Roots Archives Forum

Having had the pressure sounds mp3s of Same Song awhile, I came across what appeared to be an original vinyl copy on Top Ranking. However, I'm noticing something weird. It doesn't sound as good as the mp3s. One song in particular, I'll Go Through is quieter than the rest and the low end is a bit distorted. But the rest, more subtly, is nearly the same. The kick drum and bass distort a bit. Sounds like poor mastering. Plays clean otherwise.
So, did I get some half assed badly remastered repress or reissue masquerading as an original?

The matrix # on side one is TC-084-A. And it says KK Mastering in the run out groove.
The label is white with the writing and Top Ranking logo in black. Label says p & c 1978.

Anyone got an OG to compare?

no one?

There are various presses even in the early years.
http://www.strictly-vibes.com/israel-vi ... vt309.html

All I can say is the TCL-1001 is very well mastered, top notch sound.
I don't have any of the DSR ones, they may have a clear sound with the usual pops & clicks. I think the Harvest press equals the Pressure Sounds one, the sound is a bit muffled compared to the JA presses.
The KK mastering may be a later press, from any time from 1978 into the 2000's...

N.

flashman:

I have the same pressing as you - it may not be the original, but probably it´s from the early 80´s at the latest. I´m thinking between 1978-1983, as my copy has a (Swedish) distribution sticker that were in use then (and perhaps slightly later).

And does it sound a bit poor on the low end too? I notice it mostly on I'll Go Through, but also a little bit on side two in general.

i used to have a JA copy - early but probably not original - then i got a harvest copy and was more impressed with the sound - crisper, more depth etc on the UK copy

this is unusual for me who generally prefers original JA vinyl...

Bless,
I have the original top ranking press, sounds exellent!
But it's true, you might not have an original one, cause there has been several represses througt the years and the quality was not always garanteed.

P

flashman wrote:And does it sound a bit poor on the low end too? I notice it mostly on I'll Go Through, but also a little bit on side two in general.

I finally got around to listen to it - and yes, the bass seems a bit distorted.
I´ll Go Through doesn´t really stick out as being quieter, though...

I recently got a copy of Same Song on Top Ranking.

It appears to be an original JA pressing (or a really old one) but includes the TC-084 K K Mastering matrix too. I have not listened to it all the way through to see if the mix is similar to what is described above.

One odd thing I noticed about this version is that the Top Ranking label on the record (white background/red letters) is pasted over another label. The label beneath is black with a yellow ring and logo.

Does anyone have info on this?

The sleeve also has a small silver sticker on the back with Joe Gibbs Music Store and a Canadian phone number/address.

I have an original 1978 JA copy on Top Ranking (red logo on white background) and I cant remember the sound being distorted or inferior in any way. Will have to dig it up for the matrix numbers etc......but I do remember it has a gold sticker on the sleeve for VP records.....??