New Releases & I Can't Believe I Bought This!!! The White Stripes UHQR, Elemental Music Label 

,,,,P. S. ,,,,,,... Steppenwolf played here in land o' lakes, in 1985 at a really cool niteclub called Bearfoot Charlies...,,,the place was packed,we stood outside to listen!!!..so cool you bought that new release,,...tnx,,,,,pat.

I enjoy your videos. I have been listening to them for awhile now and noticed you are getting more and more comfortable in front of the camera. Your subject matter is very interesting. You come off as very honest and your love for records really shows. Thank you...

Thank you so much for this brilliant video, Melinda!💜🙏 Thank you for your wonderful and detailed review of our September releases!💜 We really appreciate your kind words!🙏💜

Melinda, Great to see and hear from you again. Fabulous video. Will certainly look out for the Bill Evans and Chet Baker albums. The tracks on the Bill Evans album are superb. I can understand your reaction to the Yellow Blob, bit of a shock to the system lol. Take care and Thank you.

I can't beleive the content keeps us entertained and educated again and again , Thank You

Stumbled onto your channel today. A breath of fresh air. Music has been my life blood. Bought my first album when I was 11 years old. I have always taken meticulous care of them. Never in a million years did I ever think vinyl would come roaring back the way it has. I have every album I ever bought. All in mint condition. I am a big collector of classic titles and new music. These days my collection is north of 1300+ albums. I have the same Rega Planar 8 turntable with the Apheta 3 MC cartridge. Dedicated music room, audio system (which took me 7 years to complete), vinyl and digital collections. You have a new fan 😎

Another great video, Melinda. Thanks again.

Hi Melinda, I just found your channel, and I love it. I'm very much into "classic rock", and very much into hifi. ☺❤

Another great video Melinda! The White stripes were huge here in the UK! And some interesting titles to investigate wonderful!

Awesome Video Melinda! Steppenwolf are one of my all time favorite bands! Hope all is well with you and family! 😀✌

Great video Melinda! Loving that ‘79 Gold Rush 8-track lurking over your shoulder ;)

So glad you reviewed this UHQR! I got it myself and was wondering if you would. Agree, phenomenal sound. Jack White is a huge analog and vinyl enthusiast. I have the RSD release of this from some years ago, which also sounded off the charts fantastic, but this UHQR made it even better!

I had Elephant on CD when it came out in '03. My friend and I would play the hell out of it and just drive around town. I can only imagine how good the UHQR is!! Glad you enjoy it.

Awesome collection of records you have shown today, lots of Jazz is always good. My UHQR White stripes is usually a couple of months after you guys get yours am looking forward too it. I had heard their music before but 7 nation army done by cruise ship horns got me looking further into them am looking forward to getting my copy.

Love the 8-track on your display,,...cool....great vid,as always,,big fan,,,pat...land o' lakes,wi,,...(I kept a few of my original ones!😮)..

What were they thinking indeed. Jazz really my thing, but the presentation was top notch. Thanks for enlightening us every week. Your bubbling personality keeps me interested even when the subject matter isn't totally there for me. Thank You. 😊

I listened to the UHQR and Bill’s, both are enjoyable. The UHQR is very special, I love the in-your-face style and the mixture of moods, a must have album. Kudos to Felipe from Jazz Bums for his support, a very nice melómano! Good video, enjoy your new system!

The way you described him playing "all while smoking a cigarette" made me have to hear that album 😁 manythnx Melinda.during the trying times in life sometimes your videos may mean more than you think.

Another great video I didn't know they just dropped paint on the vynil lol. Hope you have a blessed and wonderful day keep being you"😊 💯

My copy of Elephant arrived this week and I was able to listen to it yesterday. I do own a previous pressing, and this UHQR blew me away. This is the kind of record that makes me want to make upgrades to my system!

Another great collection there my friend

Great Melinda, now I have the line “sookie sookie sookie sookie sookie soookie SUUUUUE!” stuck in my brain. lol, sounds like more records to buy! thanks for the video✌🏻🎸

If it wasn't for Ella I might agree with you on scatting. With a voice like Ella's ringing out there's no way the band could lose.

