Cocteau Twins – Victorialand

the 45rpm sounds amazing, this is the only version i have ever owned ( bought it when orig came out). I was curious about this reissue as i heard it was remastered from orig tapes, but at 33rpm, no thank you. This is my fave Cocteau Twins album

I have this pressing too and can also confirm it sounds amazing! Really clean and does justice to the incredible music across both sides of the record. You need this one in your collection if you like anything Cocteau related! It will be one of the best records you will ever own :)

One of the best sounding pressings of a record I own. Just lovely. And it’s cheap so get yer arse in gear and get one. Thank me later…. :)
Bought mine from Beggars Banquet in Kingston U.K. on release, came with a poster.

This has a lot of detail and is quiet, but unfortunately, it's rather hissy/sibilant, especially tracks 3 and 4. This is on a good system with ultrasonically cleaned vinyl. I had the same issue with the other Japanese pressing YQ-7049. The original UK and Canadian pressings don't do this.

I don't know if it just varies per copy, but mine sounds really good. Super clear. Lots of warmth. Don't exactly understand the complaints. I don't have an original pressing to compare it to, but to my ears, it sounds great. But usually originals do sound superior. But as far as remasters go, this one is pretty good. I'd recommend picking one up.

This 33 1/3 reissue is kind of sad. Obviously no research into the original which played at 45 rpm giving it more dynamic range. 4ad is sleepwalking on these reissues completely disrespecting their legacy. Maybe they can work with Fontana to release a definitive collection more inline with the original intent. The BBK and HOLV were high quality pressings but these recent reissues are missing the mark.

This pressing is strikingly much better then the 2020 repress.

Just wondering how this original for-France cut compares with the original for-UK cut with different matrices. This one was pressed by the great Pathé Marconi plant in France, the UK issue also pressed in France, but by MPO.

I’m leaning toward the Pathé Marconi, but only if they used a lacquer that was cut with the orig. tapes. Can anyone confirm?

sad to see this reissue is apparently not too good. should I just keep with my cassette?

This is a shocking remaster / reissue, as is the recent Garlands repress. The reissues lack the emotional brilliance and splendour of Fraser's voice and deadens it completely. Fortunately, I still have my original UK pressing and listened to both records back-to-back track-to-track. Avoid these reissues at all costs and buy the first pressings.

Also, to quote 4AD: "Using new masters created from high definition files transferred from the original analogue tapes". Enough said!