Bloc Party – Silent Alarm

This isn't the best sounding record in my collection by any means but it's a top 5 album of all time. It holds up well but its a little flat and quiet. Drums sound nothing like the CD or a stream version would do.

My copy turned 6 years old this month and I gave it a spin, to celebrate that.
It has some scuffs and hairlines, but has never skipped for a second. The mix isn‘t the best Hi-Fi experience known to mankind, but it‘s still enjoyable. It sounds great and dynamic, with a little bit of amp-settings. I‘ve heard way worse records over the past months, that have been freshly released.
You won‘t regret the purchase, if you give this record a wet clean and some manually added spice.

I disagree to other reviewers. SQ of this pressing is more than OK. This is not an audiophile album but as a rock album from 2000s, it has an enjoyable sounds. I don't understand why others hate this pressing.

1. It is not muddy at all. this album has an unique mix. Even when it was released, this album was different from their piers in of sound texture. IMHO this release represents that feature well.
2. seperation among insteuments are more than good!
3. sound stage is narrow. almost everything happens in the middle but due to the depth, instruments including vocal has their own positions not interfering each other.
4. Drums are roaring.
5. Maybe HF is bit missing.

On the other hand Pressing Quality is average with a few ticks.

2018 release could be better especially that one was cut by Bazza. But all the hate for this pressing is quite exaggerated.

- Midded Rega RP6 with PSU
- Nagaoka MP500
- Graham Slee Accession MM with PSU / Cusat50 RCA
- Sugden A21se Signiture
- ATC SCM 19v2
- Tellurium Q Black II (S. C)

Really a terrible release. Side A is fine for 3 tracks, then skips A LOT until the end. Side B is fine again. Such a waste for such a fine album.

I echo all the sentiments below. Overall, this pressing sounds too muddy. There's little to no separation of the vocals and instruments. It is worth buying if you want it as a fan of the band but don't expect an audiophile experience while listening to this album by any means. I am going to purchase the 2018 repress for comparison given that the reviews seem more positive. 5 Stars for the album (a classic and one of my all time favourite albums) and 3 stars for the pressing.

Bought it right away when released. No skips on a Rega RP3. Nevertheless, Side A sounds compressed and muddy, specially on the cymbals. Soundstage it's very narrow as well. Side B improves just a notch.

I'm very tempted to get the cheaper 2018 repress to compare.

New reissue coming October 5th 2018 for anyone looking. Don't buy now :)

why is this selling for so much? I found a copy at my local record store for $20.

mine didnt skip on a 1960's record player at all.. try a spirit level?

The 7 inch single skips on both sides when played with my shure v15 iii vn35e, I can see the cantilever getting bent over the groves. However, with AT440mlb, the single plays fine, probably due to the high compliance micro line stylus.