STEREOPHILE'S MICHAEL FREMER: BEST SOUNDING RECORDS, PART II

The Beatles “White Album” (Apple) 1968
The Rolling Stones “Let It Bleed” (Decca) 1969
Little Feat “Waiting for Columbus” (Mobile Fidelity) 1978
Georg Solti, Chicago Symphony Orchestra “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (RCA Living Stereo) 1954
Henry Mancini “Combo!” (RCA Living Stereo) 1960
Sonny Rollins “Our Man in Jazz” (RCA) 1962
The Weavers “Reunion at Carnegie Hall” (Vanguard) 1963
Gillian Welch “The Harrow and the Harvest” (Acony) 2011
Rachel’s “Handwriting” (Touch and Go/Quarterstick) 1995
Ry Cooder “Jazz” (Mobile Fidelity) 1984
Lightnin’ Hopkins “Lightnin’ Strikes” (Tradition Everest) 1972
Led Zeppelin “Led Zeppelin II” Bob Ludwig cut (Atlantic) 1969
“Paris, Texas” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Warner Bros) 2006
Van Morrison “Astral Weeks” (Warner Bros/7 Arts) 1968
Elvis Costello And The Attraction “Armed Forces” (German Radar/F Beat) 1979
INCIDENTAL MUSIC: “HYPNOSIS” BY SKYGAZE
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[@Carterofmars]

"It makes me feel good, when I'm feeling bad". Perfect. 🙂

[@nrod66]

I could spend a whole day watching Michael Fremer´s telling stories and talking about records easily. Looking forward to part 3.

[@LagunaRider1961]

I can watch Michael Fremer all day. Please make more of these!!! 👏👏👏

[@pauloazera3801]

I'm Portuguese and I live in a paradise called Azores... Thank you very much Michael Fremer I'm 73 and I've never sold my vinyl. While my friends got rid of their vinyl to buy CDs, I have added many more to my collection over the years Every day I listen to music on vinyl and I have an excellent digital system... By the way, I make my own turntables...

[@Mooseman327]

This video should be subtitled "Watching Michael Fremer try to put vinyl records back into their sleeves."

[@mwgoldfix]

What a happy Monday to find that I have that Doug Sax mastered copy of Sticky Fingers ! - I picked it up a few weeks ago as I didn’t have a zipper copy - now to get it cleaned !!!

[@911dion]

About a week ago I was listening to my old copy of Astral Weeks and getting lost in this music. And I thought exactly what Michael said, “How did such a young guy write songs like this? Where did that come from? Wow!” Love these videos. Thanks.

[@gotham61]

The first record I ever bought was a UK plum LZ-II when I was nine. Still have it.

[@thegrimyeaper]

I love how he gets the youtube comments out of the way so we don't even have to look down to read them.

[@mubodude]

Love having you back, Michael! I can't tell you how many times I've watched the Top 100 Records video. And hearing the original Tommy Overture...Aaah. Heaven.

[@right_side1]

Pure Gold

[@MrNicks-gn8jc]

I FINALLY AGREE WITH MR. FREMER !! Also as a Kirmuss Ultrasonic Record Restoration user, the lengthy process does add clarity and mircrodetail.....especially if, after you rinse the record after 2-5 rounds of surfactant washing, you rinse, then run for 15 minutes in the tank with water brushed-on the record and no surfactant on the record to wash that deeper dirt off the record !! MIKE IS RIGHT ON THIS ONE !!

[@bigboxbobby2]

I wish Michael had been around when I got rid of my LPs and replaced them with CDs - Der. Give Michael a big social distancing hug for me please - what a fascinating guy.

[@twofromthetrunk9932]

Very interesting. Love hearing him discuss vinyl and the music. Thanks. Well done. Peace love and rock and roll ✌️

[@woehning]

Thanks for all your great work Michael. I have got all the Rachel's records and my favorite is The Sea and the Bells. I also saw them play in Bochum, Germany in the early 90ties and I still play their records from time to time. There are a lot of other great recordings from independent artists you should feature. I actually wonder why on most HiFi channels 95% of the featured artists had their peak period before 1990

[@jlmain5777]

Michael, I love your “air quotes.”

