$150 Steely Dan audiophile records? So much for bringing down the BS Vinyl Community

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  • Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
  • Well, I warned you. High BS equals high mark-up. The digital-hating audiophiles that were fooled by Mobile Fidelity for over a decade now get more respect than ever. So the Vinyl Community did not bring down the BS and now we have $150 Steely Dan records coming soon. Sigh (This video is not about ALL audiophiles, just the ones that claimed they could sniff out digital sources and belittled others as not being TRUE collectors, etc.)

КОМЕНТАРІ • 868

  • @67Pepper
    @67Pepper Рік тому +19

    Dude, you just held up a MOFI Aja that you overpaid for. Hilarious.
    Can't wait for your "Women pay HOW MUCH for these purses"!

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +56

      Dude, that was in a box that I bought back in the 90's for $10 (about 15 records). Swings and misses are hilarious.

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +47

      So then you go back and edit your comment to add something about purses? Strike 2.

    • @67Pepper
      @67Pepper Рік тому +1

      @@RobertFithen Sure it was, hypocrite much?

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +38

      You're just not very good at this. According to you I paid premium price for an upgrade album that I don't even like. Doesn't make a lot of sense, but random trolls rarely do. Strike 3.

    • @67Pepper
      @67Pepper Рік тому +5

      @@RobertFithen HA, Ha, you just called me a troll for calling you out on hypocrisy. Now you say that you bought an album you don't even like. I'm not sure whether to laugh at you or just feel sorry for you. Take care of yourself. I actually thought you were funny for about a minute. Keep up the silly banter.

  • @rayc4244
    @rayc4244 Рік тому +17

    Amen, brother. I stopped buying new records when they reached 35$. Enough is enough.

  • @marcbenjamin9436
    @marcbenjamin9436 Рік тому +14

    I paid $4 for the Aja vinyl 45 years ago. I still have it. And, I play it and it sounds fine.

    • @Glorygood56
      @Glorygood56 Рік тому +4

      I have three Aja pressings. The one that sounds best was 1 dollar at Goodwill and the vinyl is flawless.

  • @toneslotohnz4540
    @toneslotohnz4540 Рік тому +62

    Dude, you're killing me! And I say this as a hardcore Steely Dan fan: nobody who buys those $150 Steely Dan albums will be buying those albums for the first time. So you figure $150 for the Acoustic Sounds pressings is nothing since they've probably already bought the albums on regular vinyl, Japanese vinyl, MoFi vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks, quadraphonic vinyl, Japanese SACDs, the DTS cd's, and DVD-A ... just to possibly hear a single sound they've never heard on the albums before. Even if that sound is Fagen's little fart before the second verse of Fire In The Hole (it's there, I swear... that's where they got the song's title. But you can only hear it on the Japanese SACD, with certified audiophile-quality headphones and a super high-end system... totally worth it though...).
    Thanks for the laugh...

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +13

      Still trying to catch that high of hearing their favorite album for the first time when they were teenagers. Buying issue after issue after issue.

    • @machavez00
      @machavez00 Рік тому +9

      @@RobertFithen I had Aja on 8 track. I listened to it on an Audiovox under dash player in my sister’s VW bug. I had a pair of bookshelf speakers laying face up behind the rear seat, sounded pretty darn good. Cachunked between tracks.

    • @heifetz14
      @heifetz14 Рік тому

      Fagen farts in a highly musical way. Ed Sheeran farts are lacking in musical quality.

    • @mondoenterprises6710
      @mondoenterprises6710 Рік тому

      Totally worth it! LOL.

  • @jeffbrown2982
    @jeffbrown2982 Рік тому +78

    Is some law of physics violated when you play a $150.00 record on a $100.00 turntable?

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +3

      In a house full of noise.

    • @jeffbrown2982
      @jeffbrown2982 Рік тому +1

      @@Matasky2010 As long as the hideously expensive L.P. survives...

    • @saford13
      @saford13 Рік тому +3

      Yes, it’s called the law of Inverse Idiocracy 😅 Thank you … good night!

    • @keithmichael112
      @keithmichael112 Рік тому +1

      it's like combining matter and antimatter, just be careful

    • @varsityathlete9927
      @varsityathlete9927 Рік тому +1

      this is happening a lot.
      many clients come into vinyl, get a cheapo player as a gift. end up spending 100s on records.

  • @olegariomartinez6807
    @olegariomartinez6807 Рік тому +16

    This is why I buy mostly vintage vinyl and if new and priced sky-high, I buy the cd instead.

    • @alanrogs3990
      @alanrogs3990 Рік тому +5

      Exactly. For example, Steely Dan 70's pressing are still out there and cheap.

  • @Jake-2011-
    @Jake-2011- Рік тому +38

    This is the only channel tell us what most of us feel about the the ridiculous price. Earn my subscription.

    • @vintageaudioemporium
      @vintageaudioemporium Рік тому +2

      I know so many salesmen on YT. This video is refreshing

    • @Pauldjreadman
      @Pauldjreadman Рік тому +1

      America is NOT the only country, ooooooh no :)

  • @6inchpianist
    @6inchpianist Рік тому +24

    $150 Steely Dan albums make me wanna buy more CD’s. Great video, Robert 👌

  • @mikepahlow5009
    @mikepahlow5009 Рік тому +11

    “The Royal Scam”…😂😂😂😂

  • @vinylrichie007
    @vinylrichie007 Рік тому +11

    For a new record, over $40 is my jumping off point.

