Vinyl Me Please Essentials

Anyone know if VMP is still honoring grandfathered subscription pricing? I was in a $75 / 3 month plan, but just noticed that my renewals increased to $81 a cycle or two ago. Was there some announcement about this that I missed?
 
Finally spinning my Aretha and while it's warped it doesn't seem to meet their criteria of being able to fit a coin under and seems to play fine, so we'll just let it go

Despite all of their QC issues, this is the first issue I've had with an actual record since Beach House. Most of my problems have been order/fulfillment related and not bad records.
 
mitchwagz said:
I have to say Aretha sounds really fantastic. One of the best Essentials we’ve ever gotten imo. It beats my original. The VMP is more a touch quieter but more dynamic. I’m sure it will sound great cranked.
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You know, I have mixed feelings on it currently. I feel like the instruments and backing vocals on this really pop and sound great but to me Arethas voice is lacking punch, it kind of feels flatter laid into the background almost. Anybody else know what I’m talking about?
 
Ghost said:
You know, I have mixed feelings on it currently. I feel like the instruments and backing vocals on this really pop and sound great but to me Arethas voice is lacking punch, it kind of feels flatter laid into the background almost. Anybody else know what I’m talking about?
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Yeah that’s definitely one of the drawbacks of the remaster, and I get where you’re coming from. The original is really punchy. The opening lines when she belts “What you want, baby I got it” you get chills every time. But the OG is also muddy a bit and does not have nearly as much instrument separation compared to the VMP one. It’s similar to many new remasters that have better dynamics and separation but might lack the “punchy” kick you get from vintage mastering sometimes. I love both but I really like the VMP one.
 
Ghost said:
You know, I have mixed feelings on it currently. I feel like the instruments and backing vocals on this really pop and sound great but to me Arethas voice is lacking punch, it kind of feels flatter laid into the background almost. Anybody else know what I’m talking about?
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Perhaps just a byproduct of the mono mix? As cool as they are compared to early stereo I think vox can usually be subdued. The flattish EQ that RKS goes with could be highlighting some muddiness on the tapes / mix as well.
 
I know it's INCREDIBLY far down on the list of important issues with VMP, but the art print just straight up being an (admittedly awesome) photograph seems really lazy to me. When I first joined VMP (2016) the art prints were eye-roll-inducing, but I thought they definitely improved since then. This month's being a photograph, and last month's being the album's alternate album work, just seems like a cop-out, and if it weren't for the fact that they're such an insignificant thing, I'd definitely be feeling duped
 
chrb98 said:
I know it's INCREDIBLY far down on the list of important issues with VMP, but the art print just straight up being an (admittedly awesome) photograph seems really lazy to me. When I first joined VMP (2016) the art prints were eye-roll-inducing, but I thought they definitely improved since then. This month's being a photograph, and last month's being the album's alternate album work, just seems like a cop-out, and if it weren't for the fact that they're such an insignificant thing, I'd definitely be feeling duped
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I wish they’d just ditch it. It’s a massive waste of paper IMO, especially with the obi being added. I’ve never been compelled to hang / frame any of them.
 
chrb98 said:
I know it's INCREDIBLY far down on the list of important issues with VMP, but the art print just straight up being an (admittedly awesome) photograph seems really lazy to me. When I first joined VMP (2016) the art prints were eye-roll-inducing, but I thought they definitely improved since then. This month's being a photograph, and last month's being the album's alternate album work, just seems like a cop-out, and if it weren't for the fact that they're such an insignificant thing, I'd definitely be feeling duped
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I haven't seen the photo yet, as I've yet to receive this months package. However I actually strongly prefer a photo of the artist or perhaps from the recording session (like the Tone Poet series does inside the gatefold) over some random art work.
 
Speedracer said:
I haven't seen the photo yet, as I've yet to receive this months package. However I actually strongly prefer a photo of the artist or perhaps from the recording session (like the Tone Poet series does inside the gatefold) over some random art work.
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Couldnt agree with this more. The Blue Note photos are iconic and the prints sell for a fair chunk of money as people are willing to buy them. To take a session photo from the album's production would likely be cheaper, link to the album more, and be more of a special item in itself.
 
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