Melinda, now you have me curious to go look at what the mock up looked like on those Third Man jazz released. LOL I am so glad to hear you say that you were so impressed with the "Elephant" UHQR that it might even be your favorite on yet! I only have a few of them and this is hands down my favorite! I do have others to reference against, such as my first pressing, 2013 RSD and one of the 20th Anniversary pressings, and I am comfortable when I say that none of them come close to the UHQR. I couln't be happier with my purchase. I'm not likely going to start adding a few more UHQR's here and there to my collection. On a different note, I got our shipment of the Van Halen Collection II Box Sets and after ultrasonically cleaning all the LP's (they were so loaded with static that I could barely get them out of the inner sleeves!!) I am halfway through listening to them and I am VERY HAPPY!! Can't wait to see your review soon. Take care, Billy-

Hey Melinda, I think you really hit the mark with your appraisals of these great artists’ records. Vinyl is such a perfect medium for the jazz genre. One of my favourites is Night Train by Oscar Peterson. I am guessing that you have a copy or two of it; if so, Do you have a preferred edition? If you haven’t I recommend you grab one! There’s a Buddy Rich ‘Direct to Disc’ LP from 1978, which is breathtaking audio and I know it would be incredible on your system. It is called, “ Class of ‘78” Best wishes! Stewart

Thanks for showing off the album by Steppenwolf.

I lived in Michigan and Detroit proper when this all began. I can tell you Meg is kind and awesome,Jack is Jack and Ben who wrote the liner notes is an amazing musician himself . I got their greatest hits myself. However my copy is filled with pics I took of their local shows. Great channel and love your videos. Congrats on that growing collection, and love what you've shown of your house.

Great video Melinda! Lots of great albums you’ve showcased. I wish I could afford the $500 ultra tape of the white stripes.

Hi Melinda, nice picks! Elemental has a very high quality output, I have many of their titles and they're comparable if not better to many OGs tat I had the chance to test. Especially reissuing sould and Brazilian titles, they are doing a great job. Now, the elephant in the room: I truly appreciate the kind mention, it was a pleasure to be able to help. The White Stripes helped bring so much back to teh essence of music, rock and especially blues that I find hard to wight its importance til this day. And Jack White is a great champion of not only vinyl, but culture and history in general! Great video!

I gave The White Stripes album a listen after your video and my favorite tune is Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine...solid rocker, enjoy the whole album though. The Chet Baker looks really good, may have to look into that one and can't go wrong with Steppenwolf! My KISS Love Gun Walmart splatter is pretty bad, it sure don't look like the picture...but it sounds good. Great video and take care! Also congratulations on 25K subs, you deserve it!

That yellow record was funny (I wasn't laughing AT you, I was laughing WITH you)! Most important thing is that it sounds great!😊 I've had stuff like that happened to me, it's like life!😊😂

I love the White Stripes. I have all of their albums. I one of them plays from the center out to the edge. One of them plays into the record label. Jack White is a great guitarist. I love the simple song they have, "we are going to be friends". It's such a well done and a cute song. We can all relate to that song when we were young, innocent little kids. Thanks for the great reviews.

The package design of the Elephant release is so nice, the songs are great too.

My friend and I did a shoot out between the 2022 TMR and the UHQR and we both agree that the UHQR has a tiny bit more detail than the 2022 all-analog pressing and has a very slight edge, but not worth the additional $125. The copy of the 2022 pressing we have is perfectly flat, quiet and is in your face. It;s a fantastic pressing of a fantastic landmark album from 2003. The UHQR sounds just as in your face and quiet. But honestly, if anyone is concerned about paying $150, save your money (unless you can afford it) and buy the 2022 pressing. It's just as great and sounds fantastic when you play as it's meant to be played: LOUD! If you can afford it, the UHQR sounds just as great and has just a bit more detail and a little more separation, but unless you have the gear that will capture all that detail, you are better off saving the money. I have both copies and I like the 2022 because I don't have to get up and change it that often since it's 33 1/3 RPM compared to the 45 RPM of the UHQR. Either way, a great LP and deserves to sound this great. Thanks for the video.

Wow Steppenwolf! I remember learning to play. "Born To Be Wild" which has a Killer Fuzz Guitar riff and I asked my Dad why doesn't my guitar sound like that and he hooked me up to his Reel-to- Reel recorder hit "Record" turned up the volume and he said "You got it now" - Man what a great memory! Thanks Melinda for a great video - glad you're getting some FREE cool records!❤

Melinda I just picked up an Album you might have, Bill Evans "New Jazz Conceptions" LP. One off limited edition pressing. Audiophile 180gr. record. Bill Evans piano, Teddy Kotick Bass, Paul Motian drums. 2012 re-mastered 1956 recording. And another good one: Marco Pacassoni Group: Frank and Ruth Frank Zappa Guitarist and Ruth Underwood - vibraphonist. Along with Pacassoni Band. Wonderful and I cannot get enough of Ruth playing the vibraphone (Miramba)

Very cool

At least you can say that Mustard mess is unusual and unique! I have the Elephant UHQR on order from AS that is waiting to ship until Face Value in 45 RPM arrives on Oct 6th! Cheers

Wow, you’re right Melinda! That’s some ugly mustard spill on your vinyl! That being said, I streamed that Bill Evans album, and it’s beautiful. I need to pick that up, thanks for the recommendation.