    • @Chasing_records
      @Chasing_records Рік тому +2

      I agree man. If it’s multi disk maybe $48 but I still feel a bit foolish seeing how the cds usually sound just as good for $5 off of eBay 😂

  • @JonPickles
    @JonPickles Рік тому +8

    I have to say the original Steely Dan sound great no need for these. IMHO of course. Great video again Robert

  • @timemer3068
    @timemer3068 Рік тому +5

    One of the most entertaining rants I've seen!! 👍👍

  • @xcratchy
    @xcratchy Рік тому +18

    Tell ‘em, champ!! Also, I hate the term “Audiophile”. Makes it sound like a person molests stereo equipment. I prefer “Audio Aficionado” …and whatever pressings & equipment was good enough for record buyers of the 60s-80s is good enough for me. I don’t care if I can’t hear the second flute in a song that rocks despite this fact.

    • @Bootradr
      @Bootradr Рік тому

      You crack me up with the audiophile comment haha! Isn't that like a pedophile that collects bicycle pedals? I probably shouldn't be joking about something that serious but thanks for the laugh! I've always thought it was kind of a snooty sound in word myself. "Do you have any Gray Poupon for the audiophile gentleman with the $5,000 pair of headphones listening to his classical music" :-) Hopefully that Gray Poupon commercial made it around the world in the 1980s?!?

    • @jeffl915
      @jeffl915 Рік тому

      Well, the difference is more than a flute, I can tell you that. I think cartridges, and needles have come a long way, and so have speakers.

  • @contemporaryhomeaudio
    @contemporaryhomeaudio Рік тому +17

    The fear of missing out is very high in the VC. Great video, you called it like it is.

    • @mickschnabel
      @mickschnabel Рік тому +2

      yep, FOMO aplenty for sure!

    • @Glorygood56
      @Glorygood56 Рік тому

      FOMO… you nailed it. And the store owners and pressing companies milk that for all it’s worth.

  • @12stringblues
    @12stringblues Рік тому +7

    I put a $50 limit on myself for any single LP but usually will try not to spend over $30 unless its a really special album to me. I started spending $60 for the (2 disk 45rpm) version of some of my favorite albums but then I stopped thinking that was a crazy price for just one album. If you have a top 10 list or a favorite band I say splurge on the best copy but if you are going to keep collecting you have to have a budget that is reasonable (following the law of diminishing returns). Thanks for the video!

  • @davidlg0478
    @davidlg0478 Рік тому +5

    I am European and the BS here is bad also particularly with the additional postage and customs charges to buy any AP product. It amuses me that in particular Michael Ludwig and Michael Esposito, who both own hifi systems that equate to the price of a small house, were caught with their trousers down as they could not tell the difference between digital and analogue. Neither of them owned up or acknowledged that to their subscribers. If anything they have become more smug in their video presentations. In particular Michael Ludwig is now in a place where Chad Kassem uses him to publicise his new products knowing that ML will be gushing about them. I might pay a premium for one of my favourite albums but the thought of six Steely Dan albums on UHQR does not excite me at all. Love your channel. Really good honest video.

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому

      Sounds like you're one of the people who truly get the point of my video. Thanks!!

    • @TheHSIHP
      @TheHSIHP Рік тому

      The In Groove guy is insufferable. If you really want a laugh, check out how much people are paying for records in his Whatnot auctions.

  • @marymullings3823
    @marymullings3823 Рік тому +6

    ok, just found your channel. Absolutely love you! My husband would pay $40 and I would pay 30. Keep your stories coming, they are fantastic. Keep safe

  • @bipbopboom
    @bipbopboom Рік тому +11

    The KISS record on your wall only gives you more credibility in my book. And I’m not joking. Another honest and entertaining video, Robert!! Cheers!!!

    • @jeffl915
      @jeffl915 Рік тому +1

      Kiss is a horrible rock band, with mediocre talent at best. I won’t say they have no music I like, but most of it is crap. They were all about marketing their look.

  • @excelexpert2085
    @excelexpert2085 Рік тому +5

    I am retired so $30...for something really special.

  • @danielphillips7537
    @danielphillips7537 Рік тому +6

    If a vinyl album I want costs more than $25, then I will buy the CD version for $12 or thereabouts. On my budget, over-priced food has to take priority.

  •  Рік тому +4

    You have the best VC channel of all UA-cam Robert.
    I’m from Spain and I can certify that the reputation phenomena you mention also happens here, if not more.

  • @userNULL
    @userNULL Рік тому +5

    I like vinyl because i like hearing it crackle. I literally spend so much just for the aesthetic. and to make audiophiles REALLY angry... i play the audio out of a cheap Studebaker radio through the aux jack 😁

    • @greyhoundude6112
      @greyhoundude6112 7 місяців тому

      Yeah? Well I play all of my vinyl, new or used, on my $79.95 Crosley record player that I bought at my local Rite Aid.

  • @B.B.Amsterdam
    @B.B.Amsterdam Рік тому +4

    Say it Loud, I'm Bibi and I'm proud..not to have any audiophile record around.💪🏾🤓

  • @christi186
    @christi186 Рік тому +4

    This was a great video and I was happy to see it because I've felt disgusted about these releases, $125 is crazy anyway but $150? My OG Steely Dan pressings sound phenomenal and I don't think I paid over $20 for any of them. Steely Dan were known for being incredibly picky about the sound quality of their releases and now our OG's will be considered less than or not that good in the audiophile circles?? Give me a break, I love records and I actually love SD but this has really shined a spotlight on how badly we are all being taken advantage of.

