Vinyl record pressing reviews and nothing else
Vinyl record pressing reviews and nothing else 
Reviewed by Jon Rogers on 01.05.2012
Third full-length album from this Indiana singer-songwriter, released Dec '11 in a stunning format: a bound-book with hand-drawn art. This is very pretty, dynamic music with a strong female voice as the focal point. Balke's knack for simplicity and emotional climaxes are reminiscent of some of the best Will Oldham records. Recorded in several different locations including "non-traditional" spaces like art galleries and apartments. The whole album is gentle and moody; a must for fans of evocative, female-fronted folk music. Collectors and format geeks take note: this one is worth the price for the packaging alone - limited edition of 100 copies!
| Ratings are based on a scale from 0-10. | |
Overall Sound: |
8.00 |
| The album was obviously recorded well, and the vinyl sounds nice and balanced. A bit bright on spots that should be warmer, but that may be from the mixing. | |
Pressing Quality: |
7.50 |
| I was left wishing a little more time had been spent on the pressing quality of the actual vinyl disc here. Weaves slightly on the turntable, but with no noticeable effect on the sound. Heavier weight vinyl could have added to the pressing quality. | |
Vinyl Noise: |
6.50 |
| Pretty high level of noise for a new vinyl pressing. Some cracks and pops that can detract from the beauty of the music. This can get distracting during the album's quietest moments. | |
Overall Artwork: |
10.00 |
| Beautifully packaged in a 12.5 x 12.5" 16-page hardbound book with the title inscribed in gold ink. Features original artwork that corresponds to each song with drawings that use the song's lyrics to illustrate the song's narrative. Translucent gold vinyl looks good too. | |
Overall Extras: |
10.00 |
| I can't say enough about the excellent packaging of this album. It's a rarity that indie artists go to such great lengths to make their records such a complete experience. The whole "bound book" layout has a very classy look, and it comes with a digital download card in a tiny black envelope. | |
| Reviewed By: | |
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Jon Rogers I am a vinyl collector and music enthusiast with a collection of over 1000 records, which sometimes causes me to have nightmares about moving to another house. Old records, new... Jon has reviewed 6 other Records. |
 |
: 4.20 |
| Label: | Self-Released |
| Release Year: | 2011 |
| Purchase Price: | 30.00 |
| Pressing Company: | Unknown |
| Format: | 12 |
| # of Records: | 1 |
| Pressing Weight: | Normal |
| Color: | Translucent gold |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Digital: | Yes |
|
Inner Sleeves: Paper |
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| Review Links: |
| Thought On Tracks |
| Hipster Spinster |
| Purchase Links: |
| http://laurakbalke.bandcamp.com/album/rumors-legends |
