Roxy Music 1/2 Speed Master: Avalon and Siren vs. First Pressing

Germany
Roxy Music 1/2 Speed Master: Avalon amzn.to/3zVeqcW
Roxy Music 1/2 Speed Master: Siren amzn.to/3oSiGn7
USA
Roxy Music 1/2 Speed Master: Avalon amzn.to/3QjEW4W
Roxy Music 1/2 Speed Master: Siren amzn.to/3bsRQPv
United Kingdom
Roxy Music 1/2 Speed Master: Avalon amzn.to/3d6tqeU
Roxy Music 1/2 Speed Master: Siren amzn.to/3SlGnln
"Avalon," Roxy Music's last studio album, featured a softer, more adult sound and brought us the now iconic single "More Than This." Avalon became another British No. 1 album that stayed on the album charts for more than three weeks and over a year.
Rolling Stone magazine wrote of Avalon: "Bryan Ferry is a remarkably expressive keyboardist and singer whose familiar mannerisms are supported by a rich, benevolent confidence. And horn player Andy Mackay shines in a series of cameos (his oboe meditation on Ferry's "Tara" is particularly fine). Ten years after their debut, Roxy Music has mellowed: The occasional harsh piano chords in "While My Heart Is Still Beating," for example, recall the stately mood of "A Song for Europe," but the sound is now softer, dreamier and less determinedly dramatic. Ferry's songwriting, on the other hand, has rarely been as strong as it is now.
Each Roxy Music album was reissued by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios with a new half-speed recording. London. To reflect the audio quality, the artwork of all eight Roxy Music studio albums has been reworked and given a glossy lamination, making each album not just a record, but a work of art. Read more
Siren, released in 1975, spawned the singles "Love Is the Drug" and "Both Ends Burning," which reached number two and 25 on the UK singles chart, respectively. "Love Is the Drug" became Roxy Music's best-selling single in the U.S., reaching #30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Siren, a captivating work by Roxy Music, draws you in more and more with each listen.
Reviews
"On 'Siren,' Roxy perfects its smooth attack. "Love Is The Drug" captures the funky lure of the singles scene, while "Just Another High" sums up the regrets of an ex-singer." (ROLLING STONE ALBUM GUIDE *****)
Every Roxy Music album reissued by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios with a new half-speed recording. London. To reflect the audio quality, the covers of all eight Roxy Music studio albums have been reworked and given a glossy lamination so that each album is not just a record, but a work of art. Read more
bryan ferry avalon live rock and roll hall of fame art rock brian eno avalon full album 45 rpm 45rpm

[@lucullus6127]

My Avalon UK press A-4 / B-1 ARUN sounds great .Maybe an earlier stamper A-1/B-1 would be even better ? Here some interesting comments (not from me) about this record: Records like Avalon get people (often known as audiophiles) to spend wads and wads of money in pursuit of expensive analog equipment good enough to bring this wonderful music to life in their very own listening rooms. The album rewards a stereo with many of the qualities that audiophiles prize most highly when selecting equipment -- spaciousness, transparency, clarity, detail, depth, soundstaging, speed, high frequency extension and the like. The mix is as dense as any we know. Only the best copies have the ability to show you everything that's on the tape. Credit must go to the amazingly talented Rhett Davies for creating the space to put so many instruments and sounds in. The marvelous female vocalist Yanick Etienne, who sings so beautifully at the end of the title song, is standing in her own space at about the 10 o'clock position in the soundfield. At moderate levels she sounds very small and distant, but turn up your volume and she really starts to take on the attributes of a full-size, real live person standing just to the left and back a bit from the main proceedings. Only the most transparent copies will have you "seeing" Miss Etienne at the end of the song. One more thing to listen for here, especially if you're a fan, is the quality of Andy Mackay's saxophone work. He plays mostly soprano on Avalon and his playing is surely responsible for much of the melancholy mood of the songs. Next time you play the album, focus especially on his parts and I think you will see how important his contribution is to this emotional power of the material. His plaintive tone has a resonance of regret and sadness that serves to bring out the longing at the heart of Ferry's songwriting.

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

excellent review thanks

[@myles7522]

I love how you compare the originals to the remasters..it’s the way forward…👍👏

[@MusicSasho]

I like this man. He is a very honest person.

[@robertwoodward9231]

Avalon my favorite Roxy lp. Don't stop the dance now my favorite song after seeing the visualizer. Funny how that can change your perspective of a song.

