It's KEN SCOTT. That's why. Along with John Leckie, Alan Parsons, and Phil McDonald, he's the best Abbey Road had to offer. Anything Geoff Emerick worked on in the 1970's, including Supertramp, would be remixed by someone else. The only person who seemed satisfied with his work was Paul McCartney. But Emerick is nowhere near the level of those other engineers. He is definitely no Ken Scott. Or just compare LONDON TOWN to BACK TO THE EGG (which is Phil McDonald). That's why George Harrison exclusively used Phil McDonald on just about everything he released up until Cloud 9. Jeez. Even Ringo Starr had a Steely Dan engineer on his solo records (Bill Schnee). No one went near Emerick apart from McCartney.
One title I've heard recommend over & over again from engineers, audiophiles etc. is Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" and I've gotta agree, it's an incredible sounding album.
Thanks for taking the time to focus on GREAT sounding original pressings. I just picked up 4 STYX albums: Crystal Ball ('76), Grand Illusion ('77), Pieces of Eight ('78) , and ParadiseTheater ('81). And they all sound INCREDIBLE!!!!!! Cannot get over the quality of the production. I feel like nobody has ever spoken about this so I was compelled to.
Like to save time? Here's the list 1. John Hiatt, Bring the family. 2. Randy Newman, Little Criminals 3. Steely Dan, Aja 4. Simon and Garfunkel, Bookends 5. Bob Dylan, Blood on the Tracks 6. Bob Dylan, Infidels 7. Dire Straits, Love Over Gold 8. Beck, Sea Change 9. Roxy Music, Avalon 10. Rickie Lee Jones, Pirates. Bonus: Led Zeppelin II. Common thread: big artists in the seventies had a lot of money to throw around in the studio and many of them were very audiophile on the technical side. Cool list. Not sure about the quality of the original LP pressings but Fleetwood Mac's Rumors was perhaps the best-selling album ever and is very well-recorded. Another huge artist with nearly unlimited studio budget.
My surprise of the year was a free copy of Tony Bennett’s I Left My Heart in SF. Still in shrink with a Caldor sticker on it. Great artist, great album, great pressing!
Thank you for this list ! I picked up Pirates and Infidels the same day I watched this video and they sound great ! Now I'm looking for the others. I already had Aja (of course). Thanks again, loving your channel
I still have my original Love Over Gold that I bought at Ames department store when it first came out. I thought it sounded great back then and it still holds up!
This morning I had a great haul from the record stall on our local market. Among many others I picked up.. John Hiatt - bring the family (my copy has a different cover than yours - it has a quite creepy puppet cover!) Randy Newman - little criminals Bob Dylan - infidels Rickie lee Jones - Pirates All are in fantastic condition and the most expensive was £8. Been listening to them this afternoon and they are absolutely fantastic albums many thanks!
As soon as I saw your setup I subbed to your channel! Loved the video. I agree with all these choices, Steely Dan is also a favorite of mine. I can't get enough of Aja, never will!
Great video and recommendations! Those record bins are great and coming from a friend makes them all the more special. My audio cabinet was custom built for me by a good friend in the late 70's. It's the only component in my system that has never been replaced. It's got room for a row of LPs in the bottom, three shelves, a sealed drawer for my cleaning tools, Zerostat, etc and the top is high enough that there's no bending over while cleaning or playing a record. It solid mahogany with leveling feet...doesn't get any better...for me, anyway!
Side B of Synchronicity by The Police is full of tracks that leap out of your speakers. "King of Pain" especially. I think that's another Bob Ludwig master from Hugh Padgham's production.
Fantastic album. New Gold Dream is their masterpiece, Derek Forbes’ bass playing on that record almost singlehandedly got me into playing the bass - phenomenal stuff!!
Nice video thanks. Got most of those, but there’s four I don’t...and now looking for them!! Following on from your comments on Bookends, Paul Simon’s Graceland is one of the best sounding records I own, it’s a fantastic sounding album. Tea for the Tillerman by Cat Stevens is well worth finding a copy of, it sounds great. Also, all the Dire Straits albums sound amazing.
I'm watching this saying to myself: "I have that.... I have that... I have that..." I agree with everything said in this video, especially the Randy Newman and Bob Dylan albums. "Infidel" may not be a masterpiece throughout, but there are certainly a lot of good moments. I was hooked during the opening drum intro on "Jokerman." Another to check out is "Street Legal." Fantastic Dylan sound in an era where he was somewhat hit or miss. Thanks for the video. I have subscribed to your channel...
I'm surprised you didn't mention the legendary Tom Dowd! He was THE engineer at Atlantic and was one of the first to use stereo on a regular basis. Ahmet Ertegun had a lot of faith in him, and of course Dowd later produced (with Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin ) "Dusty in Memphis" and solo "Layla" by Derek & the Dominos. I have a bunch of classic Atlantic LPs in the fields of pop, jazz, and soul that he did.
