Nirvana – In Utero

I have doubts about the “AAA” aspect of this reissue and suspect that it is very much “from original analog tape” much like many other reissues also regularly claim to be; even when we know they are not.. It would be pretty extraordinary if they actually shipped the tapes overseas. Something the majors have typically had a strong aversion to. That said if you like this pressing, don’t let that stop you.

If I had to go with only one version of In Utero for the rest of my life, I’d choose this one. This is the absolutely the best pressing/mastering of this album I’ve heard and I doubt there is a better version. This is the example I play to anyone who wants to hear how good a vinyl can sound.

Huge disappointment. Sounds like shit. Same observations as previous reviewer skoolbus. Buyer beware; don't spend your money on this.

The new repress/remastering is a shell of its former self. I just A/B'd them and this new one is a rip-off. Etched matrices and a name that looks like Ki----R---. I'm really bummed I paid money for this and am even more bummed for anyone else that does as well.

This has been restocked on a couple websites at the time of writing, I bought mine from Acoustic Sounds. But disappointingly this new pressing is quite different from the one described here. The hype sticker and entire cover from what I can tell remains the exact same. But the matrices in the dead wax do not match up at all and there is no longer any indicator this was pressed at Pallas. Also no digital card. I have no idea how it compares to this pressing in sound but I'm not a fan of it compared to the ORG. Sad to see they're probably no longer using the original metal parts for the represses. So be careful when buying this sealed!

I finally got this version after it being out of stock for so long and it’s a real treat but sonically and preference wise I gotta choose the 2013 mix. The 2013 alt mix has a lot more going for it unless you can get used to the differences with intros, outros, lack of cellos. The spatial dynamics on the 2013 are amazing as well. Nothing wrong with this but wish I got it before falling in love with the 2013.

I have to in with everyone who is giving this 20th anniversary release high praise. It is absolutely killer. The only thing that could beat it for me would be having an original.

The mastering is incredible. Fantastic presentation and easily the best sounding version of this album.

I got both this and the 2xLP 20th anniversary pressings and they’re both top notch in every way. Recorded and mixed by legends, cut DMM from tape, pressed by Pallas, and jacketed in handsome high quality gatefolds. Can’t beat it. If you have either one, consider yourself lucky. I have a slight preference for the rawness of Albini’s signature sound. Either mix, this is a deliberately caustic album. Knowing that, I suspect Kurt’s and Steve’s visions were more aligned than this Ludwig mix, which DGC ultimately approved for release. RIP Steve and thank you for your acerbic, uncompromising integrity and loyalty to the artists and the music.

I finally got my hands on this, and it sounds amazing. While I don't have the original, this pressing is top-notch. Kudos for the excellent job on this edition.