Spoon – Gimme Fiction

Always a pleasure to play. Sounds great and cool to watch it spinning. Proof that colored vinyl doesn't have to sacrifice audio quality.

A little surprised this isn't a 4.7+ rating... it's sure as shht not because of the mastering/pressing. Audiophile quality release.

I have the US Matador remaster (pretty sure it’s sourced from the same plates as this one) and it sounds good indeed. I also own the Merge 2005 OP and this Matador definitely holds up, it’s brighter and has more drive with the vocals a little higher in the mix. The mix on the original is slightly more subdued, but not in a bad way.

The only disadvantage of the Matador is that the stereo image has been narrowed. The OP has the better soundstage and separation, by far. Definitely more detailed and nuanced than this one, with more bass depth and a larger dynamic range. As far as my preference, I prefer the OP more. But both pressings have their advantages and are pressed on dead silent vinyl. They are definitely different listens and are worth owning/hearing.

Haven’t heard the Trutone but it doesn’t sound like an upgrade to me at all based on the consensus here.

As all the reissues on Slay for Cue, a cracking, dead silent and brilliantly mixed lp. Haven’t heard other versions but this cut from original files can’t be bettered imo. Buy blindly, all the Slay on Cue reissues.

I have the Matador repress and now this OG Merge and I prefer how this one sounds because wow. Absolutely blown away by the sound quality. Very wide stereo imaging, miles more depth and bass, and smoother highs while still sounding very crisp, organic and punchy. The grooves are also slightly wider. While the Matador is no slouch either and has incredible brightness, grit and punch its narrowed stereo image makes it sound slightly veiled in comparison. Separation is still good but not as good as it sounds here. Both are incredible pressings and are worth hearing/owning. But at least to me, this is the definitive version.

It's hard to believe these are still selling for such a low price. Every track is a banger, and the mastering/pressing is top tier. If you like this album, you won't be disappointed with this version.

Beautiful sleeve/poster/booklet, nice thick vinyl, and love the bonus tracks. I've never had an issue with Merge vinyl, and this one does not disappoint.

Damn this pressing spits fire. Was not expecting this, but this is an A+ job. Beautiful sounding record.

Does this come with a gatefold jacket, like the original pressing?

I posted this on burntable (captured on my MOTU M4) so you can hear clips. This exact pressing in hi-res (using my Rega Planar 3 with a Elys 2 cartridge) if you search for the drop by the id 11292391 – any advice or requests are welcome