The Doors - L.A. Woman - LP Review And Comparison What Version Is The Best 

Excellent job on this review of my favorite Doors Album!! I was lucky enough to find the 1st pressing at a yard sale last summer for 1 dollar!!! Got it home and gave it a nice cleaning and wow!!!! (I listen to it every weekend with a few nice beverages! Rock on brother!

i love this kind of content! makes things easier for us trying to find the best pressing instead of wasting money ourselves. if you haven't done Led Zeppelin IV, you should!

I agree with you 100%. The 2012 Analog Productions pressing sounds outstanding. It was my third version of the album I bought in my lifetime and by far the best. Soft Parade also sounds incredible.

Finally a you tube channel tat GETS TO THE POINT!! Thxs

I tried the German pressing it was better then anything else I've listened to...thanks for the heads up I'll try the 45 pressing

I Strongly disagree about the 2009 Rhino Bernie Grundman copy pressed at RTI. Everything, especially the drums are Crystal Clear. Highs are Definitely not muddy at All! Another one of the best sounding records I own. Sounds like you’re in the studio with them! It’s not just my opinion but Everyone I’ve played it for has been amazed by the sound. Wow.. no way would I give the pressing a negative review. Unless I was deaf! 😆

45RPM is available on Acoustic Sounds website right now. Won’t be tomorrow.

At 48 minutes, the 45rpm is a must. Heck, the single disc 33 at 24+ minutes a side is just way too long with no breaks

I have a 1971 European first pressing that sounds pretty good as well!

Love your vinyl reviews I find them very helpful and spot on. Only wish there were more hours in the day so you had time to do more.

Used to be a Doors fan but not so much any more. But this is probably the one album I would listen to, today. Thanks for the meticulous review !

That’s handy as I just had the 2012 2x45rpm Analogue Productions version delivered today... 😁

You’re absolutely right on all counts. I really dislike the trend toward 2-disk 45 rpm pressings but, for the Doors, I made an exception. “The Changeling” is, I think, a standout track on this pressing because I’ve often found it to be quieter and muddier on other pressings. It really pops on the AP version here. I’ve been listening to these albums since I was a kid in the sixties and seventies and these (records in the AP box set) are the best-sounding pressings of these records I’ve ever heard.

You know, the last time I compared my top pressings of this incredible album, I preferred the Hoffman/DCC above all others, yes, including the AP 45rpm. Hmmm! But now you've got me thinking I should redo this shootout. I have a new cartridge and perhaps the tables will be turned.

MIKE....You are the bomb!! Your reviews are so friggin' true. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I always use my DCC press as my go to 33 rpm lp for this title. After so many comparisons this is the one I always went for as I thought it was the best.....then I recently listened to your review. I went and bought the Anologue Productions 45 RPM press as you suggested. You are so so on the money. I have never heard this music, the tones on the piano, the tones on Jim's voice as I have heard today for the first time. Your recommendation is absolutely 100% perfect!! This copy simply sounds much more natural, as it shoud be. Thanks again....I am so blown away at this amazing sound. What a pleasure. PS>>>>You first got my total respect when you said the USA promo of The Wall (don't care too much for this title) was the best sounding copy because that is what I also determined for myself while my friends thought I was crazy!! Take Good Care, Michel PPS>>>Do you have any thoughts on Coleman Hawkins "Soul" lp? I sure love side one but side 2 sucks!!...wondering what is the best sounding one, as I really like the long track "Soul Blues"

I have a '74 UK Repress with a solid white background as opposed to the die cut sleeve. Uses the original UK stampers. Really nice sounding pressing. Bought it years ago from a charity shop for £5. May have to pick up the AP of it if it turns up for a reasonable price as I've heard it's amazing and possibly AP's best work.

