i generally make an effort to buy my LPs through reputed labels. But man, when I look at the prices for Speakers Corner releases, it makes me wonder if they’re worth it. I’m looking at Tijuana Moods, The Clown, and Pithencropus Erectus by Mingus, and they range from $48-55CDN each, when grey market labels are selling them for half the price. Are Speakers Corner releases really worth that much money?
I only have one so far that I recently acquired. I found a flash sale that included the Ella & Louis "Porgy and Bess" double LP for something like $25 shipped. It is a sight and sound to behold. I had been enjoying a Japanese pressing of that album for a while, but this SC edition is better - it sounds so clear and life-like. And the packaging is simply gorgeous, top-notch. Now I'm keeping an eye out for their releases wherever I go. If this release is indicative of their overall approach, I'm sold. They aren't cheap though, so....
They're excellent overall and pressed at Pallas. Kevin Gray mastered a number of the Verve jazz titles.
They are European. It's priced as an Import in North America. I have quite a few SC records. I have no regrets buying any of them. The are always AAA.
Much like Mobile Fidelity, Classic Records, Pure Pleasure & Analogue Productions to name but four, Speakers Corner is also an audiophile label. They are AAA and well-pressed. I've yet to have an issue out of the dozen or so titles I have. I'm not sure what you mean by grey market titles. Did you mean instead to say original label releases?
I have 200+ Speakers Corner titles and as you would expect I think they are a great reissue label. The majority of them are excellent with just a small handful being not up to their usual standard on mastering. In terms of pressing and vinyl quality I think they are the best - only 1 record to date not perfect! Of course I am in Europe though and they are reasonably priced here (compared to what I pay for US imports anyway!)
Recently got the Kevin Gray master of Dr. John's "Gris Gris" and it sounds fantastic! Excellent job on the cover/packaging as well.
Yeah, they are a terrific label. I love their classical offerings. They're $35 in the US, but they're imports so they're gonna be a little more.
I have Joni Mitchell’s “Hissing Of Summer Lawns” on Speakers Corner vinyl. Sounds great. The best I have ever heard it. I gave my old original LP away.
I mean labels like Waxtime and Dol, who aren't sourcing stuff from analog or high quality digital masters, and aren't licensed to re-issue.
8 here, I love 'em. Leftoverture - Kansas From Elvis In Memphis Child Is Father To The Man - Blood, Sweat, And Tears I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama ! - Janis Joplin Johnny Cash At San Quentin Burgers - Hot Tuna The Captain And Me - The Doobie Brothers Can't Buy A Thrill - Steely Dan
For the most part, I've been happy with the sound but somewhat less than impressed with the artwork of the recent SC releases. It tends to be blurry as though it was taken from a 2nd or 3rd generation copy of the cover. I expect better for the premium price. Examples of this are Secret Treaties - BÖC, Private Eyes - Tommy Bolin, and Heaven and Hell - Vangelis. I reviewed the Vangelis title in this thread.
I agree. The SC artwork doesn't move me and it would be nice if they offered up some improvements, but the pricing would likely have to go higher. Classic Records never won any awards for their artwork either. As long as they continue to provide the consumer with a high quality AAA vinyl product, I'll gladly overlook it.
The 2 BOC titles blow away my Columbia original pressings. Artwork not an issue to me. Sure wish I could find a Steely Dan Thrill somewhere.......
Why not place a WTB ? Looking at the archives just now, that was the route I took back in 2011. Although I ended up closing it, when Acoustic Sounds found more sealed copies at $34.99 each ! ** I just looked everywhere for you, and found overpriced copies in Italy. Best of luck ! ** https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/speakers-corner-vinyl-steely-dan-cant-buy-a-thrill.265332/
Yeah, I had to bite the bullet last month and order one from Europe. It was just around $100, but it is very much better than any black label early USA version that I've heard.