[@raymondullmer2222]

Michael keep doing these shootouts. You're on the cutting edge, providing the "inside" skinny on all these pressings. Your videos are addictive. Keep it up!

[@papabear1417]

I've an original Avalon. Sounds great. Tight, musical and of it's time.

[@rastheike4329]

Top aktuell. Great stuff. :-)

[@bobemmott6951]

+ 1 Fab album!

[@gufgufler]

I’ve found that playing that beautiful audiophile pressing with a less refined sounding cartridge provides a different flavor. Giving it bit more edge when I desire that. I agree its fun collecting both and knowing my mood or audience and having options to play around. Boy i love vinyl.

[@thevinylgeezer]

Hi Michael. Glad to see these. I have found that a lot of the modern remasters when it comes to rock/pop music that the mastering comes off as a bit “polite” sounding. Yes there is beauty, but sometimes it’s better to have an “impolite” sounding record, too. Looks like I will be adding the Abbey Road Siren and Avalon to the collection. My favorite Roxy records. I’m excited to hear them. Thanks! -Dan

[@Raskolnikov1863]

I did a blind test with first US pressing of Avalon and half speed. My wife preferred the original every time! She has very good ears.

[@jeffwhitehead6268]

We shouldn’t have to, but since COVID I have found almost 50% of albums sent do not match their Discogs listing, so I message sellers first and ask them to verify before I buy. And 9 times out of 10 the original country pressing, UK or US, will be MUCH better than the others, as a UK band album would have next gen copy tapes sent to US, Germany, Holland, etc. So the UK Roxy’s probably demolish the Abbey Roads. Great video! Thanks!

[@ptbfrch]

I absolutely love my original UK pressing of Avalon. I bought it on recommendation of Mr Fremer.

[@separateglances1]

Michael this new direction you are taking is really fab. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the previous ones but, nice though they were, some of the records I knew would be unobtainable for me, either through price or limited supply. I’m loving this new idea though, it’s really freshened up your channel and I look forward to many more in this series as I value your opinion.

[@papabear1417]

Listening to my copy of Avalon. The production as you say Michael is beautiful. Tight, crisp and clear.

[@BeenieSpooner]

I have to admit, that I enjoy your new approach of comparing remasters to OGs. Really interesting so far. Quite eye-opening, too, since I do not own any original pressings of older records. These audiophile remasters kind of made me believe, that they're much better than the originals. Due to better mastering and playback equipment nowadays, etc... But these comparisons must be pretty space-, money- and timeconsuming, because now you have to get every record twice. :-) Do you keep all these doubles or do you resell the records, once you've done your comparison?

[@RichardMusilBRQ]

Avalon is amazing. Totally clean, no noise and great sounding release. Love it!

[@bobemmott6951]

This is the way to go, and thank you so much for taking us with you! Fabulous to hear your thoughts on the original pressings (which match my experience I must say). You do not need to spend audiophile money on 'special' audiophile pressings to enjpy the music of this era - just look for original pressings in a good condition and learn to clean records well!

[@deadquietvinyl]

Congrats! I really appreciate the patience you take with ordering something and getting something in return. Nice video!

[@AudioLedgend]

I like the ease that the new remasters offer, brand new in perfect condition, you don't have to deal with issues regarding poor grading on used sellers. They really are close enough to a really good first pressing.

[@fairhurst889]

Hi Michael love your companions of OG to reissue’s I have been collecting records since I was a teenager and have a reasonable album collection which by the way is still growing even in my retirement. I will always try to find an OG over a reissue if possible and try not to duplicate. Personel I find your new approach to reviewing very exciting. Keep up the good work Graham.

[@markusberzborn6346]

Absolutely agree about the importance of cleaning. Although I use a chemical cleaning machine and not an ultrasonic machine.

[@aspactransferpoint1211]

My 2017 Half Speed which has oversized sleeve also sound good

[@kuglepen64]

The half-speed records I have are all more detailed and less dynamically compressed then the originals. They are more clinical, less full bodied. But yes, cleaning the originals with ultrasound is a must. The removal of noise that is otherwise masked by the music really opens up the sound. It’s in that sense it’s like doing the reverse of converting a FLAC to MP3.

[@audiotomb]

There is a surprising amount of residue and imperfect mold compounds in the grooves in new recordings. Well worth cleaning. A good ultrasonic will remove or greatly lower the pops and residual static

[@kuglepen64]

@@audiotomb The surfactants commonly used have strong anti-static properties.