[@tweakerman]

Two geniuses, you Ken and Michael, love both of your stuff👍

[@garyhilbolt4363]

Truly another case where the sum far exceeds the total. Ken and Michael many thanks for a layman's tour of value, quality and the esoteric side of listening with our ears another our......

[@garyhilbolt4363]

Where's autocorrect? Should have said, not our....

[@alansenzaki4148]

Thanks Ken and Michael i've learned alot!

[@MD-cy6pe]

love your vids. thx.

[@miguelbarrio]

I love this interview(s)!!! Thx Ken.

[@robertmitchell6015]

Amazing knowledge

[@leiferickson9666]

Killin' me, just phuckin' rollin' over, ya humor tis good, ya old chap!!....🍁

[@brandonburr4900]

This has been fun watching these. Aside from Michael's impersonations I enjoy the stories behind each album he is showing us. I think he enjoys giving us a glimpse at his treasures and ribbing at the folks online giving him crap. Fun to see Michael uncensored. When he passes I hope somebody who has a clue to the value of that collection. Sadly I'm guessing nobody will have a clue. Thanks!

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Fremer is crazy but we love him the more I hear the more I respect him

[@Sckott01]

Great job, both of you.

[@thevinylmuseum2958]

Another great series Part I & 2. I wait patiently for #3. Already cost me a few bucks based on your reviews. Always the case and no complaints. Keep them coming. In a month these records will shoot up in price.

[@tomamyx3980]

Refreshing!!!!!! Enjoyed you and your opinions immensely... plus maybe my favorite record - "Astral Weeks"... I don't understand it either, but 50+ years later it still blows me away. Thanks!

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

I took an audio engineering class through the "NEW SCHOOL" taught by PETE WEISS. An engineer for COLUMBIA back in its heyday. He was great. And... it was taught at "STERLING SOUND" in NYC where John and Yoko recorded their work. I actually got to play on the same piano he did!!! It was magical.

[@kieronjohnson8834]

I'm a Brit, English actually, and I think Michael's accent is hilarious, charming and not the least bit offensive. He also knows what he's talking about and can laugh at himself. Not enough people like that these days. I think he ought to do a podcast and call it 'The Wanker Monologues..Adventures With Audiophiles'.

[@stayoutofmyhouse]

If I had a time machine my first stop would be to go party with Michael Fremer.

[@graydad5031]

😂 😂 I love your British accent, it's better than mine! and I'm British. And your use of Wanker is spot on 😂 Love it. Never change XX

[@OFBCyclingWorld]

I've got that Led Zeppelin 2 as well. Had no idea except that it sounds fantastic! Love his geezzer accent, it is perfect. Now Mikey is more Guru to lots of us. Great video Ken.

[@jeffbellemer7574]

Its nice to see Little Feat getting some love. Lowell George was a powerhouse!

[@AnalogPlanet]

I have a great Little Feat story but there wasn't time to tell it.

[@jeffbellemer7574]

@@AnalogPlanet Well now you have me hooked. What is it?!

[@SamuelRivera_DAMN]

Man, Armed Forces is one of my fav albums... BRING ON PART 3!! Me needs it.

[@mazzysmusic]

Love this because he's not a pretentious over the top wear too serious audiophile. I agree about the part when viewers freak out when you touch or drop your records. Get a life!! Rachels are fantastic!!! Music for Egon Shiel is their best IMHO

[@robertkok5263]

Mikey is the only funny audiophile around which is really sayin' something. Self-mockery is also one of his endearing qualities.

[@brunorivademar5356]

Michael is so much fun. He's like a living audio world encyplopedia hehe I love it!

[@murch13]

These vids are great!

[@kirkcalma4365]

Love this guy. A true music lover, not a hoity-toity audiophile.

[@kenpendergrass6400]

Lovin this

[@heribertovalentin1563]

Great info.....and too funny.....🤣

[@NickP333]

Michael is a true ambassador of vinyl. His knowledge of records and HiFi never ceases to amaze me. I’m sure every time he does one of these vids regarding his favorite and best sounding records, they suddenly become hard to find and go up in price. As long as people are into buying vinyl and spinning records, I’m more than cool with that. 👍 Thanks, Ken and Michael!

[@AnalogPlanet]

Visit the Audiophiles North America Facebook page and experience the hate there for me. Sad people!

