Supremes Funny Girl Banner Ad Now Available

The Second Disc

Expanded and Remastered Music News

  • Home
  • News
    • Classic Rock
    • Rock
    • Pop
    • Jazz
    • Popular Standards/Vocal
    • R&B/Soul
    • Country
    • Folk
    • Cast Recordings
    • Soundtracks
    • Everything Else
      • Classical/Opera
      • Disco/Dance
      • Funk
      • Gospel
      • Rap/Hip-Hop
  • Features
    • Release Round-Up
    • Giveaways!
    • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Classic Rock
    • Rock
    • Pop
    • Jazz
    • Popular Standards/Vocal
    • R&B/Soul
    • Country
    • Folk
    • Cast Recordings
    • Soundtracks
    • Everything Else
      • Classical/Opera
      • Disco/Dance
      • Funk
      • Gospel
      • Rap/Hip-Hop
  • Release Calendar
    • Coming Soon
    • Now Available
  • About
  • Second Disc Records
    • Full Catalog
  • Contact

/ News

Review: Joan Armatrading’s Self-Titled Album Shines on Intervention’s Vinyl Reissue

November 12, 2020 By Sam Stone 2 Comments

Joan Armatrading

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON.COM

Back in 2018, we wrote about an upcoming vinyl reissue of Joan Armatrading’s self-titled album on Intervention Records. (It was actually your author’s very first post on The Second Disc!) Intervention had been making a name for themselves as the new kid on the block of audiophile labels. This imprint has since become known for its attention to detail, commitment to superior audio, and deluxe presentations. We were no doubt thrilled to hear what was to come. Well, after a slight pause, Intervention is back and has pressed up this long-awaited remaster on 180-gram vinyl. (It’s done so well that the label is already on a second pressing!) We were able to give a listen to this beauty and there’s no doubt it was worth the wait!

The 1976 Glyn Johns-produced Joan Armatrading was the British singer-songwriter’s breakout album. Aided by timeless singles “Down To Zero” and “Love and Affection” and an appearance on SNL, it introduced American audiences to Armatrading’s singular talents. Her soulful vocals, shimmering guitar work, and introspective yet universal songwriting are on full display on the celebrated recording. More than forty years later, it remains a landmark in the singer-songwriter genre, a showcase of musical talents and production aesthetics alike.

And so it’s a perfect choice for Intervention Records to re-examine in the label’s meticulous way. For this new pressing, the album was remastered from tape sources in an all-analog chain. The mastering work was undertaken by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. RTI handled the record pressing, using an ultra-quiet formula for the 180-gram pressing. If that weren’t enough, the iconic album artwork has been fully restored and printed on a film-laminated, tip-on sleeve at Stoughton Printing. It’s high-quality through and through — the ultimate presentation of this singular album.

From the first note of the opening cut, “Down To Zero,” it’s clear Intervention has given listeners a real treat. The remastering opens the music up, with deep bass, impactful vocals, shimmering pedal steel, resonant drums, and newfound clarity. The wider soundstage and greater detail make it not only more involving but also more inviting throughout.

On the multipart “Help Yourself,” Armatrading’s arrestingly dynamic vocals seem to float above the impressively layered arrangement with ringing Fender Rhodes and subtle orchestral additions each given their space in the soundstage. After a breezy few verses and choruses, the band builds into a funky midsection locking into a groove. While this part gets muddy on other editions of the album, here the instruments are clear, but not distractingly so. That’s also apparent on the dancefloor-ready “People” from Side 2, which proves the ensemble can rock with the best of them.

“Water With the Wine” is yet another example of what this new remastering job is capable of. The drums that are such a staple of the song hit harder here and the multitracked backing vocals are unveiled. Between the winding electric guitar parts, the powerful bass, and Armatrading’s cooing scat singing, “Water With the Wine” is one of the most beautifully produced tracks on the album. On Intervention’s pressing, it simply shines.

Another highlight is the fan favorite “Love and Affection.” It’s one of those tracks that rewards repeat listens with gorgeous production and performance alike. A study in emotion, the singer’s vocal is alternately yearning and self-assured. Every subtle, breathy note is arresting and immediate. Armatrading’s signature 12-string guitar motif rings out, enveloping the left and right. Meanwhile, the bass sounds more powerful, the emotive saxophone solo midway through more resonant, and those low backing vocals even more surprisingly bassy.

If you want to demonstrate what your music system can do, Intervention’s new remaster of Joan Armatrading shouldn’t be far away. Each track is dynamic, dramatic, and more affecting than ever. The album remains a reference for what’s possible when stellar songwriting, amazing musicianship, and sensible production values collide.

Joan Armatrading has given listeners joy for over 40 years, leading some to wonder why it’s being remastered and if it’s worth getting again in this deluxe form. Well, the answer is simple: this pressing is the one to get – whether you’re looking to replace a worn copy or you’re brand new to the music. Intervention isn’t seeking to reinvent the wheel with this remastered reissue. Rather, their intent is to present great music in the best way possible with the best sources and tools available. As a result, the listener’s effectively hearing as close to the source as possible, with gentle mastering decisions that bring out the best of what’s already on the tapes. All that’s left is for you to sit back and enjoy the results.

On their remaster of Joan Armatrading, Intervention Records invites us to enjoy the album in a new way with superior sound and presentation all the way through. So, skip past the used copies and get this pressing (or the hybrid stereo SACD version, coming soon and playable on all CD players). Your ears will thank you.

