Kronos Quartet – Black Angels

I purchased this album and the Philip Glass Quartets on Nonesuch vinyl directly from Nonesuch US and was disappointed in the quality of the vinyl on both. I suppose if they were rock or symphonic albums the noisy vinyl wouldn't have been as intrusive. But these are vinyl albums of a string quartet so one would think the Nonesuch would have sought out a better pressing plant, an "audiophile" plant such as RPI in (owned by Acoustic Sounds in Salinas, Kansas) or somewhere that presses records with quiet surfaces. I was disappointed by the Glass album first, but I thought that perhaps it might have just been my particular copy of the album. But now, after hearing this "Black Angels" compilation it will be the last nonesuch vinyl I buy. Oh, well.
And, by the way, if it makes a difference to you, I cleaned both albums on a wet/vacuum record cleaner before listening and use a very nice phono cartridge that is a champion at masking a record's surface noise. I have many "regular" pressings, old and new mod string quartets that sound better than this new pressing of Kronos. .

Good grief this release sounds great. I have the original vinyl release, but this music benefits from being spread over three sides. It's a little too long to be accommodated adequately on two sides. Add a pleasant (though pointless) etching on Side Four, and you have a real winner.

If I were doing points, I'd give it a 4/5. I'd dock it a point because these "Limited Edition" reissues by Kronos really could do with a little more love. Firstly, I dislike double albums without a gatefold. I know the original didn't have one, but why not push the boat out a little? Also, the liner notes are the same as ever was, a single sheet of paper (info on both sides). Nothing more is added. At least it came with anti-static inners.

The music though - while I already know it well, I'm never less than fascinated by. This is a dark album, there's a lot of anger and despair here, a little humor, and lots of music demanding attention. The opening to Black Angel is legendary in making you sit back and notice - not background music by any means.

Love the album, love the reissue. It just could have been a tiny bit better.