I would love to see an Acoustic Sounds, 33 RPM, UHQR release of Tommy, Quadrophenia and Who’s Next. That would get me excited!

I recently bought an original 1969 US Decca pressing of Tommy in mint condition and my God is that a brilliant sounding album. Usually the Decca presses aren't that great, but in the case of Tommy and Who's Next they really shine. I have yet to hear a better sounding version than that.

@DjFritzen

2 жыл бұрын

About 'Who's Next', I have a German 1971 version and the 2015 Miles Abbey Road, Reissue, Remaster. The latter one might be a Half Speed Remaster, Miles is only focussing on that (sadly), but I don't have proof for that. Nevermind, the German 1971 is much better sounding but still not perfect. Through many years of listening you know what you want to hear. Maybe the UK and/or US originals are even better. About Miles Showell's Half Speed Remasters, I don't trust on his mastering qualities anymore. Miles is delivering quantity not quality.

@davidgangemi3314

2 жыл бұрын

Correct. Original Tommy pressings on DECCA are still the benchmark of highest quality sound on that lp. No other pressing will ever top it. The Classic Records edition came close. I'm not trusting Abbey Rd remasters ever again no matter what any audiophile tries to sell me.

@johnnytheg

2 жыл бұрын

@@davidgangemi3314 Agreed. I never heard it sound so good as that 69 Decca pressing. Townshend's acoustic guitar has such amazing detail and clarity and the drums are so present in the sound stage.

@ralex3697

2 жыл бұрын

The Decca is the best

I had held off on buying this because I was hoping for a review from you. Since I cannot afford the Classic Records pressing, I pulled the trigger on purchasing this right after watching your video. Thank you for your frankness on all reviews because it increases my confidence in purchasing when I see a thumbs up (so to speak) from you. Your integrity means a lot and as always, I really enjoy your channel. My wallet would like to lodge a complaint against you though for all the purchases I've made because of you...😂

I have an MCA 1973 copy that discogs says is a 2nd pressing. Super quiet vinyl and sounds great. Oddly it has two "side 4" labels on LP 1.

Great to hear, Michael. My copy literally arrived as I was watching this. Cheers, Jeff

Thanks Michael! Another fun and very informative romp: Please keep them coming!!

Awesome, I’m glad that you can recommend this release

I'm waiting for my Half Speed Master to arrive sometime Wednesday, according to "tracking". I can't wait to hear it. I wasn't sure I could find it or afford it, but it's on its way. EDIT: It arrived Tuesday instead - I listened to it over the weekend and, quite simply is the best I've ever heard it - and I have that 90s double CD special deluxe...

Love your search for perfection and the love of the music Michael.

Love your videos Sir. I have been watching everyone. Keep up the excellent work my friend.

Thanks Michael, there was one copy left at my record store in NZ and I’ve been anxiously waiting for your review. I got half way through your review, jumped online and snagged the last copy. Ka Pai.

Just listened to the whole album the first time every, I’m 60 😉 . It’s a very nice story about Tommy and you are correct Michael it’s very well recorded .

Glad to hear that you found this one a competent well done release. I don't have a lot of these Abbey Road Half Speeds but maybe they are learning more as they go. My recent experience with them was with the two latest Roxy Music releases and I was surprised that they were very good as well. They didn't quite have that extra analog magic and the sound differences are similar to what you describe for Tommy. Thing is, very good originals of Avalon are more common than the situation with Tommy, so the value proposition is not as extreme as the price of a Classic vs the new one. Still, I was pleasantly surprised (or relieved) they came out well. Thrilled to see the superior packaging on Tommy - that will probably tip me into ordering it. I have a very nice Japanese press, and I'm looking forward to comparing. Great info Micheal, thank you!

Yes the book did come with the original album and it had a Limited Edition # printed on the bottom right on the first page.

I knew you wouldnt be able to resist. Great video. Been waiting for this one…I think they did a good job not an exceptional one but over all I’m happy with it

Yes Michael , it was included in the original jacket !! I just discoverd your channel with pleasure ..........The WHO ..............they never left me since the sixties.......I heard a song of " Who's next " in a youth cafe and I ran out to buy the album.............And TOMMY was a revelation , ................and still is !! Thank you for good reviews and trying to be honest about music and their formats........ Wish more younger people could hear those great records the way some of us could listen to them on realy good ( big) older speakers ( Tannoy, Altec, Goodmans etc ) and those great tube amplifiers ...........with that grunging sounding 38 CM bass units ( like bass was something alive !!!! ) and all the musical emotions different than " sterilized milk " or the same theebag used twice...........I think you understand what I try to express.

Thank you very much for this review!

I put Tommy on hold last week at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis and picked it up yesterday afternoon. I'm in the process of moving so I'm going to have to wait until I get to my new place to listen to it. The booklet came with the original issue. I bought mine through a record club so I was hoping the Abbey Road version might be superior to my early 70's version. So glad to hear it's a great version. I paid $50 US but I got a free used copy of Procol Harem's Shine On Brightly as a store promo for buying new vinyl.

@pesiatm

2 жыл бұрын

In Minneapolis too! Let’s go Electric Fetus !

I think only all analog music can reach my heart. Only aaa hearing is „Gänsehaut“ as we in Germany say. I can feel it for example by speakers corner records. Nobody needs a digital part in vinyl, for those ist the CD or file.

Hello Michael. A couple thoughts here. I spent a year hunting down a new copy of the 2013 Geffen gatefold cover reissue pressed at QRP. I love it’s audio presentation. Tommy has become a top 20 all time album for me. Seminal recording of music. With your review I’m listening now to refresh my ear. Excellent sounding. If anyone else has this lp please feel free to add your thoughts. I do wish it had original packaging but so it goes. On the subject of abbey road half speed lp’s. I took your review of those Stones pressings to heart. I have another side to share. In particular about low end presence with half speed. I pre ordered the Mark Knopfler box set way last year. I did not know it was a Abbey Road half speed until just before it arrived, finally, in April this year. It has a great full well rounded low end throughout all the studio lp’s. It is warm, rich and joyous. To me. I was so happy to know half speed didn’t mean half quality like I feared. Again other opinions would be nice in this pressing. Thx for the review. ☮️

@DustyWright

2 жыл бұрын

I own the 2013 Geffen release as well. I'd love to hear Michale's thoughts on this release. To my ears, it sounds fantastic. Michael, have you heard this release?

I revisited this shoot out again today. I gotta tell you. I compared my classic records to the abbey road 1/2 speed. They both have interesting listen. I love the classic…. But the half speed has a very endearing charm. They both sound excellent. I say save the $500 and get the half speed. The 1/2 speed has a tighter bass and very very clear sound. Not as warm as the classic but the 1/2 speed seems brighter and more separation of the voices and instruments. It’s tough choice now. I prefer both. Maybe it’s a day to day thing. Cheers! It almost seems the 1/2 speed is more dynamic. More highs and and lows in volumes and feel difference because it’s clearer….the classic seems more crowded instruments competing. The half speed has the instruments more isolated. 1/2 speed is far more 3D. Bravo Miles!

Great video, thanks Michael. Maybe one day you can tell us about your record cleaning machine?

Thank you! 🙏 gonna buy it asap

Original 1969 Decca.DXSW 7205...warm..Vinyl sound..Feels like Keith Moon is in our room

Thanks for the review Michael..I have been considering this purchase..I have an old Decca pressing..I might just look for the the Classic release..another great job👍👍❤glen

The UK 1st press has a numbered booklet included so they seem to be being true to the original although my 1st press is not in a glossy cover

You explain it the way people who know ( and others ) can understand the nuances which are IMPORTANT .............." The better release and why !!.....the vinyl touch ....haha " I am still very happy with the originals ...........about 50 years old now and still going strong !

I was able to buy a vintage copy at a garage sale pressed around '71. Technically not a first pressing but its close and its has the original Decca label. Very clean copy. It sounds amazing and I like that it is an "original" from that era so I don't feel the need to upgrade. Tommy is a dessert island disk for me.

Anyone wanting a great sounding version of Tommy should definately consider the UK only Track Tommy Parts 1 & 2 budget LPs , released in the early '70s. Its an extremely good way of snagging copies from the original 1969 stampers at a decent price - although because of the flimsy sleeves it is not always easy to snag copies in decent condtion - furthermore, I have also noticed the price of these start to drift up - so, dive in quickly if one see a copy of each. My copies I have since 1974/5 sound absolutely gorgeous when A B against the 2014 reissue, which in comparison like a lot of the recent Who vinyl sounds very bass heavy to my ears.

Maybe Chad will be interested reissuing the Classic version someday, presuming he has the stampers, can negotiate rights, etc.

@JohnM-cf3ql

Жыл бұрын

God I hope so. The Quadrophenia is amazing, I'd love to hear Tommy on better vinyl

Thanks for accurate appraisal. I have a very good original 1969 Decca pressing that sounds great, so I'm not going to immediately jump on this new version...but based on your review I'll keep this new version on my radar. I did get the Face Dances half speed master, and it's pretty good...but my original stands up to the half speed master as well. There's a lot to be said for holding onto original copies if they're in good shape.

It seems Like it is the same remaster as the 2013 by John Astley at Close to the Edge. I have it on CD. Sounds very good.

Great guide. What about making a comparison of Who's Next Abbey Road half speed release?

Thanks for this review Michael. The honesty and thought you put into your reviews is extremely valuable. I had been looking to add Tommy to my vinyl collection and having missed out on when Classic was affordable I wasn't sure where I'd land on getting something just to have or finding a copy really worth playing and this 1/2 speed master is definitely worth it. Would not have picked it up without your feedback.

i found a '69 Decca promo this summer in Northern Calif, visually the vinyl has some wear but sound quality is off the charts. I paid 60-70 usd for it; but after hearing Overture when i got home i would have paid twice the cost. The entire room is just electric. I would put this copy against any verison out there, it just fills the room with power.

I'm holding mine in the cart until the price drops, thanks for your take!

I have a few of the Decca pressings and a couple of the later MCA , US pressings . The Decca pressing is incredible . On songs where Pete is strumming his acoustic guitar , it sounds like he is in the room with you . The MCA, US pressings should be used to make bowls LOL . I compared the two pressings and it is a crime how awful the MCA pressing is compared to the Decca . I tried to buy a EX copy of Tommy on Decca off Ebay . Too many sellers these days don't know how to grade vinyl . I miss the early 2000's when the seller would write a paragraph describing the condition .

@meyerkarl5276

2 жыл бұрын

I just traded my mca in for credit towards a perfect condition Decca for 15 bucks at a thrift store. The difference is amazing.

From your point of view it seems worth it. I will buy a copy. Thanks for the video Michael

Do they both have the more common take of "Eyesight To The Blind" and the more common window crash sound? Mobile Fidelity and some UK Track pressings use an alternate take of "Eyesight To The Blind" and also use a different mirror crashing sound.

Thanks for this review. I really like the Half Speed Master of Tommy. On my Bowers&Wilkins 802D3 this record is amazing.

So glad I scored the Classic Records Tommy for less than $80 but I’m going to grab the half speed one I believe you Michael it’s worth getting love the review . Lovellandrew

I bought this album recently. I have a large number of Abbey Road half speed masters from bands like the Who, Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry. The Police etc and all of them sound great on my system. I don't agree with your comment saying the high end is a bit sharp. If you want sharp then listen to the Craft recording of Miles Davis, Relaxin' which is very hard to listen to. Also most people including myself have average systems compared to your expensive analytical system so we may not hear what you are hearing. I enjoyed it. Thanks for your video.

Hi Michael. Thanks for the video. I'm guessing the main reason you hated the Rolling Stones Abbey Road reissues so much was not because of the half speed mastering but more to do with the REMIX as they were digitally remixed from the original multi-track tapes. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think this new Tommy has been remixed, but simply remastered. 1970's mixing consoles tended to add a certain warmth to the sound which many vinyl enthusiasts find appealing.

Try a shoot out with the 2014 Kevin Gray cut. If you don’t have it you must buy it. It’s a great pressing.

We waited for your review Michael, we trust and value your opinion. We’ll order this particular release based on what you said. You’re right about the Classic Records release, it goes for $600 + for a sealed copy these days. Could kick ourselves for not picking it up then, Chris Bellman remastered it.-Chris & Beth🎧

This is a stunning reissue, a wonderful addition to anybodies record collection, its quiet vinyl great packaging, only criticism is the sleeve is not laminated like the early British issues, meaning the sleeve won't take alot of handling before it starts to degrade. I keep all my records in PVC free slip cases.

