So, $30 for a brand-new record is indeed a bargain. Our research indicates that a clean, early stamper Pink Island copy can easily set you back $200. He discusses the improvements in lathe technology since the first Cat Stevens records were cut at Sterling in the early 70s. A four-page foldout includes photos of the “absolute” original master tapes and a few good quotes from George Marino at Sterling Sound. And consequently, this record stands as the benchmark for LP quality.Ĭollectors will appreciate the high quality of the album jacket, featuring heavy stock with a thick semi-gloss coating. Rumor has it that the first batch of Tea For The Tillerman LPs got scrapped because they weren’t up to Kassem’s high standards. From my listening chair, it all sounds wonderful.įor those not following QRP’s development, Acoustic Sounds proprietor Kassem spent a king’s ransom to get the plant up and running, addressing many technical issues that always plague such ventures. He mentions that the QRP pressing boasts more inner detail, making it easier to follow the lines of both guitarists throughout and discern the interplay of the background vocal tracks. My colleague and resident record collector Tom Caselli confirms the same observation with the Pink Island pressing and found the A&M pressing more congested than either version. I immediately notice that the QRP LP’s long instrument decay and tight, powerful bass offer more grip than my UHQR. Bottom line, if you love Tea For The Tillerman, this is the one you want. We’ll be hearing this one for years to come at various audiophile shows. Much like a Patricia Barber or Diana Krall record, it will make average systems sound much better than their owners might have thought possible. Music emerges from between your speakers in a lush, full-bodied way that will convince those with top systems that they are experiencing a live, intimate performance. While we feel that more treble extension and a smoother overall tonal balance grace the Pink Island LP, the QRP is definitely the one to beat in every other area. To gauge its merit, we compared the new QRP pressing to a number of existing versions: A pristine copy of the first issue Island Pink Label, a first issue tan-label A&M pressing, and both Mofi releases-the standard vinyl and the UHQR. Does it match up to the hype? As Eric Cartman from South Park likes to say, “mostly.” After months of ballyhoo, setbacks, and hokey YouTube coverage of Mikey Fremer and Chad Kassem’s love fest (the analog aficionados dance around with headphones and sing), Quality Record Pressings’ first major release is available.
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