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I just listened to my 3rd copy of the album. The noise during the first track is still there, but not as bad as my first copy. The remainder of the album is relatively noise-free. The center hole is centered fairly well now. The record doesn't have any sharp edges. The label isn't ripped. There is no hop to the record as with my 2nd copy. I'm keeping it. Had to convince Amazon to send me a 3rd copy. I guess 2 tries is the max now before they automatically issue a refund. If I don't want to hear the noise during the first track, I'll listen to the MP3 copy that is included. Maybe poor vinyl quality is why they give vinyl buyers an MP3 copy.
Below is my original review:
I have read 2 or 3 other reviews mentioning the vinyl format of this album. None have commented on the sound quality. The sound quality of the recording is average. The sound quality of the pressing below average. I am on my second copy of this vinyl and surface noise is present. Much more so on the first copy (especially on the first track) than the second, the first copy having so much surface noise on the first track that it became unlistenable. The second copy is quiet enough to keep it. On albums like this, I don't expect dead-quiet backgrounds, but when the noise becomes so great that I am compelled to stop the record, I have to draw the line.
However, the physical quality of the pressing makes me want to try one more copy to see if I can get a better physical copy to go with acceptable sound. The first copy looked pretty good, but did have some surface scratches. It had quite a bit of surface noise. The edge of the record was smooth, but the label looked like some of the label was torn off by the press when it was removed. The second copy looked cleaner, but the edges were rough and a bit jagged and the label had random ink spots on it. Both copies had center holes that were very off-center. I would estimate that my needle (on a 9" arm) moves side to side about 1/8" in either direction when playing this record. Fairly disconcerting. The second copy also had a small hop towards the outer edge when playing, but the needle tracked fine.
The vinyl is cool red, and it comes with a little Xmas card (nice touches). But the vinyl is very thin.
I don't expect the world when it comes to fun albums like this. But, I do expect a certain standard of pressing quality. I also expect no surface noise where a novice would listen to this vinyl and think, "That noise is awful. Why would anyone want to listen to the vinyl over the digital copy?" If all records were pressed like this, less people would be turned on to vinyl. 3 stars for physical quality.
Christmas music is just that. It's nice to hear different interpretations to keep it fresh every year. As for quality of the music, I'll keep it at 3 stars for now, but if during future holidays I keep returning to this album, I might raise that to 4 stars.
I cleaned this record (both copies) on a VPI HW-16.5 record cleaner with L'art du Son cleaning fluid. I played it back on a VPI Scout turntable with a Denon 103 cartridge.
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From the manufacturer
About Us
Merge Records was started in the summer of 1989 by Laura Ballance & Mac McCaughan, the same summer they formed the band Superchunk in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The first couple of Merge releases were cassettes (remember those?) by Wwax and Bricks, followed by the first Superchunk (then known only as "Chunk") 7-inch single.
The 7-inch was the format of choice during the first three years of the label, with cash borrowed from friends to finance projects (including singles from Erectus Monotone, Angels of Epistemology, and more Superchunk). Various bedrooms served as Merge HQ until 1992, when the first Merge full-length release, Tossing Seeds by Superchunk, was released on CD, LP, and cassette. Starting that year, Merge moved from one charming-yet-run-down office to another until 2001, when we finally made the move from Chapel Hill down the road to a fine old building all our own in historic downtown Durham, NC.
Awesome vinyl to own for Christmas collection!
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2011
My expectations for the vinyl were right on par! Great "vintage" vibe and amazing music for the season that won't get old!1) It arrived in amazing packaging, SO MAKE SURE YOU ORDER FROM AMAZON!2) The vinyl was red3) The digital download was included (DRM free)4) The cover and sleeve were well designed!What I wanted more of:1) A better cut vinyl, I've seen much better quality in terms of "special" vinyl colors, etc. The center hole on my vinyl is very sloppily cut, but still playable.2) A photo sleeve!! I would have enjoyed at least a one-page insert, but alas there was nothing. Not even a B&W insert...I HIGHLY recommend this vinyl for any fan of records or Christmas music in general.See other reviews for the music, this was strictly for the record aspect of the release. However, how can you go wrong with a She & Him Christmas!?!
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2011
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