  • @JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories
    @JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Рік тому +1

    Robert i am there with you. 100% my thoughts exactly. Can i ask you a question. Do you think high vinyl prices its because the sellers are worried on the diminishing crowds and want to CASH OUT FAST? In my country (latin america) this crap is getting ridiculous.

  • @voicesofvinyl
    @voicesofvinyl Рік тому +6

    Chad said in a livestream on 45rpm's channel that they will eventually be pressing the Steely Dan catalog on standard vinyl (similar to Two Against Nature/Everything Must Go) using the same metal parts, which is likely what I will be waiting for. I have some amazing sounding Japanese copies that will last me until then.

    • @yousellouts
      @yousellouts Рік тому +1

      Not true. The 33 editions are going to be from digital files mastered by Bernie Grundman.

  • @davidheafield1436
    @davidheafield1436 Рік тому +4

    Great rant ….here’s my take on what’s happened….by the way I’m U.K.
    On the whole , I’ll repeat , on the whole , we here in the U.K. we’re getting great pressings from the various U.K. record labels throughout the glory years of the 60’s and 70’s ….we didn’t realise that every other country weren’t necessarily getting the same great quality pressings.
    So come the advent of the internet information age and accessibility that eBay gave everybody a lot of Americans came to realise what shite quality they had been served up in comparison to other countries ….
    That’s when these “audiophile” companies realised in that by taking their time with pressings and exerting a bit more QC with what they were producing they could charge large premiums to a largely American fan base by giving them what other countries were already getting by default…..good pressings!
    The circle wanks that often occur on the likes of the Hoffmann forums only goes on to breed more people into their mutual masturbation ranks …..to use the age old adage , …..in the Kingdom of the blind the one-eyed man is King.

    • @J4060
      @J4060 Рік тому

      Very well said. Right on.

  • @user-wx9ky9lr1y
    @user-wx9ky9lr1y Рік тому +5

    Excellent video and very blunt and honest -yes everyone is getting screwed and buying at these prices feeds the machine‼️ keep telling the truth please! I have steely’s complete back catalog so will be passing off course!

  • @nicksvinylbutty5488
    @nicksvinylbutty5488 Рік тому +9

    I think $150 is around £120 ??? I'd like to think I'm strong willed enough not to buy a record for that much !!!
    Good to see someone actually saying what he thinks about this bloody farce....liked and subscribed 👍👍👍

    • @gdwlaw5549
      @gdwlaw5549 Рік тому +1

      closer to £ 148

    • @scottfowler2563
      @scottfowler2563 Рік тому

      Hi Rob, In UK SD UHQRs are now £200 each ($241) I dropped out when the AS Jethro Tull Stand Up sells for £75 ($90)

  • @dkeener13
    @dkeener13 Рік тому +5

    I just paid $50 for a sealed double LP of Julius Hemphill's Dogon A.D. The CD is pretty rare and goes for close to that, and it's a favorite recording of mine. That's about my upper limit.

  • @glennsmusicchannel
    @glennsmusicchannel Рік тому +4

    I just paid $9 for a used MOFI George Benson Breezin album. That's about right.

  • @tanduay64
    @tanduay64 Рік тому +2

    You're 100% on point with your take of this. I'm a Steely Dan fan and when I saw that these "audiophile" pressings were priced at 150+ each.....just laughed. Someone will buy them...and feel the need to justify their purchase, but I think most of the VC realizes what's gong on here. $150 new releases...remixes...remasters...outtakes and live albums, the easy money grabs seem to out number and over shadow the actual new music releases. It'll stop when people decide they've had enough and just don't buy this stuff anymore. I try and use common sense on purchases..new stuff ...maybe 40-45, used it really depends on the record. Really enjoy your videos, looking forward to the next one.

  • @Sam-yg1kv
    @Sam-yg1kv 3 місяці тому

    Great video.
    I discovered your channel a few days ago and this video seems beautifully rational to me. Let me tell you what the situation is like in my country (Chile, South America). Here, if you want a vinyl with the best sound, you are looking for an economical copy that is closest to the master tape, that is, an OG, in the best conditions, and that do not exceed US 100. That is what 99% of Chilean collectors do, or at least, 100% of the groups of collectors that I know in my country. A big hug from Chile.

  • @Jake-2011-
    @Jake-2011- Рік тому +3

    $900 USD bill Evans box set!😢

  • @EmbryonicRobot
    @EmbryonicRobot Рік тому +12

    I only have one "audiophile" record, which I found in a thrift shop. Honestly, I don't think my aging ears can tell the difference.

    • @crunchyfrog555
      @crunchyfrog555 Рік тому +2

      Nothing wrong with that. I wish more people were as honest. I've trained as an audio engineer but I'd never say I have golden ears or even anything close. I simply do this one thing - do I like how it sounds?

    • @EmbryonicRobot
      @EmbryonicRobot Рік тому

      @@crunchyfrog555 That is a reasonable approach 🙂

    • @crunchyfrog555
      @crunchyfrog555 Рік тому +1

      @@EmbryonicRobot Yup, it all boils down to keeping it simple and sticking to the facts.

    • @iamspyvspy3077
      @iamspyvspy3077 Рік тому

      Most "audiophile" records sound worse than originals

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому +1

      It's not your aging ears my friend, it's called age-related wisdom.

  • @ricefieldrecords
    @ricefieldrecords Рік тому +3

    Here’s my hypothesis. Whereas they are not publications, they are influencers and they are instantaneous posters: Methinks the UA-cam pundits with >10K subs are amplifying the chatter on these things because they get them for free as promo’s. No money is exchanged but they get theirs from UA-cam and the boxed stuff for their own personal collections or to flip down the road.