[@sararibeiro4034]

Great albums. Thank you for your appreciation. “Love Is The Drug” great music.

[@Michael45RPM]

My pleasure Sara

[@hernanivaloz3771]

My Group favourite ALL time. Bryan Ferry great influencie. Tanks Michael

[@Universityofvinyl]

I would guess that 85% of my videos extoll the virtues of og original pressings. If you have a clean og coupled with a great mastering engineer and even taking consideration of different pressing plants you can then find a winning combination, great video! 👍🏻

[@gollum1at]

That's the issue with discogs, you are never immune to bad surprises, You can't be 100% sure if the seller is selling really that copy under which he is offering it. And you don't have pictures of the copy actually sold by the seller.

[@vincentwerner4856]

These OG against reissue comparison video's are truely great. And imo confirm what I have been thinking all along: tapes age, and you can hear it!

[@darrens7040]

I like the term different as opposed to better that you mentioned Its a great way to look at these comparisons. Both awesome albums thats for sure, more music that I thank my parents for.Joined up to support your channel too Michael its an easy way for those of us who appreciate all that you do to show a little support.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx a lot Darren! means a lot to me

[@awrogers3013]

We as a KZbin society have to wrap our heads around the fact that the newest editions ALL have MORE processing than the originals They are different because of tape deterioration. YOU ALWAYS get MORE original signal with the originals

[@leonhardtart7163]

At FIRST! Thank you so much for your indeep analysis. It’s so helpful for me and for sure for all the other Schallplattenfreunde! Just my personal remark... I’ve only the original Roxy Music from my early 80s when I started to be s mix DJ in a Essener Club “La Cave”- fully satisfied - so no need to buy the ‚new‘ ones. And I visited Checkers, too - a really great club in all aspects.

[@Michael45RPM]

Checkers ... every Friday for so many years .,......

[@leonhardtart7163]

@@Michael45RPM YES!👍🏻🎼🎶🎵💃🕺🥂

[@Big-J-8579]

I am glad we are talking about differences in pressings (mastering) and not the other silliness. I own Avalon but on CD which sounds great to me. I might pick up the new pressing. Thanks again!

[@DC-xx4kv]

Michael, I think you’re going to have to subsidize me. Buying Siren. You put out a video. I order a record. Crazy. ☮️

[@TheRollingStoness]

I agree , one version miss what's in the other version...both are equally fantastic....(it's like listening to stones mono ...after a while I want to listen to the panned stereo version..and vice versa)

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I think Siren would be a great Roxy Music album on 45. It was the first of their LPs I've ever heard and I still love it.

[@rastheike4329]

"Avalon" incredibly good music. Rediscover feelings. I am happy. :-)

[@Fontsman]

Got to say for me, 'For your Pleasure,' is Roxy's finest hour. Eno and Ferry before they went their separate ways. It's incredible. Would love to hear your thoughts on the half speed remaster. Do you think 45 rpm cuts would've sounded even better?

[@RockNRod.]

FYP is Roxy's finest hour.

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

Yes and Stranded a cigarette paper behind it 👍

[@JBLClassic]

That's a great album. Unfortuantely, the first UK press I have doesn't sound so good. This is in comparison to my Self Titled Roxy Music and not against other versions of FYP.

[@mercuryscat2703]

I love stranded ! Oh for a 45RPM cut !

[@Albrecht777]

@@Phil_f8andbethere Eno himself preferred "Stranded".

[@VagueRANT100]

FOR YOUR PLEASURE and COUNTRY LIFE albums are my favourites......the joy of returning an OG to pristine condition is ORGASMIC IMO

[@bmclaughlin01]

Great video Michael, thanks, One of my favourite bands. I’ve got all the originals and they are outstanding, I bought the whole set again from Abbey Road and I think they are also great, different but not better. It’s really hard to beat the originals. For your pleasure and Avalon are my personal favourites. Thanks again.

[@705johnnyboy]

ive ultrasonically cleaned all of my original vinyl ,omg im very happy ,the difference is night and day and it only cost 229 bucks....

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

My copy of Avalon (Abbey Road 1/2 speed master) arrived today and it sounds great! I have the original on CD only so no comparison of vinyl to vinyl.

[@charlesgund4812]

My favourite Avalon is the Simply Vinyl version, superior to both UK original (ARUN cut) and the first Japanese edition. One of the better SV releases.

