Stereolab Switched On (Volume 1) LP (Vinyl)

Dissatisfied with the 1972 label's CD-sourced reissues of their Elektra catalog, 90s avant-pop band Stereolab finally regained the rights to their music and properly reissued it. Indeed, it was worth the wait. While the master tapes are deteriorating, these digitally restored reissues nonetheless sound as great as they probably can given that these are'’t necessarily hi-fi recordings, and the bonus content (mostly demo and alternate mixes) gives listeners insight into the albums' creative processes. Compared to the 1972 pressings, these new ones sound like actual music rather than thick sludge. The packaging for each set, while not faithful to the originals' layouts, consists of a capacity gatefold to hold the three LPs as well as a double-sided 24"x24" poster with the album cover on one side and lyrics, notes, and credits on the other. Optimal's pressing of the LPs, whether on black or clear vinyl, as expected is dead quiet. As $30 3LP sets, these offer stunning value, good sound, carefully curated bonus discs, and thankfully makes the Stereolab catalog available on high quality vinyl once again.