Hi Scott, Another stellar recommendation from your list so far is " Michael Hedges Aerial Boundaries". I recall finding an original copy of this record back in the late 80s at a thrift shop and paying CAD 1.99 for it. After studying the cover and then flipping to the back of the album jacket to the track listing. I immediately noticed a cover of the Neil Young Song "After the Gold Rush". Based on that I bought the record. Once I arrived home gave it a spin. From the 1st track " Aerial Boundaries" and listening to that track I knew immediately that this was a great buy. The Fingerpicking style, His techniques to create wonderful harmonics, and the way he slaps the guitar/strings to create that nice thump from my speakers is SUPERB. I got the same reaction last night listening to this record as I did many years ago. I actually forgot that I owned this record, until seeing this post, sometimes this happens. LOL!. In 2015 I bought the Audio Fidelity # version 0654 because of KPG Mastering. The Depth and openness of the sound spectrum are excellent regardless of the copy. Have a great day.
Thanks, Tony! I love hearing your memory of first hearing this. It seems to have a profound effect on people. Thanks for letting us know a little more about the Audio Fidelity. I'm sure it's a beauty, and I hope to locate one soon.
I saw Michael Hedges play live when I was 21 years old in Clemson, SC. He came onstage wearing a black body suit and probably ballet style shoes. The lighting highlighted the experience. I'm probably wrong but I think it was an Ovation guitar. For the entire concert the audience was mesmerized with Michael's artistry. His opening statement was "Let me introduce you to the acoustic guitar". I have 7 copies of this LP and play it at least once a week. Thank you, Scott, for highlighting this exceptional recording in so many artistic ways.
Thanks for sharing this amazing story. What a beautiful memory. It's so wonderful to hear from so many people who have been touched by the music of Michael Hedges. "Let me introduce you to the acoustic guitar!" I love that.
I always use this record as one of my "go to" discs for any system changes. Of course when I'm not evaluating, I'm just listening to the beautiful and stunning artistry all over the record. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Scott - thank god somebody in the VC was finally willing to talk about Michael Hedges. I have all his records and was fortunate to be able to see Michael live several times. BTW I paid $2.50 for my copy of Aerial Boundaries - which only shows how undervalued Michael is. (my fave of his is “Watching My Life Go By”) Thanks again reviewing.
It was a pleasure to shine some light on Michael and this amazing record. So many of the commenters did get to see him! I only wish I had been one of you. I hope more people discover this amazing artist through this video. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Thanks for highlighting Michael Hedges. I was convinced he was going to be relegated to the unimaginative categorization that he was “new age”. I treasure my signed copy of this album. We are richer for his influence on current guitarists. Enjoy the Scout!
Yes I made sure to make that point that this music is miles away from New Age. The day after this vid was shot, I got the ADS controller installed with the Scout. First track I played was Aerial Boundaries and it sounded even better than described here.
Thanks for highlighting Hedges music. I've been a fan since the 80s, have all his albums (cds) and seen him play live 4 times. He's completely unique and while he is absolutely a technical master on the guitar I feel his actual gift is his talent for composition. Every album is a little different as he changed his playing style over the years. Just fantastic music! Congrats on the new turntable setup, I'm sure it will serve you well.
It seems there are a lot of fans, judging by the immediate responses! What a gift you were able to see him perform. I think you brought up a great point -his compositional skills. Even within this album there is such a variety of moods. Unbelievable!
I have two Robbie Basho albums on Windham Hill. Especially ’Visions of the country’ is a wonderfully sounding record. I’ve put this one on my want list - seems like it’s easily available here in Europe too. Thanks for sharing!
@@ThePressingMatters You should, it’s a very good album. I have it on vinyl, actually it was one of the first records I “imported” from the US. Quite rare and pricey.
This is a beautiful album, glad I picked the AF version when it was still in print. "Live on the Double Planet" is a great lp as well. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Thank you so much for watching. You're very fortunate to have picked up the AF version at the time. I am on the lookout for one. The original copy I had sounds amazing already. I've yet to check out the live album yet. Still a lot to explore beyond this one!
@@ThePressingMatters I first heard Aerial Boundries in the '80s. It blew me away, the beauty of the music, Hedges' exciting and innovative guitar techniques. I thought I was listening to three guitarists playing together. I bought the CD right away. When I eventually got my first audiophile system, the CD was easily the best sounding CD in my rapdily growing collection. It is one of my few most favorite recordings that I have not yet purchased on vinyl. Your video reminded me I needed to fix that, so I found a reasonably priced NM copy on Discogs and placed my order before finishing your video. I'm happy you appreciate it as much as I do. Yet more confirmation that you have supremely great taste in music. Thanks for another great video! See you in the next one.
