Great to know you loved it too (and everyone else apparently!) I have not watched any other reviews yet, but I'm not surprised in the least that it's considered a winner!
Hi Scott - by coincidence I played my Aus 1st Pressing last night not knowing your review was being done. I was inspired by another review of this Atlantic release i watched during the week. Love the album and will settle in this instance for my original for the time being. The song “Bad Company” really digs deep into the core of my music sensibilities 👍
That's great! I truly think if one has a clean original you are 90% there. This release gives you a bit extra and the quiet vinyl helps make the softer songs stand out a bit better. Good to know the Aus sounds good!
Lots of great memories with the LP for me too Scott. I think your findings are spot on from what I determined in my shootout. It seemed to me the biggest benefits with the AP were the slower less intense songs where things rally opened up in the soundstage. Thanks!
Hi Raphael, I'll see what I can do. My history this far with the Rhino series has been hit or miss. I wasn't planning to get another, honestly. If one of my friends is getting it, I'll be happy to do it. My new analog front end could change my mind about the Rhinos, but so far I've found them to be eq'd in a way that is overly bright and unnatural. I'll definitely see if I can get my hands on one and shoot it out.
@@ThePressingMatters appreciate it, yep I share some similar thoughts too on the rhino hi-fi, and actually why I was curious about your opinion, but I understand if not possible! Thanks!
I remember buying Bad Company's debut new back in the mid '80's. Listened to it for a while and then sold it. It was an average pressing. I never looked back. Somebody gave me Bad Company's Straight Shooter album new for my birthday around the same time. It is one of the few times that I remember the sound of an album when I first played it. The Straight Shooter pressing is hot and punchy. 😻 My friends were very impressed as well. I still have that album all these years later. 👍💖🎸😎
I came across my copy of Straight Shooter in my search for this one, but I didn't listen to it yet. The original US pressing of the debut that I had was pretty average. It was a big seller so maybe there are better copies out there. Seems a U.K., or the new one is the best it will sound. I imagine more time was spent on Straight Shooter which is why it sounds better.
Perhaps a really good pressing of the debut may change my mind about the album. Though BC is a great band and Paul Rodgers is definitely one of the best singers in rock, I never really wanted the debut again. Thanks for your review, and I haven't thought about that debut album for a very long time. It makes me want to get Straight Shooter out and play it on my even better sound system that I have now. 🎸🎸🎸 By the way, I enjoyed the livestream you did with Anthony. I nearly fell down when I saw the records that guy found in the 2nd hand shop. 😻@@ThePressingMatters
@audiophileman7047 I'd say if you didn't really connect with the material then, even if it was due to a poor pressing, then this new 45 will probably hit you in a similar way. Not that it's not better because I think it is, but it's not a revelation. Just minor tweaks and a quiet surface to make it sound as good as it can. For many that will be enough and even welcome. The basic character is pretty much the same. Thank you for your comments! I love discussing this stuff with you.
@@audiophileman7047 Yes, regarding that thrift store find shown that night, I was so happy for him. Reminded me of when o found mine! Thanks for watching the livestream. I love it!
Another one of this series that I have and will be getting the other 4 albums , the genesis is my next 2 in April . There has been some negative about the bad company 45 but I think it sounds very good 😁😁. Keep up the good work Scott
I haven't had time to explore much commentary about it - I guess there is always a few negative voices out there. I'd be curious about what was a negative about it. If it was about physical aspects, I could see a few issues slipping through. But the mastering? I think it's perfectly within the bounds. Maybe it's not different enough or exciting enough for some people. I see its similarity as an advantage, Just some judiciously applied tweaks to bring out the best in it. I'd rather subtlety over strange eq that brings out details but also brightness and changes the character of the record. Glad you are enjoying it too. Thanks Tony!