[@liammolyneuxmusic]

Love these comparisons Michael. Again Michael Arun Chakraverty cut the Uk Lacquer.Bob Ludwig mastered the overall album & Cut the US lacquer . Michael Fremer said & I agree bob’s cut isn’t as good as the Uk. The half speed are lovely full sounding ,Great job Abbey Rd.They are a fantastic alternative to an original. I fortunately have a NM Uk & it’s a demo record,more transparent & more holographic. Be interesting to hear the German cut.😎👍

[@gytrplr]

❤️Roxy music

[@greencraig8570]

I am looking forward to the day, hopefully coming very soon, when you will be announcing that Chad is releasing the entire Steely Dan catalog on AAA vinyl!

[@analoguecity3454]

Always great to get a good reissue from "Avalon"!

[@kguy2know]

Thanks for this review. After the Mofi debacle I have thought maybe it's time to seek out more orig pressings (when $$$$ allows), instead of just getting a reissue with questions about sources. After watching your review it made me seek out an orig UK press.

[@stevencherry6821]

Nice review, Michael. I always appreciate your analysis and look to you as authoritative, even if you sometimes may struggle with putting into (English) words what you are hearing! We get the gist! Your recommendations and critiques both cost me a lot of money, and save me a lot of money! Keep the videos (and comparisons) coming! In addition to comparing new presses to O.G. pressings, I do recommend in the future that you continue the practice of singing a few bars of whatever hit song is on the record you are reviewing! Delightful, you crooner!

[@JonPickles]

Avalon was always an amazing mix so I would find it hard to beat as was. Almost a pointless remaster IMHO. My favourite and IMHO their masterpiece was Stranded.

[@Daniel-hk3ru]

Michael - Thank you for a great explanation and review.

[@pinchebolillosrecordranch]

I'd love to see how the original and reissue of the first Roxy Music album compare. The original US pressing is on Reprise and it's a mixed bag in terms of sound. US pressings of Siren are on ATCO and sound pretty strong.

[@iangelling]

Back in 1975 we had what we had on inferior equipment too. It still sounded great. Siren was the last proper Roxy Music album IMHO. I wonder how a half speed Stranded would sound? There was a lot more going on in those earlier albums.

[@Zubeedoo]

Michael, These titles wee actually released a few years ago and have been recently repressed. Not 100% sure about Avalon but definitely Sirens. I have the older copy. There was also a boxed set. By the way, these are released under the Virgin label, so no Abbey Road OBI.

[@AI_Surfer]

That's the way to do it Michael. Excellent video!

[@spittindatruthaboutrecords9421]

Mike i agree , i actually just put up a video of the best pressings of roxy music avalon, And i didnt think the half speed mastered version was better, I liked the German's UK And US pressings, Actually alot of the ones in europe use the same metal work

[@paulspanbauer4125]

My SACD of Avalon is KILLER.

[@razorback-mark]

If you have never listened to Roxy which would be the best to listen to in your opinion? Great video!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I think it's Country Life which has Out of the Blue on it. One of their best songs.

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

Anything with RL in the deadwax is good enough for me.

[@thomaskandersen7250]

u know about cleaning your brand new records before first play, right? if not, then try a comparison. It seems that from the "making" of an LP, it has some "coating" in the end of the proces, which should "project" the record from liquid spilling. when first the needle hits the groove, the coating get's pressed into the groove, and from there, u cannot save it. So, please...clean your new records before first play. It works! ✌️❤️🇩🇰

[@davidlawrence79]

Michael, I love the “OG vs New Remaster”comparison videos that you’re doing now. I will be seeking out OG titles for several records that you’ve reviewed recently. Thank you!! You have mentioned your record cleaning machine in a number of videos but I don’t recall you ever mentioning what RCM that you’re using. Are you using an ultrasonic record cleaning machine?

[@itayashkenazy2895]

Michael, your new approach after horrible MOFI gate is supperr!! Shootout w/ originals is a great (!) added value. Your channel is now 🔥🔥 Another thing- You got German instead of UK? You can still swap it even after playing- It was already open ☺️ Keep up the great work.

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx Itay !!

[@henkgenders4729]

Hello Michael. I have been comparing pressings for years now and my advice to you would be to keep as close to the originals as possible. So the country where the record first was released would probably be a first or at least very early pressing. For instance a first or early UK pressing from an album by King Crimson sounds quite different from a German, Dutch or French pressing. And again those European pressings sound also very different from eachother. So if a contemporary (audiophile) reissue is taken from an original mastertape you should at least try to compare it with an original pressing. Keep up the good work!

