Just did a side by side comparison between the US Chris Bellman cut and the EU version not cut by him. Both cut at 45. They both sound fantastic! The only difference I noticed is the European version is cut very slightly quieter than the Bellman cut. Just turn the volume up a wee tam and you’re there. This record is meant to be played LOUD. Get either version of this and you’ll be very happy. It’s miles above any original 60’s copy sound wise.
Almost certain this is cut from digital, and I don't have a US CB version to compare, but this really is a fantastic pressing. Super quiet, great quality vinyl (yeah the sleeve is just OK), and the sound is fantastic. I have an OG MOFI pressing as well, and I think this is better.
Just got this from Music Direct.(12/22) Sounds great, zero surface noise. Only weird thing is the gatefold jacket doesn’t seem well made. I.e. the front cover isn’t made to hold a record(both were in the back half) but it’s obviously two pieces and its separating as if it’s not glued properly. It’s not completely separate but just makes the first fold ‘puffed out’ for lack of a better term. Records sound great though.
This uses the EU ST cut and not the US CB one. I would like to compare someday but this sounds nice anyway, with good bass and air to the big soundstage, just slightly laid back and high frequency deficient. I think I would like some more presence to vocals in particular but Im not sure how different the CB cut could be given the remix and remaster in place. I can also imagine that this recording is easy to make too bright as thats why I disliked the early UK releases. Optimals pressing is great beyond some light non fill that doesnt disturb much, probably better than most US GZ pressings. The cover is quite cheap feeling though with washed out images and a gatefold with only one flap to hold both records if one wishes to store their discs inside.
Equipment Used: Technics SL-1210GR Turntable Paratrace tipped Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge Cyrus 2 Amplifier System Fidelity SF-3050 Tower Speakers
Mind you, this is a rookie-written comment ! Nice pressing to me. Can't compare to anything else, I discovered the full album while listening to this lp a couple of days ago ! Double 45 is not too big of a trouble to me; yes, there is bass and drum presence, no overall muddy impression. Very quiet pressing except a few pops on "I Shall Be Released", nothing unbearable. Great and inspiring music as you probably know but it does sound very alive on these pieces of vinyl : my 7 year-old daughter now wants to listen to it again and again, so do I !