Matching Mole – Matching Mole

Pops & crackles B1 B2 C1 C2 ... what is the point of doing a special release if the basics aren't right ? Do wish this coloured vinyl fad es soon, too. Don't really see bright chemical orange fit the Matching Mole vibe, except perhaps the CBS UK label.

Very beautiful edition with a fantastic sound for this precious and delicate album. Perfect

This is my 4th issue of this little jem of a recording. It just might be the best.

I first heard this 20yrs ago while exploring Soft Machine back catalogues. Of course the Machine Mole french translation nod is very telling.... this is basically a Soft Machine album. It starts out with a personal all time favourite song of mine in Caroline. I am a total sucker for tastefully used mellotron and this album offers plenty of it with Caroline basically a mellotron demo track!

Anywhoo, the first copy i bought was the 2012 Esoteric 2xCD remaster. Excellent in every regard i might add.

Next came the Esoteric vinty version. Well pressed but also clearly cut from the files that make up the above CD issue. Good sound but obviously a noise floor that doesnt compare to the CD.

Then to the 2019 Klimt edition.... so far the lesser of the two vinyl copies. Not bad but a step down in quality alround.

So why have i spent £35 on another copy i didnt need in the form of this 2024 RSD edition? Mainly cause im a sucker but also because i want to try for the best copy going and the generally excellent MOV label has offered many of my best editions of other records thus far.
This edition indeed is my new favourite. Somehow, despite the curious choice but beautifully coloured vinyl here its the flattest and quietest of my 3 editions. No mean feat but also not suprising for MOV. The packaging is good... a gatefold would get this a 10/10 but the faux weave semi gloss jacket is lovely enough itself. Mastering wise this seemingly matches the Esoteric version when i try to closely a/b them.... no bad thing.
Overall abit unnecessary then to myself, but to anyone after the overall loveliest recent version so far of this LP then they would do very well to grab one of these!!

Excellent sound quality, beautiful textured cover (non gatefold, unfortunately), plastic slipcase, poly lined innards. Curious marbled orangy-yellow color - nice product.

Typical of MOV, this press is great. Plays flat, straight and quiet. Very nice heavy cover, albeit a bit of a shame it's a wide spine rather than a gatefold.

If you are struggling to find an original/early reissue, this is a great option.

Anyone know what the story is with this release? The RSD looks to be EU only and limited to 1000. It was not on the USA RSD list, but it is showing up on some vendor websites here with a 4/27 release date.