Listen to "Gimme Shelter" Original UK Pressing on the $370K Wilson-Benesch GMT One Turntable

[@raykaufman7156]

The best Stones song, on the best medium, played on the best(?) turntable in the world. And I'm listening to it on a free Android phone. Good times!

[@LabhriunnMaciain]

1963 Was an AMAZING year for me. I was 13 and we left our wee tiny island in Shetland to arrive in Detroit, Michigan. The very day before we left for America I heard the most amazing music! So AMAZING I decided I had to learn to play the guitar, an instrument I never saw, for real, outside of a magazine; being from Shetland I played FIDDLE! My friend who had a wind-up victorla, who loved Rock-n-Roll -- I hated R-n-R -- played me THE BEATLES!!!! OMG! They were/are still AMAZING. We lived in Detroit -- where I heard the next music that was AMAZING, MOTOWN! -- for almost a year, then moved out to our farm. Five years later I was in Vietnam -- that was AMAZING in a totally different way. Back then, kids didn't have money. You would look for bottles so you could get the bottle deposit money. Because of those DAMN BEATLES kids really became very interested in music. Not everyone had a record player. Not everyone could find enough bottles to buy a 45 let alone an LP. BUT, because of that your Mum and Da knew who you were hanging out with because when one of your friends would get a record all of those friends would go to that friends house and that kids Mum and Da would be able to see your friends and how you all acted. We missed SO MUCH of CULTURE when all that stopped. When we lost the actual ARTIFACT we lost our way! I still remember as if it WAS yesterday, the sounds, smells, the direction of the wind, EVERYTHING about the first moment of hearing The Beatles. That SPLASH sound as the record players arm and needle his the plastic, every pop and crackle of dust in the grooves, all of that made listening to records so much fun! I miss records.

[@chrislj2890]

A great song and that LP still sounds pretty darn good. Every time I hear this song and Merry Clayton lets loose the hair stands up on the back of my neck. I couldn't imagine it without her awesome voice.

[@mikep8683]

Not to mention "Whooo!" coming from the control room right after that vocal. Listen closely and you'll never not hear it again.

[@jamesgoens3531]

@@mikep8683So true. After hearing it for the first time, I hear it every time now. Her voice cracks and then there it is. Awesome song.

[@racializedkanadian]

Her voice just cuts right through that beefy mid range. So awesome. I got SHIVERS for sure!

[@biketech60]

The night her manager called her for this session she didn't know who The Rolling Stones were . She was pregnant at the time . Laid down her track and went back home to bed .

[@KRay-km8hh]

Thanks so much Mr. Fremer. My wife and I just sat down to listen to this recording you did and we both agreed the clarity and musicality was something we’ve never heard in this song. Truly appreciate you doing this series of recordings and putting them up on youtube. Looking forward to what you put up next. Ps…it was great to hear definitively that it’s just a kiss away, not its just a piss away which seems to happen with this song on the radio

[@77WOR]

The "end game" sacd must have used INCOMPETENT mastering (as with many of those) Skip to 8:15

[@jerrybdlben231]

Thank you Michael for your on going enthusiasm and commitment to vinyl.

[@trackingangle929]

It's fascinating how this video attracts both bitter trolls with no understanding of the tech involved here or why it matters (because the review explain it has yet to be published) and people who appreciate how it sounds despite the KZbin compression.

[@stevieg2755]

Michael your a @$#@ ,when you ruined George Warren that's when I knew what a #__$$+_# of #__#__-++&$ you really are

[@staceymangham]

Trolls turn up because of jealous envy, or just wanting to rain on someone's parade, at least it's not as bad as the cable naysayers especially the so called electrical engineers they just won't give up. Oh well they are entitled to their opinions even if they are wrong.

[@trackingangle929]

@@staceymangham yes. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and they should be presented as such

[@MM-lc2vn]

@@stevieg2755 Now, something may have gotten lost in translation, but is there a possibility you have anger issues?

[@pieterbalk-ht7kq]

Don’t bother as there are always jealous and bitter people.

[@roadmovies]

Michael - I’m as deeply involved in analog audio as you, but you left me in the dust many years ago. Thanks for continuing to share!