@@ThePressingMatters the one I saw said it was not as good as his original pressing . I think it's an amazing clean pressing and very well mastered . Chad is doing some great work on these releases and may it continue. Just curious where the uhqr series will head this year as they have gone very quiet about those 😁. Keep up the great work 💯
Paul Rodgers is the best male 70’s rock singer (Ann Wilson the best female vocalist) imo. Free is also my favorite 70’s rock group. And this S/T Bad Company carries that on with a more accessible radio hit album. It is like the Free album that they deserved to make them a huge group. So this album is an important one in my collection. Its just a perfect down to earth nothing deep but great open sounding rock album. Well recorded. I have the og US, UK, Audio Fidelity gold cd and now the 2lp 45rpm of “Bad Company” One of my top 10 rock albums. Just a staple of my growing up. To my surprise but not so much… The AF gold cd is the one for me still. Hoffman got it right on this album. If you run across one and have a decent digital front end I would definitely pick one up. Crank it. Might surprise you Scott. Great review and thanks for the video 👍🏻
Hi John, Great comment! I feel exactly the same about this album and Paul Rodgers. Free was great too but this sort of hit the right balance. It's a great album. Now I'm not at all surprised about the AF version. I love Steve's work, and I bet the gold CD sounds great.
Hi Scott. I bought this one and it does sound fantastic. I did not have the original and only had the recent Bad Company greatest hits that came out last year and Desolation Angels in my collection. Of all their albums, this was the one that I wanted from them when I saw the Atlantic 75 Series. I'm not sure if you got Alice Cooper's Welcome To My Nightmare from AS but that is a pure winner and I highly recommend it! Cheers
Hi Dean, Glad you are enjoying it too. Of all the Bad Company albums, this was the one I was most interested in. I like the follow up Straight Shooter, but back when these came out I drifted off after those two. It will be interesting to see how reaction is as we see the other albums. I've heard only great things about the Alice Cooper album so far. Not a title I ever owned, but I'll give it a listen and let you know what I think. Thanks!
Here's the problem with the original pressings is that they aren't as good as the 2nd pressing run cut by George Piros and pressed at Specialty. The original pressings were cut by Doug Sax at the Mastering Lab. I generally like Sax's work, but Piros knocked it out of the park. I'm not going to say that Ryan Smith isn't a great mastering engineer, he is, but that Acoustic Sounds record set costs $60. When you can get a NM Piros cut for 1/2 the price and you only flip the record once, this is a no brainer, just get the Piros cut instead. I'm guessing the metal works were still in California so they just gave the tapes to Sterling Sound so that Specialty could get a fresh lacquer to plate. I'll state that the Piros cut solves all the problems that are mentioned in this video with the Sax cut. I don't have the best copy, in fact I'd grade it VG at best. But it's honestly one of the best sounding records I own. In contrast, I also own the Kevin Gray cut from a few years ago and the Piros slaughters it. It's depth in the soundstage is amazing. All of the music just comes out of the speakers in all directions. Back toward the wall, out towards you and well past the speakers. The Gray cut isn't bad, but it's bland in comparison.
Thank you so much for your comment! Your experience with this particular Piros cut is very interesting and informative. I will doublecheck the dead wax on mine but from what you describe, it is not the later Piros cut. Valuable info for everyone, and answers some of the questions surrounding this recording.
Agree on Paul Rodgers - great, great rock vocalist. Also agree the 45 rpm is really good. Haven't compared against an original yet (only have a reissue), but (per usual) this review is thoughtful, concise, and helpful in giving insight into this title. Cheers Scott 🍻
Hi Chance! And he's still singing and looks and sounds wonderful. The man is aging like fine wine. Hasn't lost a bit vocally, just shifted to material that fits his voice like a glove. Thanks for the encouragement, my friend!
Hi Scott, just seeing this video now lol. I have the two Phil Collins ones ( one was a gift one I bought myself) and they sound great. So I have no doubt this sounds just as good. But I just have the 75th clear vinyl version which is around $25 or so. And I think that sounds good also. Have to stick to my budget lol
Hi Micheal. This is a well produced dependable series. Every title I've tried has been wonderful. But realistically I can't buy it all. Sometimes an excellent, lower priced version is just as satisfying. I haven't heard the clear vinyl but it may be all you need. Seriously I have to address my record buying and storage problems!
