Jellyfish (2) – Bellybutton

Beautiful sounding pressing. Like dedalus2k I've been listening to this record on CD since its release, and that's the only way I've ever known this to sound. But the vinyl version really pops. Separation and instrument placement is much clearer, and (IMO) the dynamic range has actually improved with this reissue. Side one has some surface noise which goes away with a slight increase in volume. But the rest is just superb.

There are differing opinions of the sound quality, but I'll just say this: we all hear things differently. That's why Discogs provides space for reviews; so individuals can submit reviews regarding their personal experiences with records. The review section is not a place to argue about a specific record. It's designed to give us all an opportunity to share our personal experiences with the records we all cherish.

There is definitely some strange mastering on this record. The first side sounds rather compressed (you can hear the pumping on The King Is Half Undressed) until you get to She Still Loves Him which sounds quite good. The second side definitely sounds better, but there is a volume drop between All I Want Is Everything and Now She Knows She's Wrong and then the volume picks back up on Bedspring Kiss and Calling Sarah. The compression returns on Baby's Coming Back but isn't as aggressive as the first side. It's not unlistenable by any means, but it would be nice to have a consistent sound throughout the album. If you snag it cheap and don't have a previous copy on vinyl, this will serve you fine.

Listening on an ATLP120XUSB with an Audio Technica VM95ML cartridge.

Not a bad re-issue, but my original europe/german copy sounds better (and louder meaning less surface noise) Better high freq without having sibilance issues on the OG. Also i noticed (slighly) balance differences, the repress has a constant higher db output on left channel. Not very audible but still...

And suddenly I'm 18 again...what a joy it is to hear this album on vinyl! I got a promo copy of BELLYBUTTON on CD when I was working at Camelot Music way back in high school, and it's maintained a high spot on my list of favorite albums over the years. This pressing sounds impressively lively, vivid and full-bodied, to my ears it's considerably better than the CD. Instrumentation and harmonies all sound wonderfully clear and distinct, and the soundstage is tremendously wide and detailed. My copy was purchased new, and after a good wet cleaning it sounds nice and clean, with no surface noise of note.

Not sure what all the moaning is about regarding this pressing. I had the CD for years and it was a typical, shrill, lifeless experience despite amazing music. This pressing blows the windows and doors open. The musicianship is laid bare and the dynamics and soundstage are breathy and natural. It’s pressed relatively low in of volume…..just turn it up!

How does this compare with the Omnivore reissues from 2012? I have one of those, but have, at times, felt underwhelmed by the amount of surface noise and sibilance.

Sounds fan-fkn-tastic! I've been listening to this album for over 20 years on CD and streaming. Finally got it on vinyl and it was worth every penny. Much better clarity, seperation and soundstage. I'm hearing things in the music I've never noticed before. Stellar pressing!
It comes up for sale on the uDiscoverMusic website occasionally. Use UMG30 for 30% off.

Currently in stock for $29.99. Just grabbed a copy.

https://shop.udiscovermusic.com/collections/jellyfish/products/jellyfish-bellybutton-limited-listener-edition-lp

Nice pressing! EQ is well balanced, and I was able to crank this pretty loud without any loss of fidelity so I'm pretty happy with the mastering done here. It does not sound squashed or compressed at all to my ears.
However, it did need a solid wet clean before listening due to the horrible paper sleeve provided.

Fluance RT85/AT VM540ML

This it sounds like a mastering tragedy. Dull, flat, lifeless, no power, poor dynamics, a major disappointment. Avoid.