Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid

Another copy here (bought in Amazon usa) with no hype sticker in the front, and 'Made in ' sticker in the back. No inner sheet with credits included.
Sound quality is very disappointing, no clarity, so bassy

For those concerned about mastering, or a lack of high-end on the Optimal pressing, I'm A/B-ing it with the version streaming on Apple Music and they sound (almost) exactly the same. Artistic choice.

let me know if you have it please thank you

Seems to be conflicting information floating out there about this preesing. I just received mine in the mail and there was a sticker on the back saying “Made in ”, despite this page having it listed as a US pressing. There was also no insert included in the gatefold as described in the notes and photos. Audio-wise, sounds quite good to my ears and better than I was expecting after reading some of these reviews. Hopefully this gets a reissue soon with better quality control

My copy sounds more or less like the mp3’s I ed (via mega) back then, so not very disappointed… sure this will last longer than the mp3’s I already lost / erased ?
But still, a nice VMP-version would be appreciated !

Fabulous music. Thoroughly disappointing master/pressing on vinyl. Is the CD better than this?

Not totally disappointed that it’s muddy pressing, the pressing could use a bit of punch and clarity… It leaves you wanting more but overall it’s a good pressing.

Sound: very good sound quality and very good volume, no background noise, very quiet pressing

Inner sleeves were simple white and no inner sheet or hype sticker were included, I think my version should be listed as 2022 repress?!

Was ordered from US Warner Music shop directly

Fabulous album, atrocious pressing. Mine came (brand new) full or scuff marks and surface blemishes, and therefore very noisy even on the most forgiving of my decks; the mastering sounds weirdly eq'd, with rolled-off highs that cause a lot of the intricacies of the production to get completely lost, and jacked-up lower mids that make the bass and toms / kick drums sound boomy. Awful. At least the CD sounds great and does justice to Janelle's vision and her team's prowess.

As noted before, mine came with no hype sticker, no inner sheet and a “made in ” sticker on the back cover. Sound is 8/10, it could be better mastered.