Roots Archives Forum

No doubt most compilation re-issues are just worth it because you couldn't find/and or afford the scarce 7" (or master tape left overs) used that make the content of the LP'S.

However, many others are just dubbed from....CD. I think this is the case for a lot of the Upsetter re-issue LPs or even 7" or, generally, those made in JA.

Typical scenario: Master > Original Stamper > Analog LP first issue > transfer to CD > Stamper 2 made from CD > poor analog LP re-issue

Net, better off with an MP3 or CD, than spending your precious $ at "A" or "B" reggae sellers.

Buyers beware.

Anyone wants to share re-issue LP s to avoid?

Some of that new Upsetter vinyl is fine. I think the Super Ape LP sounds alright. But there is stuff to look out for. The Orchid repress of Cloak & Dagger is almost unlistenable. Most of their 7"s are no great shakes either. Some of the Abraham/Clocktower repress is obviously taken from noisy digital sources. Barrington Levy's Poor Man Style sports an uninspiring mastering job with the next track starting and stopping on one cut. Those Waterhouse repress 45s are also particularly dull. And don't even get me started on Studio One. Even reputable labels like VP are putting out bad product as of late - their last press of Cocoa Tea's Weh Dem a Go Do is pants. Most "JA" repress 7"s are certainly sonically compromised but if you like collecting vinyl and/or playing out, it's nice to have even an irregularly stamped copy of something like Cornell Campbell's "Boxing" to slap on a turntable.

As much as i rate Yabby You highly, a lot of his reissued albums were audibly inferior.
Studio One were terrible too, however i feel that they are working on this. I hasten to add that most of Coxsone Dodd's releases pressed in the US are good. Could be the US manufacturing set up, always on point sonically.