 1 year subscription. Expired in Feb and I cancelled. There were only about 2-3 records I got from them that I actually wanted. Their selections suck. Too much stuff everyone already has or no one wants.

[@Martin-my8fk]

Das es derzeit so viel Bunte Vinyl gibt nervt mich persönlich richtig.

[@michaelrogers8126]

I have no dog in this fight as I have never bought a VMP record. But I seen you and others jumped off the Mo Fi bandwagon when it came out there was a digital step/process ( oh the horror) and now that VMP is having some tough times you jump ship on them too. I’m sure that if Chad ever stops talking to you and giving you free records you’ll abandon them also. And I find it hard to believe that Chad was sad, less competition for him and his overpriced UHQR

[@liammolyneuxmusic]

I sat out the whole VMP process. Something just never rang true. I totally understand newbies getting into vinyl VMP offered a gateway into the hobby of collecting vinyl records. I thought they went over the top with the coloured vinyl anything from galactic blue to fruit punch. I mean come on ridiculous,I thought this cheapened the product and actually put consumers off. They never released anything of interest in the genres I love. So VMP became a hard pass. Hopefully they can bounce back after the pressing plant debacle. Perhaps trying to do to much to soon. Good evening Michael enjoy the rest of the weekend 🍻

[@realmackle]

It costs a lot less to just buy desirable releases here and there and pay non subscriber tax than it is to subscribe and get a bunch of records you'll never play.

[@jpjaansen9189]

I have been a short time subscriber. But when it comes to the Anthologies, such as Zamrock, Miles Davis, Philadelphia I.R. , Vanguard, I‘d be a happy occasional customer again.

[@TBNTX]

Hi Michael - May I suggest that you look into Analog Productions? They produce amazing LPs. I've visited their plant in Salina, KS. Chad Kassem runs the AP business.

[@jazzkatt7083]

I believe Michael is AP’s european sales partner.😊

[@paulspanbauer4125]

This comment was amusing

[@animal_laminate]

Well, I always liked VMP and have about 20 through membership, and recently rejoined, mainly to get Hissing Of Summer Lawns. But now, I've been kicked off the membership - no more international. I ordered the 2nd ed of Story of The Grateful Dead last May - 18 months ago almost - and it is *again* delayed now, to November. They seem to be in quite a bit of trouble, and the apologetic emails don't help with +ve impressions too much. I do think the title range was never that great and I'd usually swap for credit and wait. Some of their productions (in fact many) have been absolutely great, e.g. the Electic Miles set. But for me it's also time to say Goodbye (and not by choice!)

[@kieronkelly959]

Nearly every record I have ordered from them has been badly warped. They are good at replacements however although that must be badly affecting their bottom line.

[@richard8417]

I also cancelled some time ago. Got rarely something I really liked for that (ridiculous high) price. Waste of money to me. And I don’t care about coloured vinyl. It’s more often than not inferior.

[@kiehlb]

VMP is great, definitely worth the ~$36 a month sub, there is always at least 1 record per month in their 5 tracks worth getting, and their anthologies are usually pretty amazing. Great variety in genres too - where else are you gonna get audiophile sounding country and hip-hop and indie rock release? AP certainly isn't doing them, they basically only do classic rock, blues, and jazz. Mofi is pretty much the same, just classic rock and some jazz mostly. VMP definitely goes for style points and not just substance, but the excellence outweighs the "needs improvement"

[@aaronrojas5399]

Hi Michael. I really liked this video. I canceled my subscription a couple of years ago. Mine for an entirely different reason, though. In my opinion, the quality was good, not great. The kicker for me was when they became a social justice supporter. I just could not spend my money on a company that took a stand where it would've been better they kept it to themselves.

[@currentphonograph7487]

I prefer black vinyl

[@paulspanbauer4125]

The issue I have is video after video of gushing over labels like VMP and MoFi then a complete 180. The credibility is lost for me. Michael please don’t turn on Vinyl On Demand!

