PRE-ORDER FROM ACOUSTIC SOUNDS
In the world of audiophile music, Analogue Productions is known for top-drawer reissues on both SACD and high-quality vinyl. In recent years, they have developed a new formula for their special pressings and pressed classic titles under the banner UHQR, or Ultra High Quality Record.
Analogue recently announced the latest in its UHQR series: Jethro Tull's Aqualung, due October 16. The 1971 album is one of the progressive rock group's most beloved albums and also their best-selling. With FM radio staples such as "Locomotive Breath," "Aqualung," "Cross-Eyed Mary," and the charting single "Hymn 43" playing their role in the ambitious yet accessible concept album crafted by vocalist-guitarist-flautist Ian Anderson, it's no surprise it's gone on to sell over 7 million copies and been reissued numerous times.
For this deluxe release, the music has been newly remastered from the original analog master tapes by Chris Bellman. It was pressed by hand onto 200-gram vinyl at QRP using Analogue Productions' proprietary Clarity Vinyl formula. Each 45rpm disc is inspected by hand and packaged in a textured gatefold sleeve. That's housed in a deluxe slipcase box with a booklet and hand-signed certificate. This edition is limited to just 5,000 copies, each individually numbered in gold foil.
In all, Analogue Productions' upcoming reissue is positioned to be the best vinyl pressing of this landmark in progressive rock. If you love this album, you'll want to consider this release due on October 16. You can order your copy from Acoustic Sounds or select music retailers.
And to whet your appetite, here's a look at how the new reissue was created.
Jethro Tull, Aqualung [45rpm 200g vinyl] (originally released as Chrysalis/Island LP ILPS-9145, 1971 -- reissued Analogue Productions, 2020) (Acoustic Sounds)
Side 1:
- Aqualung
- Cross-eyed Mary
- Cheap Day Return
Side 2:
- Mother Goose
- Wond'ring Aloud
- Up To Me
Side 3:
- My God
- Hymn 43
- Slipstream
Side 4:
- Locomotive Breath
- Wind-up
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Mmm, this special editions started selling for $100; now they are $125 plus tax and shipping. I'll pass.
One of my fave bands & and all time classic album. One of the finest editions was the 40th anniversary edition.
In which we get 5discs! A heavy weight vinyl reproduction. The original new stereo mix of the album on cd.
Also an extra cd of additional recordings. A dvd with surround sound of the original album & 4 extra tracks.
Finally a bluray edition in 5.1 a quad mix & a flat transfer of the 1971 mix with 4 extra recordings! Cannot get any better.
No way this sounds $100 better than my Mobile Fidelity version from a few years back that can still be had for more than half the price. This price is more for the packaging and is a ridiculous amount to pay.
Just wondering .. but whilst this 45 rpm mastering may sound great for vinyl ...doesn't it somewhat spoil the flow of the music .. "Aqualung" it was originally made for around 20 min continual listening -so cutting that down to around 10 mins per side doesn't that spoil your listening pleasure?
Any LP reissued as 45 spoils the listening pleasure, no matter it's cut (pun intended)
This is actually not "newly remastered". This is being pressed from the same stampers as the Classic Records 45RPM box set, mastered in 2009.
Ha. I just saw your post after I had posted my comment😜
I have the mofi copy and this new pressing. I'll give them both a spin this weekend. Just to make things interesting I'll even compare it to my DCC cd edition.
Well...i've been listening to this album since it was released. I have many versions - this release is on super quiet vinyl. The audio range, the depth, the voices, the wailing guitars, the flutes, are all super present. It sounds like a veil was removed from front of the speakers.
I hear things that I haven't heard before. Analogue Productions have done a killer job. If you have simply want the best possible recording of this classic, then this is for you. If you are happy with a great recording, then the MOFI version will be great too. In my opinion, this 45rpm pressing is the best.
Fact
When analog productions bought classic records, they also bought their inventory of plates for pressing of their previous re- issues. They actually reused the aqua long plates for this release so it was not technically remastered again specifically for this UHQR. it is the Chris B. Remaster however