[@donjohnson3701]

Michael Fremer! Lord of all that is vinyl! Thank you for sharing this marvelous pressing! Merry sounds amazing. Sure beats the hell out the portable record player we had in the dorm back in 1970!

[@onsenkuma1979]

Michael...I remember getting this record in December '69 (age 14) and hearing Keith's menacing opening notes for the first time. Fantastic album...and that beautiful turntable again!

[@jimparker7778]

Most of the guitar you hear is Mick Taylor. Taylor was a giant in those days. Keith is very modest about his own contributions to the albums that the Stones made with genius producer Jimmy Miller. Most of the good stuff is Taylor. It was indeed a very exciting time to be a Stones fan. The first four records that they did with Miller are breathtaking to this day.

[@chronomaster.]

Thank you Michael for your fabulous personality and a great passion for music. Greetings from Poland. 👍

[@averagejoe8187]

Michael, I’m enjoying these. Yes, some information you share is old news for some, but not for everyone. But you are also sharing other details that even some of us seasoned collectors have not heard. Keep it going. Thanks.

[@LordOfTheThreeWorlds]

I've been chasing the audiophile dragon for decades and there's nothing more fun than ripping through old favorites on a new rig. Nicely done

[@Fontsman-14]

Even through KZbin, this sounds so vibrant and clear. I am really intrigued by this turntable and can't wait to read your thoughts on it's performance.

[@53puskas53]

Thank you very much for this video, the record sounds beautiful, good for at least another 55 years.

[@67Pepper]

The comments are always a good read, comedy gold.

[@astolatpere11]

I try to get first pressings of lps I like so your informative intro was great. Always appreciated that you kept the torch burning for vinyl when so many were ready to ditch the format. Helped me keep my lps and add to the collection.

[@Flatearther620]

Sounds great to me. Dynamic and punchy, drums have great impact with a nice cymbal decay. I don’t think recordings have gotten that much better in 55 years.

[@frankgarcia9834]

They haven't 😊

[@blueriverlore]

What a beautiful turntable. Wow!

[@badbob2383]

Its gaudy and bling

[@perlman7376]

Great video from both a historical and sentimental perspective. I'm sure the $370K sounds incredible but the source material is at the highest level of creativity, performance and technical perfection. How did they do it over 55 years ago? Talent and dedication to name just a few. Thanks for posting.

[@thomascaselli6139]

Very well done Michael, perhaps the greatest song that the Stones ever recorded. There is a version by Keith that was released in Japan in the early nineties that must be heard. Much more ominous sounding.

[@LarryGottschalk]

New to TrackingAngle, but man, it's fun, informative, and just generally pretty great. WIll be back for more! Thanks for recording.

[@pieterbalk-ht7kq]

@TrackingAngle I recently bought an original UK LIB aswell and what a treat to listen to this one on proper equipment like my Einstein Aerolith and this even superior GMT One you have. This pressing blows any vinyl (or CD) release of this album out of the water.

[@davidg.1709]

Freakin' fantastic, Mr. Fremer! One of my top 5 favourite Stones songs !!

[@tomgray6093]

Thanks Michael for sharing this, the sound is amazing, despite the digital degradation. Look forward to hearing more of your transcriptions using the WB table.

[@stantrisinhro]

YT does not give justice to this recording on the old record. It needs much higher resolution, depth and correct clock. But, thank You for sharing the experience with us regardless of it sounding 20% of what You have heard.

[@zorglubmagnus455]

Oh yeah something like a CD that costs $3

[@stantrisinhro]

@@zorglubmagnus455 Old recordings were mastered to sound correct on a record, but they rarely sound good on a modern compressed digital formats. So to sound similar as an old record it's modern copy must be in very hi res format, not 128kbps MP3. Again, thank You to Michael for demonstrating this monster to us. And to add to Your point, take a listen of this song from modern remastered SACD.

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

Makes me want to go find my ABKO CD issue and play it on my vintage 1989 Realistic 16 bit player!

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

WOW! Sounds great on my TCL 4G phone!

[@analoguecity3454]

Thank you for doing this Michael, we appreciate very much! You did a great capture job!😊

[@dirkbusche54]

Wow. Never heard this track so clear with that fat portion of energy. I wonder, cause there is the KZbin-compression with its sound-limitations. Tomorrow I will compare it with my own copy of that song. Thank you for that audiophile event.

