Meshell Ndegéocello* – Bitter

This deserves to be pressed at 45rpm! A few minor flaws in mastering but the soundstage is absolutely top notch. Lots and lots of depth and the mix allows for a lot of action between the speakers. I just wish it had more separation/increased clarity that only 45rpm pressings can deliver (not always of course). Great reference record for soundstage. Get it while you can!

A somber more subdued outing lacks the enthusiasm and energy of her previous albums. This edition tends to sound dull and compressed like a vinyl mimic.

Super stoked to have this find from my haul today. So glad this was ed over by several people. I show I have No. 000474 -anyone know how many were pressed?

Thrilled to now have her first 3 amazing albums on vinyl.
Presentation is good, I love that the records shipped in the GF rather than the sleeves.

Colour looks really good, but I discs are flat and centred.

Sound is good but i find it a bit mid-rangy to so it benefits from turning up the treble.

Side 4 is a treat, stunning instrumentals, and most songs are gorgeous this way.

Got mines in today's mail. Ordered from DustyGrooves in Chicago. When originally announced on Run out Grooves, I was "Bitter" because I had missed the pre-sale. Saw a few weeks ago that there was a general pre-release and quickly ordered two copies because of my FOMO. I am happy to have a 2nd copy for the archives and one to play. First, this is an all time great release for me and I have always coveted a vinyl copy to own. I just have always resonated with this song cycle, Craig Street`s production, and this is my favorite Me'Shell album. This is a stellar release and a reason to collect vinyl. Not sure if this is an AAA release but it sounds warm, full and analoguey. The yellow vinyl complements the album package although my records were a little dirty. All is well after a gruv glide clean. This is the highlight of the season for me and an overall job well done.

This sounds pretty spectacular. No issues with the vinyl or press quality. Both of my discs were flat and play quietly across all sides.

Mastering is very smooth. Soundstage does seem similar to the Tidal MQA digital files, but there’s a depth to this to release that’s missing on the digital version. For example, the drums on “Wasting Time” sound incredible. You can literally hear the room ambiance. This can be said for many of the tracks across the entire album. The album’s overall engineering is top notch and this pressing showcases it.

Sequencing and a few of the mixes seem slightly altered, but it’s not something that’s off putting. Unless you’re deeply familiar with the album, you might not even notice.

Packaging is A+ however I would have loved a booklet or lyric sheet. Overall though, this is a worthy reissue and I’m super pumped to have it in my collection.

So glad and grateful to have one of my top ten favorite albums of all time on vinyl, especially one so beautifully produced both aesthetically and sonically. Just found out earlier this week this was coming out today.

Surprisingly, my copy was delivered today from the Run Out Groove label after a six-month delay. Incredible pressing and overall presentation. The vinyl is flat and centered, with no defects. This release definitely bests the original CD issue in of its fidelity and soundstage. I'm hearing new details I haven't heard before. It's as if Meshell and her backing musicians are playing in the room with you. The bass grooves are so rich and balanced.

The thick tip-on gatefold packaging is top-notch and the overall quality is a major improvement over ROG's reissue of Peace Beyond ion last year. I also love the marbled yellow color of the vinyl.

One small nitpick: the transition for the album's opening instrumental, "Adam" isn't faithful to the original CD issue. Instead of the end of "Adam" segueing into "Fool of Me," it just awkwardly fades out. The opening of "Fool of Me" features the concluding minute of "Adam" before landing into the actual song. Maybe it's a longer mix?

Missed out on the pre-order and I cannot find any record shops here in the UK that will likely get copies. If anyone knows of anything, that would be great.

This is too funereal for me. I prefer Cookie, Comfort Woman or Plantation Lullabies.