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому +1

      No one would admit that but I won't argue that. There's way too many UA-cam channels with any hack posing as some kind of expert. The time they spend doing it speaks for itself that there's a strong motivation far more than just "sharing" their "expertise". It's a very strange phenomenon, much like a $150 record is.

  • @jroc2427
    @jroc2427 Рік тому +3

    Well done…you are spot on. I actually ordered Can’t Buy A Thrill…but after deep consideration, I removed my purchase of as I have a great copy and with shipping + tax from Acoustic Sounds, is a $190 album really going to wow me as I will only listen to a few times per year. I did buy Miles Davis Kind of Blue UHQR 33 1/3. Sounds great but have other versions that sound killer. As a former recording engineer working with Prince, Replacements, Soul Asylum…all pends upon your system and $$$. Sure these HQ albums can be outstanding…but more than often you can and should be able to find a great vinyl version of excellent audiable quality. I would sit with anyone at any system and listen/discuss audible variations!

    • @groundzero6662
      @groundzero6662 9 місяців тому

      If you worked on 'and the horse they rode in on' thanks, one of my favorite albums of all time.

  • @continentalgin
    @continentalgin Рік тому +5

    People are paying stupid prices for concert tickets, too. In many venues, there are no seats. So, you're not paying $150 per concert ticket for a seat. You don't get a seat. You just get to stand there for 3 hours.

    • @agomodern
      @agomodern Рік тому

      Ever notice at concerts when everyone is sitting and then stands up for the show the space for concert goers goes up about 1/3? Just think how much more money they can make with standing room only in a theater of say 30,000 seats.

    • @yyman23
      @yyman23 Рік тому +2

      @@agomodern don't give Ticketmaster and live nation any ideas... Thank goodness for fire codes.

  • @rocky-o
    @rocky-o Рік тому +3

    i met my limit during the pandemic...i won't even pay thirty bucks for a brand new single l.p....i'm an old fart from the 60's who remembers when brand new l.p.'s only cost a few bucks or even less...nowadays...i don't even like paying double-digits for used albums...it has just gotten ridiculous.......great video robert...stay well...peace always...rocky

    • @MX-S
      @MX-S Рік тому

      Why do old farts act like inflation isn't a constant force, and always needing to be taken into account when making these historical comparisons ? I agree with you, btw: used (or sealed, if you can find them) originals for me.

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому

      @@MX-S Because people like whoever or whatever you are seem to accept that concept so simplistically. Inflation increases the cost of goods, period. Since the beginning of this "inflation" we're experiencing now, has your employer compensated your wages? Things cost more, you got more money? If so good for you, you're an anomaly. When inflation is over prices are higher and you've got the same spending power before it started. There are plenty of mini-inflationary periods that often go under the radar yet creep in all over the place. Just ask anyone working minimum wage or slightly above. Even $15/hour across the board can't catch up to how far things are out of whack. Kind of like $125 one-steps and now $150 UHQR's. Sure, someone isn't forced to buy them but when enough people do it genuinely becomes one of those "constant forces" you so accidently referred to but much in reverse to the consumers advantage. It sends a shock wave downstream to all new albums and also the used market. Spending power does not keep up at all with inflation. It's just that some people make enough money to overcome the financial effects it has on the majority so they have no problem spending the higher cost, and then there's those that spend what little they have on expensive albums and the like because they can't help themselves. Such recklessness makes it hard on responsible people trying to be sensible and sets everyone on a path of sending a message it's ok to gouge us. Careful when you speak of who gets what inflation really is and who doesn't.

  • @DismasM
    @DismasM Рік тому +6

    I found it funny that the 'lost master tapes' were found just in time to create these releases right on the heels of the MoFi scandal. I'm not saying anything nefarious is going on with these Steely Dan releases... it's just ironic and worth a laugh. BTW, I've sourced all of my current Steely Dan collection (I have them all through Gaucho) on the used market for around $15 each. One (this one, anyway) has to wonder: The Steely Dan OGs sound so damn good, how much better will they sound at 10x$? Not 10X, I promise you that. Not even 2X. "A little more clarity in the transient detail..." or some shit like that.

  • @markkopernicky3489
    @markkopernicky3489 Рік тому +4

    Great video. Lots of interesting points. I love Steely Dan. ..I have their records already. ..a few are 1st pressings. That's good enough for me.
    I would never drop $ 150 for an album...not even UHQR records...I don't own a single one..and have no interstate in them.

    • @markkopernicky3489
      @markkopernicky3489 Рік тому

      That should say "I have no interest in them"....not interstate.

    • @MX-S
      @MX-S Рік тому

      @@markkopernicky3489 He is incorrect for a different reason. A record groove is one long highway for the stylus and traverses between song states: from one, to the next .... heh.

  • @MissEwe
    @MissEwe Рік тому +5

    Miss Ewe watched this 👀
    😊👋

    • @josephpolaster2271
      @josephpolaster2271 Рік тому +2

      I watched Miss Ewe watching this.👋

    • @MissEwe
      @MissEwe Рік тому +2

      @@josephpolaster2271 🤣❤️🤗🐑

  • @dansmith3085
    @dansmith3085 Рік тому +4

    I bought a used copy of the Steely Dan cd box set about 20 years ago, so I'm good.