Intervention Records’ remaster of Joan Armatrading is available now from Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada and Intervention Records’ online shop!

Categories: News Formats: SACD, Vinyl Genre: Folk, Pop, R&B/Soul Tags: Joan Armatrading

Sam Stone

Sam Stone has been obsessed with catalog music ever since his folks gave him a Contours best-of collection for his fourth birthday. He quickly began to learn all he could about rock and roll history and beyond, a passion that continues to this day. Sam followed his love for music to the classroom, earning a B.A. from Towson University in Electronic Media and Film, concentrating on radio and audio production, as well as an M.A. in Audio Arts from Syracuse University. He has put his knowledge and skills to work at prominent reissue labels and is excited to bring his perspectives on catalog music to a broader audience. When he’s not writing for The Second Disc, Sam can be found researching about music, talking about Joni Mitchell’s career, and adding another box set to his Amazon wish list.

Connect With Sam: Twitter

You Might Also Like

  • Joan ArmatradingUPDATE: I’m Open to Persuasion: Intervention Celebrates Joan Armatrading’s Self-Titled Album With LP Reissue
  • Joan ArmatradingI’m Open to Persuasion: Intervention Celebrates Joan Armatrading’s Self-Titled Album With LP, Hybrid SACD Reissue
  • Dust on the NettlesFairport Convention, Vashti Bunyan, Bill Fay Featured On New Underground Folk Box “Dust on the Nettles”
  • Joan Armatrading WhateversMister Remember Me: Esoteric Reissues Joan Armatrading’s Debut

Comments

  1. Harry Cohen says

    November 16, 2020 at 11:26 am

    I don’t own a turntable, but am excited for this stunning album to be available in any format. Love and Affection still produces goose bumps nearly 50 years after it’s initial release.
    Any chance of a remastered CD ?

    Reply
    • Sam Stone says

      November 16, 2020 at 11:34 am

      Hi Harry, thanks for reading! Fortunately, this excellent remaster is also due on hybrid SACD disc, which can be played on high-end Super Audio CD players as well as standard CD players. You can order direct from the label here: https://www.interventionrecords.com/records/joan-armatrading-cd-sacd-pre-order/

      The CD should be shipping soon. Enjoy!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Upcoming Releases

  • NeilYoung NeilYoungArchivesVol2 RETAILEDITION pl
    Archives, Volume 2: 1973-1976
    Neil Young
    March 05, 2021
  • Zappa BD
    Zappa [DVD and Blu-ray]
    Frank Zappa
    March 05, 2021
  • Rebecca Luker and Sally Wilfert All the Girls
    All the Girls
    Rebecca Luker and Sally Wilfert
    March 05, 2021
See Full Calendar

Connect

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,100 other subscribers

Popular

  • Peter Cetera Love Glory Honor and Heart
    Glory of Love: Cherry Pop Collects Peter Cetera’s Full Moon-Warner Bros. Discography On New Box Set posted on February 23, 2021 | under News
  • Untitled design54
    The Weekend Stream: February 20, 2021 posted on February 20, 2021 | under Features, The Weekend Stream
  • David Bowie Something in the Air live
    Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes: David Bowie’s ‘Brilliant Live Adventures’ Series Continues with ‘Live Paris 99’ posted on February 24, 2021 | under News

Comments

  • small faces here come the nice2
    Return To Itchycoo Park: Small Faces’ “Here Come The Nice” Deluxe Box Set Arrives In January [UPDATED 12/3] 79 comments | by Joe Marchese | posted on December 3, 2013 | under News
  • the beatles u s albums box2
    British Invasion! The Beatles Unveil “The U.S. Albums” Box Set in January 69 comments | by Joe Marchese | posted on December 12, 2013 | under News
  • Rolling Stones in Mono
    Out of Their Heads: Stones Plan Mono Box Set 47 comments | by Mike Duquette | posted on August 10, 2016 | under News

Music Resources

  • Addicted to Vinyl
  • Crap from the Past
  • Discogs
  • Film Score Monthly
  • IMWAN Forum – From the Vaults
  • MusicTAP
  • Musoscribe
  • Pause & Play
  • Popblerd
  • Popdose
  • Record Racks
  • Slicing Up Eyeballs
  • Steve Hoffman Music Forums
  • Ultimate Classic Rock
  • Vintage Vinyl News
  • Viva La Mainstream
  • Wolfgang’s Vault

Labels of Note

  • Ace Records
  • Analog Spark
  • Bear Family
  • BGO Records
  • Big Break Records
  • Blixa Sounds
  • Cherry Red Label Group
  • Demon Music Group
  • Friday Music
  • Funky Town Grooves
  • Iconoclassic Records
  • Intervention Records
  • Intrada
  • Kritzerland
  • La La Land Records
  • Legacy Recordings
  • Masterworks Broadway
  • Now Sounds
  • Omnivore Recordings
  • Raven Records
  • Real Gone Music
  • Resonance Records
  • Rhino Entertainment
  • Rock Candy Records
  • Sunset Blvd. Records
  • Supermegabot
  • Varese Sarabande
  • Wounded Bird
Copyright © 2021 The Second Disc. All rights reserved. · Site by Metaglyphics

The Second Disc is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy