Needle Time

  Lou Reed - Transformer [LSP-4807 DEU 2020 24-Bit 176.4kHz FLAC] Originally released on RCA Records in 1972. When I ripped my flimsy 1982 European pressing of Lou Reed's classic Transformer album in 2020, I expressed my concerns over what modern day mastering would do to recent reissues. Unknown to me then was that Speakers Corner Records were about to release a AAA pressing from the original master tapes on super flat virgin vinyl pressed at Pallas, reproducing all that was on the original tape. Here is that pressing. I've ready many comments elsewhere since about this release, and like the recent high quality jazz reissues, Speakers Corner have left the recording as is, and just ensured that they reproduce how the original recording sounded. Our modern day digitally tuned ears on lower end hardware could struggle with what they hear when compared to the cheap eighties mid-price pressings, however rip this record on some reasonably decent equipment and it becomes a whole ne...

Lou Reed - Transformer [INTS-5061 NLD 1982 24-Bit FLAC] You will pay good money for a pre-1980 pressing of Transformer , this isn't one, this is a 1982 Benelux pressing as part of RCA's Rock Originals campaign and it is allegedly sourced from the label's original master recordings. Closer investigation shows that this is actually a re-labelled 1979 pressing as the catelogue number NL-14807 and original matrices are etched in the dead wax. It worries me what modern day mastering has done to Transformer , it is one of those albums which has a very unique feel with an almost subdued production, any tinkering or compression around the higher frequencies would likely ruin the listening experience. I'm pleased with the results of this rip and am also glad that I resisted any need for amplification. A1 Vicious A2 Andy's Chest A3 Perfect Day A4 Hangin' Round A5 Walk On The Wild Side B1 Make Up B2 Satellite Of Love B3 Wagon Wheel B4 New York Telephone ...