Only got 1st pressings of UK & US, US for me was the better.
Seemingly Kevin Gray used it as a benchmark for the Intervention release, which are very pricey now!
IIRC both the US and UK 1st pressings were taken from the same IAM cut by Richard Donaldson (RD), so should sound very similar. Main difference will be down to the vinyl itself, and here, where similar metalwork is used, I have always tended to prefer US formulations.
The Intervention reissue is superb.
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Never heard the Intervention but yes, I bet it sounds great!
To be honest I’ve had the UK for donkeys years but never really listened to it until a couple of months ago and wow, what a stunner, brilliant songs that make you sit down and take it all in properly. Production is spot on too, everything sounding just right.
A bit or crackle hear and there (nothing too bad) so took a punt on the US copy for that price. Pleased I did as it’s near mint, so yes, that’s probably why it’s better for me!
I did the AB with Intervention and friend’s UK original pressing. Hands down UK pressing sounded much better. I started to have doubts over Intervention release as I also had the same experience with their Aja.
Two more bandcamp purchases, being delivered between Xmas and NYE
Until The Tide Creeps In by Penelope Isles
Which Way To Happy by Penelope Isles
Interestingly I thought the UK would be hard to beat, but felt it sounded best on one of the Sondeks or the Garrard. However, on the RP10 it was perhaps the Intervention that won through, the UK sounding very exciting but perhaps just a tiny bit unbalanced overall. I think the UK benefitted from the touch of extra warmth and body that the other decks brought. Tough call though, I’d be happy with either.
I didn’t know that Intervention did an Aja release. I know the Cisco, which was not so great. I felt the original US glossy heavy card gatefold AB1006 was definitely superior.
Just found my original post;
Maybe I did give it to the original after all…??!
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Yes. Cisco release. But they are same people who oversee the project at Intervention. ( I forgot chap’s name. )
Ah yes. Was it Shane Buettner?
Do you keep your OBI strips?
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Generally yes, can’t think of any I haven’t.
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Does your Clear Spot have the embossed pvc sleeve, @Blackstar ? I have the US first copy with it, don’t know if the UK had that but the large flap looks similar (see below:US on the bottom, RSD on top). The record came with just a single thick card insert, the PVC being the clear cover.
Must admit I’ve only played disc 2 of the RSD (rough mixes etc) and have not compared the album itself. Must do that in light of your research.
Edit\ magnifying your photo I can see that it does! UK copy?
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Yes, as you spotted!
It’s a UK 1st edition and plays lovely, plenty of depth and good well defined bass. Plastic sleeve has two slight, 2”, splits at bottom and sides but in very good condition. The card inner looks new. Played loud there’s some light surface noise between tracks but nothing that distracts from the listening. For £25 (inc post) I’m more than happy.
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Mine too! Ordered on the 2nd May delivered Christmas Eve! Will be worth the waiy by all accounts.
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I couldn’t remember when I ordered but thought it must have been around May. I’d completely forgotten about them.
