This is the old Leg And A Boot version.
Not so long ago I compiled a wish-list of old rap records that I’d gladly shell out for (new money for old rope style) once again. Over the last month or so, I’ve noticed that both MCA and Priority have chosen to release 2LP version of the first two EPMD albums and all four Eric B. & Rakim records.
The thing, the rap classics that need properly remastered, double vinyl re-releases are mostly the early nineties albums that came out while the music industry was treating wax like a red-headed step-child. Strictly Business and Paid In Full run for around 45 minutes, which meant that it fit on one side of a TDK SA-90 just how the good lord intended them to. I mean, if you really need to have ‘The Steve Martin’ and ‘Chinese Arithmetic’ with the widest, loudest grooves possible, then this is manna from heaven. What’s next? A triple vinyl repress of Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s All Souled Out?
There are also the other issues which often plague these reprints – poor sound quality, using the CD version as the source without remastering for vinyl and, if you’re really lucky, having them pressed off old vinyl versions complete with more built-in snap, crackle and pop than a box of cereal. Buyer beware, I guess.
The other area which I’ve often struggled with is releasing poorly-dubbed demo tapes and live performances on record. While I enjoy listening to this stuff myself, what purpose does owning this stuff on record achieve if it still sounds like it’s on an old tape deck? I saw a copy of that 1985 LL Cool J concert in Maine on vinyl yesterday, and it’s only twenty-four minutes long on YouTube (including Cornell Clark’s singing bit)! That being said, how many limited-edition tapes are still being released which are never to be liberated from their shrink-wrap?
Should we just blame Record Store Day for the countless unnecessary picture discs, 7″ picture covers and box sets of 45’s, while I still can’t buy a proper 2LP version of Business As Usual or Critical Beatdown? Not to worry, I’ll just put on my J.Dilla pajamas and MF DOOM slippers, have a warm cup of milk and a digestive Pharcyde biscuit from Delicious Pizza (which is actually a thing) and it’ll all be better in the morning.
Also,Joy Division oven gloves are a must for handling vinyl with care.
Ordered the follow the leader 2lp hopefully it sounds good. No reason to repress paid in full because all the vocal tracks are available on loud 12 inch singles. Unless you want loud pressings of Chinese arithmetic and Eric b is on the cut? Nice and smooth’s 2nd album sounds good on 2lp and Commons first Lp too. Ditching my Og copies of those.
A niche joke for any site @sonny7, nevermind one aimed at grumpy goldenage rap heads. Got a laugh from me though
Most of these re issues are a rip off. And besides, rap on Cd sounds so much better. Any frequency modulator will prove that, unless you like the sound of light surface noise.
😊
*frantically orders both the Joy Division and AC/DC oven mitts*
Lol
Word.
yea man record store day for sure man.. gimmicks
I just watched that LL Cool J show filmed in a middle school gymnasium in Maine.
I have to say, it’s the best rap show I’ve seen in decades.
I’m done with vinyl. the shit is too heavy and inconvenient. tapes on the other hand…
Well said Rob. RSD releaaes are just a gimmick of mostly rushed and poorly chosen re-presses to get punters through the door. Do I need an Erib B & Rakim full LP disography re-pressed in a fancy cardboard box, NO!
RSD recently released The Devil’s Son EP, which featured all of the tracks left off Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous. And it was a top-notch release in every sense. So they’re not all bad.
I’ve got the new 2LPs of Paid in Full and Follow the Leader. Both sound brilliant. Better than the first time around. Worth the £20 for each album.