[@Michael45RPM]

thx for the advice Henk much apriciated

[@hooville9059]

Great information, 1973 release Quadrophenia UK Track VS US MCA within a month cannot compare, Track runs circles around MCA.

[@EricIzabelle]

Maybe you could do a 'roundup' video of the different Abbey Road 1/2 speed remasters with the ones to have and the ones to avoid (or maybe rank them from worst to best, etc). Anyway, thanks for the video. Cheers.

[@9j083]

Hi Michael, you know what I think? I think you shall use a mid range 70s amp and mid range 70s speaker to play the OG and use those nowadays amp and speakers to play the abbey road high speed one. Then you may note that the OG is better. However, I used nowadays made amp and speakers to play both version, then I found they are comparable. We don’t have a time machine to come back to 70s, but luckily there are still a lot of people use those old amp and old speakers. At the other hand, people in 70s definitely did not have time machine to visit future to try their vinyl records (later would be called “OG”) on those future audio gears.

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Cleaning records is crucial! I have the same findings w/ The Sade Boxset vs the original UK-pressings. The originals are pretty good, the remastered ones are good, too, but on a same level not a better one. In fact I only ordered the Box for getting the last two albums on vinyl. For the former albums, I still take the originals. :D Keep up the good work, best regards from Saxony.

[@casperdowlen625]

The Sade box is all digital remastered to vinyl. It really is different from originals. I have the box and a few originals. Ido not know which Sade albums were or are analog productions in studio. That in itself is a topic for discussion here.

[@sebastianbachert9528]

@@casperdowlen625 You are right!!

[@fauxfactory]

Michael, you are a purist and we love you for it! Did you review Japan - Quiet Life half speed master?

[@rastheike4329]

I already noticed that. :-)

[@rastheike4329]

I already noticed that. :-)

[@Michael45RPM]

not yet but i should

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

Great comparison video Michael. The UK Avalon pressing I have is outstanding. It's inky black background, no pops or clicks, dynamic and punchy. I can't imagine it sounding any better. I only have Siren on CD as not a fan of it - very patchy album imo. Their best for me are Stranded, For your pleasure, and Avalon.

[@papabear1417]

Forgot to add, Recorded at Compass Point, Nassau. Engineer RHETT DAVIS & Bob Clear Mountain at the Power Station NYC. Mastered by Robert Ludwig at Master disk.

[@festersuncle6298]

I have pressings of all kinds in my Roxy Music arsenal. All beautiful in different ways. UK is no better than my US or Japan pressings. Quiet flat vinyl is a must.

[@rons6050]

Michael would love to see you equipment and listing room.

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

michael, hope to see your comparison of the bodyguard soundtrack LP OG US pressing versus the latest reissue just released yesterday

[@whitey7998]

I generally find that I go for the pressing from the country that the LP was recorded as that was where that master tape was(not always) it normally serves me well.

[@Michael45RPM]

right this is probably the way to go

[@ThePressingMatters]

Micheal did you (or any other viewers) have a repeating tic in the last few seconds of Tara (during the wave crashing sounds.) I've tried two and both had it same place. I have a third arriving today. Kind of breaks the spell cast at a crucial point. Great views on this release, it is indeed beautiful sounding but different to my original US. Have to have both!

[@Michael45RPM]

hmm need to check that again thx for the info

[@garrycrew4964]

Hi Michael. Nice video. Thank you. Seem to recall that in the past you've not been a fan of Half Speed Mastering? What has changed your mind? I have several of the Bob Marley Abbey Road Half Speed Masters and to my ears, they sound great. What are your thoughts on the Marley Half Speeds?

[@stephenperera7382]

I bought the Japan Tin Drum and Gentlemen Take Polaroids releases from Abbey Road as half speed masters…..I also have the originals from back in the 80s when I was a fan……perhaps you can get those and listen to?

[@therevrockinrollin]

I am in line with you. I sold out and got their first album half speed after a in defense of their OGs lol I compared an American pressing. There are some that say Avalon British is special but I’m so happy with my American. Some of these half speeds of Roxy Music are as much as 30% off in the US. Poor Roxy still can’t break America.

[@Michael45RPM]

someday they will Rev. i promise you, someday the break America !!!