  • @ralphalder14
    @ralphalder14 Рік тому +7

    The most I’ve ever spent on an album here in the UK is £50, and that’s was for something I’ve wanted for ages. Above that price I can’t justify it

    • @keithmichael112
      @keithmichael112 Рік тому +2

      if it's genuinely rare it's somewhat justified

    • @agfagaevart
      @agfagaevart Рік тому

      25 quid for an LP by Asha Puthli, on pink vinyl.
      :-0

  • @NickP333
    @NickP333 Рік тому +6

    I own my share of MoFi’s, and I still like em. Gee z… I appreciate your apology for expressing optimism, Robert. That’s big of you to admit. Stand proud, brother! You’ve earned it. I’ve gotta feeling the BS meter is gonna explode and get all over everything. Good thing Steely Dan rates up there with, well… Nothing….I just don’t really like em. Am I supposed to feel guilty? Aja! that’s the most obnoxious and pretentious gatefold I’ve ever seen. Haha 😂 FFS….🤦‍♂️ .I give up….
    On that note, if you love Steely Dan that much and a UHQR makes ya happy, then do it.

  • @richmoreno9938
    @richmoreno9938 Рік тому +10

    $40 tops for something that’s rare and out of print. Also, I love the reference to “Cooter” and that some people watching this vid won’t know who that character is. #80’sTV 😂 #bringdownthebullshit

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +1

      I'm not sure how many people got the "A.J. Scratch" reference either.

  • @MrEdWeirdoShow
    @MrEdWeirdoShow 9 місяців тому +1

    I used to have most "cool" albums produced on vinyl during the 1960s and 70s.
    Then CDs came along and blew all those hundreds of vinyl record albums away.
    The sound was so incredible that instead of feeling the bands were playing somewhere
    in my house, they were instead playing in my bedroom where I was sitting.
    These current day vinyl reprints are the biggest business scam I've seen in decades.

  • @baileydute1
    @baileydute1 Рік тому +4

    Thank you for exposing these exploits by the record companies. They must be owned by the same people who run TicketMaster.

  • @happyhippythevinylguy
    @happyhippythevinylguy Рік тому +3

    Great video man!! I'm at $50 for a single album, I mean come on $150 is just outrageous. Like you said box sets are different it's a whole different ball game when it comes to box sets. Really enjoyed this video man!!!!

    • @manchesterexplorer8519
      @manchesterexplorer8519 Рік тому

      Vinyl Box sets are also redundant , most come with CD's that nobody really wants if your buying a " vinyl" box set . Also come with a book that you may look at once , a poster that you will never use and some type of " small worthless trinket thats mass produced in China . A good Vinyl box set comes with records and no fluff .

  • @dinodefuria6294
    @dinodefuria6294 Рік тому +3

    Out of control pricing. Depressing . I'm buying the 33 rpm version for $30.

  • @rocdocs
    @rocdocs Рік тому +3

    NAME NAMES ROB! And pass the ocean-grown sativa!

  • @thierrydefrance7220
    @thierrydefrance7220 Рік тому +4

    Hi Robert, wonderful video as usual. I only buy used vinyls, at least I am sure they are 100% analog and 20 bucks is my upper limit. And I see prices going up ridiculously in garage sales in France for uninteresting records in bad shape with a ragged cover. Total hype.

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому

      $20, good for you Robert. People either have more money than they have sense or deserve, or no respect for the money they've worked hard for. A strange culture we've become.

  • @hubtunes9607
    @hubtunes9607 Рік тому +2

    Did you say Jizz Fest? 🤣

  • @tdunph4250
    @tdunph4250 Рік тому +1

    I'll do $40-$60 Canadian and that's it. And, the BS meter is alive and well here in Canada within the VC! Thanks Robert!!

  • @dona635
    @dona635 Рік тому +2

    If they issued a one only copy of Aja cut by Donald Fegan's teeth, they could get $1M.

    • @MX-S
      @MX-S Рік тому

      🤣

  • @richard8417
    @richard8417 Рік тому +7

    A wise man once told me: "never underestimate the stupidity of people and realise half of them are even more stupid"

  • @Astulock86
    @Astulock86 Рік тому +2

    You're a riot, thanks for the insight and opinions. I'm a mostly digital guy, so my vinyl ceiling is 40 bucks or so. I'm a sometime flipper, too. Hanging onto some sealed copies of modern music so I can scalp it for 25x the price by 2050 :D

  • @duanesmith1523
    @duanesmith1523 Рік тому +2

    Love your videos. You are 100% correct. Think it’s time to stop buying. It’s gotten ridiculous.

  • @scottied7299
    @scottied7299 Рік тому

    Yo! When you started singing Kurtis Blow, you had me. But I'm in complete agreement of your message. Unless Steely Dan materializes in my house when I play "Can't Buy A Thrill", 150 bucks an album(?!) is rather steep.

  • @lmontanaable
    @lmontanaable Рік тому +4

    Wow so glad you made this video. This has gotta stop. $150US for a record even if UHQR is outrageous . BTW that turns into $205 CDN where I am from

    • @georgedesjardins6080
      @georgedesjardins6080 Рік тому

      Glad to see this Trudeau dollar comparison, we all hope this incompetent liberal government gets the boot.

  • @itsjim2875
    @itsjim2875 Рік тому +10

    You're right - recent generations seem to appreciate one's ability to fool others. They praise the sneakiness. I still rummage through LA area (used) record stores and enjoy picking up oldies, but goodies at $3-$5 each, though I have paid $100 for a rather rare Japanese pressing jazz LP. That's about my upper limit. I do not see myself ever spending over that, especially for anything new.

