R.E.M., Chronic Town & Murmer. The Definitive Sound Series. One-Step (33 RPM)
The Definitive Sound Series (DSS) is absolutely killing it! This twofer One-Step reissue, which includes R.E.M.'s first EP Chronic Town and first LP Murmer, were both originally released on the IRS label in 1982 and 1983 respectfully. For this One-Step, both pressings are sourced from the original master tapes, and both were pressed at RTI on super quiet Neotech VR900 D2 180 gram vinyl. Both have heavy weight tip-on single pocket jackets, and are housed together in a single elegantly designed slip-on case. Lastly, but maybe most importantly, this One-Step was cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, one of the best mastering Engineers in the industry. Such a perfect pairing! This DSS version will be limited to a one-time pressing of 3000 numbered copies.
If you search the Internet for articles on the rankings of all the R.E.M. albums, you will find that Murmer is more often than not ranked as the number one favorite title by their fans. This says a bunch, as R.E.M.'s entire catalog and their individual albums are some of the best and most consistent of any group from their era and beyond. The Chronic Town EP is no throw in. Both recordings demonstrate an early phase of R.E.M.'s somewhat unique style, but like all of their releases, the more you listen, the more you become absolutely transfixed.
Michael Stipe's vocals and lyrics are always interesting and provide for an alluring if not unconventional sense of melody and message. Along with Peter Buck on guitar, Mike Mills on bass, and Bill Berry on drums, you get a highly whimsical if not creative montage of songs on both titles. It's hard to categorize, but the results are a wonderful combination of alternative rock, jangle pop, folk, and with a little post-punk and new wave thrown in.
I have both OG's, and they are both fantastic pressings. Virtually all of the R.E.M. OG's on IRS are known for their outstanding sound quality. My copies are a transparent purple which would normally indicates a Quiex II pressing, though I cannot find any specific listings in Discogs. Fairly rare and depending on condition, you will find OG copies of Chronic Town in the $50 to $100 range, and Murmer in the $100 to $200 range. I also have the 1995 Mofi pressing of Murmer, which has a few listings at almost $900. As good as the OG is, the Mofi Murmer was my go to copy for many years. Why all this background information on sound quality and price? Well, the competition is amazing, but the One-Step really shines!
Several things were quite noticeable from the first track. There was a sense of coherency and correctness to the sound that was only slightly revealed on the other pressings—even the amazing benchmark from Mofi. Attack, sustain, and decay seemed to pour out again and again from the all of those One-Step grooves like never before. Michael Stipe was now more clearly defined and three dimensional as his vocals soared over the other band members. Drum kicks and bass lines will not rattle your bones, but there was a proper physicality and control that made the music so much more enjoyable. Electric and acoustic guitar were now unleashed with tremendous depth and separation. The improvements were all very easy to hear and appreciate.
My hope is that DSS will reissue more of the R.E.M. catalog. The OGs and Mofi R.E.M. titles that I have in my collection have provided a fantastic emotional connection for me over the years, and even an excellent investment if you go by the Discogs sales data. But, good luck finding clean copies. To my ears, there is no contest. This DSS One-Step is the definitive pressing for both Chronic Town and Murmer. Highly recommended!
Beck, Morning Phase. The Definitive Sound Series, One-Step (33 RPM)
My Beck Collection is somewhat limited, but I do have my favorites: Odelay (1996), Sea Change (2002), and Morning Phase (2014). I have the OG's for all three and the 2009 Mofi Sea Change reissue too. The Mofi Sea Change is a well known audiophile favorite and there are several listings on Discogs for up to $575. BTW, I like the Mofi, but I prefer the 2006 OG first vinyl pressing which was mastered by Robert Ludwig and cut by Bernie Grundman. Now that is quite the combination! The OG has a more natural top end with considerably more weight and texture in the mids. Sea Change seems to get most of the praise and attention these days, but I am a big fan of Morning Phase, which I consider a true masterpiece.
Much like the above description of the DSS R.E.M. One-Step, the presentation and packaging of the DSS Morning Phase One-Step is outstanding. You have Neotech VR900 D2 180 gram high definition vinyl pressed at RTI, the heavyweight tip-on gatefold jacket, and a beautifully designed and distinctive custom slip-on case. This time around, the lacquers were cut by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering. Levi has been making quite a name for himself with his recent work on reissues by Pearl Jam, Green Day, Prince, Chet Baker and many more. This DSS version will be limited to a one-time pressing of 3000 numbered copies.
I must also point out that this One-Step was sourced from 96kHz/24bit files transferred from analog flat masters. DSS has been very honest and upfront about this, which I feel is very important and should be much appreciated. This is noted on the packaging and also by Tom "Grover" Biery whenever he is interviewed about the project. Tom is one of the key leaders and decision makers over at DSS and has always talked openly about his reissue projects. It does not matter to me whether the source is analog or digital. As we all know, there is an endless list of incredible sounding vinyl pressings that were either sourced by original digital recordings or utilized a digital step when mastered or cut. As I often like to proclaim, the proof is in the pudding.
As always, Beck never ceases to amaze me with his creativity and ability to change from album to album. As an appropriate and very appealing companion to Sea Change for an extended listening session, I find Morning Phase to be less moody, with a feeling of additional light and inner peace. Morning Phase is not exactly a Norman Vincent Peale soliloquy, but for me, it can be a tranquil relief and a wonderful listen at the end of a tough day. The music includes a series of warm harmonies, lush orchestrations and several inviting instrumental landscapes that will really set you at ease. Beck took a big swing with this one, but for some reason, it does not get the attention that it deserves like Odelay and Sea Change. After this One-Step reissue, that may change.
Compared to the OG, I found the One-Step to have a boldness of presentation and sonic beauty that just lifts the music to another level. The blacker noise floor affords a level of transparency and dynamic contrast that one could only wish for on your most favorite titles—audiophile or not! Highs are less glassy and mids have a bloom and purity that make the music so much easier to appreciate. For those of you who are familiar with the music, this pressing can provide a new and exciting emotional connection that may not have reached you before. No matter what the source, DSS has pushed the envelope on this reissue. This is a must have for all Beck fans and might just be a good start for those trying to understand and settle in on the Beck legacy.
Proper Perspective And Caveats
It cannot be overstated that system synergy and personal taste are critical when evaluating high-end audio products and music. These reviews are based on my subjective listening priorities, my specific system configuration, and my specific listening room. This combination is only one data point of many that exist out there for my components and the music that is played. Please consider my comments and analysis appropriately.
Review System
I have included a comprehensive list of all my components and a description of my listening room. Please click on my name in red above if this information is needed for reference and comparison purposes.
