Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I had one of the copies with terrible surface noise on side A, but I just got an ultrasonic cleaner and ran this one through. Now, it's silent. So lots of these copies with surface noise I think are just dirty. Give it a good clean and it should improve!

why is the overall rating relatively low at 4.5ish? Any comments?

Not sure what the other review is talking about to be honest. This pressing is punchy and the only issue I had was some sharp bits on the edges. Cleaned the disc up and it sounds great. The glow in the dark feature is pure novelty, but it’s amusing nonetheless!

Can anyone comment on how this sounds compared hi-res Qobuz via Bluesound Node or similar?

This DVD edition is a documentary with the only audio being the album. The video is a revelation. You have a window - actually it is a seat - in the rooms and in front of the consoles, every hour day and night, in a sparse flat and down in the basement, where this album was recorded. The consternation of the artists faces as they ponder how to make the best album they can make (which they did) is all here. If you really like this album, you may find it to be one of the best A/V releases of all time. I do. It makes me want to record an album.

Received my copy via VMP subscription June 2019. Happy to say the flaws that others have reported seem to have passed over my copy, it is dead silent. The songs are punchy and dynamic, sounds amazing. Packaging is great as always, heavy high quality sleeve and inserts. Nice, upbeat, synthy indie rock goodness.

Perfection. VMP really goes all out with their releases, shinyyyyy sleeve too

Once I listened to the VMP version, I couldn't give away my old copy fast enough. The difference is night and day. I've been a member since 2016 and this is easily in the top ten of VMP reissues. Stunning, life-like sound. I can't recommend it enough.

This is the best Quality version. Super flat, Snow White and detailed.

Terrible pressing, very annoying pops and clicks disrupting the music on both sides. Unless you buy this as a novelty the VMP pressing is loads more superior in sound quality.