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

I enjoy the Tracking Angle videos, the knowledge Michael brings regarding records and turntables, as well as the fun of hearing these rips from the expensive turntables. Sounds quite nice. (My only complaint is that the opening of all these videos..."don't try to sneak in to your room like that..." is for some reason the most unfunny obnoxious opening of any youtube channel. It absolutely grates on me, and especially upon repetition...but I usually try to skip it).

[@trackingangle929]

What's funny is that I produced a video without that opening and I got more complaints with people asking me to put it back. So you can't please everyone...

[@QuintEssential-sz2wn]

@@trackingangle929 Fair enough!

[@earl007]

Sounds nearly as good as my Cambridge audio BD752 blue ray player playing it on CD

[@franco426]

The sound on this album no doubt has aged like fine wine!

[@the1masao]

I was privileged to hear it live on the 7th - Mick and the Stones still have it going on! Chanel Haynes gave an incredible performance for this song.

[@byronstutz8229]

A wonderfully accurate replication of 1969 sound… thanks Michael Fremer!!

[@arthur_pug]

Sounds better on Tidal. & yes I'm playing this thru valve driven Tannoy Golds at full res. via a ladder DAC (edit: it's a remaster)

[@trackingangle929]

lol. Sounds different that’s for sure. I have the remaster. Very good but when Ms. Clayton sings “rape fire” the original cuts through you. On the remaster not so much…

[@mpw621]

Very interesting Michael, sounds great. Just played my US London version which sounds quite nice as well. Listening to your version and mine on a CJ pv6 pre-amp. Love all your content!

[@sgnifi]

Has anybody noticed the distortion of the guitar in the right channel from minute 10,40 of the video? Apart from this, the record sound glorious, thanks Mr. Fremer for sharing this gem

[@papabear1417]

370K. The law of diminishing returns in action.

[@revelry1969]

Damn Oligarchs

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

There’s new billionaires every year, might as well make a turntable for them

[@rixvspinner]

less resale value than any boat. Over production at it's most apparent. There are elements of this table that could be stripped away, not affecting performance. For example, the fancy lighting that surrounds the platter.

[@trackingangle929]

@@rixvspinner your total ignorance makes your comment highly entertaining!

[@peterfreeman3317]

@@PluralofvinylisvinylsMost ultra wealthy people are not audiophiles…they like Bose or Sonos.

[@mikewish19]

Wow that sounds bucking beautiful!

[@dnb466]

Charlie sounding great .Thanks for the video

[@hallaiged]

Does that pressing still have the distortion on the choir singing , on ''You Can't Always Get What You Want''? That anomaly was cleaned up on the 2002 revist to the best quality masters The Stones Archive ABKO could find, in the vaults in the US and here in the UK. ❤'Gimme Shelter', so cool. Their best album for me anyway.

[@trackingangle929]

I’ll go back and listen

[@davidstanton1261]

Since Thank You Michael!!

[@marantz7783]

Thank you for this vid ,!-- play more of this time frame- the killer classic rock from 1968 to 1973

[@kabiam]

The high end turntable and first UK pressing sounds clearer and more defined that the Canadian pressings I grew up on. You can here all the guitar layers much clearer. That's just on KZbin. Can't imagine what it sounds like live. Like the original Master Tape.

[@barrybrennan2135]

Sounds phenomenal!

[@cjay2]

I remember... I bought that LP new on release. We danced to it all the summer of '70. It sounded great, but who had any real gear back then? It was a very strong record.

[@Markbot1999]

Isn't this just MP3 sound being provided by KZbin? Am i missing something here?

[@joeltravels8983]

It is. And it’s awful. I compared this upload to a Spotify Premium version on electrostatic headphones. Spotify kills this. No fault of the turntable or Mikey. It’s the limitations of this modest mp3 upload system on KZbin.

[@badbob2383]

Ive just made the same point. Its a digital file and I thought Mr Fremer despised those. Funny how his digital recordings are getting rave reviews from the same “audiophiles” who wouldn’t go near Tidal et al.

[@agear2]

Phenomenal recording and table. It is probably my fav Stones' song.....