[@NickP333]

@@AnalogPlanet Oh, man. I tend to avoid FB, but now I’ve gotta see what these sad sacks say about you. I bet they’re probably Trump supporters too. 🤦‍♂️ Ugh!

[@oscarporteroazcona7585]

ThxK &M ✨📀✨

[@georgealanlpsandcds9311]

Wow - I wish I had a tenth of his record collection:)

[@lokerola]

The first 44 seconds were pure gold.

[@vincenttallarida6861]

Merry Clayton sings, "Rape, MURDER..." Sorry to be a pedantic ***hole, but I was born this way. Have been reading your writing since 1997 and watching your videos since they began appearing. My turntable is the Rega Planar 25 that I bought in large part because I'd read your review of it. You were and remain the man!

[@mosespray4510]

He's absolutely amazing, and apparently he's encountered one or two trolls! I love the honesty and humor. What a real guy.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

I used to shop a lot at the Music & Video Exchange in Notting Hill Gate and picked up a first press of Ziggy Stardust for £2.50 back in 1984. Wish I’d picked up a copy of Led Zep II as they were probably around £5 at the time

[@edjackson4389]

This is funny and informative

[@mymixture965]

There are hyperactive kids and there are hyperactive audiophiles. I wonder how he was as a kid. I think he is great and HE IS FUNNY, period.

[@AnalogPlanet]

As a kid I hadn't been locked down in my home for 6 months plus I didn't have a clown in the White House who refuses to concede he lost the election. Those two things to a great degree account for my hyperactivity. Plus I was repressed as a kid (not as in a vinyl reissue) so my hyper-energy took the form of over-eating, eczema and dandruff and some facial twitches and nail biting. I'm MUCH better now! lol.

[@mymixture965]

@@AnalogPlanet Great answer! I hope I meet you one day, shake your hand and say thank you for what you did.

[@damianzaninovich4900]

In my eyes the clowns are your governor and mayor. Sydney Powell, former federal prosecutor and one of Trump’s lawyers claims Trump has 80 mil votes, look it up. A guy senile, corrupted with 10’s of millions from every country he ever visited and incapable of even campaigning will never be my president. So don’t count your chickens just yet. I’m with Van Morrison get out and breath.

[@mubodude]

@@AnalogPlanet It's the weed!

[@mubodude]

@@damianzaninovich4900 He's already been president for 4 years. I never realized Van Morrison got outta breath.

[@dilbyjones]

Why did I not know about this!

[@skip1835]

Love you Mike, thanks for posting these two videos - - I don't give a rats ass who says what - - because of you I have my hobby back - I lost interest, even though I pretty much had a reference system, during the "CD's are Perfect" years - - my passion is back - - two reference tables and a ton of records - - heaven on Earth.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I've got that UK let it bleed, sounds spectacular once you ignore all the surface noise, those albums got played to death tough to find a quiet press

[@Theomite]

I'm outlining a design for a vinyl washer that utilizes ultrasonics and CO2 to use the carbonation to flush out the grooves more effectively. The main problem I'm having is figuring out how to miniaturize it and perfecting a hermetic vacuum chamber for the drying.

[@jctai100]

I'm 30 yrs younger than Fremer and I WISH I had his energy!

[@chrisbozeman6639]

So with you on Astral Weeks!!!

[@jpad4101]

Said in his British accent: "EVERY TIME FREMER USES THE BRITISH ACCENT HE'S SPITTING ALL OVER THE RECORD!" I'd like to know how he organizes all those records. I've never seen him hunt for anything.

[@dcrook232323]

Ken appropriately pointed out in Part I but every current vinyl lover should appreciate & thank MF for his efforts in the dark days of late 90s and 2000s for carrying the torch. He could write a book just on the hilarious & (unfortunately) sometimes personal attacks by the digital trumpeters over that period! Great stuff guys. 👍

[@darkcustomxxx7252]

Michael Fremer is the Barry Weiss of vinyl. Great to listen to..

[@NotedArchived]

Love that he showed a Rachel’s lp. I talk about them a lot on my channel and it’s rare that someone has even heard of them let alone has one of their records. Criminally underrated neoclassical ensemble imho. This was fun, thanks Ken. Be well!