[@ianmelville452]

I have quite a few VMP albums which I have bought directly from them (no subscription) or via Discogs. Their LPs have mostly been very good in terms of sound quality but I hate those small booklets which tend to result in some warping however slight. The one thing I am not so happy about is that they give the impression of everything is cut from the analogue master and are AAA but they really are not. I don't know what percentage of the total this affects and maybe it is genre specific but I would like it if they were a bit more up front at to what IS cut from the analogue master tape and AAA. I hope they continue but as you say with more focus on SQ and less on Hipster fanciness.

[@GIBKEL]

I care about where and how and vinyl is cut because of my recent bad experience with GZ media in Czech and Memphis GZ. I’ve either gotten really unlucky or they just don’t care because of quantity and speed at which they have been producing. The Smile’s latest from Memphis GZ was a ehhh….terrible pressing? Got a refund so the distribution backed it up. I only own a single VMP Soft Bulletin. So so, not terrible but good sounding bar the pops and clicks, which I can stand if the audio is clear. Better than GZ. I’ll have to read it. We should demand good pressings. I worked in A ma and pa record store in the 80’s and we saw some returns but overall, great sounding records, bar the occasional glitch. I was in a record store yesterday, and most things I was interested in were GZ. I walk on by, and pick up some old records instead. Hard to even sell them on so I’m stuck.

[@TomaszLepiarczyk]

producing records just "properly" is not enough when you have to pay a lot of money for each record. Probably they should focus only on quality of the record (details as colour of vinyl is not as important as the quality of sound).

[@brianoneill3027]

When my son compared his Vinal Me Please copy of Moby's "Play" with a stream from Tidal, he was shocked and disappointed. There was no comparison. The VMP vinyl was disgusting. No more VMP! Criminal low quality.

[@AndrewCurtis-t1k]

I spent thousands and thousands of dollars with Acoustic Sounds during the pandemic. Then in one large $800 order I got an unplayable $25 LP (warped, off centre etc). I was told to send it back for a refund. I said I was not spending $35 to send back a $25 LP from the other side of the world. Case closed. No response to further emails, calls or a hand written letter to Chad. I have not purchased from them since (I would have pre-ordered the whole Steely Dan UHQR set). It’s now been nearly 2 years since purchasing anything from Acoustic Sounds. Chad and Acoustic Sounds can f-off.

[@mem.1968]

The VP model is sort of what we used to have with the clubs of the major labels in the 80s, with a bit of “extra”. Never opened into it because it always felt like vinyl pyramid scheme. 😏

[@juliosanchez8263]

Since when is Oliver Nelson and Eric Dolphy not exciting.

[@dmcbain44]

The Gary Bartz album is great too. I was really excited when I saw that was going to be record of the month.

[@MrJasonMeans]

How much time a week do you spend listening? With return to office I found that I spend less time listening and so started winding down some of my subs. Really want to focus on high quality releases and titles.

[@christophercowles2553]

I’ve been wanting a subscription with VMP for probably 3 years now, but just never got around to it. I’ve got maybe 4-5 individual titles from them that I like and I don’t think their selections are boring. I just keep deciding I’d rather spend the money on better quality from Analogue Productions. AP also has a Bluesville series coming, or did I dream that? 😅

[@juliosanchez8263]

WTF buy the titles you want and return any ones that are not manufactured properly. Its about the music not some stupid loyalty to a record manufacturer. This is a stupid rant. The Oliver Nelson sounds great! The Fleetwood Mac sounds great! The Monk's Music sounds great! The Sly Stone releases are awesome! Don't buy shit you don't want and return anything that does meet your standards. Enough said

[@amargolis04]

I think the "style over substance" criticism is an important one, BUT - That has never been the case with the new pressing Plant. Sure, they could have found a cheaper physical location for the Plant to save a few $$. But, as a Denver based company, the idea was to have not only a place to make records, but a kind of "experience center" and a local jewel in the crown of VMP. They could have built a truly amazing and beautiful community around this space, that would be worth a trip for music lovers from all over. Sacrificing performance for style has never been in the equation. In fact, they have spared no expense on the talent, equipment, and commitment to quality on the whole pressing plant project, which seems to be one of the primary complaints of the spineless new [old/fired/reinstated by hostile takeover] Vinyl Me, Please new exec team. It's a damn shame that Vinyl Me, Please has made the inexplicable decision to cut ties with the new plant, which could have really set them apart. The Plant will be just fine...lots of other records to be made! Vinyl Me, Please: RIP!