Good call! This video has proved to be so popular it has me contemplating a sequel highlighting 10 more LPs|engineers. I checked my Aretha Now and Dowd engineered that also. Thanks for watching and your feedback, appreciated!
Great content idea! Tim, that LZII is truly a beauty! Can't believe the condition that the vinyl is in! Looks like it might've been played only a few times in the past. Love my AB pressing of Aja, it sounds awesome. Also agree with Bookends, I found a cheap copy and definitely was intrigued by the sound quality. - Russ
Steely Dan used audio by Miller & Kriesel to master their records so that's not a big surprise. Also Mark Knopfler is a perfectionist about the sound of his recordings so pretty much any Dire Straits or Mark Knopfler recording is going to sound exceptional.
Nice list, I have a few of those, will look for the others. One of my favorite sounding albums (not sure it's super easy to find, but) is -- Audience - "Lunch", which is a Bob Ludwig mastered album, the sound just jumps out of the speakers, it's amazing.....
@@markwagner1997 Glad you got into them. I think Audience did fairly well in the UK & Europe, but, not so much here in the U.S. I'm always looking for great, obscure bands like that. Check out their album-- "The House On The Hill", it is their most acclaimed one, it is fantastic too.......
That record storage piece is cool. I’d need fifty of them 😎. Actually it would be perfect for new releases and recent spins ✌🏻that John Hiatt us a perfect record. And of course almost any Randy Newman Is good for me
Great idea, New Arrivals and most likely my Jazz collection, this should hold about 200 which helps free up my floor in the listening room. Cheers Mazzy!
New to me I only picked it up yesterday, but already love it! Interested to see the excellent group of musicians he hand picked for that album recorded another album together under the name ‘Little Village’ with the LP having the same title! Will be seeking that one out next haha this is great!!
@@Stuck_in_the_70s Hi. "Little Village" is a bit of a disappointment and, in my opinion, doesn't live up to the promise of it's participants. What I would highly recommend, however, is the precursor to "bring the family" - John Hiatt's "Riding With the King" It's a schizophrenic recording; one side is backed by Nick Lowe and his musician's, the other by Hiatt's guys. No Cooder this time but it's a fabulous record with supreme songs. You may know the title track from the BB King / Clapton cover? Take care and stay safe my friend ;0)
Ah that’s a real shame oh well i will still pick it up if I see it cheap. Ok excellent many thanks for the recommendation, yes I do know the Clapton/BB King version haha that’s now on my list! You too buddy thanks again
@@Stuck_in_the_70s You're welcome! There#s nothing "wrong" with the Little Village album but at the time it was definitely a let-down as we were expecting a "Bring the Family" mark two which it definitely isn't. Having said that there are some blistering live performances of the band (and material) on RU-vid; it's just that, for me, something was lost in the recording process and it's a bit sterile. Having said that "Riding" was recorded pretty much live off the studio floor so you can't go wrong there. If you're on a Hiatt trip stick a copy of "Slow Turning" on your shopping list to complete the trilogy; another great record (Sonny Landreth on slide if memory serves) but, frankly, anything with Hiatt's name on is usually a worthwhile buy. CD copies of "Little Village" can be had for peanuts if you fancy dipping a toe in the water. Check out Nick Lowe's solo stuff too; especially his later albums; "At My Age" is as good a starting point as any. Take care my friend and enjoy!!
Also regular pressing LPs. (No need to seek special pressing) 10,000 Maniacs - In My Tribe Chris Isaak - Blue Hotel The Cult - Electric Joni Mitchell - Miles of Aisles
Love the channel. Just saw this one. Can you share (or direct to) the specs for the record bin/display. Looks great. I have made some table top bins but really like yours. Thanks.
Back when I played vinyl, my top albums were: Dire Straits - Love Over Gold Steely Dan - Aja Supertramp - Breakfast in America Pink Floyd - Dark Side of The Moon Steely Dan - Gaucho Alan Parsons Project - I Robot Alan Parsons Project - Eye in The Sky The Doobie Brothers - Greatest Hits Styx - Paradise Theater. I have since moved on to listening to big movie score composers, people like the late James Horner, Hans Zimmer, etc... listening to digital media while I am at work. (Hard to play vinyl while working at a dusty cabinet shop).
Good video. Amazed that you do not know who Nick Lowe is...total legend Jesus of Cool - brilliant British producer (Elvis Costello early albums)- was also Johny Cash’s sone in law. You seriously need to check him out.
@@Universityofvinyl They were an amazing band. Completely in-house, everything was done by them. Eric Stewart was not only their guitarist/vocalist, but also their recording engineer. And he's one of the best England ever made.
Though I believe when they went to MERCURY in 1975, problems in manufacturing methods by Mercury affect the sound. When they were with UK, a smaller label through Jonathan King, there were no issues. Because Eric Stewart is one of the best recording engineers England ever made. But when they went to Mercury, "sibilance" that was never on their previous recordings shows up. And that can't be Eric Stewart's doing. Because "I'm Not In Love" has 48 voices utilised for each note in a chromatic scale. He knew what he was doing. They were multitracking in ways that made the mixing board an instrument.
