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Since I am old and closer to hip- replacement than hip, there were a number of albums you mentioned I did not know of, so what I did was open a second window to Youtube and paused your video and took a listen to an artist you mentioned so I could gain an ideal of their art, which worked well for me and had me put a number of your recommendations on my "to buy" list. Thanks for all the heads-up and wish you and your family a great 2015 and beyond. PS I did watch all your video. And, yes, the future is what you make it, so all you young people stay in school, work hard, and put your cell phone away during class, please.

It's just was I was looking for. I've got a few Christmas bucks to spend on LP's and now I know a few to look for. FYI, I highly recommend Slints LP Spiderland.

I hope you'll post more videos like this in the future. With so many titles on vinyl, this would be a great way to get a short and sweet thumbs up or down review. Keep up the life saving work.

Thanks for this, and for all that you do. After that rabble-rousing finale, all I can say is that I'm glad you don't use your power for evil!

Your mention of Neil Young's semi put-down of vinyl made me wonder whether he has heard a decent, modern stereo system and what records can sound like on one. Maybe he hasn't.

For your wonderful heartfelt comments on last years vinyl activitys. It makes my heart leap with joy when I think of the new pressing plants and what 2015 might hold. It just shows how a trend can be bucked :)

I want Michael Fremer to teach Fatalism 101. "Alright, it's the first day of class. Go out and live your lives. You all get A's. I'll be in my listening room if you need me."

I got into vinyl not because of any sound differences (I don't have very good/trained ears, nor a very good system) but because of the general experience of it. You don't press play on iTunes or youtube, you ~put a record on. It's ritual. It is an experience you are invested in. Before I had a turntable, even watching the youtube videos of people filming their turntables playing a song was more relaxing.
And I've noticed as a result that my interest in music has grown more. Since getting interested in vinyl, I am not more interested in CDs, more interested in buying music (as opposed to, uhh, you know... the other option. I've actually—finally—begun buying all those albums I torrented the last decade that I liked (and dumping the rest, which I only had for the sake of having).
And I totally agree about listening to the whole album sequenced. I remember when I got my first CD player, how cool it was to play the single over and over without rewinding... and then ignoring the rest of the album. Even the tracks I liked began to feel cheaper. It was almost too convenient: you had nothing invested in the music.
So here's to 2015 and new appreciations with old (in a manner of speaking) things!

Grew up around records, but didn't personally invest in the format until 2013. Since then, Michael, you've got me further hooked with your enthusiasm for the wax. To the point that I just ordered Real Estate's Atlas without giving it a listen (Amazon is selling it for $9).
Any other time you are backed up on reviews, please drop another of these videos. I kinda like the quick run down off all the music that's impressed your ears.

Having been to Mikey's place I'm totally shocked it only took four days to clean out that listening room!

I'm voting for this Fremer Claus thing of found records to become an annual year-end tradition!

I was going to watch the video regardless, but seeing Slint's "Tweez" in the intro image was huge!!

I hope you review more albums like this and Real Estate's "Atlas". It is something that I've been hoping for for a while now. It will give additional exposure for some of these worthy bands.

I also hope you do more of these videos to clear out the backlog of things to review. The quick thumbs up many times is good enough for less major releases (not necessarily major label releases).

For those curious about SLINT, please check out their magnum opus SPIDERLAND. It was recently reissued as a box this year, which almost immediately sold out (at least the colored vinyl version) but has also been re-issued as a single disc 180g version along with a CD (that includes 14 bonus tracks) and a DVD documentary. It is about $25, while there is a basic copy also available, regular weight, no extras for about $10.

The word Michael was looking for is "math rock" or "post rock". Slint were in the vanguard, along with POLVO (check out their stuff on Merge if curious). Another 90's indie rock movement was "Slow Core", which was pioneered by CODEINE (among 1 or 2 others) who saw a re-release of their catalog on Numero Group in either 2014 or 2013. If curious, I'd recommend FRIGID STARS. 2LP versions with original LP + demo/live stuff, along with CD of both LPs worth of songs so pretty good deal and nice packaging to boot.

I haven't heard the new LINDA PERHACS but her 60s underground classic is called PARALLELOGRAMS and is available in a single LP format from Sundazed or as a 2-LP set from Mexican Summer / Anthology Records, both for $22.