[@thevinylbeadollsweetheart7356]

So if I don't want to dig for a minty fresh American I should be good with the 1/2 speed Avalon? I only have a Japanese pressing currently.

[@frogville]

when they were mixing/mastering the first presses they were going for it, pushing limits, re-masterers are playing it safe, not pushing the edge, over all nice full mixes, but without the gusto, the pushing it happened with the band, it is scary to push it without the band's approval over your shoulder....

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

watching this again for the 2nd time

[@amosperrine1909]

My German OG sounds pretty darn good. Have an unopened US OG, too. Hate to open it just to compare.

[@Michael45RPM]

do it :😎

[@primeanalogrecords]

You know who that is on the cover of Siren! Ex-Mrs Mick Jaggar!!! Also she was married to Rupert Murdoch! Jerry Hall was a huge model at the 70's- 80's! Jerry Faye Hall is an American model and actress. She began modelling in the 1970s in Dallas Texas and became one of the most sought after models in the world. She transitioned into acting, appearing in the 1989 film Batman. Hall was the long-term partner of The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, with whom she has four children.

[@rongreen1538]

I agree, the half speed masters are different, in other words terrible, no bass and scratchy treble. Still, thank you so much for taking the time and expense to make these very interesting videos.

[@michelelamberti1327]

Avalon is a legend.

[@lmontanaable]

Thanks Michael you are right the half speed pressing sounds beautiful. "Candy" to my ears. Will have to get the others. On another note can you share the record cleaner/system you use. I think its time I invested in one.

[@clumsiloe]

It was not uncommon for the British market to be supplemented with vinyl from Germany. A fair few of my records particularly Warner Bros and their subsidiaries were made at R/S Alsdorf. More common in the 1980s I think.

[@ergloo6660]

I totally agree the sound difference between originals and many remasters is that they sound different, very different in some cases. Originals are edgier, punchier but not as smooth, the remasters have the corners knocked off. Compare a 1st UK press of Vicious on Transformer with the craft recordings, to my ears on my system the 1st press is so much better it is so aggressive and yes vicious

[@lelanddavis4733]

I feel the same way about the kevin grey bluenote reissues. I only bought one or two. I wasnt sure what all the fuss was about. They are very polite and all the blood and guts, heart and soul is missing. OG pressings for me.

[@duncantaylor4225]

I think there's a placebo effect with new vinyl..quiet with very few pops n clicks ..original pressings like these are analog ..warm, rich and more driven ..theres also the fact that they are from the master tape ..I've yet to find many new pressings that better the original ..Great to see your comparing old and new ..shame you got the wrong country originals but to be honest German pressings are usually very good indeed ..hats off to you for doing this ...

[@karldaniells6908]

It’s interesting how the remastering wizards can completely destroy a record. Many years ago I video recorded Eric Clapton playing at a The Princes Trust concert live on TV, this was the one with George Harrison. This was a period in the late 80s when EC was at his best, listen to the While My Guitar Gently Weeps w George and the very end of the last song of the concert with Ringo, he was definitely on something that night!!! Anyway the point is his guitar was very loud and prominent, you could not mistake his presence and be taken away with it that is if you’re a guitar freak like me! I then subsequently bought a CD of this event so I could play it on my stereo - wow what a disappointment, all life was taken out of his guitar sound, it was equalised down so much you barely heard it. Fortunately we now have KZbin which means you can hear it in the original raw form and watch it too, brilliant - sadly it will never be released on vinyl!!!

[@davidbarnes3232]

Another nice video… a recent subscriber I am really enjoying them. Now, here is a twisted question. Rather than what are your favourite albums, labels or songs, what are those albums in your collection that you ask yourself “how did that get in there, what was I thinking?” I have several, including the soundtrack from the Fame film. I can’t bring myself to throw it out so it hides in shame.

[@trupax2210]

Excellent video, when doing your comparisons do you listen to one album then the other or compare sides or individual songs?

[@jonassvensson6129]

Thanks for a great video! I’d like to know what kind of record cleaner you use? I’m thinking about buying one so I’m curious. That is maybe something to make a video about? Thanks again for your awesome videos, I’m a big fan! 👍🏼 /Jonas from Sweden

[@Michael45RPM]

Audiodesk

[@analoguecity3454]

Sound is subjective, you can enjoy multiple pressings and still enjoy their differences!

[@WojciechFroelich]

I cannot find it this info in other videos, but have you listened to Roxy Music, Roxy Music, remastered by Steven Wilson (Record Store Day 2020 exclusive)?