All in all I am very happy with the new release of Tommy. The package is super nice and the record sounds really good, certainly better than the copy my sister left for me under the bed!

If you have a copy of “All The Road Running”. Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris you will appreciate how amazing half speed mastering can be when done by the late Stan Ricker, complete with deep bass.

Check out the Police Greatest Hits and Queen Greatest Hits. Both are Abbey Road road half speed and I think they sound really great on my mid-fi system.

Quite a good price in the UK... £32 is the cheapest I can find, so about €37.

I’ve been waiting for a review of this release. The Who are one of my favorite bands and Tommy is a landmark album. There needs to be a decent version of it available on vinyl. It’s sounds like I would prefer the Classic Records release, but that’s out of reach. I too prefer a bit more smoothness in the upper registers and I find the half speed mastering lacks somewhat in the lowest bass regions. Still, I’m happy that I’ll be able to pick up a pretty good release of this great album.

This half-speed stuff is very interesting and new to me.

I took note of your comment about the problems in the low end. That has been an endemic problem with all Who records. I don't know why, but I suspect it's a way of getting the records to sound better on AM radio. I am a huge Who fan, and John Entwistle is the GOAT. But I have to EQ the heck out of my system to get the low end to sound good. Then I have to put it back for the rest of my musical tastes. This is a pain with my 31 band EQ.

I have to get this one now

There aren't many of those Classic Records versions around nowadays. Maybe I'll snag this one up at some point.

Dear all, I might have missed it, but what is the general opinion on the Dire Straits ‘Brothers In Arms’ version of this half-speed series? 🤓 Danke! ✌🏽

Thank you for your thoughts, Michael! I will revisit my Aunt's copy and try to decide if I need to throw down the $50 for this almost there copy =) Again, thank you.

I Love this kind of nerdiness. This is what makes us human. And this is what makes the world interesting.

Aloha Michael, Thank you for your review, I was debating if I should get this release, I do have an OG White Label Promo U.S. issue. I enjoy the Sound quality of it, but then again I don't have a high end stereo system. I still might buy this 1/2 speed, so I can keep my promo O.G. as a collectable . Thanks again for your review. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Mahalo Ed

Glad you enjoyed the new one but the classic records Tommy , quadraphenia and the who's next are excellent, you do need a lot of euros to buy .

I really enjoyed this Half Speed Master. But yes especially on my system it lacks a bit on the low end. Besides that very very good. Regarding the certificate, it looks better than my diploma certificate 😂

I'm wondering if between all of us, couldn't we find someone who can ask Mr. Townsend what He thinks?? I was very close once but still no vector :( Help! :) We need a definitive answer ✌

Have you listened to the Brian Eno 2xLP 45rpm from Abbey Road? Wondering how they sound

I will have to give this version a try... I've been hearing good things about it. Maybe you will try the police greatest hits now?👍

If Neil Young can give us an new album with lps in poly lined sleeves along with the printed paper album sleeve for a $35 record, then why in heck are all these others not doing this! Are you f.... kidding me!! Are they really telling us that this would cut into their profits? !! It is a travesty that they are packaging lps this way. 100% Unacceptable.

Two other local reviews that I know of (and mine), has the early UK Track record better than the Classic records pressing by a small margin. I have an early UK track pressing with the A//1, A//3, B//3, B//3 stampers, which is very nice. The Classic pressing is very close and only by playing one after the other can you tell a difference.

The abbey road INXS Kick 45rpm cut sounds fantastic to me…that was one the really I think stands out as one of the better releases. Their problem is consistency. Plus I don’t like their reluctance to cut direct from tape more often….

Would have liked to see the Kevin Gray cut as a third player in this shootout.

Glad to hear Abbey Road is doing a better job. At least on this one. I won’t be buying it because I already own the 2014 Kevin Gray pressing that sounds pretty good even if not from original tapes. I would love to have the Classic 200g version but those prices are beyond crazy.

@johnmcbarron7282

2 жыл бұрын

I had the classic edition and one side was pressed off center. That happened a lot with classic as well as under quality issues. It was all too easy to get a bad one. Don’t feel bad about not having it.

