Top 10 Audiophile Editions of 2020

My Favorite Editions of 2020!

[@bronzewound]

Michael, just discovered you this week and you now join Michael Fremer as my go to vinyl gurus. It's nice to know that in my 50+ years of collecting amazing music we are simpatico in so many ways and yet you have opened my eyes and ears to some new LPs through your videos. Love my ERC recordings, the Tull and Armatrading! Picking up a few things I didn't have like the Cash and Ford LPs. Have originals of most everything else you mentioned but still ordering the reissues because of your recommendations. Thank you for sharing your love of quality music on quality vinyl!!

[@tailorsoldierspy6464]

I am in love with the T.REX ELECTRIC WARRIOR ALBUM.... This is truly a Gem.Thanks!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dank.6942]

Rewatching this video again, 6 months after, and to anyone watching this after the fact, like me... Joan Armatrading is a revelation! Shockingly good, acoustic-electric, soulful, singer-songwriter masterpiece. Couldn't agree more. I just listened to it again recently and it is virtually perfect. And she is still going strong. Rolling Stone just featured her in an article in 2021.

[@njuham]

Thank you, without this video I might never had known about Speakers Corner Carly Simon one. A-side last song, it sounds so lush, so full. The whole album is so wonderful, and this version so especially full and lush. £35 well spent! What a channel you have here, I am not even an audiophile and my system is crap but I can hear the difference! Uncanny.

[@francois0013]

Michael, you are doing such a great job on everything! Every style of music, you nail it! Thank you for helping me on my journey to great analog sound!

[@ChristopherB72]

Looking forward to the top 20 jazz titles. Thank you Michael.

[@nbulj]

great, grat list. Joan Armatrading is absolute fantastic record, both musically and soundwise. Thank You for great job, can't wait to hear/see next video.

[@iconix21]

Your collection and perspective is always appreciated... Thank you!

[@kieronkelly959]

I agree 100% with the Joan Armatrading. One of the finest records I own. Your recommendation has me checking out more of her back catalogue and her 70’s album are all fantastic and highly recommended. Hopefully they too get the audiophile treatment. Keep up the great work Michael! Big fan here in Australia.

[@audiostuff2947]

Was für eine herzerwärmende Überraschung. Der sichtlich emotionalen Bewegtheit für das Joan Armatrading kann ich sehr gut nachempfinden. Bin hierher über das sympathische Einstein-Video gelangt. Hab mich gefragt ob Du für Deine neuen Scheiben insbesondere zur Schonung des Tonabnehmners bereits eine Plattenwaschmaschine benutzt ( Lösemittel zwischen Plattenmatritze und Viynlpuck)? Weihnachtliche Grüße

[@Michael45RPM]

Ja ich benutze den neuen Adiodesk

[@fj103]

Thank you for sharing your list... Makes me want to listen to these albums again... Looking forward to the jazz list 👍🏼

[@nickcharles1241]

What I liked most about your list is how sincere and personal it is to you. You obviously took a lot of time to study these releases in your beautiful listening room. You didn’t let popular opinion sway your choices. Also your wide-ranging interests were apparent as you included something from nearly every genre. Thanks Michael, I’m looking forward to your upcoming top 10 jazz records!

[@murielmcmahon6459]

Love your top albums of the year. Ive got the Trex lp but im going to check out some on the list because of your great reviews.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thank you Muriel

[@whitey7998]

Looking forward to this one. Thank you Michael.

[@stefanhansen5882]

I really enjoy your videos. :) I am curious about the colorful stuff on your wall. What is it, and does it have any acoustic effect or is it just an ornament? Thanks!

[@Michael45RPM]

It is from Pierre Frey and has an acoustic value but is not an acoustic item in general

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@Michael45RPM Thank you. It looks stunning!

[@jikenj]

Really good list you blow me away with that Tennessee Ernie Ford and you made a couple of really good points especially that Carly Simon album haha great job!