I was very lucky to find a very clean original press of the white stripes record it was sealed

I get what you mean about the yellow. I'm reminded of the times when the ink cartridge in the printer is running out.

Hello Shall try this unknown Chet Baker. Its always fun to look forward to things in life and I look forward to the new Rolling Stones album which will be out later this month, take care....

Nice to see Jazz Bums T shirt.

Awesome just plain Awesome!!!

Could be something for you if you are interested in Elvis and Elvis history. the album is available on SACD and certainly Vinyl. Whether it is on regular CD Is uncertain Stereo ‘57 - The Essential Elvis Volume 2, when Thorne was "cleaning out" his tapes closet, remarkably, he set these 2-track backup tapes aside, intending to dispose of them. Noted producer Bones Howe had worked for Nogar as a tape operator at Radio Recorders, and thanks to him the tapes were saved from a final resting place in the trash can. Bones took the tapes home with him. He'd put them safely away in a bank vault. These 2-tracks have "erase" clearly written on the master log sheets. They're from January 1957 sessions at which Presley produced material for two EPs and the film "Loving You" soundtrack. They're the only known ones surviving from the pre-stereo era. RCA's Essential Elvis series was a vehicle for the release of Presley's alternate takes. On this SACD, listeners hear Presley at work, refining band arrangements and working through the nuances of his vocal performance. The SACD reveals the Jordanaires voices' sparkling with a natural lifelike sound that's both sonically rich and detailed.

Hi Melinda, since you're into jazz alot you might consider getting Buddy Rich album titled " Class of 78 " its a great jazz album to listen to. Look him up. If you do decide to purchase this LP make sure it states " Direct To Disc " recording at the bottom of the front cover. Enjoy.

Nice spatter vinyl!! That's too funny!

I’m on the fence about this UHQR of Elephant. I’ve had the CD since the album came out and I’ve got the original vinyl. It’s such a good album and for the type of music it is the sound quality is excellent. Deep impactful bass, crisp high hats and searing guitars. Here in the UK I just can’t see this being worth £200 because that’s roughly what it costs here to buy here when the originals are so good. I am curious but the price is just a bit too much for me. I can afford it, I just don’t want to pay it 😂 I’ve never paid that kind of money for a record it seems like premium vinyl is becoming a bit extreme with it’s pricing. The way I see it, I could buy 8 brand new records that I’ve never heard before for the price of this album which I already own twice and already in excellent quality. Thanks for sharing your thoughts it makes more sense buying it on UHQR if you don’t already own it I think, at least it will be a completely new experience that way. 🙂 I’ve literally played this album to death 😂

I had to pause the video several times to pull up Apple Music to sample these records. The Bill Evans and Chet Baker are on my list.

Hopefully you have Bill Evans Sunday at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debbie. An OJC, or you can spring for the Riverside AP 45 rpm boxset (it’s not cheap but it’s a steal)

I don't own any UHQR records yet but they sound like something I'll have to start buying. I'll bet they sound great on your upgraded sound system! One question about your system: When you were shopping for components were you able to see and listen to the equipment in-person anywhere before you purchased, or did you buy them based solely on research you did? I find that it's almost impossible nowadays to find stores that sell quality audio equipment.

Bill Evans. Yes. Everything he did was special. And I need to check out the Chet Baker album. You gotta love a woman who loves jazz. Elvin Jones and Blue Note?!? Damn, she rocks. I'm already on my way to my local record store.

Love Bill Evans too. I have that recording on CD. ❤

I'm kind of coming around to colored vinyl. Whatever helps the industry. The White Stripes Elephant: SACD looks good to me. Thanks. I do enjoy your videos.

Sounds like you enjoy it! It's a great sounding album, I knew you would like it. Like I mentioned, it sounds much better than the 33rpm Enjoy right back at ya.😊

Chet was my fave trumpeter when I discovered jazz music eons ago. There were many great Trumpeters that hog the limelight, notably Miles. But Miles was into exploration and breaking new ground while Chet's lyrical style and classic sense had him polishing the old tried and true jazz warhorses from the eras I liove best (swing, bebop and cool). Two other Chet Baker records from his latter years worth seeking out, are: "Leaving" and "Live at the Salt Peanuts Club" both go for big money but worth the chase.

I have the Steppenwolf record but from the 1968 print with the ABC/Dunhill logo.