[@VinylRundown]

The never had or owned a pressing plant but fooled a lot of people into thinking they did. What else have they been fooling us about?

[@kiiiiiiingd]

Pearls - Carole King made by VMP. Just love it!!

[@BigCraig]

I cancelled years ago for the simple fact that instead of paying top dollar for VMP releases I could spend my money on multiple albums that I really desired and enjoyed from other sources.

[@Willthelistener]

Cancelled my subscription many months ago - entirely agree Michael.

[@DaveAllen-j7p]

I never bought in to VMP's membership though I have obtained some great releases by them through various sellers. Frankly, I bite my lip every time I pony up for one, hoping I'll get lucky with the pressing quality. The first lp I bought from them set me on edge as it was a pressing disaster and I got no customer service when I requested replacement. I had high hopes for their new pressing plant...oh well.

[@VinylRundown]

They don’t have a pressing plant. And that is now the subject of a big lawsuit.

[@Matasky2010]

Subscribing to VMP is geared towards those who are open to suggestions about/ want to discover new and old music, not for people who have a strong preference for one genre or another.

[@dank.6942]

I actually just cancelled too. If asked why, I'd say: "Grunge is 30 years old and they're still pressing Nilsson and Little Richard." May is the first month in a few years that I won't get any records. I looked ahead, and all 5 tracks, for all 3 months, (15 titles) were uninteresting and I had already exhausted the swaps I would've wanted... So it was done.

[@zoomer1zoomer]

Somewhat selective memory? In the past 9 months or so of the Rock track they've done Stone Temple Pilots, System of a Down, Sublime, The Strokes

[@dank.6942]

@@zoomer1zoomer Indeed. It's not selective memory. It's on-going B-list titles. Not one grunge album. And not 1 "big" 90's or 2000s band. We get the bad STP album, System of a Down and The Strokes are "one hit wonders" as albums go, and not my thing. I liked the great-sounding one hit wonder album of Sublime. But Clearly they can't license anything that was a bit hit. $$$. So... IMO the rock track should have Guns n Roses, then AC/DC, then Allman Bros, then Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Soundgarden, Aerosmith, U2, Etc. but they don't.

[@pascalhibon7928]

I also cancelled my subscription about a month ago. I truly love the quality they put out and they have excellent customer service. However, their title choice is what made me cancel. It seems VMP is focussing more on the younger customers. Nothing wrongg with that but it does not suite my taste in music very well. That's why I cancelled. I learned about the issues with their record pressing plant today. It seems VMP has played off their executives and suede them over "mall practices" in regards to the pressing plant. I am curious to see how this story evolves...

[@johnmoore5098]

Just read the article in the Denver Post. The only "noble" attempt might be that VMP were trying to bolster their documented QC issues while ensuring revenue streams. How they went about it is the issue. As a record collector for 45 years with thousands of vintage pressings, I'm always hoping someone will finally get it right with a "close to flawless product." Yet I keep hearing about high end pressings with considerable and noted flaws. The UHQRs appear to be flawed and many people have identified the same issues on the same records. So what are we left with? According to the owner, not everyone is a UHQR customer, so you either suck it up and deal or go through the soul draining process of replacement and often the replacement is the same or worse. Surely the daunting task of replacing defective LPs is not helping the user or the supplier! Do better!

[@Grooverski]

Took you long enough Michael. Been off the VMP train for a long time. It just doesn’t make much sense to commit to their growth and get nothing in return. And then comes the cost and silly membership ‘privileges’.

[@tonynewman1694]

I have not gone down the VMP reissues as they are very hit and miss titles for me , i have bought a lot of reussues and Analogue Productions is very hard to beet , great titles not releaseing more than they can cope with . Great video Michael 😁💯

[@jasonelkins6582]

Great video as always. Interesting as I cancelled my subscriptions a few weeks ago. I also was having mixed feelings on their titles and artists they are pushing. A lot of what they are offering are not artists I would listen to. My last month with Hearts Little Queen was good but looking at what's coming over the next several months in their preview email left me disappointed. Here in the United States everything keeps going up in price from food to basic needs and we are almost in a crisis mode. So at a little under $50 a title is hard to justify. Especially with the current Atlantic 75 series I have put my focus and would rather spend those funds towards that and other series like Rhino high fidelity. We basically have the same view. It was a tough call but I needed a break as the excitement on getting the monthly releases was not enjoyable anymore for me.

