Levon Vincent – Stereo Systems

speck's jam go stoopid
word word word wrd wlrd word

Has that DJ Misjah Special Acid Edition vibe. . .

None of these songs really hold a candle next to other Novel Sound records from around the same time period. The best track might be "Together Forever". Ten years out this record feels forgettable.

Stereo Systems is a hymn of block club in summer 2012. happy to have it on wax

Stereo Systems is a decent track, b1 is fine.

Now, that we settled this distribution bullshit whether this pressing is good or bad (mine is prefect) , can we just talk about the music?

I feel that "Stereo Systems" is greatly underrated as a track, I understand why, it is not the perfect example of a danceable cut that moves within itself and develops like most of past of Levon's work - but this track works wonders on my mind waves. it is a
stompin' Roger Linn Linndrum machine steady 4/4 kick that moves left and right very tightly. the effects somehow remind Aphex Twin approach, truly sci-fi cinematic feel. if you try this stuff on a big real stereo system I assure you it can make wonders. also - seems that a lot of people missed the nicest melodies in the last minute of the track, truly touching stuff to contradict the stiffness, feels like ice-cream on top of steak :)

"Together Forever" is a cut-the-crap lets-break-som'stuff track, aggressive to a punk attitude extent. still interesting how Levon manages to manipulate the beats into sounding like a horse riding towards you, and then builds up the tension gradually to break it into pieces. complete crusher, love it.

"Speck's Jam" was firstly introduced as R.I.P Tape Club promo mix intro track for the Underground Quality label. it is a twisted guitar baseline repeating with a N.Y traditional huff and puff rhythmic house effect. all around you can definitely hear favorite Roland Space-echo tape cracking up the volume with this pull and release feel.

I don't think you should buy a record because it is relatively cheaper from others, but I am glad this release is much more accessible to the public then many more of Levon's, which are slowly fading away...

...sometimes hard to review product condition if distributed-- many stages before reaching customer's hands. Only gripe with Novel Sound/Deconstruct is poor budget for subsequent edition pressing. Too big of a scene impact for such a small label-- sorry acidhouse if these words sound too mothering, but my love for your records left me no other choice...

My copy came perfect, as all the novel sound records. :)

Warmest greetings, My name is Levon Vincent. Im terribly sorry to read some of your troubles. I have made more than 60,000 records in the past ten years, these are the first issues I have ever had. The majority of this run are perfect- flat, playable copies. There are a some words about warped or damaged copies that made it to the hands of the retailers. I urge these retailers not to sell any copies that may come through this way. You make me look bad and you don't do the record business any favors either. These amount to less than 5% of the total number manufactured, and far less than .01% of the total number of records I have made in my career. I am again so sorry that there is a blemish on my otherwise perfect track record. I suspect that since the records are 'hot items' these days that retailers are more apt to sell the defects. But they should not be- and every country has consumer protection laws in place to help in the event that you do get something defective. Just as the textile industry, automobiles, etc etc etc. -You can return the record to a shop that sells a defect. I just wish there were no defects to begin with.

In answer to the 'shame on Levon Vincent' 180grams remarks- I can't say I firmly believe weight+density equals 'better quality.' I use a custom blend of 75% virgin, 25% recycled vinyl, pressed at 140 grams. This is the same blend I have used since my first pressing, for all three of my labels and every single release I've made, the same manufacture process for Deconstruct is the same exact used for Novel Sound. I feel is it far higher grade for DJs than the 'audiophile' 180 gram virgin vinyl blend, which cannot withstand the travel in DJ crates, or the rigor involved with the DJ lifestyle overall. The quarter of recycled wax makes the record just a tiny bit softer which aids in tracking over as many plays as required by a DJ. Thats the reason the records stand the test of time and so many plays. I use one of the few very best manufacturers remaining, quality is UTMOST, (they are also the most expensive but I feel it's worth it.) If I got enough requests for 180 grams I might do a run or two like that, but really that would be aimed for home listening and fewer plays, and I am more focused to make the best product possible for DJs.

I am very sorry to read of these troubles but I assure you its not something that myself, my distro or manufacturer stand for and the problem will not be repeated. once every ten years some copies get damaged along the journey to the people's hands. It won't become routine. Thank you for listening, and for your faith!

yeah mine's warped too. It's dished with the edges towards the A-side. B-side is fine if you use a clamp (Mukatsuku is cheap and very effective), and this side has the best tracks, both are mind-blowing. Musically an amazing release, one of the best yet on NS. Really wish he'd do these in 180g though, keep the stamped white label aesthetic but give us a solid piece of wax to work with.

[edit] Got a second copy through Angel. Perfectly flat. Yay!