[@joeltravels8983]

Listening to this vs. Spotify Premium (high bit rate). Levels matched. Beyerdynamic Electrostatic headphones ($530). Douk P1 tube headphone amp ($125). My little bed system for late night listening. I have much much much more expensive gear but it’s not necessary for this. Not even close. Spotify crushes it. Much fuller, cleaner and less bloated and “confused” during heavy passages. Better top end and deeper bass on Spotify premium. So where does that leave us? Nowhere. Because unless we do this same comparison without all the compression KZbin recording Mikey is uploading to, it won’t be fair. On the plus side, most of us just saved $370k! Unless you’re on the lunatic fringe. Then I’d recommend to proceed with caution ⚠️! You’re welcome! ☺️

[@danielandrewgrant]

Sounds exactly like every other song I listen to on my iPhone with cheap Bluetooth earbuds.

[@alkebulansan]

"9th stamper made from the 1st mother of the 6th lacquer"! Bloody hell! Sounds delightfully regal, wonderful jargon. You inspired me to reach for my Merry Clayton version.

[@rickdrais9737]

Still gives me chills. I have tears in my eyes. The moment when they truly became the greatest rock and roll band in the world. And that from a Beatles fanatic

[@kemosabe551]

Do these early Decca releases require DECCA phono EQ, as opposed to RIAA? I have an early Decca Stones record that seems flat to my ear, and wondering if requires special pre-amplifier consideration

[@FoxTick]

I'm curious how much better this pressing sounds compared to my first pressing on the London label (credits the the London Bach Choir, btw) which I think sounds fantastic on my $5k table. I can only imagine how your pressing sounds on the Wilson-Benesch in person.

[@GiveUsMusic]

When I’m faced with dithering a 370K sound system through an iPad DAC, well, I go climb back under my lo-fi rock.

[@joeltravels8983]

You’re way better off with a cd 💿 of this. No comparison to the low bit mp3 trash KZbin allows via upload.

[@stephenchen1420]

Stamper & lacquer variations also apply to Decca classicals, as I read in Moon & Gray's excellent book.

[@trackingangle929]

of course.

[@nottodaypal2143]

The sound trough youtube is amazing 😂😂😂 play the record on a Crosley with the same setup and post that on youtube and lets hear how much of a difference it is😁👍🏻

[@joeltravels8983]

I’m also confused as to what he’s actually trying to accomplish. Put on your $3 cd 💿 or stream Apple or Spotify plus (high bit). They send this mp3 to the trash. 🗑️

[@eightrodway]

It's uncanny how much information makes it off the record, through MF's recording device, through KZbin, my phone's D/A converter, and finally through my Sennheiser 'phones. And it still sounds great!

[@owlnswan4016]

Very nice - thank you, Michael.

[@nothingimportant4504]

I’m more impressed about the pristine, 1969 copy of Let It Bleed. Cool turntable too though. I can’t act like I wouldn’t have one if I were super wealthy.

[@leebridenstine2806]

Sounds smooth and quiet..that record is as old as me and obviously well taken care of..last night I listened to On The Threshold of a Dream by the Moody Blues, which came out the same year, on the news that Mike Pinder, who was their last surviving original member passed away..I have the Nautilus half-speed master from 1981..sounds excellent

[@kurb1980]

Sounds great you should record it again with your own rig so we can hear a comparison?

[@nothingimportant4504]

As for a “review” off one song from one LP (first of these videos I’m behind): there’s a lot of sibilance in Mick’s voice due to the mix, and it definitely hinders the sound a bit. Otherwise there’s zero resonance, very clear, dead quiet playback. And for that kinda money it should be. Thank you for sharing this!

[@franciscoop1063]

It sounds rather narrow anf thin to me Michael - with the vocals recessed into the main track rather than fully forward in the mix....is this what the originals sounded like compared the the modern ABKO re-issues?

[@pjjmsn]

No, the problem is the turntable.

[@thomosburn8740]

Added compression and a little hotter around 3khz describes the last 20 years' reissues.

[@trackingangle929]

@@pjjmsn you are the problem.

[@RUMBLEGO1]

I agree with you about the vocals sounding recessed. That was my very first thought when he starts singing. May be how it was intended but never heard it that way before. ?? Always thought the vocals were more forward in the mix.