@@ThePressingMatters me too ! I have one more empty cube which means maybe another 55 or so albums I have room for and it’s just getting to expensive also. Need to seek out more good used copies
@michaelrogers8126 Yes I am now keeping stuff in my garage because my listenening try ion is full. I think 2000 in room is more than enough records. When something goes out there it's not as likely to be played. So I'm combing through the garage, getting rid of junk and thrift store stuff first, and will move on to doubles and stuff like that. Might do a new video in the subject!
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before about the 75th anniversary editions but have you noticed that the jackets are smaller than other 12 inch records? They aren’t as wide and when I put them in my vinyl storage solutions sleeves there is extra plastic sticking out from the outer edge, which I find annoying. This has been true for all of the 75th anniversary records I’ve bought so far.
Yes, I've noticed this here and there on some gatefolds and if you're doing dual pocket it is very annoying to end up with a lot on the right of the sleeve. I haven't found a workaround besides intricate cutting. I wish VSS could create something to help us out there.
@@ThePressingMatters I'm sure AP have made the definitive version as per usual. I just wonder if they've ever made e a reissue that falls short. Also please don't "change your orientation"! ;-) lol!
@@steveshreeve8952 Yes the US I heard was not pressed on the greatest vinyl. I think a IK would be superior all things considered. If you do compare a UK to the Atlantic, I'd love to know the result.
@@ThePressingMatters I will gladly offer a view but I will be relying on finding a copy among my friends as I have always been content with my UK which is clean, so won’t be ordering one for myself. This looks and sounds from your review, like a very solid release for people who would like a good clean copy and don’t want the hassle of trying to find a UK in good condition..
Umm no, unless they want to send me one! I'm not a fan of tbe Rhino Hi Fi style of mastering. I've been burned too many times. Of course I'm curious so if one of my associates gets it, I'll take a listen.
@brianbillings6815 I'm just a bit hesitant and fortunately I can pass on these two. I wouldn't mind Relayer since I don't have a copy but I listened to it last night streaming and I was not in love with it. The jacket with Roger Dean's artwork in high gloss is very tempting though!
@@ThePressingMatters On a related matter, I've contemplated buying Joni Mitchell's "Blue." There's a Kevin Gray cut floating around but I'm hesitant given the RHINO remasters. Any thoughts or a video?
@brianbillings6815 I have the old Rhino with Steve Hoffman and Kevin, which is great but Bernie's from the box set 2 years back is wonderful and available separately. I haven't heard Kevin's Cohearant cut. You can't go wrong with Bernie. He mastered the original! The recent one is AAA too.
I think the biggest difference with this particular album is the price between an og and this new Analog pressing. You can still find og’s for $5 to $10 in reasonable shape compared to $60 plus taxes. For dad rock $5 or $10 is better.
I pretty much agree, though I'm doubtful I'd find a truly quiet US pressing. For something that sounds so similar, I'd have rather had a 33rpm. I think there is one out now in the Atlantic 33 series but I don't know its provenance. Might be worth checking out.
You look holy with those bands of light - keep them! Love your description of both.
Once I accepted them I rather liked the visual!
So glad I bought this record. Sounds great and everyone that has reviewed this release loves it. Thanks Scott
Great to know you loved it too (and everyone else apparently!)
I have not watched any other reviews yet, but I'm not surprised in the least that it's considered a winner!
Thanks! Great thumbnail 👌
Thanks! My associate created that! I love it too!
Thanks for the donation!
Another winner! Thanks for confirming I *NEED* this pressing in my life! LOL
It's fantastic. Great upgrade!
Hi Scott - by coincidence I played my Aus 1st Pressing last night not knowing your review was being done. I was inspired by another review of this Atlantic release i watched during the week. Love the album and will settle in this instance for my original for the time being. The song “Bad Company” really digs deep into the core of my music sensibilities 👍
That's great! I truly think if one has a clean original you are 90% there. This release gives you a bit extra and the quiet vinyl helps make the softer songs stand out a bit better. Good to know the Aus sounds good!
Lots of great memories with the LP for me too Scott. I think your findings are spot on from what I determined in my shootout. It seemed to me the biggest benefits with the AP were the slower less intense songs where things rally opened up in the soundstage. Thanks!
