Elton John Vinyl Reissues

I suspect it's the pressing and the vinyl, not the sleeves which are the issue. Yeah those sleeves can make some visual marks, but they don't get down in the grooves where "rice krispies" would be happening.

 

I must be lucky because my first copy has been fine. No noise issues for me.

 

You're probably right. I'm just struggling to find some sort of plausible explanation for why they can't seem to get this release right - the rest of these remasters have been *so* good!

Until they can get this one right, my go-to version remains the 2013 Japanese SHM-CD remaster:

Elton John - Blue Moves

 

Sell it to me!

 

No noise on my copy as well. Love it.

 

Now that these have been out a bit now, how did GBYBR come out - where does it stand among all the pressings?

Ive got an MCA blue rainbow pressing that seems okay, but not impressive. I'd like to know if these will be a good upgrade.

 

It was not included in this reissue series. The last reissue of GBYBR was the 2014 Universal Music release and it was quite forgettable. Your MCA is mostly probably better. I know my original MCA definitely is.

The best vinyl version I have heard was the Speakers Corner release. I have a needle drop of it and it sounds phenomenal. Unfortunately, they are quite expensive if you can find one.

 

Hm. That sounds like a faithful reproduction of the original MCA release, then. Down to the surface noise.

 

And the worst part is.... It's not like it's one of those common-as-dirt titles where you could choose from 93 different copies on Discogs (for just the U.S. press) starting at $1.88.
Oh, wait....
Elton John - Blue Moves (Vinyl) For Sale at Discogs Marketplace

 

Ha! This is true. Shall I post a picture of the growing stack of tried-and-discarded copies I've purchased from discogs and elsewhere over the years? I'm not sure I've got 93 copies yet, but it probably numbers in the double digits.

The cleanest copy I've ever snagged was a Rocket Records Japanese pressing, but unfortunately that one was a nice quiet pressing bogged down by the curiously dull and lifeless sound.

 

Big thanks! I appreciate the advice.

I did pick up Songs From the West Coast recently and was hopeful there would be a few other titles I was looking for.

 

+1. I have a US Blue Moves and it sounds quite spectacular. Got it for $2 in the 90s when you couldnt give away vinyl at any price. I just don't get the need for reissues of common, great sounding vinyl.

 

I actually prefer the 2014 reissue over my 1978 yellow vinyl and definitely over the tan label MCA I have. The yellow vinyl sounds nice but a little less vibrant then the 2014 reissue. The MCA tan label is just awful.

 

You're lucky, though. The original US Blue Moves is notoriously a noisy pressing.

 

Any word if this reissue campaign will continue with Greatest hits and Greatest Hits 2?

 

I'd like to see them included too.

 

I told my record guy last year that a release of those two greatest hits albums would be a great idea for the casual listener.

 

There was a 2-fer reissue edition on vinyl in the '80s. A couple weeks ago, one came into the record shop where I moonlight - I priced it at $9.99 and it sold within an hour.

There's definitely a market for those specific GH albums, regardless of other hits collections that have come out since.

 

I think the reissue campaign is over. "Diamonds" is the GH vinyl set available now. Shame, as I would've loved GHV2 - but they skipped them.

 

Is there anything wrong with the vintage pressings? There are currently 476 copies on Discogs.

 

Sometimes people like to buy something, you know, brand new. In print.

 

Not only that but those 70s pressings aren't exactly the best either. I don't think we need to get into an discussion over the quality of MCA's vinyl during that time period so I'll just leave it at that.

 

All my original EJ pressings are UK DJC. They sound miles better than the U.S. versions and they're quite common overseas. You basically just have to find a Discogs seller with reasonable shipping and order a few items at once.
That said I have a Speakers Corner GYBR (amazing sound, but crazy pricey now) and the new reissue of Tumbleweed, so I think some modern pressings are quite good. (Also the RSD 17-11-70 for the extra tracks, obviously.) I caved on Tumbleweed only cuz I've never found a really good UK press for a reasonable price. Same issue with Madman although I DID get an unplayed one for $20 recently, so that was a nice find!

 

For those looking for the reissues for cheap, some nice deals here:
The Sound of Vinyl

$13.99 apiece for 6 EJ titles, including the double West Coast. Is the S/T reissue supposed to be good? My UK is a bit noisy and $14 might be worth it to compare.

 

Looks great until you see the shipping charge which make each LP about $20 each.