The War On Drugs – Slave Ambient

Bought this off their merch table in a small venue as soon as it came out. I hadn’t played it in years and thought this pressing had a bad rep, so I finally pulled it out and spin cleaned it just now. Comparing it to Tidal on a Cambridge streamer the vinyl is the clear winner with the digital sounding MUCH more digital and frail in comparison. It’s not exactly UHQR but we have somewhat quiet vinyl and the soundstage is deep and wide. Drums sound large and punchy, vocals are verbed out of course but stand out clearly always. Not the most dynamic recording, obviously it’s more of a wall of sound, but you do get some elements coming out at you here and there. Anyway, it’s the best I’ve heard it apart from those live gigs at the time!

My pressing sounds fantastic, quiet, dynamic, and no off center issue that others are complaining about.

I purchased this album third, after purchasing "I Don't Live Here Anymore" and "Lost in the Dream" and out of the three in my collection I'd say this is my least favorite-but I do like the evolution it highlights in the band. Since this was made years before the other two mentioned...it makes sense it would be a more "atmospheric" and "mellow-er" album- so for that, I do enjoy giving it a spin.

It's just not the first thing I'm going to reach for when I'm looking for my WOD fix.

If you want the currently best pressing of this, I’m afraid it’s the vinyl me please pressing. It’s a better pressing quality (although done at GZ, most Secretly Canadian pressings are worse) and the mastering sounds better than the original Salt cut.

I have no issues with this album. Cut at 45rpm which gives it a bit more space, heavy, flat vinyl. Both LPs are a touch off center, but does not impact playback one bit. I think LITD is their best sounding vinyl, but I have no issues with this at all.

I’m sitting here listening on my Vintage McIntosh 240 amp C20 Pre amp a Thorens TD 160 with an Ortofon Bronze cartridge and I gotta say it sounds sublime. I’d be curious to know the setups of the folks who are complaining of the sound. Not trying to be an ass but equipment is everything for great playback

Frickin garbage pressing! What the hell!! The needle moves from here to Canada every rotation. What a disappointment. Love this album but it feels like I’m in a damn drunk fever dream listening to it

I thought this pressing sounded excellent to be honest. Would def recommend

Why the hell did they do this at 45 RPM? To be annoying? To stand out? It's stupid.

This is the least essential piece of The War on Drugs' catalog, and to make matters worse, the pressing is poor. Secretly Canadian is pretty reliable, but this is a miss. And better versions of many of these songs can be found on the Future Weather EP (although you might want to be careful with that pressing as well). Thankfully, the rest of the band's LPs sound terrific on vinyl.