[@RUMBLEGO1]

BTW....totally digging these pressing uploads so thanks!! That Babylon Sisters was incredible!!

[@mccarthyd6603]

Some prefer the new RSD releases...others like the weekly new release videos on other channels...Me...give me these videos with you geeking out on dead wax and matrices...love it! One of my favorite albums and songs of all-time! That system you had was absolutely mind blowing in sight and sound 😳 Great video and information with the Pressing and the website...now after typing I'm going to grab my US first Pressing and give it a spin... Cheers 👍

[@greatpix]

This is the first time looking at a working turntable where it hurts my eyes.

[@kevinmcgrath3591]

doing an A_B with spotify, I prefer Spotify because its cleaner and more dynamic.

[@chuckfarley567]

Would love to find a Nautilus of "Tip of the Weisberg"...

[@MichaelLisk]

Listening on my phone, I thought my SACD sounded better.

[@mojooftheg5961]

I'd like to hear Can't You Hear Me Knocking. Is it on these special pressings?

[@jeffreythurston1822]

What a work of art that table is. The Stones deserve to be played over something like that!

[@abnormalvetter]

My lord that Wilson Benesch turntable is a horrible and gaudy looking monstrosity. Thank christ it sounds good. There has to be some upside to warrant the sheer resources involved!

[@melciveng]

It looks like the inside of Donald Trump’s bathroom.

[@SharpblueCreative]

That record is the same age as me. I was born in 1968. Gimme Shelter is my favourite Stones track. Unlike the other recordings you made on that turntable this one is sounding quite worn and showing its age - just like me. Still sounds very good though.

[@thomosburn8740]

The guitars came out pretty in this transfer, which I didn't expect. "Bloom" out the yin-yang! I listened at 2160 res.

[@Jason1920]

Okay, Fremer... something us old school collectors have to understand: Doesn't matter what you get or how you play it. Just be glad someone saved it. Remember how Joe Bussard found all those rare Black Patti discs under that bed! BTW, I'd be nice to have a chat with you....

[@stevendownes9151]

For me it’s the backing singers being the overall big difference to a normal priced deck, mick has a lovely sound in the way he sings the words they seem to last longer if that makes sense

[@trackingangle929]

Exactly and the reverb behind Clayton’s voice is in its own space

[@geoff37s57]

I have a 1958 Decca album A Journey Into Stereo Sound. I bought the album around 1964 as a youngster setting up my mainly home built stereo system. The audio quality on this early stereo sampler LP is amazing for the day. There is a streaming version on Tidal but the audio quality is nowhere near as good as the original vinyl.

[@jimparker7778]

The late 1950s began a period where LPs offered "high fidelity" to people who owned players capable of delivering genuine and true performance. It was an exciting period that the Rolling Stones were all too happy to contribute to.

[@henry66699]

To me this is the sound for people who are lost in violent neighbourhoods, streets empty, its night and you're just lonely trying to get shelter.....how fitting for these day's now Gaza is raging on, Ukraine, millions on the run and the earth is on its knees because of the climate....how fitting this record is. Yet I think Jagger is also trying to get away with us, despite of the violence in this song he's like one of us on the run...trying to make sense of it all..marvellous record. Once I hated it because I considered it to be too hard vocally, but then I saw its use in "Goodfella's" and the music of this album fell into place...now its one of my favourites.

[@Overitall805]

Just found your channel and heard Babylon Sisters before this. I think this sounds a bit thin compared to BS. I'm really enjoying this channel, though, and will sub.

[@maxDaxe1]

Nice again, Michael!

[@thomasryan9639]

Just ordered the CD a couple of weeks ago, but they haven't sent it yet. Sounds kind of "tinny ", and not much low frequency .

[@Slammy555]

I like the mix better than the SACD, it's muddier but it's the stones and maybe it's supposed to sound that way. I have some high res mono that's my preferred way to listen, up to Goat's Head Soup I think it's the best I've heard but I bet with a more direct feed without the KZbin modification to sound yours would sound better.

[@brianmedeiros6845]

That’s Awesome! Thank You Subscribed

[@jamesmcdonald5026]

Best song opening ever. ❤

[@adrianos198]

Would love to have heard Let it Loose...