@JohnM-cf3ql

2 жыл бұрын

I will receive the new Abbey Road edition in a few days, and I too have the Kevin Gray release but I never had a reason to open it being I decided my Simply Vinyl copy was outstanding sounding and please, someone let me know if I'm really missing out by holding that copy in such high regard.

@Matasky2010

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnM-cf3ql Maybe you should open it and have a listen for yourself.

@JohnM-cf3ql

2 жыл бұрын

@@Matasky2010 Your logic is hard to argue with but the Simply Vinyl was (supposedly) all analogue, as was the classic and I had read a few times how some thought the Simply Vinyl version was better. One site was betterrecords . I know I will open it sooner than later.

@trey81373

Жыл бұрын

I A/B’d the KG cut against the new half speed. I easily preferred the 2014 KG cut. The half speed is no slouch but not as good to my ears.

I have an original US pressing on Decca Records and it has the booklet (numbered) with the trifold. No diploma :(. Still sounds great! 🙂 I played it at the record pressing plant I work at the other night. With that, I sent you a message on Instagram to hopefully answer some pressing questions you had in your last video. Hope all is well. 👍👍🙂🙂

Sometimes I wonder if upstairs there is a Mrs.45 RPM audiophile shouting "Stop talking about records and pay me some attention!"

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

:-)

Has anyone compared the Who Are You Super Disk to the Classic Records? Please help if you have. Many thanks.

Thank you So much for this review! You saved me some $. “Lacking on the low end” is a Huge deal breaker for me. No thank you. I have one Abbey Road half speed mastered pressing “The Police Greatest Hits”. That record sounds great and has good low end. I Almost bought this Tommy pressing, so… Pheww! Thank God I watched this review first. I’ll just seek out an original pressing

I wonder how it compares to the 2014 reissue that was remastered by Kevin Gray and pressed by Quality Record Pressing?

Can’t beat the packaging of the Classics record …but good to see they made a effort with the Abby … On the classic you get a stunning lamented outside and a contrasting mat inside … would love to know if that’s how it was first released… I understand that the founder of Classic records was a huge Who fan and wanted his release to be faithful to the originals .. even down to the paper stock … anybody know anything about this ?…

@classicrock7890

2 жыл бұрын

First UK had laminated outside and matt inside but slightly later early 70s pressings revert to a matt cover all round. I have early 70s pressing and Classic and would say overall equal but I think the 70s Track repress still has something over the Classic. Classic is actually a bit sharper. Mike highlighted the typical sound of the half speed masters when done well in that they have additional sharpness and detail v the smoothness and more coherent presentation of an original pressing cut from a fresh analogue tape. So I would suggest rather than the Classic seek out a more affordable 70s Track Records pressing in excellent or better condition. Having said that for the money and the packaging I would buy the half speed if I didn't have the Classic Records version. Still tempted actually.

@deantaylor1512

2 жыл бұрын

@@classicrock7890 brilliant.. I’m lucky .. I have two classic records 200g.. One sealed… Love it .. I also have set if zeppelin.. mix of 180g and 200g .. and half a set still sealed … wish I had completed the second set when I had the chance.. Back in the day just as Classic was folding up you could pick these up at good prices.. sometimes reduce as shoos clear there stock … I don’t often buy backups.. but these records I love and wanted spares incase of clumsy fingers… Thank you for your reply..

Wasn't the original pressing jacket just like that? I don't know. My Polydore `1982 Who box set ("Phases" has a Tommy album cover/ jacket that looks like that you you show. It also contains the same booklet. See the documentary on the album and note the artwork and the artist The Who used for it. It's interesting. I was 13 when I got this, and the art work was as new, exciting, compelling and disturbing as the music to me.

Good honest review, Michael. Are you tempted to give the Stones another chance? #curious 😊

I have the original Track records 1969 release as well as the Decca US 1969. Both sound better than this although its better than the 2014 version. The bass and Moon's drums jump out at you in the UK original and the guitars on the Decca are just Beautiful smooth and precise. I can't understand why they just don't do an Analogue repress from the original tapes.

@andrewkennedy3910

2 жыл бұрын

I have the '73 UK repress, sounds similar to the 1/2 speed; haven't decided which I prefer yet.