I agree David, the sound opening up on the mellow cuts really gave me a new appreciation for them. I've got to go back and review your video..
any chance you can compare it to the rhino hi-fi?
Hi Raphael,
I'll see what I can do. My history this far with the Rhino series has been hit or miss. I wasn't planning to get another, honestly. If one of my friends is getting it, I'll be happy to do it. My new analog front end could change my mind about the Rhinos, but so far I've found them to be eq'd in a way that is overly bright and unnatural. I'll definitely see if I can get my hands on one and shoot it out.
@@ThePressingMatters appreciate it, yep I share some similar thoughts too on the rhino hi-fi, and actually why I was curious about your opinion, but I understand if not possible! Thanks!
I remember buying Bad Company's debut new back in the mid '80's. Listened to it for a while and then sold it. It was an average pressing. I never looked back. Somebody gave me Bad Company's Straight Shooter album new for my birthday around the same time. It is one of the few times that I remember the sound of an album when I first played it. The Straight Shooter pressing is hot and punchy. 😻 My friends were very impressed as well. I still have that album all these years later. 👍💖🎸😎
I came across my copy of Straight Shooter in my search for this one, but I didn't listen to it yet. The original US pressing of the debut that I had was pretty average. It was a big seller so maybe there are better copies out there. Seems a U.K., or the new one is the best it will sound. I imagine more time was spent on Straight Shooter which is why it sounds better.
Perhaps a really good pressing of the debut may change my mind about the album. Though BC is a great band and Paul Rodgers is definitely one of the best singers in rock, I never really wanted the debut again. Thanks for your review, and I haven't thought about that debut album for a very long time. It makes me want to get Straight Shooter out and play it on my even better sound system that I have now. 🎸🎸🎸 By the way, I enjoyed the livestream you did with Anthony. I nearly fell down when I saw the records that guy found in the 2nd hand shop. 😻@@ThePressingMatters
@audiophileman7047
I'd say if you didn't really connect with the material then, even if it was due to a poor pressing, then this new 45 will probably hit you in a similar way. Not that it's not better because I think it is, but it's not a revelation. Just minor tweaks and a quiet surface to make it sound as good as it can. For many that will be enough and even welcome. The basic character is pretty much the same.
Thank you for your comments! I love discussing this stuff with you.
I enjoy speaking with you as well. Hope your version of Straight Shooter is as good as mine. 👍👍👍 @@ThePressingMatters
@@audiophileman7047 Yes, regarding that thrift store find shown that night, I was so happy for him. Reminded me of when o found mine! Thanks for watching the livestream. I love it!
Another one of this series that I have and will be getting the other 4 albums , the genesis is my next 2 in April . There has been some negative about the bad company 45 but I think it sounds very good 😁😁. Keep up the good work Scott
I haven't had time to explore much commentary about it - I guess there is always a few negative voices out there. I'd be curious about what was a negative about it. If it was about physical aspects, I could see a few issues slipping through. But the mastering? I think it's perfectly within the bounds. Maybe it's not different enough or exciting enough for some people. I see its similarity as an advantage, Just some judiciously applied tweaks to bring out the best in it. I'd rather subtlety over strange eq that brings out details but also brightness and changes the character of the record. Glad you are enjoying it too. Thanks Tony!
@@ThePressingMatters the one I saw said it was not as good as his original pressing . I think it's an amazing clean pressing and very well mastered .
Chad is doing some great work on these releases and may it continue.
Just curious where the uhqr series will head this year as they have gone very quiet about those 😁.
Keep up the great work 💯
@@tonynewman1694 That's interesting. I imagine there's a lot of variation in the original pressings and i may just have a poor example.
Paul Rodgers is the best male 70’s rock singer (Ann Wilson the best female vocalist) imo.
Free is also my favorite 70’s rock group. And this S/T Bad Company carries that on with a more accessible radio hit album. It is like the Free album that they deserved to make them a huge group. So this album is an important one in my collection. Its just a perfect down to earth nothing deep but great open sounding rock album. Well recorded.