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому

      The ability to fool others...and then have the nerve to hide behind, "hey, that's just good business". And then the fools nodding their heads as if apologizing to and "for" the ones screwing them. It's the culmination of a weak, sad, and sick society. I have no faith in the new palace guards, and reminded how more screwed up everything is becoming because of them.

    • @budsmoker4201120
      @budsmoker4201120 6 місяців тому

      They're idiots in every generation, one should not make broad sweeping statements.

  • @therevrockinrollin
    @therevrockinrollin Рік тому +4

    I’ll stop paying it when I can’t afford my cocaine anymore. Also, I can’t afford my cocaine anymore.
    But seriously - if these are raising the prices of the non-bullshit presses versions at Target or local shop that sucks. Target prices are fantastic.

  • @big_burly_bro
    @big_burly_bro Рік тому +3

    $150 for a Steely Dan record!?! I'd rather have 150 bucks in grape soda.
    I don't like grape soda.

  • @murch13
    @murch13 Рік тому

    I'm glad someone can be the voice of reason. I'm in Canada, by the time it gets here, with US to CAD currency, shipping, import fees, it's close to 300.00 cad. Forget it.

  • @KansasRocker
    @KansasRocker Рік тому +5

    Absolutely love your channel. My price limit is the $60 AP 45 RPM releases and even then I am very selective. No way I am paying $150 for any album. Most of the time I look for an original pressing.. Thanks!

  • @christopherstrode9180
    @christopherstrode9180 Рік тому +3

    I wouldn’t buy an audiophile record. I will spend $26 for a new record from Walmart, and maybe $30 something for a double. Great video as always!

    • @TheHSIHP
      @TheHSIHP Рік тому

      Kind of lame to but at Wal Mart though

  • @mr.caramelorecordcollection
    @mr.caramelorecordcollection Рік тому +2

    Hey my friend. I'm from Portugal and yes, it happens here too. It's a kind of "crime pays". Stay strong and thanks for your videos.

  • @rocdocs
    @rocdocs Рік тому +3

    Jeez man. Thats too much. I paid $50 for a Music Matters Bill Withers double record this weekend. That was about my top price, comfortably.

  • @austinjones7104
    @austinjones7104 Рік тому +5

    Love the stone temple pilots No 4 in the background, I have a small collection of about 40 records have to agree with you on the self appointed audiophiles whose pretentious nature scare off a lot of people interested in this great hobby.

  • @thesurfacespins
    @thesurfacespins Рік тому +1

    Mr. Fithen, the Steely Dan UHQRs contain two 45rpm discs not one. So there's that, and the band might be requiring a certain amount of money to the release their material which might be driving up prices of the album. There will be cheaper (digitally sourced) 33rpm editions of the Steely Dan catalog for $30. So, there will be other options for those that find $150 too high. The UHQR boxsets are high end products for those who can afford to pay the price and love the music. I won't be buying the UHQR's of Steely Dan, by the way, but if other people want to buy them good on them. I don't feel the need to get worked up about how other people spend their money. Thanks for the enjoyable rant.

  • @m.b.6129
    @m.b.6129 Рік тому +3

    I paid 50 Bugs for all the remaster steely Dan CDs and I couldn't be happier....

    • @MX-S
      @MX-S Рік тому +1

      They're noticeably louder than the original MCAs, but still sound great !!

  • @drbryant23
    @drbryant23 Рік тому +3

    Very entertaining. The world needs the non-audiophile vinyl collectors that haunt used record stores that have concrete floors and that wonderful dusty, mildew-like smell, and talk to store employees and other customers about their latest finds. The world also needs audiophiles who go to audio shows to see a new equipment and have seen the Sonus Faber factory outside of Milan. Good, interesting folks in both worlds.

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +1

      Yep. What we don't need is smug, self-satisfied people belittling others, claiming they're the only real deal, refusing to admit when they've been called out and only profiting because of it. I have plenty of friends on here who are audiophiles, who I refer to for advice, not these bullshit artists I was referring to in the video.

  • @marksmusicobsession
    @marksmusicobsession Рік тому +2

    Man I loved this video. I jump out about $75 max for a new single LP reprint release. I am a self confessed music nut and do have a nice collection of vinyl but I mainly use digital source from my own digital library and streaming services

  • @mladenbasic1
    @mladenbasic1 Рік тому +2

    Maaaaaan are you entertaining to watch. Your facial expressions alone make me laugh my ass off! Keep it up!

  • @sidesup8286
    @sidesup8286 Рік тому +1

    This is the perfect time for raising prices, so you won't stick out like a sore thumb. If you do it now, you just blend in with the crowd. Everyone's doing it. Inflations gone crazy. Even supermarkets are doing it; eggs are up 40%, meat way up. Under $3 for a 2 litre of pop is now a good deal.Gotta have that fizzy though. Like the old Zombies song: Tis The Time Of The Season... for price gouging; and except for supermarket prices, the prices on audiophile pressings "stay up". To many, "You're bad if you raise prices." But if your records are really true analog, and there was just a major scandal about your main competitors lps being secretly digital, then you're the good guy. Price increase or not. Let's be adult about this. Accept the fact that new Audiophile Pressings are now a richer man's sport. Just like high end turntables costing thousands are a richer mans sport. Also realize that $150 albums from this company is nothing new whatsoever.
    Acoustic Sounds used to send out sales literature and catalogs, listing used and new lps. Maybe they still do. Circa mid 1990's were listed for sale by them, such things as a copy of the MOFI Deja Vu album by CSN&Y for $200. It was OOP a while That's the equivalent of $400 today. Their pricing is nothing new; its exactly like the title of the album...Deja Vu. They had a full page ad in The Absolute Sound circa 1990's for an auction of used RCA Living Stereo & Mercury Living Presence classical lps. Their minimum bid? $150 dollars each. Once again, near the equivalent of $400 today, and that was the minimum bid. So this nonsense about $150 being something radically new is actually radically old and false. Other companies prices will obviously follow or at least get closer. They have every right to charge whatever they want in this free society; and we have every right to buy or to pass. But make no mistake; this is officially a richer mans sport now; and chances are it's going to get even more exclusive with even higher pricing in the future. Let's all be adult about this. I like Steely Dan. Will I be buying $150 Steely Dan albums? No I won't. People to whom $150 is chump change, if you like the Dan enough; go for it. I'm pretty sure they'll be stunningly good. Steely Dan was known for their standards, both musically and sonically.

