The Stooges – The Stooges

COMPARISON TIME:

2016 Rhino/Warner smokey vinyl
VS
2019 HMV UK ltd white double vinyl
VS
2024 Rhino High Fidelity KPG AAA cut

Phew... this took some doing. Having two identical decks into a single phono pre helps no end but i had to up and change initially like mad. The decks in question that i use to test are quite humble.... AT LP5X with stock VM95E carts into my main rig comprising Opera Reference 40 full tube phono stage, feeding Icon Audio Stereo 40 amp feeding classic timewarp condition Wharfedale 507.2's. I could have sought out a second Pioneer PL51 (my main rig) but this would be an expesive folly especially to find a mint one like my own and it end up not getting much use. The AT's then, are perfect for testing (and more!).

Anyway.... first up, the 2016 smokey vinyl pressed at the excellent Record Industry. The positives are a quiet vinyl (not essential for this album) and a funky look. Without doubt, the sound is the weakest of the three. Its not bad per sè... just abit too safe. No nasties and its close in some respects to the KPG but its just not quite as good in any single respect. Like i said, i feel that doesnt make it bad (none of these are) its just the lesser of the three.

The 2019 HMV UK on white vinyl would appear to be Optimal Media's work. It needed a good clean but matches the Record Industry for compound. This one is without doubt the most ballsout, hardcore, WHITE HEAT pressing of the three. There is a case to argue that this immensely powerful recording should be done justice by way of maximum cranking at the mastering desk and thats how i feel about this press. It is louder than the KPG cut which is a little louder itself than the 2016 Smokey. It has the most bass. It has the most open and revealing uppers. It has the bloomiest soundstage. It also has the most HEAT. Its the most JOHN CALE of the three. But with the heat comes distortion. The basic needle of the VM95E struggles with the presence region. Its not bad but its inherently hot, greasy and bombastic sounding of cut.

The Rhino High Fidelity is a curious thing. The juxtaposition of the Stooges being selected for and presented in "High Fidelity" makes for abit of a laugh and arguably no sense. KPG has ruined a number of Rhino Hifi cuts (for me) by going for maximim clarity above everything to the detriment of the whole. Those Sabbath Lps.... the Cars Lps.... ughhh. However the majority (just) of the cuts are excellent and despite my fears he would try and maximum HiFi the life out of this Stooges record, he has managed to hit a home run! Its just so well balanced! It easily dispatches the 2016 smokey. There is clarity but its not overdone and coming with prices to pay. Its like he knew this didnt need it and the best approach would be a sympathetic one. Its therefore less of an aural assault than the madly brilliant 2019 HMV pressing and thus not as lively but - to me - this is High Fidelity done in the truest essence.... not just for more detail outright, but for maximum cleanliness and not missing the details in doing so and therefore just leaving the music unharmed and presented with polish. That makes it a success even if its not a title that warrants it!

So... which one do i prefer? The 2016 is a gonner. Soon to be sold. The other two... well its a taste thing really. KPG has done a great job and its a very safe pressing on superb vinyl and its super crankable. The 2019 though is the most thrilling and exciting listen. Whats more with a better needle than a humble bonded elliptical its heat will dial back. Under those circumstances i honestly think its the one i want to listen to the most. The Stooges are best served hot and spicy!!! If you have a needle that traces like a beast that can act as a nice cooling dip to go with the heat and spice then this is what i would personally recommend, but i would not argue for the glossy clean, super safe and very fine sound of the Rhino Hifi.

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

This is a mad, crazy album. Hard to conceive that it was 1969 it is so heavy and hard. We really haven't come that far since have we! Not sure much punk was harder or more raw - great tracks. Sounds good too, pretty in your face. A real bargain price too, presumably because there have been a number of different reissues recently competing with each other.

Are sides C and D all John Cale mixes? Or only the first two songs?