Isaac Hayes ‎– Black Moses

Fantastic reissue that improves upon the original in so many ways. I've owned a few copies of this in my life time and for various reasons I've always found original pressings to be a bit flat when considering the lush dynamic range of the music. the album came out in that Dynaflex era so many copies suffer from that format. Even though some of the better pressings had Randy Kling cutting the lacquers, in my opinion it was far from his best work. While the packaging was extremely dope and inventive especially for the time.... if you've held an original it's extremely fragile to handle and looks better in theory than practice.

The Craft 2018 reissue uses the original analog master tapes as the source. Craft does some exceptional work with their reissues and often goes AAA, so I was puzzled here that this one didn't get that distinguishing. Clearly this is an ADA cut, given the Dave Cooley remastering credit and different lacquer cuts between the US & Europe. Given the way Craft normally operates I have to assume that the original tapes needed some digital clean up. And there's the fact that there is some audible tape noise in the quiet moments... not in a bad way but more so with that nice warm familiar sound. It could be an indication of maybe why this choice was made.

That said, this is one of the few times where adding a digital steps has improved the overall quality of the vinyl. Doing an A/B test with two older copies I currently have (including an Indianapolis pressing & the original fold-out with Kling mastering) the differences are stark. Full and clear dynamics, the drums are crisp; soaring strings .... this one excels in the louder moments. I dare to say this is the best I've heard it sound on vinyl, thus far. The dead was is quiet and there is no surface noise.... yes that audible tape noise is there if you're really looking for it, but it doesn't hinder the experience. Perhaps a AAA reissue is a possibility and I would be thrilled to hear that, but at current moment it there is no better option overall.

I have to briefly mention the packaging, which is also an improvement on the original fold out. Craft made it a bit easier to extract the discs... this layout allows you to quickly pull the inner sleeves out of the bottom, while the original requires you to fold out almost the entire jacket. The materials are more durable. Overall a wonderful upgrade.

Final important note... I originally picked up the US version of this reissue and returned it. That pressing has a decent amount of surface noise that does detract from the sound, as well as IGD. The music sounds compressed and the "digital" aspect is very present. I don't think it's even a question the lacquer cut and pressing for the EU version is superior. Not sure how it was plated or mastered by GZ/MRP but something in that process failed.

It's worth the time and extra cost to track down this pressing. Not only is it the better of the two reissues, but probably the best pressing available yet.

excellent pressing and package all round .sound is clear and warm with zero surface noise

Easily one of the best sounding pressings i own. That and the fold out sleeve remembers me why vinyl collecting and playing is so much fun!

This is one gorgeous sounding and looking pressing. Get it, you won't be disappointed.