OK that was awesome. I have Tattoo You, Escape and Led Zeppelin II all by RL. ( The Zeppelin II is in rough shape; just bought it to have it) After your presentation Journey and the Stones seem to sound better :) Ordered the Ocasik album- THANKS!!!!
Thought I'd check my collection as the video played. I have 4 of these, one being the Zep II RL hot mix :) which I knew was a thing, but for some reason never checked for in my own... Maybe I'll start listening to LZ again.
Kate Bush 'The kick inside' sounds amazing to me. 1978 and it's much clearer and more dynamic than any new records I've bought. Paid about $6 for it this year.
Alan Parsons "Eve" is well done too. The high end audio store that I frequented in the 80's always put it on to demonstrate the Magneplan Tympani speakers.
Hey, congrats on finding that RL! Surprised the record store didn’t check. On the gold seal, I think it’s the opposite of what you said. If it has one, it probably can’t be an RL.
@@Universityofvinyl I found my hot mix at an estate sale a few years ago. It cost me $1 but it's more like VG-. I have lost hope of finding another one. In the last couple years, everybody has caught on, including the record store owners. But your story gives me hope!
Generally, the earlier ABC pressings have been more desirable but if you have a great sounding MCA you're lucky. Appreciate you watching and chiming in👍🏻
Do you need to get the original pressings for that audiophile quality (I don't have an audiophile quality setup, though it's not terrible, IMO, but I'm curious).
Personally, I think the 1st year the LP was issued is best regarding OG pressings, there are typically diff pressing plants but usually good with a 1st year press. There are always exceptions and further research via the Steve Hoffman forum and Discogs is always recommended. Thanks for watching!
Great recommendations! I would like to add some none usual suspects, which I listened to today. Christopher Cross - Another Page, DMM version. I paid €2 for it. It sounds fantastic. Simply Red - Picture Book, Median price on Discogs is €5,99. Doesn't get any better for a 1985 album.. Sade - Diamond Life. Easily attainable for less than €10. Also magnificent sound quality.
If you're referring to SD's Aja, you want to find the AB 1006 catalog number in the deadwax, spine and inner sleeve. Also, the AA 1006 with a crossed out "B" are from the original stampers...1st masterings
For a nice introduction to NICK LOWE, I'd recommend his debut..."JESUS OF COOL" which came out in the U.S. under the title...PURE POP FOR NOW PEOPLE. Nick started out in Pub Bands, then joined Brinsley Schwarz. He also produced a number of artist for the original Stiff label includ. Elvis Costello.
@@theboomerscalper How is the new store compared to the old one? And is there enough parking close by? I liked the old amoeba have not been to the new one yet. Thank you
Near mint audiophile vinyl complete with greasy fingerprints on the lead in tracks of both sides. Added bonus finger pressure sleeve abrasion on middle disc tracks...... I'm in the process of retreiving my own, and father's, extensive record collection from the old family house. Discs carefully boxed up since the 1980s [with the advent of CDs, of course..]. I am cautiously optimistic the discs should have survived storage ok ? In part due to my dad strictly instructing me half a century ago on the correct way to handle and preserve discs. Only hold by the centre lable and exreme outer edge, Never touch the playing surface, not even through the sleeve. I don't mind if some folks call me an OCD fundamentalist, Each to their own standards. But it would make me more sceptical of the condition grading criteria of sellers of used collectable Vinyl. Not that I trust many of 'em anyway. Even my dad got increasingly more clumsy & careless in his old age, scuffing and scratching many £££$ off the value of his first edition pressings of classic Prog rock LPs. Which I was fortunate enough to experience on a good HiFi system on the first weeekends of release. I had fresh healthy teenage ears, and the pristine early pressed discs sounded immaculate. I'll never enjoy that sublime quality of vinyl experience again *. Or be allowed to play records so loud you feel the bass punching your chest. Neighbours are no longer so easy going and tolerant as they seemed in the 1970s. .. neither am I such an obnoxiously selfish teen any more. [* I'm not completely deaf yet, and Hi Res downloads might be the best music media advance since CDs in what's left of my lifetime...???]
Good luck with the retrieval of the record collection! Trust me, I'm very careful with my collection and a brief pull of this LP to show it out of the archival sleeve is not going to do any damage. Thanks for watching and appreciate the feedback!
IMPO Supertramp (Crime of the Century) also A&M records is an amazing recording. I had a UK 180 grams LP, but I foolishly lent it out, and never saw it agin. I believe most A&M were great, RCA seemed to be the worst.
I've got the 1st pressing, 2 copies of MoFi's first release of it, MoFi's Ultradisk (CD) and the remaster-2 CD set - (don't bother) .... Crime of the Century has been a favorite of mine for 45 years....it never gets old.... brilliant musicianship, writing and engineering.