[@nicothomas7217]

This was a really great video and I will have to give that TN Ernie Ford a shot as well as some others. The Johny Cash MoFi definitely blew my socks off, but unfortunately is the only one I own on your list. Interesting fact about Ernie Ford.. I live about about a 30 minute drive from his childhood home, and could walk to it from where I work! Its a small home squeezed in around a bunch of other small homes, and you'd miss it if you blink. I'd love to see more shootouts in the future too, your Blue Note Classic was a fun one to watch. Keep up the good work 👍

[@adrianluscombe9532]

Thank you, insightful as always. I look forward to your jazz review as well

[@TheRollingStoness]

Thanks Michael, even tho my financial situation is very tight, love watching ur recommendations and drooling on them.. Yes, i do have some not all.. Happy holidays brother.👍

[@twraven1]

I remember and loved the Ernie Ford Show on TV. I’m dating myself here but I always loved his voice and it was so unusual for a bass to have even modest appeal to a wide audience. That reissue is superb from a distant time in popular culture. I have it and love it. I wish they would come out with a few more from him,

[@zackamania6534]

Ernie Ford was born and grew up on the same street as my mom in Bristol TN

[@_Sherlock]

I want to briefly comment on the review of the number 5 record: Forever Changes by Love. The second track, A House is Not a Motel has an abrupt ending (I have the ERC record as well). From the ERC website I found this: Mastered in Stereo from the original master tapes (identified by the abrupt edit at the end of “A House is not a Motel”) via our 1965 all valve Lyrec / Ortofon analogue cutting chain. No equalisation or compression was used during the mastering process. You can see that if you go to their website and look under "news" to find it.

[@Michael45RPM]

Not talking about the abrupt ending more the middle and high range

[@CoreysChannel]

These are true diamonds in the rough for 2020. Thank you for sharing. ~Corey

[@NotedArchived]

Nice run-down, ML. Beautiful editions - all of them. Joan on the number one spot - I must need this! The Tennessee Ernie Ford was also a new name for me - listening now! Thanks for sharing. Will be curious what your jazz picks are as well. Vielen dank!

[@joerglemann]

Thanks for this video and presenting your 2020 ranking. Very enjoyable 👍🏼 Without your hint in one of your recent videos I would have missed the Johnny Cash - I walk the Line - MoFi edition 😎

[@myvinyljourney7908]

Great to have 5 of them, thanks for doing this

[@jazzydog5635]

Great video Michael, tempted by the Carly Simon and Joan Armatrading you have highlighted. I have both original UK first pressings which sound great but these 2 top quality re-issues which appear to be reasonably priced are hard to resist

[@russputin6294]

If you haven't already track (pardon the pun!) down copies of Joan Armatrading's "Show some emotion" and "to the limit"; a trilogy (along with the self-titled shown in the video) of stunningly good records and, sound-quality wise, some of Glyn John's most impressive work

[@admusicmas9694]

Great list Michael thank you very nice.

[@phol61]

Hi Michael, your channel is great thanks for sharing your advices. I wonder if you ever listened this italian album, originally issued in 1974, fm a folk italian group named 'Canzoniere del Lazio' .The original edition was pressed quite harsh but I loved this record so much that I did not care. A couple of years ago, incredibly, Fonè records got the original mutitraces and after reprocessing ( Pure Analogue Cutting) they pressed 496 copies ( you can take one at their site at a very good price as still available). In my opinion this recording is absolute stunning one of the best I have ever heard . If you wish to have a try I'm sure you won't be disappointed listening to it with your fantastic very hi end HIfi Equipment. In case you decide to get a copy I really would like to know your genuine impressions....and by the way this edition is printed in Germany. (Recorded 4/7/74 to 13/7/74 at Studio Chantalain. Signoricci Vinyl / LIMITED EDITION / stereo / Pure Analogue Cutting / One-Stage Pressing Process / 33 rpm / 180 g. / Heavy Quality Sleeves / Printed in Germany) Ciao fm Italy . foneshop.it/it/vinili-disponibili/311-canzoniere-del-lazio-lassa-st%C3%A0-la-me-creatura.html

[@Michael45RPM]

Thank you very much for the information i will go into it

[@Jazzeum]

Looking forward to the jazz ones too.