Definitely not trying to act like I know better (I do not), but CSM signifies Columbia's Santa Maria plant and CP signifies their Pitman plant. Terre Haute would be CTH. HOWEVER, this video is from 2018. Let's be honest, people only recently started getting super specific about the Columbia plants. (I think Discogs got a lot more detailed during the pandemic!) All three Columbia plants used identical label layouts (unlike how text varied between the Capitol plants), so they all look like the same pressing on first glance. You have to check the runouts. Elektra made things easier, but often you are looking for a tiny "P" stamp (Pitman) or a thin "S" etch (Santa Maria). Making things crazier, Columbia used to send plates between plants. There are plenty of times I will see a Terre Haute with a Side 1 plate from Santa Maria or a Side 2 plate from Pitman. Add to it that Columbia pressed for SO many other labels, and logging a collection of largely American pressings on Discogs is usually a real PITA!

Love me some shorn Mike Esposito talkin’ bout Them Here Doors.

One of my 10 favorite lps. I have a CSM in the shrink rap with the singles hype sticker.

Pitman pressing has an additional CP not CSM. CSM is Santa Maria pressing. Terre Haute pressing has CTH not CP in the dead wax.

Thanks for the review! I'll keep an ear out for the 45 speed

I have an original with CSM in the deadwax but according to discogs that is not the Pitman but the Santa Maria pressing. Is that correct?

Thanks for the info. I have a Terre Haute pressing. Lots of pops and crackling. I find myself still listening to this record 40 years later that is saying something for its sound. Sure would like to hear the Pitman pressing.

Could you do a video on The Doors debut??

Loved it. Short, to the point and clear. No BS ! Picking up mine tomorrow along with Communique mfsl

The 40th anniversary remixes are cool! Apparently the original remix didn't include the microphone used in the middle of the room! Hear it again - for the very first time

4 years since you did this video Mike. Would love to see you look at some of the other Doors. Would love to hear your thoughts on the original album, particularly a comparison shootout with the Hoffman cut DCC and the AP. I know you’re busy so no pressure. Would be cool is all! Also regarding LA Woman AP - I agree that is by far the best I’ve ever heard this album. Also it is my favourite Doors album much like yourself.

Hell yeah that's what I'm looking for. The Analogue Productions 6 album 12 x 200 gram 12" 45 RPM vinyl "INFINITE" Box Set. Thanks a bunch for your review!

Aja - Steely Dan !!!!!

Where will the new AP UHQR place one wonders! Will it be able to compare, or even get into the same ballpark as the 45? If so, is it the better way to go-- in terms of experiencing the record as a whole in the original format?

I love this channel and these comparisons. I have the AP versions of Soft Parade, Morrison Hotel and Strange Days. I was listening to Strange Days AP yesterday and on some parts, it seems to lack a bit of analog warmth and sounds quite digital in places despite being analog cut. I dont know if this is due to the recording or not and would be interested to see your thoughts on that one. I’m therefore in the fence about this one.... I did just buy the Led Zep 1 Classic on your recommendation and really think it sounds fantastic!

excellent job again,.....not sure if these have been done, but didn't see them here...Coltrane A Love supreme, Blue Train. keep em' coming VERY helpful

i have a late 80s pressing from germany. the cover txt is in black and the pic of the band is black and white

You're the Dude!!!! Thank you.

anybody know what source the upcoming 50th anniversary reissue will be from ? digital or from the tapes?

well done as always thanks

Yeah, I've heard the version from Analogue Productions is the best sounding. I've also heard pretty decent things about the 180gram version. In fact, some say it's the cleanest sounding and has some of the best stereo separation they've ever heard. So maybe these two releases are the ones to go for.

Pittman pressings have "CP" in the deadwax, not "CSM" which is a Santa Maria pressing.

Would love to see a video on Rush or The Smiths!

Great as always! I would be really curious for more Pink Floyd suggestions. I listened to the Japanese ProUse of Dark Side and it was way too bright sounding in parts for my taste, I much prefer the UK original. What do you think?

I like this video. I want to replace my old late 70s copy and now I know what to look for. How about the other Doors albums? Thank you.