The 2014 kevin gray version is good enough!👍

I have just bought this double album. Abbey Road half speed remaster.

Thanks so much for this review. I’m replacing a crappy sounding version from the US in the later 1970s.

It's good to hear abbey road is getting better. Do you have the abbey road the who my generation? Is it worth getting?

@Michael45RPM

Жыл бұрын

i dont have it.. so i be careful with a suggestion

@petejp1

Жыл бұрын

@@Michael45RPM ok thanks

As you said "if you have the proper hifi equipment ....". That´s very often the case, that you here the differences only if you spend a lot of money into your hifi equipment. But nevertheless thanks for your recommendation. I have the Classic Record Version, but never played it. So I will buy the Abbey Road one and listen to it and do not a comparison.

Sorry, please not if you down the list of versions, the MCA pressings is at the bottom of the pile. Also, the Abby Road half speed will probably be the cheapest with the best quality at the going price.

The OB pointing out how good the treble is. To have said "We're Abbey Road, we do half speed masters. This is our take from 1970s technology." Then we get down to, do we like their style?

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

..........

Nice review. If Abbey Road did the mastering a person would wonder who did the plating and pressing? Optimal? Pallas? or some other company? The differences you are hearing may also be due to the mastering gear used or the pressing. Do not know what Abbey Road is using in their mastering suite, but all the Classic titles were mastered by Bernie Grundman. BG has a complete custom built all tube (valve) mastering system. That could be part of what you are hearing too. Also RTI does not de-burr their metal parts. Many other pressing plants do to lower noise. But de-burring also erases some of the ambient information. I don't have this copy of this latest release but do have the Classic records re-issue which is excellent. Also have the original British pressing, which is very good, but the Classic Records version pressed by RTI is superior; more air, better dynamics, better imaging, deeper bass. The Classic version offers more of that master tape sound than the original British pressing does. As you noted though, the new Abbey Road release is pretty darn good for someone who wants a copy for a reasonable price and does not want to spend a kilobuck for a Classic Records copy (Slang for 1K dollars; not sure if it is common to use the term " a KiloEuro" to describe that price point or not).

@mcgjohn22

2 жыл бұрын

@@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker thanks very much for added info

They are getting better, Roxy Music, CCR on half speed are quite decent

Hello Michael, does your Classic Records version of Tommy has the booklet?

Mick Jagger Wandering Spirit sounds GREAT and it is an AR 1/2 Speed. Police greatest hits too

That barcode!

Another one you may want to revisit is Paul McCartney RAM. One of the better sounding half speed, especially side 2. As far as the Stones I revisited some and Goat Head Soup is not as bad as my first impression. However most of the rest are disappointing, but I have mentioned that. Hopefully they are getting better with the process and learning from their mistakes.

Is this half speed master a full analog to analog master?

Michael see my review of the original thanks for your review

To me, these Abbey Road half speed cuts all sound hard on the top end and mushy on the bottom end. I’d be curious to see how this compares to the Geffen/UMe 2014 release that was pressed at QRP.

@davidjurney

2 жыл бұрын

I’d be curious about that comparison too.

@DrOz-007

2 жыл бұрын

I think the lowest frequencies suffer somewhat during half speed cutting compared to normal speed, although higher frequencies should be better.

So, is this new Tommy all analogue or cut from a digital file? Asking for a friend.

@Michael45RPM

2 жыл бұрын

This is digital

@middleman9183

2 жыл бұрын

@@Michael45RPM Thanks!

What is it with these record companies? - they go to the effort of the quality outer sleeve, obi, certificate 🤣 and booklet and then they stick the record in a plain paper bag 😬 thanks Michael for the review!

Another digital vinyl release, when will you learn Michael. Originals are they way to go

Sharp tends to be less musical in my system - maybe my tubes would mellow it out

I'm sure 95% of people buying this will find it to be much better than 'Good to very good' lol..

I was lucky enough to pick up the classic records 200g version on sale at elusive disc years and years ago for $15. One of the best buys in my life, couldn’t pass it up. I’d have a hard time imagining anything beating the classic records version unless it was on some sort of ultra quiet vinyl formulation (although the quiex sv-p is pretty good as is)