[@MustangBoss1973]

Loving the Language and the accent, You come to England again we're going for Beer's.

[@MustangBoss1973]

Pots still illegal here, Like wake the f### up england, little wonder the IQ levels are falling.

[@bernardomk]

I watch your videos, makes a me a bit sad I'll never be able to experience the same sound quality u do. It's fun anyway

[@lwdp74]

Reminds me of HP’s recommended LPs (BD, before digital). I remember finding Casino Royale, it was the ReaL big deal, they were in such demand rather poor fakes were made and sold as originals. After decades digital still isn’t really better. Guess I’m getting lazy, missing my albums while fingering songs with an Apple track pad, so easy. At least digital doesn’t suck like it used to. Abso!ute Sound was a little cult before advertising. Two staples, and falling apart! These memories are showing age. Thank you , Michael

[@Mooseman327]

Fritz Reiner conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in that epic 1954 recording of "Also Sprach Zarathustra." Solti came to the CSO in 1967.

[@Roberob1189]

I love this guy and his videos. Absolutely hate his politics and that he sometimes brings it into it. But he’s amazing. And makes phenomenal videos. Sometimes on Sunday mornings real early I make coffee and watch a bunch of his videos. Freakin’ awesome.

[@dastinger111]

Hello Ken, Thanks for both videos, always great to hear this guy talk about records! Could you please point me towards the cleaning method mentioned in the video? I can't find anything about it and don't understand exactly what's the name of the process.

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

www.analogplanet.com/content/worlds-best-record-cleaning-machine

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

www.analogplanet.com/content/if-charles-kirmusss-record-cleaning-machine-and-regimen-correct-everyone-elses-wrong

[@dastinger111]

@@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455 Thank you sir!

[@gr328]

The Imp reissues of the Costello albums from the early 80s are great sounding...

[@zeram01]

Awesome. Cant wait for part 3. FYI - you have an error in the description. It’s not Solti but rather Fritz Reiner that conducted the R. Strauss masterpiece.

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

Thanks for the correction

[@cezarvasile1635]

👌👌

[@Derfunkmeister]

I'm a Wanker, I'm a Wanker and it does me good like i bloody well should, that's your new Anthem Michael. I happen to think U are marvellous so keep up the good work.

[@poetryonplastic]

Hey Ken, just a note, that Also Sprach recording is not with Georg Solti conducting, but rather with Fritz Reiner. Solti did the 70s Decca recordings with chicago, Reiner was the one that did all the living stereos in the 50s and 60s.

[@poetryonplastic]

Also I should point out that the reason that particular Also Sprach is so rare in an original pressing was because they replaced it quickly with a later recording with the same ensemble. The original features a fairly out of tune organ, which is something they corrected in the later recording.

[@bradleykay]

An audiophile version of “Mean Tweets” (see jimmy kimmel) would be amazing.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

Crazy big collection of vinyl there. I wonder what the cost was getting all of those.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Should the "REPRINTS" of the classic albums be labeled as such? Otherwise I have a feeling MANY "newbies" to vinyl will get taken for a "spin".

[@hoselrocket2001]

Gillian is pronounced Gillian not Jillian. Sorry...I couldn’t not comment. Hehe, But I loved this interview!

[@onehandwaving9803]

Thanks Ken, I loved this video, Michael is always worth listening to. Unfortunately Michael I have to say your British accent -is- crap, but don’t let that put you off (I’m sure it won’t). Looking forward to part three.

[@hakunamakaka8616]

anyone knows a track in intro ?

[@peteg6118]

It's "rape, murder"...not "rape, fire" on Gimme Shelter. Thanks for the review,

[@jaduval11]

What was the record cleaning machine that was spoken of in this video?

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

Audio Desk and Kirmuss

[@jaduval11]

Ken Micallef Jazz Vinyl Audiophile was kirmuss was the better of the two?

[@mubodude]

And for the 78 rpm version of this guru, one must check out Desperate Man Blues and Joe Bussard bouncing off the walls with his massive collections and stories. We're talkin' original mint condition Robert Johnson records.

[@leosalas41ify]

Price all your records now Michael, just in case, sorry. So who ever ends up with your records can sell for the correct price, if sold. Only you would know the true value of your collection. I'm 61 so I will take my own advice. Hope you live to 100, your a great treasure to the vinyl community. Take care...