Felipe for President 2024! Really cool stuff in this video. I’m just happy they (AS) are trying new things with this series. Results may vary 🤘🏻

Watching as I’m commenting…. Just stingy and wanted to be the first to comment lol! Love your videos!

I did too! but a big fan of the group still 150 is a lot money for 1 album

Have the Steppenwolf reissue - best thing about the jacket is that it doesn’t have the “Born To Be Wild” hype “sticker” on the jacket that was added because of its inclusion in “Easy Rider”…that was a garish add-on that could have been better used on the wrap.

I'm out of base here but question ? Could you do a episode on your heavy metal collection ?......peace !😊

See Melinda, I told you so. Steppenwolf 's debut album. Released on the Dunhill label. By the way it's colored vinyl.

I'm glad youre experimenting on jazz and other music genres beautiful melinda. cant go wrong with other forms of music the only genre i cant stand is Rap or hip hop. nowadays its just mediocre me as a 50 year old guy. i used to like old rap like Run dmc beastie boys but not todays era. anyway thank you for your video uploads melinda

What outer sleeves do you use for a UHQR? None of mine have sleeves and I’ll probably regret that someday.

Wonder how long before your using tube amplifiers?

Well I’m not much of a jazz guy (Now, I do love blues) so I can’t really comment too much on that. I will say, you do make it sound interesting. You’re right about that Steppenwolf album. It’s usually not in good shape. I like your review of the White Stripes album. I think they were a very good, and very important band. I like how your reviews lean towards the emotional aspect of music while also mentioning sound quality. Fun fact (for me at least 😁) My son was in a little rock band in Jr High and they played Seven Nation Army for a talent show. Wonderful as always MM, take care enjoy your week. Gary

You showed some really nice albums, Melinda. I'm interested in some of Elemental's titles, especially their blues offerings, but they don't have any technical details about their recordings. I suspect the reason for this is that they're sourcing the music from a digital format. I prefer all analogue recordings in most cases with a few exceptions along the way. I'm on a Buddy Holly kick right now. I'm seeking out reissues of his vinyl records. Buddy was arguably the most creative rock-n-roll musician of the early rock era, and he was just getting started before his tragic death. I thought about getting The White Stripes Elephant album UHQR. It's a really good album, but I don't love it enough to pay the UHQR price tag. Jack White borrows from the blues tradition. Seven Nation Army has slide guitar in it. Jack's favorite song is blues legend Son House's Grinnin' In Your Face (an all acapella song). The It Could Get Loud documentary with Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White talking about their music is great. Jack talks about how he came up with the Seven Nation Army riff in the documentary. It's so cool to see Jimmy, Edge, and Jack playing the riff together in the film. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

Melinda if you like Jack White, Spin Me Round Records is having a Vinyl Under $10 sale, new records for ten bucks, I noticed two Jack White albums, "Fear of the Dawn" and "Entering Heaven Alive" a real bargain at that price, they have everything from Miles Davis to Duran Duran $10, just thought I would give you a heads up, Peace!

I’ve purchased a few of the Motown Elemental releases and have been very happy with the sound quality. I enjoy the White Stripes. I have a few of their albums. That UHQR looks fabulous. I would agree with you on the yellow splatter vinyl.. that is atrocious. Not very appealing to eye. Hopefully it sounds better than it looks. Take care

I like that mustard mess 😂

I wonder if the yellow splash vinyl might be considered a type of 'misprint' and end up worth more? It looks silly but it's definitely unique!

You know that the riff of Seven nation army is a guitar riff and not a bass riff even if is sounds so bassy . Great video as always

I have that Elephant album on the way myself. I have a question hopefully you can help me with. I was told to always wash your albums when you get them, even if new. But do you wash mo-fi or uhqr records when THEY are new as well? What do you do? 🤷🏼‍♂️

Yeah that white stripes album does have a distorted sound, so did not make sense to me why on UHQR, I would have liked to see Coldplays Parachutes, or Adele 21 I think would be very nice😎👌

What sort of sleeve do you use for the UHQRs?

The albums with the yellow 'splog' are commonly called "inkspot" perhaps the record label marked it up wrong? Who knows.

Steppenwolf. My favorites were Everybody's Next One and A Girl I Knew.

If you want to dig further into the White Stripes discography, I’d suggest to go with White Blood Cells next, which is still my favorite, followed closely by Elephant.

I actually like that yellow offset 💛. I get that if they had shown a preview of an actual splattered, I would maybe be disappointed. Enjoy it. I think it's still a special vinyl.