Nice video ! I really like the way you compare the sound between the pressings ! Recently i bought an Elektra pressing from 1976 at the web, but it still in way to home. Do you know if the sound is similar to the 1971 version ? Or if it has been remastered ? Sorry for my ignorance about the theme! Im new in vinyl stuff. Regards from Argentina !

No mention of the UK first pressing? Mine sounds amazing. Did you listen to that one?

Hi, great video of a classic album! Could you do a comparison of the different pressings of Morrison Hotel? Thanks!!

How is the new pressing of LA Woman compared to the others? Id love to see that video.

I want a controversial video of Michael Fremer talking about Michael Esposito talking about The Doors. We can crowd find this if we need to.

The DCC CD version is AS GOOD AS the DCC vinyl, if not even better ! (many DCC CDs do sound better compared to the vinyl version; this is also the opinion of Tom Port from betterrecords) !!

I love 45 RPM records they're not a pain to listen to their a Joy

Love your videos, really knowledgeable. I'm new to record collecting and feel I have a lot to learn as far as quality. I was wonder if you have done a video going over your recommended methods for cleaning records. There is a lot of products out there with a lot of great reviews, but some very expensive. Hope you can point me to the right direction. Thanks, Omar

Emtonces recomiendas LA WOMAN 45 RPM EDICION 2012? BUEN SONIDO?

Cool info interesting 👍🏻

You need to do dark side of the moon!

Wondering about the version that's in my snakeskin studio albums box set... RTI

What about Doobie Brothers /The Captain and Me...That is great album and I have the original green Warner Bros label release..Warner Bros always seems to have good quality stuff ..

Hi Mike ... Great review ... any thoughts on the other 45speed Doors reissues such as Doors and Strange days / Morrison Hotel?

Any preferences comparing the AP 45rpm of LA Woman vs The Doors? I'm talking audio quality and not necessarily the content. Both very good but trying to decide which to buy first!

Thanks. What you can tell about the 50th anniversary boxset last edition?

Does the Uncensored version of The Doors first album exist as a particular vinyl LP pressing? (0ther than the 4LP greatest hits)

My pressing is from the early 80's late 70's so before I watch this video I’m expecting this guy to beat the crap out of it.

Yes the US original pitman is a corker you can tell the second you put it on just a fine fine sound 👽

Hello, maybe you could tell me? I have a version of this album, according to the matrix it is 1st press, the corners of the envelope are rounded, to the inside yellow, but there is no hole or sticker on the main cardboard envelope. Although the name is in block letters.

I have check in Discogs, Pitman pressing on dead wax written CP not CSM, is this pressing also sound good ?

I always wondered why on the cover they wrote only "doors" and not "the doors", somebody know why?

I only have the DCC

Hi, I have a first pressing with CP in the dead wax. I wonder how much it is worth?

Question: I thrifted mine and it doesn’t have round corners but it also doesn’t have 2 disk. Do you know which year it’s from?

😎👊👊🎸

Hmmm... No love for the 1at UK pressing I guess... Bummer...

What do you think about the 200g repress??

What's so wrong with 45 rpm? Edit: Please do their self titled album and Strange Days

3749 my

U2 Joshua Tree

you should not say "the best version" but " this is the version that I think is the best" and then tell why. maybe there are people with different opinions out there,too.

nice video, you own any Depeche Mode?

Oh man here my DCC absolutely destroys the AP 45rpm so go figure!

Ah Um, Mingus.

can you send me some records..u dont need anymore..thanky

Is the DCC cd any good?

how about doing led zeppelin II

The Rhino pressings are absolutely fine. Never listen to them again? Seriously? Seems snobby as. Sometimes taking vinyl way too seriously causes people to miss on decently priced vinyl that actually sound great. Respect your opinion here, but disagree. Seriously people, the Rhino pressings are very affordable and sound absolutely fine.

Steely Dan Royal scam or phoebe Snows first album , the one with Poetry man.

Guy who owns a record store recommends the most expensive pressings...as usual. Hack.