The Congos – Heart Of The Congos

I guess a lot of mint listings for sale post summer 2024 are actually the 2024 Czech version and not the 2017 us like the hhv one (I bought it there). Funny thing is that there is not even one listed for sale under the 2024 pressing.
It's actually easy to distinguish because above the barcode, under the catno on the back cover it says 'made in Czech republic'.
You should ask the seller to be sure.

Ok, as someone who had the earlier VP single-LP version of this, I'll add my two cents. The sound quality on this 3x LP set is much better than the single-LP version - more dynamic, clearer sound, better bass. I don't have the Blood & Fire pressing to compare it to, but this one is at least still available at a manageable price. I suspect the better bass may be why the final two tracks of the original album are the two lead tracks on LP2 instead of the final on LP1.

The packaging is also good, if not great. The three LPs are stuffed in a meh outer jacket, but the photos are clearer than in the single-LP version. The nice thing is there's some history of the album printed on the inner sleeves. Those are paper, though, so you still might want to add some MoFi-type inners to those to protect against scuffs.

I was able to nab this for $50 shipped - I think that's pretty much what it's worth in today's market.

Looks like a good pressing, packaging and sound is excellent.
Unfortunately I had to return as all the records were severely warped? Not sure if there is a bad batch or I was unlucky? Hopefully the replacement records will be straight?

This 3xLP release of the Black Ark classic "Heart of the Congos" is an incredible reissue in my opinion! The original album is present in full along with several bonus tracks, dubs, discomixes, etc. Everything here is essential listening, and while I would also like to see the original mix re-released at some point separately, this reissue is by no means worse off for not including it. The art and packaging is top notch as well, with hand painted yellow stripes as per the original pressing. Very well done reissue by 17 North Parade and VP!

If you're just looking for a solid pressing of this classic album, this is a very good one. I have an earlier VP records pressing and this one blows it away quality-wise. Also, has "Nicodemus", my favorite track.

Has anyone compared this version to the blood and fire release?

One of the sadest reissue jokes in a long time ... you buy three records and on none of them you will find the original mix which you might actually looking for. The original mix just appears on a separate reissue, which already sold for ridiculous loads of money, because just few got copies pressed!

I ordered this 3LP set online from my local record store. Even though the description did say that the original mix was included on the third LP, it wasn't. Perhaps there are sets out there that do include the original mix, but based on what other people are writing here and other websites I think it safe to assume that a 3LP set that includes the original mix does not exist.

So if you were only planning to buy this set because it promised to include the original mix, don't. Or be very careful to make sure your copy does include it.

That being said, if you are looking for a solid release of this album, I doubt you will be disappointed buying this one. Although I won't claim to be an expert on all the different releases of this album, I certainly had no problem with the sound of this one. I even did a quick comparison via Apple Music between the versions found on this set and the original mixes. To be honest I probably liked the version present here beter, although I can't say that for certain after one quick listening session.

I am hearing that the 3-LP set follows Disc 1 & 2 from the CD, and is not the original Lee Perry mix. The original mix was issued as a 500 copy Record Store Day UK 2017 release. From a review: "...the set covering only the first two CD's of the CD version spread across the three LP's (i.e. no original Black Ark mixes!)..."

I'd also like to know whether LP 1 offers the original mix or the later one (with added overdubs etc). The cover with the yellow-overpainted blue sidebars suggests it is the original LP (https://discogs.librosgratis.biz/de/The-Congos-Heart-Of-The-Congos/release/1723637) that's been disseminated ever since.

The VP website is lamentably short of information on this.

Has anyone bought the set and is able to tell us? Some background information seems to be included on the back of the inner sleeve around LP 1, unfortunately, the picture included above is too small to read. Any help available out there?