I have the og US, UK, Audio Fidelity gold cd and now the 2lp 45rpm of “Bad Company” One of my top 10 rock albums. Just a staple of my growing up.
To my surprise but not so much…
The AF gold cd is the one for me still.
Hoffman got it right on this album. If you run across one and have a decent digital front end I would definitely pick one up. Crank it. Might surprise you Scott.
Great review and thanks for the video 👍🏻
Hi John,
Great comment! I feel exactly the same about this album and Paul Rodgers. Free was great too but this sort of hit the right balance. It's a great album. Now I'm not at all surprised about the AF version. I love Steve's work, and I bet the gold CD sounds great.
Hi Scott. I bought this one and it does sound fantastic. I did not have the original and only had the recent Bad Company greatest hits that came out last year and Desolation Angels in my collection. Of all their albums, this was the one that I wanted from them when I saw the Atlantic 75 Series. I'm not sure if you got Alice Cooper's Welcome To My Nightmare from AS but that is a pure winner and I highly recommend it! Cheers
Hi Dean,
Glad you are enjoying it too. Of all the Bad Company albums, this was the one I was most interested in. I like the follow up Straight Shooter, but back when these came out I drifted off after those two. It will be interesting to see how reaction is as we see the other albums.
I've heard only great things about the Alice Cooper album so far. Not a title I ever owned, but I'll give it a listen and let you know what I think. Thanks!
Here's the problem with the original pressings is that they aren't as good as the 2nd pressing run cut by George Piros and pressed at Specialty. The original pressings were cut by Doug Sax at the Mastering Lab. I generally like Sax's work, but Piros knocked it out of the park. I'm not going to say that Ryan Smith isn't a great mastering engineer, he is, but that Acoustic Sounds record set costs $60. When you can get a NM Piros cut for 1/2 the price and you only flip the record once, this is a no brainer, just get the Piros cut instead. I'm guessing the metal works were still in California so they just gave the tapes to Sterling Sound so that Specialty could get a fresh lacquer to plate. I'll state that the Piros cut solves all the problems that are mentioned in this video with the Sax cut. I don't have the best copy, in fact I'd grade it VG at best. But it's honestly one of the best sounding records I own. In contrast, I also own the Kevin Gray cut from a few years ago and the Piros slaughters it. It's depth in the soundstage is amazing. All of the music just comes out of the speakers in all directions. Back toward the wall, out towards you and well past the speakers. The Gray cut isn't bad, but it's bland in comparison.
Thank you so much for your comment! Your experience with this particular Piros cut is very interesting and informative. I will doublecheck the dead wax on mine but from what you describe, it is not the later Piros cut. Valuable info for everyone, and answers some of the questions surrounding this recording.
Agree on Paul Rodgers - great, great rock vocalist. Also agree the 45 rpm is really good. Haven't compared against an original yet (only have a reissue), but (per usual) this review is thoughtful, concise, and helpful in giving insight into this title. Cheers Scott 🍻
Hi Chance! And he's still singing and looks and sounds wonderful. The man is aging like fine wine. Hasn't lost a bit vocally, just shifted to material that fits his voice like a glove. Thanks for the encouragement, my friend!
@@ThePressingMatters aging gracefully (voice), he definitely is. Well said!
@ConcertBuddie I should have said aged like scotch whiskey!
Hi Scott, just seeing this video now lol. I have the two Phil Collins ones ( one was a gift one I bought myself) and they sound great. So I have no doubt this sounds just as good. But I just have the 75th clear vinyl version which is around $25 or so. And I think that sounds good also. Have to stick to my budget lol
Hi Micheal. This is a well produced dependable series. Every title I've tried has been wonderful. But realistically I can't buy it all. Sometimes an excellent, lower priced version is just as satisfying. I haven't heard the clear vinyl but it may be all you need.
Seriously I have to address my record buying and storage problems!