[@Stuck_in_the_70s]

Sounds great! I think it’s the Stones’ best album, but man what a run of albums from Beggar’s Banquet to Exile on Main Street. I have a NM Mono first press of Let it Bleed (with the red inner and choir credit). I believe it’s a fold down, but it still sounds pretty good tbh. I do prefer the Stereo version of this album tho.

[@deeg8849]

Especially dark for the Stones. They fire Brian and then he dies tragically /mysteriously. 5 months later, Meredith Hunter is killed at the Rolling Stones at Altomont. As for the record, sounds great Few ticks early on but holding up great. My old man has an original Canadian pressing from 69 that I got from him when he passed and it sounds great as well. Long love the Stones on vinyl.

[@dobieprime]

I have an old 6 eye columbia of Time Out (Brubeck). I pulled it out last night, ran it through the Humminguru, and I mean...its been played and its a little poppy...but the music still rings through and rings true. That copy of Let It Bleed sounds amazing to me. It could be the turntable, but I think its more the combination of a pressing done correctly and the turntable. I love the backstory to the recording of Gimme Shelter. Merry Clayton doing the background vocals in curlers because they got her out of bed to do it, and pregnant. You talk about the record being a dark record, and it is. Merry lost her baby not long after she recorded the backup vocals. A lot of people know that story now, but I just think its all fascinating and part of musical history.

[@thomosburn8740]

Some credit goes to the cartridge and phono preamp no doubt.

[@OFBCyclingWorld]

Thanks Micheal. Now I have to rummage around to find my copy. I think it is a Australian pressing from the 70's?

[@tomdavis6371]

Once upon a time I thought my Denon DP-55K was pretty impressive with it's Grace Tonearm/Cartridge combination. In 1982 that represented a huge investment for a 21 year old kid working for somewhere around $5.50/hr. LOL But to be fair, it was a nice table!

[@MarkFreeman-kd2hz]

All I can say is. Amazing. Sounds better than I remember. 😮 And I have 40 licks.😅

[@Mezzanine5]

Wow! That thing ought to have nouveau riche sprayed all over it in gold paint. Makes me want to go and buy a zebra skin sofa for the front room and an onyx cigarette lighter the size of a baby elephant. Brilliant history of the record though.

[@kgobrien1]

Sounds like the best 192kbps mp3 I've ever heard.....

[@MAGAEATSBOOGERS1]

Sounds like the same as the version on KZbin Original. free, but thanks Jerry S.

[@joeltravels8983]

Exactly. I have Spotify Premium (high bit rate). It puts this low quality mp3 in the garbage. As it should!

[@MikeAnderson356]

370,000 is completely ridiculous.

[@pew32]

So is buying a 200mph super car for a million pounds that you can only legally drive at 70mph..

[@MikeAnderson356]

@@pew32 you got that right

[@petrosso97]

thx Michael for all your info, I found one ( Let it Bleed Decca ) with the stamper XZAL - 9363 - P- 2W would this be one to get ?

[@bisarowood]

great song I'm born in 69 so it's a good year ... I always do find it ironic the extend of complexity in high end turntables to play a $5 vinyl record :) I'm sure that record would sound just fine on my Technics table

[@thebutcher6851]

You say the vinyl is not in good condition? Are you kidding? If that edition even seems to me to be like good wines... it gets better over the years man... :D

[@Jammerk40]

I noticed that the music starts way before the stylus hits the record! Hmm are we really listing to this record on that turntable? Is it real or Memorex?

[@DD-qc4ij]

Sounds just like my CD.

[@joeltravels8983]

Waaay worse! Try it! Your cd 💿 will destroy this low bit rate mp3 upload. Not sure his point doing this other than click bait.

[@davidspendlove5900]

Pre digital recordings never sound right to me on digital formats.The uploaded sound is low quality and compressed.

[@joeltravels8983]

@@davidspendlove5900 this whole mess is digital. I agree otherwise. It did go A-D-MP3 in theory though.

[@edwardsalkin9478]

Out of your recent videos I enjoyed the TechDas the most, then this , and then the OMA, but your videos that made the most impact on me were the Caliburn many years ago. Was it really that special or just special for its time?