[@pauldegraauw629]

I don't fully agree : I think that soundwise VMP has improved. Indeed as Black Sabbath is a good example, but also the Stevie Ray Vaughn " Couldn't Stand The Weather " is really phenomenal. Donkuch better, full of life compared to the AP 2x 45 rpm "Texas Flood" of which I feel really disappointed.

[@Cornflake81]

I had a subscription that I cancelled last year. The new offerings didn't move the needle when I have one hundred records on my 'to buy' list. I remember rolling my eyes at the Fleetwood Mac album, like why? Even to see more repressing of old stuff would be welcomed, but that's few and far between.

[@therealbushboy6440]

Their Miles Davis Box set is incredible Their monthly subscription lps ate not slways for me though.. but its no reason to bag them. I have no idea what you are actually saying in this video.. after watching it.. twice!

[@doravidan9261]

Putting the legal issues aside, I think that the video is more about you changing than VMP changing. I remember when a few years ago people complained about their CS and QC and them using digital mastering. It seems there was an improvement in all these areas. I think we should separate the objective improvement they made from the collective audiophile fatigue some people are experiencing since the MOFI debacle. BTW, I’m not a subscriber and own very few VMP titles (about 5, and I like them all).

[@huberts1682]

I cancelled my subscription a year ago, because too many titles ended up in my collection which I would only play once. Also with the swap option, because my swap options got quickly exhausted. I always thought that the colored vinyl is a gimmick. A bit bling. The last thing I ordered from them is the Miles box set and I like it. And I might order occasionally something else from them in the time to come. But much of their stuff is simply overrated and not that interesting. I do wish them the best though.

[@jasonhoffer9017]

I remember during Covid and the height of the vinyl boom all these pressing plants announcing "audiophile quality manufacturing " doubling productions; I thought that they might get into trouble. I would say that the vinyl boom is over and some of these pressing plants haven't even come online... Prices continue to go up and the demand is tapering off not sure what the landscape will look like (who will still be around) in 5 years?

[@derosa1989]

But in reality, the production in "audiophile quality" probably has not doubled, both Mofi and VMP have struggled to get their plants open, the task of starting up a new pressing facility appears far more difficult than they anticipated. I don't know how to measure the demand, not sure what data there is to support that it's tapering off. I've never seen RTI or QRP production numbers or sales figures.

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

It's gonna get worse, they have reissued everything many times. There is nothing new. There's not enough of new music and groups to sustain the record plants. The Record business will be down to a trickle again. You heard it first.

[@robertmitchell6015]

VMP new Plant was going to have a retail store and a Bar,

[@hubtunes9607]

The VMP situation has no effect on me. Im not canceling

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

I am waiting for their Grateful Dead box set 2nd. edition...

[@festersuncle6298]

VMP. I own a few, maybe a handful idk. I recall liking their product. Stooges and Stevie Nicks come to mind.

[@buddybadee]

First I heard about this. I cancelled my subscription a while back. Have gotten in 4 recent titles on their recent 33% off sale. All were of nice physical quality and SQ. I get AAA releases

[@Marvin-cp1zy]

Totally agree with you Michael! I cancelled my subscription in february. As a customer from europe, I last payed 188 $ for three months/records. The new titles got much less exciting for me over the last months, so after swapping to previous records of the month there is simply nothing left that I want to spend that money for.

[@danielreynosa1804]

This is like gossiping about a record Co why do you have too say anything just stop buying them.. have you ever designed or put your time in putting out a record? Cant be as easy as you think.. seems silly too me why so much griping maybe your getting spoiled you have every record ever made

[@B.B.Amsterdam]

It also would be correct as salesman of AP not to do so. This vid smells pretty unfresh...🤮

[@marcellavankraaij]

you're absolutely right, the sound quality seems to be less important than the colour of the vinyl. I cancelled my subscription as well.