I just finished listening to my new Optimal pressing which I bought from an independent shop in the UK. The difference in quality is night and day as compared to the U.S. version pressed at Rainbo. I'm hearing elements in the music and a stunning presence which is completely missed in my original copy.
On my U.S. copy True Love Waits is marred by horrible noise in the quietest parts. And it is not limited to my copy. Others I have spoken to, and read on various music forums, have reported the same problem. But that is just the most obvious and egregious fault in the U.S. version.
I also picked up the blue vinyl version of OKNOTOK also pressed at Optimal. The two sides I have had occasion to listen to were also excellent. A little different than my 2008 Capitol reissue of OK Computer which is also a very good presentation.
In the future I am going to opt for the EU/UK versions. Europe always did a better job in pressing records, and in supplying proper protective inner sleeves, which properly cared for would last the listener a lifetime. Even great U.S. pressings were wrecked back in the day due to the use of cheap paper inner sleeves, often wrinkled, which created instant obsolescence and the need for some of us to try and find better copies.
No wonder the CD format was so enthusiastically embraced back in the '80s!
Oh well, enough of the complaining. I just wanted to report how happy I am to hear this great record as it was meant to be heard for the first time.
I strongly recommend the Optimal pressings for vinyl listeners in the U.S.
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