Speaking of Mexican Summer / Anthology, one of my two most played LPs of the year (along with Real Estate's "Atlas") was a first time release of demos/unreleased songs by ROBERT LESTER FOLSOM called "Ode to a Rainy Day". They also re-reissued his private press LP "Music and Dreams" which is great 70's soft rock. They offer a bundle deal if you want to take the plunge.

Oh… also, if instrumental rock is your thing a la Slint's Tweeze you might be interested in the WOODSMAN, MONO, or the late great CUL DE SAC.

Sorry, I need to shop but love to share musical interests.

Thanks for all the great work in 2014 Michael. look forward to all your reviews in 2015.

Loved these vinyl quickies. Would enjoy a regular video feature like this... extemporaneous highlights of records you've grooved on or discovered in the preceding week.

-- Is Swedish. Racist.

He's the best.

I really liked your comments at the end of the video. I totally agree that you should always trust what you think is the future. Trust in your heart and your ears when it comes to music. When CDs came out in the early 80's as the new format for the future and I did experiment, but I never gave up my vinyl collection. I always felt there was something missing when I listened to CDs, so I trusted my ear and went back 100%, to vinyl. I had a lot of friends that thought that I was an old dude that couldn't give up the past. Well, it's 2015 and I'm still listening to vinyl and it is the future. Cheers to 2015 and cheers to vinyl.

I bought a Phish CD because of the car on the cover...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Siket_Disc

I too was pleasantly surprised to see this much loved album's cover on your site. Incidentally, the CD version of this album stipulates on the back: "This recording is meant to be listened to on vinyl." - In large letters. If anyone is looking for more Albini recordings that really, really rock, the 1st 3 Jesus Lizard LPs are about as intense as it gets - not to mention Steve's earlier band Rapeman, "Two Nuns and a Pack Mule."

Michael,
Thanks to your enthusiasm and excellent web site (and some other notables) I have now done a 360 full circle back to the world of vinyl. Last summer, got the turntable and records out of storage (after 24 years!), first new vinyl record in 27 years, now new turntable system, many new vinyl releases, and low and behold- (here's the 360 part) NOW BUYING VINYL TITLES OF MY CDS THAT ORIGINALLY REPLACED MY OLDER (NOW DEFUNCT) VINYL TITLES. Thanks man!
Tony Anello,
Suburban Chicago

I've admire Peter Gabriel work and more when he open up his studio called Real World Records. I was into to this world beat, or call it what ever you like, world music. At the time you can mail order the real world vinyl from there Womad catalog. I have a copy of HiFi+ magazine Peter Gabriel interview they asked him about MP3 files verses Vinyl. Peters mention that consumers were interested in quantity rather then quality. And that he believes that vinyl is superior then these digital files. Fast forward to now and Mr Gabreil does a 360. If you go to the Real World website you'll find a limited release of their roster on vinyl. I have contacted real world and have ask them to explain why they put so much emphasis on MP3 and Digital files dowloads and not release high quality 180g pressings. I can't find that email in my inbox anymore. It's sad to see how the decision makers at Real World, are making decision to abstain from vinyl releases. I purchase a copy of Syriana (limited production) there vinyl pressing had the hallmark of budget cost cutting. And on that note there Real World 25 year anniversary is issue on 3 CD box set only. Not available on vinyl. Don't they see this vinyl resergent. I would like to see Acoustic Sound reissue the Real World entire catalogue or even start with Peter's solo catalogue. To be honest some of these Real World records on vinyl from the past need to be reissue. Thanks Mike for sharing those albums. I'm always looking for new sounds.

Cheers,

And there is no doubt that vinyl is more costly to market, but the fact that it can sound better should be the reason to do it. You don't even have to have large runs anymore, but now that United is "full up" production wise until the middle of 2015 does tell you that enough people care about the sound of their product that they "get it". There are places that do modest qty runs to make it a good decision to press it. I have bought a few of the "Upstairs At United" pressings which are great. Recorded by the fellows at Welcome To 1979 on analog R2R is fun stuff. Ray LaMontagne on vinyl is great. 2015 will be another banner year for vinyl for sure.

For the revival of vinyl it was important the quality of the pressings and the attention paid to the cover art and quality of the package. I hope for this new year of 2015 the quality of the reissues and new presssings will keep the actual standards or improve and not get on the mass market which degraded the quality in the 70s and contributed to its replacement by the cd.

For anyone who doesn't know about it, you can get on facebook and type in vinyl records forever. This is for anyone like us who are interested in anything about records. To leave comments you just have to join by clicking the join button.