[@TRamone01]

The cello, Bach, and Starker. Much thanks for the recommendation.

[@lovbladkarl-olof3975]

Hi! I got the carly Simon one on your rekommendation. She is an artist i Never got into. Thanks, that was a splendid recommendation! Happy holidays

[@greencraig8570]

I love Paco de Lucia- probably the greatest flamenco guitarist of all time. I would highly recommend his LP, "Fuente Y Caudal" from 1973 on the Philips label. Great music and very good sonics. I have listened to it hundreds of times and own several copies. He often collaborated with the flamenco singing legend, Cameron de la Isla.

[@vinylrevenge558]

I'm sold on the T-Rex! NICE!

[@vinylrulesok8470]

Mike at The In Groove also recommended The Tennessee Ernie Ford album so I may have to order that. Thanks for such an insightful video. Inspiring as always

[@stefangarciaperez4222]

Hi Michael! I discovered you this week and you have won a new subscriber!. Excellent video and great recommendations 👌 . Regards from Barcelona.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx Stefan and welcome to the Channel

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

Nice Now I have a couple of records to get ASAP!

[@jamesellis8456]

Another very interesting video - like you I also love lists! I will say Jazz aside this has not been a great year for audiophile reissues. What has been released has been excellent but so few titles compared to previous years. I would normally have 50 or so to pick from - this year only 15 or so. My list below: 10. TE Ford - Country Hits AP 33 ( you are right about this one brilliant recording) 9. Dylan - Pat Garrett MFSL 33 8. Dylan - Oh Mercy MFSL 45 7. Jethro Tull - Aqualung AP 45 6. Johnny Cash - I Walk The Line MFSL 45 5. Joan Armatrading Intervention 33 4. Friday Night In San Francisco Impex 45 3. Love Forever Changes Mono ERC 33 2. Starker Bach Suites AP 45 1. Dylan Love and Theft MFSL 45

[@PrimeMover93]

Another great video! I find new artists almost every time I watch one of your videos. Definitely going to be checking out Joan Armatrading.

[@kentitterington6830]

I really like your style.

[@zackamania6534]

Props to James Taylor... lucky guy

[@coletrain4121]

👌🏼 Carly does strike a lovely chord there.

[@broadhurst5000]

Love end of year Top 10's! Have never heard Joan Armatrading, just having a Tidal listen now and it's stunning. Thanks for sharing. On a sidenote... have you ever heard the ORG 45RPM version of Jeff Buckleys Grace? From 2014 I believe cat number is ORG194. It really is quite masterful. It's an album I've heard a thousand times but never like this... highly recommend if you get the chance.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx for the recommendation James will go into this.

[@cgarci19]

Michael, I know you’re waiting for the classics “the sidewinder” and “the real McCoy”. I got them already and I did my comparison with Sidewinder, put it against my SRX copy. And let me tell you, the classic’s sounds really good, perfect pressing; although I’m still going to give the edge to the SRX. They almost sound equally good, but I like how the srx sounds a little more present in some aspects. The bass drum sounds a little more thumping, more present (but just by a little hair more) and the sax sounds a little more airy on the srx (once again just by a little)... it is really hard to notice any difference, maybe with a way better audiophile audio system set up such as yours will be a able to extract more juice out of each and notice more differences, (my system is just a basic one with a project turntable and blue ortofon stylus)... both pressings are outstanding, the new classics is dead quite as well, you can’t go wrong with either if all you care is for the sound (of course we have the presentation of each, which there’s no comparison, but we already knew that)... to me the winner is still the SRX, but trust me the new classics Ed is just perfect as well, nothing wrong with it at all. I also have a 1st Ed MONO of sidewinder which I didn’t compare because being mono, it’s just different, but I really like the stereo more to tell you the truth, it’s more lively. Anyway, I’m really excited with all the other ones coming. Can’t wait for your comparisons along with the analogue productions 45(stereo also). I’m sure in your system, you’re going to be able to tell more subtle differences.