I see the potential on the black and yellow pressing, but I definitely agree with you. The execution on your particular copy is a bust. I need to grab a 3rd Man Electric Byrd. I hope the pressing is a little more showy if I'm paying the extra over a plain black pressing.

Okay okay my comment is this... That third man record that you showed looks like somebody was trying to hurry up and go on their lunch break and just dumped a handful of yellow in the last batch..lol

enya - Shepherd Moons - Reprise Records 1992, enya - a day without rain - Reprise Records 2000

I got # 616 for the white stripes and this is the best UHQR yet if you ask me. Speaking as a gen X

You need to get that new Peety Pablo

AP is always top notch! The UHQR of Elephant tops my 2003 1st press. They are both cut at the same level as far as dynamics but the UHQR has a more open sound stage. Big White Stripes fan, been following them since the 90's when they were a bar (Gold Dollar) band here in Detroit. Have met them many times.

I like that Steppenwolf first album which I don't have hope to get it someday I do have Steppenwolf albums the second album and at your birthday party two good albums.

Looks like they ran outta yellow, or it was the last record pressed on a Friday. Wonder if they all look that bad, or if it was a mistake.

Weather Report is an album you might like if you love Jazz

Sometimes splatter vinyl doesn’t come out well. I have a couple that look more or less like your Elvin Jones album. One of them is a Vinyl Me Please pressing. I expect better quality control from Third Man and VMP.

The film It Might Get Loud is a great take on Jack White…and The Edge…and Jimmy Page…fun film.

Looks Like An Accidental Yellow Paint Spill...😀😀

Please UHQR reissue more 1990's or 2000's artists records

I'm a fan of Steppenwolf love their live album.

Thanks Melinda. I agree: These Third Man records are not splatter - just clumsy (and ugly…). They should offer you replacements (but I hope that they a least sound fine). Take care 🙂

My advice for anybody thinking about dropping bank on a UHQR White Stripes... use the money to dive deeper into Jack White's works- Raconteurs, Dead Weather, solo albums, etc. Now, if you have it all, do your thing. Its your money.

I wonder, well I think the White Stripes album is a TUBE ANALOG REMASTER. I thought the White Stripes vinyl had perfect sound to begin with, I wonder if Melinda will tell me if the UHQR version of the White Stripes-Elephants sounds better than the original version of it. ....All of the following are perfect sound vinyl. In the last 50 years there were few 100% analog recordings, but I will tell who most of them are : All the White Stripes albums, All the Kings Of Leon albums, Jazz at the Pawnshop, Ry Cooder-Meeting by the River, Coldplay-Parachute , Beck-Morning Phase, if Beck had only made Sea Change 100% analog, Sea Change would be so much more wonderful. Here are some recommendations that are on youtube. This album sounds like you are there. Jethro Tull-The String Quartets (2007). Here is a version of it on youtube recorded with a $10,000 turntable, on youtube type in, Jethro Tull Logan. Another string quartet album is Vitamin String Band performs U2.

So many jazz musicians were and continued to be herorin addicts. Unfortunately. From Fats Navarro to Billy Holliday. It didn't stop them from being creative it just destroyed them. Charlie Parker being probably the most famous example. We can wonder what would have happened if the all got clean, or never started, but would the music be better?

I have both stereo and mono original pressings of that Steppenwolf LP. Neither of mine have many clicks and no pops even though they are obviously used. (of course, that is after restoration). I wouldn't hesitate to bet though that the original pressings still sound better in my opinion, but from a historical point of view, not necessarily an overall sonic point of view. Although that is possible on rare occasion in my experience. It is really up how it was remastered and based on the condition of the original master tapes. That third man record looks more like a mistake than anything else and they are just trying to grift off it. I know you freely chose it, but I'm talking about principle. Melinda, di you start out just reviewing your own record collection before you eventually had companies sending you stuff to try? Just curious. That will never happen to me due to my luck and my positions about the industry at this point. When I was inside I started getting such offers from small labels, but they all wanted to just send me MP3s of LPs they invited me to review so I turned them all down. The way I do reviews can't be done with an MP3 file because I go a bit deeper than just showing a cover and reading a few song titles. I get into the general sound just a little rather than just my opinion of the music, though I do touch on that of course. I also get into a bit of backstory when available about a particular LP and such. I also would not want a bunch of random records for free just because, I also don't really have the room for many more anyway. I also can't be on camera, which may also be a factor in that. I think they want folks who are on camera because it does add something to it all, I must say.

Jack White is a big time record collector so he gets it. His releases on Third Man are quality. That being said I have to wonder if Third Man isn't manipulating the collector's market with so many versions of every release. This is when it gets expensive to collect records.