In 2013 we played a red label Columbia reissue of a famous '60s rock record (again, not shown) that had the best side two we have ever heard. Up to that point no copy other than the 360 original had ever won a shootout, and we've done plenty. Lo and behold here was a reissue that put them all to shame.
I'm still in shock from the experience to tell you the truth, but what a blast it was to hear it!
The recording, which I first played more than 40 years ago at the tender age of 16, was now bigger, less murky and more energetic than ever before. Had you asked me, I would have confidently told you not to waste your time with the second pressing, to stick to the 360's on that title, and I would have been wrong wrong wrong.
How Wrong?
But wait a minute. The 360 original will probably beat 49 out of 50 red label reissue copies on side two, and the best 360 original could not be beaten on side one by any other pressing. When you stop to think about it we weren't very wrong at all.
Let's just say our understanding was incomplete. This is why we prefer to offer actual physical records rather than just advice, although it's clear for all to see that we happily do both, and, moreover, we certainly feel qualified -- as qualified as anyone can be -- to do both.
Ultimately what makes our case is the quality of the records we sell. And I'm glad to report that we don't get many complaints, even at these prices.
Avoiding Mistakes
Keep in mind that the only way you can never be wrong about your records is simply not to play them. If you have better equipment than you did, say, five years ago, try playing some of your MoFi’s, 180 gram LPs, Japanese pressings, 45 RPM remasters and the like. You might be in for quite a shock.
It’s all good — until the needle hits the groove. Then you might find yourself in need of actual Better Records, not the ones you thought were better.