Since you're doing some organizing, a suggestion for another video. With your huge collection, how do organize the titles. You must have some kind of a system. Right?

Patrick

Thanks a lot. It is unbelievable that back in the 90's I was able to purchase the whole vinyl per month that was produced back than. Some months there was nothing new at all. I bought my CD-player in 1982 and sold it 1987 and changed to vinyl. But it is not the best commercial carrier in my opinion. The best was the analog track of the Laserdisc. I am sure the analog track was mostly a copy of the digital track of the same disc. But never-the-less nothing beats the analog track of a well mastered Laserdisc. It is a pity that it was never used as an analog carrier without picture. The industry missed something here, I guess.

you left out Music Matters. They are making some killer jazz Blue Note reissues right now.

GREAT stuff! Wanted to mention though that my copy of L. Cohen's 'Popular Problems' is not of the same quality you describe. Some very obnoxious "tearing" creeps up and rips the beautiful music in half for brief moments. Boo. But the price at my local HMV here in Canada was $20 so can't complain too much. Unbelievable that they stock records, really blows my mind.

Also wanted to add that I love reading your reviews but your videos are also great. Funny and sweet. Keep up the GREAT work Mickey ;)

And finally I'd like to recommend some music! It's a bit more esoteric than maybe you're into, but one of my favourite records of the year was A Winged Victory For the Sullen "ATMOS". Instrumental, brooding but full of light and beauty. And the vinyl sounds AMAZING. Released by Kranky records.
Here's a link to a fan vid to give you an idea...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-FgWIBJTkE&spfreload=10

With a stylish ssmear of black wax on your upper lip as a spokesperson for the yet to be formed Vinyl Producers of the Universe MF would make a rather dapper personna don't you think?
The audition tape of Be All You Can Be; the Future is You seals it for me.
The Turntable Side Chats should be a regular feature for notable records that have not been formally reviewed.
Fremer In the Round. Got Torque?

First, thank you for the New Year's message. Happy New Years to you and your family.

While I appreciate your thorough, written reviews of records, I really enjoyed this quick video review. I know my local Portland record store did! I would love to see this as a regular feature on Analog Planet.

I would love to see this become a monthly installment of impromptu reviews of "great" records you have come across. And don't get too bogged down with production value. If Mickey says the album is "Great" that is good enough for me. Will be stopping by my local LP pusher tomorrow to order the Slint Album.

Well, more specifically Tucker Martine. I had met him a few summers ago in Portland. His wife/partner is Laura Veirs who he also produced and mixed. An album worth checking out is her "July Flame." One more recommendation is Black Prairie's "A Tear in the Eye is a Wound in the Heart." They both sound excellent on vinyl and the latter is a double 45!

Columbia Masterworks ML 5452, a 1960 mono recording, on the back cover at the bottom it prints:

"... In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

I guess they were right.

Michael,
Analog Planet is my favorite vinyl related website. The only thing that could make it better is more content. I realize you are a busy guy and contribute as often as you can, so what about farming out some reviews/posts to other people? There's so much new vinyl and gear coming out (we're in the midst of a vinyl renaissance, you know ;) ), and it would be great to learn about it through the Analog Planet lens.

Looking forward to all the new vinyl, whether they are reisuues like the Beach Boys, or new albums.

I have a few of the Beatle Mono LP's, and they are superb indeed. I hope this will cement not only the vinyl resurgence , but also all analog mastering.

As for your last statement, all I can say is Alleluia Brother !

It's times like this that reinforce how blessed I am to be a participating member of this wonderful blog!

Polishing a turd... Thanks for the smile- I really needed your humor today. Thanks man.

Mikey thanks for the "quickie" (reviews) - II'm keen to research a few titles I had not heard of.

Not sure if you and/or others know about the new and growing opportunity to enjoy albums a la Netflix.... this story may be of interest to some - I am not affiliated in any way - enjoy!

http://mic.com/articles/107634/there-s-now-a-netflix-for-people-who-list...

Strength to you covering CES and Happy New Year!

Michael,
I always like your videos: He's talking to ME. Show and Tell.
The last ten or so minutes of your Testimonial was both superb and profound on so many levels that I would urge everyone to listen to it again and again.

Thanks

Michael - I really enjoyed the entertaining/informative video & the vinyl recommendations. Nice change of pace. BTW - did you lose your comb? Get a haircut big guy!

You left out Impex Records. You'd better steer clear of Abbie at Newport. :>)