@@ThePressingMatters me too ! I have one more empty cube which means maybe another 55 or so albums I have room for and it’s just getting to expensive also. Need to seek out more good used copies
@michaelrogers8126 Yes I am now keeping stuff in my garage because my listenening try ion is full. I think 2000 in room is more than enough records. When something goes out there it's not as likely to be played. So I'm combing through the garage, getting rid of junk and thrift store stuff first, and will move on to doubles and stuff like that. Might do a new video in the subject!
@@ThePressingMatters that would definitely be something I would watch
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before about the 75th anniversary editions but have you noticed that the jackets are smaller than other 12 inch records? They aren’t as wide and when I put them in my vinyl storage solutions sleeves there is extra plastic sticking out from the outer edge, which I find annoying. This has been true for all of the 75th anniversary records I’ve bought so far.
Yes, I've noticed this here and there on some gatefolds and if you're doing dual pocket it is very annoying to end up with a lot on the right of the sleeve. I haven't found a workaround besides intricate cutting. I wish VSS could create something to help us out there.
@@ThePressingMatters agreed!
I would be super interested in a video about the first pressings that beat the AP reissues. That would be super controversial
Yes perhaps a U.K. or German in this case might be more competitive.
@@ThePressingMatters I'm sure AP have made the definitive version as per usual. I just wonder if they've ever made e a reissue that falls short.
Also please don't "change your orientation"! ;-) lol!
I know lol, after I said that I was like "this might be taken the wrong way"!
@@ThePressingMatters Cleaning your camera lens may help with the blurry white lines
@AndrewBell I did try that too. It's just the way the light hits the blinds this time of year.
Anyone compare to UK OG?
I'd love to know too. Probably an even closer match.
Not yet but I have compared UK v US OG in the past and preferred the UK so it’s definitely one to watch for.
@@steveshreeve8952 Yes the US I heard was not pressed on the greatest vinyl. I think a IK would be superior all things considered. If you do compare a UK to the Atlantic, I'd love to know the result.
@@ThePressingMatters I will gladly offer a view but I will be relying on finding a copy among my friends as I have always been content with my UK which is clean, so won’t be ordering one for myself. This looks and sounds from your review, like a very solid release for people who would like a good clean copy and don’t want the hassle of trying to find a UK in good condition..
@steveshreeve8952 I think that's exactly it.
Excellent! I am gonna have to get that now. What phono pre and cart did you settle on? I know you were trying carts
I settled on a Hana ML and a Modwright PH9 phono stage.
@@ThePressingMatters thank you! I remember you saying you had surface noise problems
Yes I did with the SL. Much quieter surfaces with the ML
Now you're going to have to compare this to the new Kevin Gray cut on RHINO!😁
Umm no, unless they want to send me one! I'm not a fan of tbe Rhino Hi Fi style of mastering. I've been burned too many times. Of course I'm curious so if one of my associates gets it, I'll take a listen.
@@ThePressingMatters i agree, the RHINO pressings seem too bright to me and you've previously confirmed my suspicions.
@brianbillings6815 I'm just a bit hesitant and fortunately I can pass on these two. I wouldn't mind Relayer since I don't have a copy but I listened to it last night streaming and I was not in love with it. The jacket with Roger Dean's artwork in high gloss is very tempting though!
@@ThePressingMatters On a related matter, I've contemplated buying Joni Mitchell's "Blue." There's a Kevin Gray cut floating around but I'm hesitant given the RHINO remasters. Any thoughts or a video?
@brianbillings6815 I have the old Rhino with Steve Hoffman and Kevin, which is great but Bernie's from the box set 2 years back is wonderful and available separately. I haven't heard Kevin's Cohearant cut. You can't go wrong with Bernie. He mastered the original! The recent one is AAA too.
I think the biggest difference with this particular album is the price between an og and this new Analog pressing. You can still find og’s for $5 to $10 in reasonable shape compared to $60 plus taxes. For dad rock $5 or $10 is better.
I pretty much agree, though I'm doubtful I'd find a truly quiet US pressing. For something that sounds so similar, I'd have rather had a 33rpm. I think there is one out now in the Atlantic 33 series but I don't know its provenance. Might be worth checking out.
Just turn your blinds up the other way .. duhhh 👍
Yeah I tried that. It was a smeared lens!