Still have all four original Hedges LPs that I bought in the 80s, and in pristine condition. Aerial Boundaries is definitely my favorite. Thanks for the review.
My first ones were George Winston's Autumn and Winter. Loved them so much. This came to me later but I adore it, and it's probably my favorite. I never pass up a Windham Hill record. Thanks for watching!
😀 Yes and I am thrilled! I had the Analogue Drive System delivered and installed yesterday. Played the Micheal Hedges record with the ADS locked in and I dare say Oz and I were both flabbergasted. Of course he is not easy to impress, but he was proud of what he helped me achieve. Now a couple more things on my bucket list. A Degritter A Sweetvinyl Sugarcube I know you are using the latter and I can't wait to get my hands on one.
As you say, Scott, this is a wonderful album and was recorded in both analogue and digital. The Audio Fidelity release, which you mention and which I am fortunate to have (I had another copy previously, I can't recall which), was mastered by Kevin Gray from an analogue tape (so the analogue tracks are AAA) and it really sounds great. I remember my impression being that it was a lot better and more analogue sounding but I don't have that previous record to compare. Also, maybe purchaser bias... I bought it new, when it was still in print, so it wasn't particularly expensive. Anyway, it really sounds amazing. Michael Fremer wrote an article at the time on analog planet...I have the link but it won't let me post it for some reason.
The Audio Fidelity is on my wish list - I can't fathom why I passed on it when it was available! I'm sure it's a beautiful edition of this legendary record.
Nice to circle back to your channel and hear your thoughts about this one- also one of my all-time favorite albums. I was living in Vermont when the label was putting out their great records and I became a real follower at the time. I remember walking across campus in boarding school whistling Shadowfax melodies and later getting a Windham Hill logo poster framed. All beautiful stuff, but this album by Michael Hedges was the top :)
@@jasonwhiton174 Thanks for stopping by Jason, and sharing your memories of this special label. I love most everything I've heard on the label, but this one will always be the top for me too.
In 1988 I heard a CD by Windham Hill Records in a Recordstore in Singapore on my way from Switzerland to New Zealand. Back home I bought a lot of vinylrecords, among them Michael Hedges. You're absolutly right, it's not New Age, it's music in an own genre. Last year another tapper, Mike Dawes from England, came to my small hometown. You should check this out too, he's on tour sometimes with Tommy Emmanuel and was interviewed on youtube by Rick Beato etc...however, great decision to promote this Hedges-Album, thank you!
Thanks so much for your comment. It's an unforgettable experience hearing this album the first time. It just gets better and better with each system upgrade. A desert island disc for sure. I'll see if I can track down the other artist you mention, thanks!
Cannot say that I tend to pickup any and all Windham Hill albums but i certainly have a few, including this one which, in my case, is a promotional that was played by CBC Vancouver radio back when it was released. till in very good condition and sometimes I wonder how many people were introduced to him and this record on the air. A bit of local history. I also found the CD version as well at a thrift store and have managed to find a few of his other albums as well.
I see this and other WH records at work, and have always kept them at arm's length because of the New Age stigma of which you spoke. Because of how good you are at this "job", I'm going to pick it up. New sub here, and really like your content and delivery. Cheers.
Welcome! I'm thrilled to have you here. Your input is always welcome and I hope this was a good recommendation for you. I can't imagine you'll not be impressed with how good this is. Find the mintiest one you can for the best experience. Please return and let me know!
Well, I've only heard the US pressing, mastered by Bernie Grundman. Fortunately it is pressed very well, and is quiet as can be. It would be hard to imagine anyone could screw this up, honestly, but hopefully others will chime in on that. The Audio Fidelity version certainly has fans, and may exceed the splendor of the standard US pressing.
@@ThePressingMatters Do you know which US pressing you have - there seem to be several. BTW thanks for alerting me (and others) to what sounds like a wonderful record. I auditioned on Tidal and loved it!
@@musiconrecord6724Mine seems to be a variation on this one. Side One seems to match these but Side two doesn't. There is no barcode on the jacket www.discogs.com/release/15801595-Michael-Hedges-Aerial-Boundaries There may be other pressings better, perhaps the US RTI?
@@ThePressingMatters from memory when compared I thought it sounded better worth the extra then. Gatefold cover virgin vinyl. As a fan I had to get it.