[@Michael45RPM]

Autsch... so no need for me to do this Video :-) Great Job Cesar thanks for your opinion and great Comment!

[@paulsorum8013]

I appreciate your knowledge and expertise. Where do I find those gate fold plastic sleeves?

[@raynewcomb337]

Carly Simon-one of my favorite album covers! BTW, have you been to Pallas?

[@theflipside-vinylcommunity]

Great video

[@casablanca2745]

Similar taste Michael, enjoyed that and subscribed. Thanks

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx and welcome to the Channel Casablanca :-)

[@NextPlayRecords]

I’ve asked my wife for the Tennessee Ernie Ford release for Christmas! Seems like a tremendous deal. 🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@louduva9849]

Just ordered that Carly Simon record. I agree about the cover: she looks utterly gorgeous.

[@AsTheTableTurns]

Wow! I would not think Intervention Records would take the #1 spot. I really want to get that Janos Starker.

[@Michael45RPM]

Honestly.. i was surprised too... but what can you do... i feel this way :-)

[@josephpolaster2271]

The Carly S. OG. of Torch sounds wonderful.

[@russputin6294]

"I have a new turntable...." Do you have a video on your stereo system, please? Always interesting for those of us that like that kind of thing. Great videos, incidentally, and Hi! from a new subscriber ;0)

[@Michael45RPM]

Yes there are a few just go threw my Videos

[@rega1039]

Hi sir, just subscribed to your channel thank you and god bless! From Orange County CA.

[@Michael45RPM]

THX Chep and welcome to the channel

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I've been a huge fan of Joan Armatrading for decades. Even most regular US pressings are very good if you can find a clean one. I was just listening to To The Limit last night.

[@NickP333]

Excellent list, Michael. Thanks so much. That Carly Simon album cover definitely “sticks out” to me as a very sexy cover! 😉 Speakers Corner no doubt releases some amazing sounding records. That Cash MoFi pressing is spectacular sounding. It’s proof that a mono recording can of course deliver a fantastic center image, but still create a beautiful soundstage. Quick side note: In regards to German pressings, I’m in the US, and often go out of my way to get my hands on them. In fact, my favorite pressing of Pink Floyd’s “DSOTM” is the first German pressing from ‘73, rather than the UK 1st press. As far as a more current album (well, 1991), RHCP’s “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik” European pressing (GEMA/BIEM) which was pressed in Germany is my favorite pressing of that album. Michael, do you happen to remember a live venue in Berlin called Wild At Heart? I played there a couple times before finally hanging up my touring hat, but I remember that club being especially cool, and the husband/wife team that owned it were total sweethearts. It was however across the street from a dilapidated old carnival type thing which had turned into an open air drug market.

[@NickP333]

I apologize for my extra long comment, btw!

[@Michael45RPM]

NO!!! i love long Commentaries... let it come :-)

[@poetryonplastic]

Very jealous of that Ravel box! I’ve been listing after that series of recordings for years, as they are equally hard to come by in their original form.

[@cemalsagnak7504]

A great list, I have 80% of these albums in other pressings or on CD, I might want to hunt for these : 1.) Carly Simon ,2.) Aqualung (my favorite Jethro Tull Album) unfortunately I could not find the analog production version.and yes , I love your Choice Nr. 1 An artist I know but never had a Vinyl. Thanks and Greetings from Grevenbroich

[@pbthal]

Hi Michael I too contacted ERC about the lack of high end on Track 2, their response was "Our version had no eq added at the mastering stage on any of the tracks. It is a transfer from the original master tape in its pure naked form" I am curious what they say to you

[@Michael45RPM]

Thats what i suspected. In a way that is something i Love :-) no pun intended. They release their titles in a very pure form. The System is their star, not the mastering Guy.

