Morphine (2) – Cure For Pain

This version sounds significantly better than the 2011 release. I can't compare it to the ROG version, but tbh I love this version.

The packaging on the 2011 was also obviously a blown up scan of a CD cover, and it looked terrible. This version looks awesome and they obviously rebuilt it.

I don’t know, I have ROG releases, little overhyped I think. This release sounds pretty great to me. The drums definitely don’t sound thin or wimpy and are very lively. Maybe there are better versions ,but I’m smitten with this one for $24 (and it’s a Gatefold, which is cool).

Thought I’d leave the review here in case sound quality is the highest priority for anyone hoping to get this brilliant album on vinyl.

TLDR: The Run Out Groove version of this album is much better than this Rocktober reissue.

My review of the Run Out Groove version below:

Wow! The Run Out Groove release of Cure For Pain is simply just awesome. It’s the best version I have heard (Qobuz, Spotify, CD and the 2024 Rocktober 2024 reissue on vinyl).

Compared to the 2024 Rocktober Reissue:

1. The drums are more alive. The mix always had the drums a bit laid back (imo) but the ROG version really brings it out. The tom hits esp sounds powerful.
2. Much wider and deeper sound. The Rocktober reissue just isn’t deep sounding unfortunately. The extra depth brings out so much more details.
3. Better EQ. The Rocktober’s heavy use of de-esser is not pleasant to my ears.

Wow! The Run Out Groove release of Cure For Pain is simply just awesome. It’s the best version I have heard (Qobuz, Spotify, CD and the 2024 Rocktober 2024 reissue on vinyl).

Compared to the 2024 Rocktober Reissue:

1. The drums are more alive. The mix always had the drums a bit laid back (imo) but the ROG version really brings it out. The tom hits esp sounds powerful.
2. Much wider and deeper sound. The Rocktober reissue just isn’t deep sounding unfortunately. The extra depth brings out so much more details.
3. Better EQ. The Rocktober’s heavy use of de-esser is not pleasant to my ears.

Caught these guys at SXSW in 94 (before I even knew what SXSW was). Stood next to Mark at the bar where they were playing and didn't even known until he was on stage. Saw them again in Seattle and brought a group of people with me.

Rare moments of discovery where the venues were small and sweaty, the band hadn't yet hit mainstream appeal, and it was just musical ecstasy.

Edit - after owning it for a few months, I still think this is a decent reissue. As mentioned below, the record has width but lacks depth/weight. It sounds “light” primarily because of how the drums sound.

Would be open to suggestion for a better sounding copy of this. Thanks in advance.

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This pressing sounds smoother, less harsh and wider than what’s on hi-fi streaming (Qobuz). The width of the soundstage and the instrument separation is really amazing.

However, I feel like something is off with the drums in the mix. I don’t think it’s a mastering issue but more so an intentional choice to burry the drums during mixing.

In terms of mastering, it’s dynamic and wide but for some reason it’s not “tall.” I wish the mid range had a bit more “magic” in it but I guess now I am comparing a regular digital cut with my other AAA records.

It’s not a bad copy to have but in my head I was expecting a better sonic experience. Mostly let down by the drum mix (nothing to do with the mastering).

First time I’ve heard this album on vinyl and to my ears this sounds incredible. Rhino did a great job with this Rocktober release and at the price it’s a no brainer.

Compared to MOV and ROG versions. This press is between the two, with ROG being the winner. My MOV press just isn’t that great in comparison, maybe I got a bum copy.

Anyway, this press is a little noisier (even after cleaning) than the ROG and just isn’t quite as big and open. It’s a solid copy if you don’t already have one and certainly not disastrous like the Like Swimming and The Night presses.

It’s okay, but not stunning. This album deserves so much more tlc than the record companies (with the exception of ROG) have given it.

Chad Kasem? Where are you? Give this catalog the UHQR treatment once and for all. This was a new form of rock that no one has ever replicated. It deserves top notch mastering and pressing, especially for those who missed out on the ROG.

PS- The Light in the Attic press I had was a joke, so I didn’t include it in the shootout.

Any reviews? How does this sound? Comparison to Music on Vinyl pressing?

Masterpiece. "To this day, Dana's baritone sax is my favorite guitar sound" —Christian McNeill, 2011.