George Harrison – All Things Must Pass

Comparing the 2017 180g GH Estate issue pressed in the EU against UK and Autralian 1st press on Apple. Listened via high end system and headphones. Both the UK and Oz pressing are about identical in audio presence indicating both were from same master stamper. The 2017 180g has significantly lower audio output and less "presence" then that of the original pressings and is not a great listen when "comparing". The packaging on the 180g is fabulous, the vinyl is flat and quiet so a reasonable option if you don't have an original but don't bother if you already own the originals!

Was able to find a copy off B&N. Amazing press. My favorite solo Beatles album.

Found this pressing in my local record store and couldn’t believe it was the exact one I had on my wish list. Album sounds amazing.

Is this version of ATMP the same pressing as the one found on The Vinyl Collection box set? I just got the box set and ATMP is sealed. Not sure if I have a duplicate copy now. Thanks.

This is back on sale at the Acoustic Sounds store, along with the different deluxe versions of it.

Perfect!
Nothing more to say. No, nothing more to say.

I love this pressing even more after listening to the 50th anniversary versions for a bit. Definitely apples to oranges, as the new version is a much more bass heavy and separated sounding affair. Some tracks sound better to me on it (Art of Dying especially comes to mind), but I feel like a lot of them just have a less cohesive natural sound when compared to the original mixes.

It’s pretty much dead silent across all 6 sides, completely flat vinyl, and the packaging and lined sleeves are excellent. This pressing really comes alive when cranked loud it seems, and I’d certainly say that it has a very dynamic and engaging sound that surprised me somewhat given the nature of the mixes.

As for the music itself, easily one of my top 5 favorite albums ever, with more than a handful of my favorite songs ever!

This is the best pressing I have come across, and is the “one” I would keep if I could only have a single version. The sound is dynamic and full, the wax is dead quiet, the package is first rate.

I currently also have an original Italian pressing which compares pretty well with this one, but is noisier and less full in the bass.

I used to have an early US press, but I never knew the exact version because I sold it after getting the Italian press many years ago. By comparison the US press I had was thinner sounding and much more midrange heavy, typical of lots of 70s US vinyl.

I also used to have the 2001 remaster with bonus tracks and altered artwork that GH piloted before his death. That version sounded awful (like a godamn dagger in my ears), so I traded it in when I bought this version and haven’t missed it.

I recently also got the 50th anniversary remixed version which I like very much. To compare this one to that one is like comparing Apples and pears (pun intended), they’re COMPLETELY different in just about every way. The biggest similarity is actually the quality of the packaging, which is excellent on both (though I find the sharp corners of the inner sleeves frustrating on both versions— the Italian pressing has rounded corners which makes it easy to get the records out of the box).

It like to see someone compare the mixes for this and the new 2021 remix. I don't have this version but I'm getting the new remix, pressed by GZ instead of Optimal, soon.

Some folks on here are saying it's muddy, while many others are saying it's one of the best All Things Must Pass pressings ever.

The first time I listened, some songs did strike me as muddy. In mastering they clearly tamed the top end and brought out some of the mids – and if you're used to the original pressings, it might sound "muddy" at first. To be honest, I was somewhat disappointed in that moment – probably because of the $70 it cost me.

But I kept listening. After a few days of adjusting to this slightly tweaked vision of ATMP, it now makes sense to me. This reissue asks you to crank the volume, and bringing down the highs just a bit helps you do that.

Once you get used to this new presentation, you notice George's voice always has a nice little space carved out for it in the high mids. There are a few moments where he sounds "buried", like the busiest moments on "Wah Wah." But I think that's more a function of the material and the way it was recorded, than it is because of a botched remastering. Something had to give in those moments, and it will always be so, because of the slather of reverb – barring a complete remix (which I know is coming).

So now that my ears have adjusted to this issue, I'm very happy with it. I'll still be keeping my US original, simply because I love this record. And beyond the excellent sound of this 2017 pressing, the packaging is very nice and sturdy. The box feels much more solid, and the cover art is clean and seems like it will remain pristine, unlike the material used for the originals that seems to attract grime.

So to those that were disappointed by the sound on this new reissue – give it a chance if you still have it. I think you may come to appreciate, and even love it, if you adjust your perception to where this mastering wants to take you. And turn it up!!