[@kgobrien1]

well done. Nice well rounded picks Joan Armatrading is such an underrated artist.

[@christopherkibler511]

Thanks Michael. Surprised to see Tennessee Ernie Ford on the list at all, much less at number 2! I just don't see him talked about much. - Chris

[@hectoralvarez941]

i have the ERC Love album...can you share your issue with the second track?

[@dsonyay]

I like your videos.. your voice is great.. it’s almost like there is no point in arguing about which albums should be on the list because you come across as the “the highest authority “. :)

[@lovbladkarl-olof3975]

Ouh la! I have not a single one of those. I guess that is what happens during covid. I must look into those records more

[@subannihilation5245]

Yao Si Ting albums are also must.

[@sue7621]

Sending love from Wales everyone says hi! 🤗🥰💜

[@Michael45RPM]

Hey Sue a pleasure to meet you here :-)

[@fluidpower43]

Michael, Do you ever purchase a audiophile release for music you don't particularly care for because you know it sounds good?

[@bikemike1118]

...that is sometimes not bad to do. It can expand your musical taste horizon...

[@TEST-rt1ui]

Thanks a lot for your video. The record with Joan Armatrading is out of stock in Germany. I found on the website of intervention record that a preorder sale has started. Do you know where it can be preordered in Germany?

[@Michael45RPM]

No sorry, have you tried Discogs?

[@TEST-rt1ui]

@@Michael45RPM yes, but there is only one offer from Russia, the price is doubled. So Iris better to wait for a while

[@Kezleu]

Mofi édition super

[@leporello83]

Hi, mich würde interessieren welche Schutzhüllen du da nutzt. Die sind so schön klar... Gruß Matthias

[@Michael45RPM]

Look Here if you like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipymp5ltd5KWrJo&t

[@leporello83]

Thank you!

[@cezarvasile1635]

👌

[@paulknight1248]

Hi you mentioned that forever changes album is a good recording ,but the actual best version of this recording is the most recent Rhino version ,I've heard different versions and agree that it is also aqualung by Jethro the version mixed by steve wilson is outstanding

[@adamk4716]

Are those all pressed in 2020? The Dimeola album looks like 2017.

[@Michael45RPM]

The 45 is 2020

[@ingohamecher5909]

Hallo Michael, das abrupte Ende von Lied 2 auf Love Forever Changes befindet sich exakt so auf dem Masterband. Hört sich eigenartig an, zeigt aber, dass ERC das richtige Band hatte. Lg IH

[@Michael45RPM]

Es geht eher um, sagen wir mal die Tonlage.

[@ingohamecher5909]

Hm, muss ich mal mit der mfsl vergleichen. Hatte da nichts festgestellt, was nicht auch bei den anderen Auflagen wäre...

[@Jazzeum]

Michael, if you don’t mind me asking what gatefold covers do you use? Thanks.

[@Michael45RPM]

Look Here if you like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipymp5ltd5KWrJo&t

[@Jazzeum]

@@Michael45RPM Thank you. I will watch the video in a little while.

[@thierryberther3812]

I think only focusing on audiophile pressings limits your music taste. There is so much undiscovered which will never be pressed in „high end“.

[@Michael45RPM]

You are right in a way, but you can not get them all either way

[@bikemike1118]

It is hard to go back to mediocre sounding music once you heard the really good ones.

[@sonar2033]

Sorry If I ask You this: Have you fake Teeth?

[@kuglepen64]

I was quite disappointed with John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” from Acoustic Sounds. Sounds like the mastertape is shot and done. Sadly.