Differences in record labels?

[Nugstriker]

Hello

Most of my vinyl has been represses until I started buying originals a couple months ago. I was just curious what labels are better quality, I notice many records were released around the same time on different labels. What labels are preferred over others? Many thanks.

[jb welda]

thats not really an easily answered question. depends on what youre after. as far as pressing quality uk pressings far surpass ja pressings. usa pressings come somewhere in between. but thats only one facet. what exactly are you looking for, better/best sound?

one love
jah bill

[Nugstriker]

Yea quality of sound and record. I see some labels put out completely different sleeves too, mostly just preference?

[Nugstriker]

An example is I'm trying to buy a copy of Gregory Isaacs - Mr. Isaacs. It's listen on RA as being pressed by DEB, Micron, Cash & Carry, and Vista. Can someone please explain the difference between these labels? Many thanks.

[Jahson]

I'm sure other forum members could explain it in more detail, but briefly the difference in these labels is where they are/were based and the quality of the pressings. DEB is Dennis Brown's label, and records on DEB were pressed both in Jamaica and the UK. With very few exceptions UK pressings are cleaner, better quality wax and overall better sound quality. If I have a choice in (original) pressings, I tend to go for the UK.

Let's see, Micron was based in Canada and had some quality pressings, about on par with the UK labels. Cash & Carry was Gregory's own Jamaican imprint, fairly rare. I don't personally own any C&C releases but I would think they might not be as high-quality. Vista was a UK/US label that specialised in reissues, overall pretty good pressings but they often changed the original sleeve art.

I actually have this LP on a Shanachie pressing not referenced in RA, pretty good US pressing and one of Gregory's best LPs.

[Han]

In general Studio One pressings are not the best in the world, you have to be really lucky.

I found one recently however: High Fashion Dub Top Ten ( with the black colored sleeve, but with a matrix-number of what according to RA is another original press )

Thick heavy vinyl and excellent sound quality. Allmost like I'm holding a 180 gram piece.

[Lost Shoe]

In general Studio One pressings are not the best in the world, you have to be really lucky.

I found one recently however: High Fashion Dub Top Ten ( with the black colored sleeve, but with a matrix-number of what according to RA is another original press )

Thick heavy vinyl and excellent sound quality. Allmost like I'm holding a 180 gram piece.

Hi Han,
sadly true. Especially the Dub Specialist records sound really bad. Sound quality can not live up to the quality of music.
I own a few, and my best one is High Fashion Dub Top Ten, too. Black Sleeve, matrix-number 2396.