[@BigSky1]

It is not Ry Cooder’s name that is blacked out. It is London Community Choir that sing at the start of YCAGWYW. They did not want their name on the album credits. First pressings have their name listed, after that it is blacked out.

[@AnalogPlanet]

My bad! Time has a way of scrambling these things. However I have one where the Choir is not blocked out!

[@tyoung3455]

I agree "Combo" is great, but you have to get Mancini's "The Big Latin Band of Henry Mancini" RCA LSP-4049, circa 1968. You want to talk about an absolute killer record. Clint Eastwood 60's western theme songs and others, set to a fresh latin beat. I have the original US LP Version. Love Mike's stuff, maybe he disagrees with me...

[@Cocteau61]

cool character natural born story teller

[@Furax02]

Should be noted that it's not Georg Solti with the Chicago Symphony in this selection, but Fritz Reiner.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Do you ever buy in "batches"? Then sort out the "good stuff" later?

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

It took the RIAA the better part of the 20th century to agree on "STANDARDS".

[@Rigs275]

Michael we love you forget those idiots....

[@leiferickson9666]

Hey, where's part 3.....🍁

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

Follows part 2

[@dippin1523]

The londos are just as good as the Deccas. I have the London et it Bleed and the Decca. I cannot hear a difference.

[@mikejeffries8630]

In the comments there are references to an English accent. When does this happen in the video?

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

Portuguese.

[@doublej3313]

Think you are great and furrny 👍

[@mozartfx1]

If I didn’t listen to Communists I wouldn’t be watching your videos. Kidding...KIDDING! Great vid!

[@Beatgeneration2010]

The external and internal sleeves are FAR TOO NOISY! Please dispose of the plastic noisybsleeves while talking. Cheers Michael.👍

[@SubTroppo]

Grumpy old man; it is practically an art form. If the BBC do another series Fremer should be on. The following "Grumpy Old Men" includes Rick Wakeman who got me onto my current jazz "kick": kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIavg4uuepiBa6M ps Do most Americans "get" the J Arthur Rank word?

[@m62band72]

It's true his Dick van Duke accent is dire.

[@Theomite]

Dude, the day that Americans get British accents right is the day the world no longer makes sense. That's the whole appeal of it. Like the old Cosby impressions: the point of doing Cosby impressions was to do it horribly; it wasn't funny otherwise.

[@mubodude]

@@Theomite Finally! Someone gets it! The Brits have a a different accent for every neighborhood, much less areas of the country. It's impossible. But, same with Hugh Laurie's American accent, way over pronounced, but lovable.

[@Theomite]

@@mubodude Laurie's accent was a little overly nasal to nail it down, but the flatness was pretty accurate. You'd find that in parts of the Midwest, but it wasn't heavily established where House was from, so I'm not sure which part he's supposed to be. But I thought he was American when I first saw him, and only later did I watch "Fry & Laurie" and realize "oh, he's Bri'ish."

[@mubodude]

@@Theomite Yes, it was accurate and quite generic. Definitely passed fine as American. Just knowing he's British you hear the "effort". Or at least I do. But many actors from the UK and Australia do it very well. Even if you're trying to get a genuine southern (of which there are several variants), upper midwest, Bronx or Long Island accent, it's not hard get them down it seems. I'm originally from the south, but now on the west coast. People in California don't think they have an accent, which is hilarious.

[@thespotlightkid4138]

& imo, the Decca Stones' albums sound vastly superior to the earlier Rolling Stones own Label records, tho improved by Black and Blue time don't reach Decca standards. British accent modelled on Dick Van Dyke playing a cockney chimney-sweep in "Mary Poppins". 🎵Chim chimery, chim chimery, chim, chim a doo...🎵

[@mubodude]

"Dick Van Dyke... He don't know WHAT he is!" Rodney Dangerfield

[@nycrhythmcom-Vnylperv9pmfriday]

i want to be like Mike when i grow up

[@mubodude]

We need his brain on a hard drive before he checks out.

[@DBB57]

she's saying "murder", not "fire"

[@sloot69x]

Michael love your knowledge and enthusiasm but your English accent really needs some work!

[@AnalogPlanet]

not going to argue that one!