  • @Modbossvideo
    @Modbossvideo Рік тому +1

    There is not enough cocaine in the world to get me to sit through any Steely Dan album

  • @wasagageorge2610
    @wasagageorge2610 Рік тому +2

    You're the best Robert!!! The Royal Scam, hilarious!! Like the concert tickets what the market demands. Sadley, There's a new Reissue of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska (home recordings on a cassette) has a Vinyl Me Please release. Come one!!!! I have no idea how much that is. I'm saying NO!! Springsteen is one of my favorites.

  • @albundy666
    @albundy666 Рік тому +3

    I have never spent over $50 on any individual vinyl album, original or re-issue. I still have over 95% of the vinyl I need. I bought my entire sound system for less than a grand, and my 62 year old ears wouldn’t appreciate it if I spent more. Not to mention I don’t have enough time left to get my money’s worth out of a $200 album.

  • @stevenmassey41
    @stevenmassey41 Рік тому +2

    On point as always. My limit is "0". I won't buy new pressings of older albums. I want the originals. I will hunt and kill for them. But I won't pay a penny for these marketing scams.

  • @Matt-xv2cp
    @Matt-xv2cp Рік тому +1

    Everything gets ruined eventually; in the vinyl community, it's happened twice.

  • @sidesup8286
    @sidesup8286 Рік тому +2

    About $50 was my limit.
    Now that I know some lousy pitchers and sports teams to bet on (against); $175.

  • @KevinJStoll
    @KevinJStoll Рік тому +2

    Adjusted for inflation, $7.99 in 1979 is equal to $32.90 in 2022. In my eye's that just seams to high still. Now granted I'm 62 and bought a ton of vinyl in the 70's. I remember when Tom Petty had a fit about album prices at the retail level. I would say for a new album or reissue. I'm comfortable with 24.99 to 26.99. On 180 gram vinyl. I've been saying for some time that the used vinyl market prices are nuts. Especially the "Japanese" albums. There are a lot of "newbie's" in the vinyl community and they'll pay the high prices. But us veteran vinyl buyer's won't. Use album sales (not the record store owners) from guys that sell out here are taking advantage of the boom. I get it. But let's be real. This boom will level out soon. And I'm afraid a lot of these guys are gonna get stuck with a lot of inventory. Now there are several really good sellers out here that do it for the music and the love of vinyl collecting. This is just how I see it and what MY opinion is. Thake it for what it's worth. Peace and love.....

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому

      I'm just wondering how high the price will get before levelling out.

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому

      The inflation angle is never fair to the average consumer. Business and commerce jump all over the opportunity to use inflation to increase prices, yet wages 99% never come close to a similar adjustment. It's not by accident either, here's an exponential disparity hidden in the bowels of inflation's unbalanced fallacy.

  • @manganzon81
    @manganzon81 Рік тому +3

    What are you talkin about man? Aja is an amazing album! The songs are excellent! And if you think Jazz-Rock is bullshit then you sir have no idea what great music is. Miles Davis, Weather Report, Return to Forever/Chick Corea, Mahavishnu Orchestra, 70s Santana, Pat Metheny Group is NOT "jazz rock bullshit". This music contains some of the most complex composed and amazing sounding music ever! Period.

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +1

      There's Jazz-rock and there's jazz-rock bullshit.

  • @91pastor
    @91pastor Рік тому +1

    At $150... I Can't Buy A Thrill!

  • @MrJermyWurmy
    @MrJermyWurmy 23 дні тому

    Currently on Amazon I've seen a copy of Gaucho for $292.96.
    I'd like an explanation for that. Am I missing something?

  • @tiborosz1825
    @tiborosz1825 Рік тому +3

    $20 bucks is my limit and the album cover needs to be great..one of the main reasons I buy vinyl.

  • @davidharvey8238
    @davidharvey8238 Рік тому +1

    Geffen UMe are selling selling the albums simultaneously. 33 180 grams from a digital source for 30 bucks. Let's see if the uhqr is 120 greenbacks better.

  • @anthonycorda7720
    @anthonycorda7720 Рік тому +2

    I'm a 72 year old retired man who stupidly gave up his record collection years ago because "CD's are so much better". CD's are good but I have always missed my record jackets, CD booklets just don't compare. So about a year ago I decided to try to get my records back (yes to me they will always be records, not vinyl). I'm on a fixed income and so most of what I purchase are used with some new. I do have a limit on how much I am willing to spend on a record, 10 to 15 for a used and 20 to 25 for new. I have been suprised at what I have found for those prices however I do realize that there are some that I might never be able to afford. My big beef is: I realize that with production costs for newly recorded records the price in this day and age needs to be somewhere in the 30 dollar range but when it comes to new pressings of older records the price shouldn't be more than 20 dollars since there is no longer a cost for the recording process, it's just press the record and sell it. There I've had my say, thank you for reading.

