LATEST ADDITIONS

Michael Fremer  |  May 30, 2012  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  0 comments
Me and legendary recording engineer Roy Halee (not down by the schoolyard). Last week I did a series of in-store appearances in Colorado, first at the Audio Alternative in Fort Collins, where I saw a record collection larger than mine. I was jealous! Also attending that event were AudioQuest's Joe Harley who presented a fascinating history of Blue Note Records. Joe is also a partner with Ron Rambach in Music Matters, the Blue Note reissue label
Michael Fremer  |  May 24, 2012  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  3 comments
The all-FET, class-A, B2B-1 phono preamplifier ($1749), made in the US by Liberty Audio, is beautifully built inside and out, and comes in a heavy-duty aluminum chassis with a baked-on crackle finish and a 3/8"-thick, black-anodized faceplate. The overall build quality and physical appearance suggest something that costs more than $3000, which is probably what it would cost were it sold through retailers and not factory direct. It comes with a two-week return policy.
Michael Fremer  |  May 16, 2012  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  3 comments
I wonder if you can help me. I've ordered the updated versions of the Rhino Tom Waits titles from Music Direct - those cut by Chris Bellman from the original analogue reels.
Michael Fremer  |  May 15, 2012  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  15 comments
Ortofon cutting system #320 at UMG's Berliner facility in Hanover, Germany.

Recently UMG reissued the Mercury Living Presence Box Set, which consists of 6 LPs. Many websites including elusivedisc.com stated the LPs were pressed in Germany by Optimal. I have pre-order one set at Amazon.com before its release in the US market, the doubt part is the box set I received is pasted with small sticker indicating that it was “Made in Czech Republic”. Another doubt issue, since UMG have a ultimate pressing facility in Hanover, why they pressed this set title at Optimal ?

Michael Fremer  |  May 10, 2012  |  20 comments

Twenty five years later, it’s easy to forget that Graceland, the album many consider to be Paul Simon’s finest musical achievement, was mired in controversy because of the continuing disgraceland that was apartheid South Africa. Nelson Mandela was still jailed and protests erupted on college campuses and in the halls of government around the world.

Michael Fremer  |  Apr 01, 2012  |  First Published: Dec 31, 1969  |  0 comments
Legacy's Limited Edition Record Store Day Exclusives Include Releases From Ozzy Osbourne, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Janis Joplin, Uncle Tupelo, 311, Lou Reed, Miles Davis, The Clash, Patti Smith, Shuggie Otis, Iggy & the Stooges, and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Michael Fremer  |  Apr 01, 2012  |  3 comments

A terrible wrong has been corrected! Lovingly produced by Phil Ramone and engineered by the great Al Schmitt all-analogue at Shelby Lynne's insistence, the original vinyl release of this album was mastered from an 88.2K digital file and pressed at United in Nashville, America's and one of the world's worst pressing plants. 

Michael Fremer  |  Apr 01, 2012  |  3 comments

Long considered one of the great recordings of the early stereo era, España was originally issued in the UK on the British Decca label (SXL 2020) and on American subsidiary London (CS6006).

Michael Fremer  |  Apr 01, 2012  |  1 comments

While still with The Jeff Beck Group, Rod Stewart signed as a solo artist with Lou Reizner, an American Mercury Records producer living in the UK at the time, who had his ear to the musical firmament.

Michael Fremer  |  Apr 01, 2012  |  1 comments

Named for a now defunct Northern New Jersey, Route 23 lawn furniture emporium (bought my chaise lounges there!), Fountains of Wayne has been making consistently tuneful and erudite observations about just plain folks since 1996 when they released their eponymous first album on Atlantic Records. The core was then and is now, the delightfully bratty-voiced Chris Collingwood and his multi-instrumental partner Adam Schlesinger.

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