[@BigSky1]

Jerry Hall on the front of Siren before Mick Jagger took her away from Ferry.

[@LJMcG]

And another interesting clip, Michael! I'm going to go for the OGs might even be UK 1st pressings with any luck! Good to hear that the UMG/Abbey Road series is finally getting its act together. Have avoided them to date. Was tempted by the Eno 45RPMs from a few years ago but passed. OGs have proven a bit noisy, unfortunately. Thanks!

[@audiotomb]

THe Eno Abbey Road 45 pressings were terrible 45 rpm breaks up Brian’s song sequencing and sounded very closed in Island SKy pink labels are incredible, avoid the EG versions

[@audiotomb]

Nice comparison very helpful to many You have to be very specific about your matrix number in the dead wax so we know what pressing you are listening to, unless you just want to talk old vs new. What is your scope here? Do you want to get a feel for how open and natural sounding early pressings sound or are you in search of that rarified air and get the best sound from very specific pressings.? Many of us grew up with these records or searched them out for decades. Either approach is a good one and we are enjoying your joyful experience and commentary. Take your time, find out what labels, artists early releases really stand out and which ones actually sound flat and lifeless. Have fun. Getting early pressings won’t cost you nearly as much money as first pressings. Also you should get out in the wild - a record store - you can sometimes luck into a holy grail. Record shows are good for that too. Discogs has taken the fun out of it and the prices are very high and you can’t see what you are buying. An original pressing can be quite different sounding than a a very specific first pressing (normally you will pay more and a first can be DRAMATICALLY better sounding than other early pressings (Bowie for example). Type in an album in the title search on Steve Hoffman Forums and you will find much useful input on the sound quality. I only bought one Abbey Road Half Speed Master Roxy Music - it sounds nice but it doesn’t have the air and presence of a first pressing Cheers

[@rastheike4329]

Michael like you again? Nice. :-) You are not late you just right. Bryan Ferry's girlfriend what a 1/2 Speed woman. WOW! ❤️Heike Great work.

[@jonthurston8275]

Picked up a NM UK original 'Avalon' (A1/B1 ARUN) and listened last night a/b my Abbey Road 1/2 Speed (2017 version). In my speaker system, I actually prefer the Abbey Road although the UK original has its charms. The Abbey Road has more body and punch, though it loses something to the soundstage and layering of the original (but not by much). The original, though, is just a little bit lacking in low end and in solidity of the images. On headphones, the Abbey Road is a no go - there is a barely perceptible (but once you hear it you can't stop hearing it) channel imbalance that's not noticeable in my speaker system. I've read quite a few reports (on Steve Hoffman and Discogs) of this channel imbalance issue with Abbey Road 1/2 Speed Remasters from around this time. I wonder if this is why Miles Showell re-cut all the Roxy titles for the 2022 releases (surely the metal parts of the 2017 releases were available)? I haven't heard the 2022 re-cuts or the Robert Ludwig US original.

[@noheamike5036]

New to your channel, thanks for info. Recently got Siren and Avalon myself (also the Little Feat you reviewed). Wondering what albums you had problems with the half speed masters? Are there videos for those? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@Michael45RPM]

Welcome to the Channel Nohea look up the rolling stones video or the sade box or the velvet underground

[@noheamike5036]

@@Michael45RPM I'll look at those. Have some of the V.U. Thanks

[@WendellSexson]

I got most of these 1/2 speed reissues this year, but I don't have Avalon yet. Haven't decided which version I'd like to get, original USA release, SACD, or the 1/2 speed reissue.

[@michaeltrochalakis6526]

Michael, do you know who cut the lacquers for the German originals? For Avalon, did they use the RL Masterdisk parts from the US?

[@Michael45RPM]

yes they used those i think

[@TylerKingNuReview]

I have an original Japanese pressing of Avalon and it sounds astounding

[@FogAndLime]

japanese pressings of almost any record are better than anything else!

[@TylerKingNuReview]

@@FogAndLime Truly! My pressings of The Dreaming by Kate Bush, Tin Drum by Japan, Low by David Bowie, and A Broken Frame by Depeche Mode are among the best-sounding in my collection

[@FogAndLime]

@@TylerKingNuReview i only have a few, Amon Duul II, This Heat, Oasis-----but they are TOTALLY fantastic! Always keep an eye open for them! I'd go nuts if i ever made it to Japan! lol