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому

      I think a lot of us (myself included) did that when CD's took over. Big regret.

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому

      That really spells it out nicely so +1

    • @shadowofpain8144
      @shadowofpain8144 Рік тому

      Same shoes, Like many things these days they just want the album worse than I do.
      At my age I know a fad when I see one.
      All the same reasons albums were given up before still exist.

  • @TheAgeOfAnalog
    @TheAgeOfAnalog Рік тому +2

    Sixteen minute rant and I have no idea what you're actually upset about. Nobody is holding a gun to anyone's head and forcing them to buy anything. Also, expensive "audiophile" release have no impact on the prices of regularly priced, run of the mill pressings. All that said, there are very few LPs I love enough to spend $150 on the absolute best ever pressing of, although I did buy all six 45rpm 2LP Doors records from Analogue Productions, for $60 each, and I don't regret it one bit. Lastly, yes, some used record stores (of which I'm an owner of) do price things too high. Again, nobody is forcing anyone to buy them. If stores are asking too high prices for records, and they don't sell, they will go out of business. It's capitalism 101.

  • @henricusinstitoris2325
    @henricusinstitoris2325 Рік тому +3

    Hate having to go down on a grandma! Lmfao. Best rant ever

  • @tunahead1126
    @tunahead1126 Рік тому +3

    This is your best video so far. Kudos

  • @CUBICUB
    @CUBICUB Рік тому +2

    I will probably buy some of the SD UHQR. $150.00 tops.

  • @theheepster
    @theheepster Рік тому +1

    Beautiful video. In the age of abundance and rip-off, I'm not surprised that people pay so much money for an oversized superfluous cardboard box. Is just a status symbol next to the $ 300 record player. Why does a simple secretary save her Gucci handbag from her mouth because others do not deliver quality? No, because Gucci is a status symbol. Audiophile records can be made for reasonable prices, see Speakers Corner, Pure Pleasure or the Blue Note Classic Series. Robert is right, as long as we buy the expensive shit, nothing will change. The audiophile hype that is rampant at the moment tends to drive prices up.

  • @Axel_Foley1970
    @Axel_Foley1970 Рік тому +4

    You are so hilarious and truthful at the same time. You had me crying laughing. It was great seeing you at the Record show. Keep up the awesome videos!! Keepin it real!!

  • @veronicawilson3656
    @veronicawilson3656 Рік тому +4

    i would never spend over 20 bucks for an album.

    • @SPAZZOID100
      @SPAZZOID100 Рік тому

      New vinyl is not going to be your thing

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому

      Good for you Veronica. I've been buying albums since the late '60's and understand the market far better than those operating in it in the last 10-15 years. There are many, many (did I happen to say many) many, used record shops with EX quality LPs you don't need to spend more than $20. Yes, you can't walk out your door any given day and come home with exactly what you're looking for so I recommend just enjoying the thrill of the hunt and take the time to call about and not feel compelled to need any specific LP right away. Yes, this whole bubble has raised even used prices but if it's the music you love, there's ways to get it in your system until a copy you desire on LP turns up. Yes, I might have more than enough albums not to be concerned with ever "needing" anything else, but you're a wise person for holding fast to your position :-)

    • @michaelscott8992
      @michaelscott8992 Рік тому

      @@SPAZZOID100 No sad loss there either. Time to bring down this wall of gouging and everyone in the cycle that supports it. It's coming ;-)

  • @davidyoung7470
    @davidyoung7470 Рік тому

    I'm so glad I purchased a Dac. When I play a song on an album and the same song on Spotify. It's very hard to tell which one is playing. That's with someone blocking my amp and switching back and forth. Fifty would be my limit for an album.

  • @scottwheeler2679
    @scottwheeler2679 Рік тому +2

    Agree with your message. Love your delivery.

  • @primeanalogrecords
    @primeanalogrecords Рік тому +4

    I told everyone about this on my channel as well! I actually did a video before the MOFI controversy about Music On Vinyl and got lots of BS comments denigration MOV since they were sourced from a digital source! Haha I was so vindicated when all those big "One-Step" buyers got busted! And when Mofi tried to double down and now everyone acts outraged!!! What a joke! But as usual Acoustic Sounds is doubling down as "the only real game in town" and the audacity of raising his prices! I would have bought a few of those Steely Dan titles but now...HELL NO!!! Its the principal behind it! And in another video I did titled "Its All You're Fault" I talked about who and why consumers are shaping and lining up to get fleeced! Now, here we are!!!

    • @agomodern
      @agomodern Рік тому +1

      I run my own business and sure wish people would line up to get fleeced at my door. I could really use the money. For some reason people only like to do that with things they don't need.

    • @RobertFithen
      @RobertFithen  Рік тому +1

      Sounds like some videos I need to check out.

  • @zundap100
    @zundap100 Рік тому +2

    This was a good one😂🤣😅 I dont know why Chad is trying to destroy whole UHQR idea with that Steely Dan editions? I dont like UHQR anyway, because it looks ugly, and the sound on it is not så superior as AP want to present it.. I am even more disappoint with price of Bill Evans box set.

  • @steevenfrost
    @steevenfrost Рік тому +1

    $150 are they joking? Just give me the bog standard version. My stereo is not top end but decent Audio Tecnica turntable.
    I would not pay more than say £30 UK pounds.