Pink Floyd – The Wall

I have the paper label version. It's taped on crooked. My copy smells like an old man!

I bought this for a few bucks used and it acquired a ton of surface noise during a move. Now that I see how sterile the 2016 release is, I’m rushing to get this one pristine. It is so much warmer, organic, cohesive. We don’t need every part separated like it’s own little gear to gawk at, I want a beast of a machine

The only other version I owned of this was the 2016 reissue until I recently picked this pres in excellent used condition on eBay for $26. Despite this album having some filler songs, it’s always been one of my favorite Pink Floyd albums. After I vacuum wet clean this, I was hoping for the best when I dropped the needle. Words cannot describe the difference between this and the 2016 copy. Analog sound is spectacular on this album as it plays loud, and absolutely stunning sound quality. The drums sound killer in comparison, heck, everything sounds killer! If you like this album, do yourself a favor and get an analog copy, purely amazing. Just be sure it has TML in the runout and you’re good.

I didn’t even think I could find the wall for $4 let alone a pressing like this 🤯

I bought this pressing in beat-up condition for $8 about a decade ago.
Back then, I thought it sounded pretty good. Relistening tonight, and even with the clicks and pops,
this thing is stunning.

This cut is not lacking in volume. It is loud. The sounds will likely make you stomp your boots and raise a fist. I didn't even know this pressing existed. Mine has a gold promo stamp on the back and the updated re issued gatefold text hugging Rogers nuts and patting his back.

Bought this particular pressing used about 7 years ago? I believe it cost me $14.99. I didn't know anything about deadwax or matrices back then.... I just knew this copy looked basically brand new and had no barcode anywhere.
In hindsight, it's one of the luckiest finds I've ever had. I can't imagine the odds of finding a copy in the wild now that plays noise-free across all 4 sides (seriously, maybe 4-5 tics TOTAL per disc) and certainly not for that price.

I understand the appeal of the reissue, which is quite good and (should be) mostly quiet. You NEED silent backgrounds to immerse yourself in the album. But IF you can find a NM copy of this pressing (or really, any US press with TML on all 4 sides), pay whatever you can. The sonics are absolutely amazing. The bass is deep, and organic, and as natural as your own heartbeat. The soundstage on a good system is truly 3D.

I own some pretty fantastic Floyd pressings--including early Japanese cuts of Meddle and Dark Side, and the first UK Animals--and this one might be the best sounding of all of 'em. Yep, the good ol' US standard TML press that sold millions. Find the best one you can and thank me later.

Got a copy with some crackling. Cleaning it definitely minimized some of it though. The sound is amazing on this pressing. A must buy if you can get it in good condition.

My TML pressing is the best sounding piece of wax I own.

In 1979 I was 14 and I got my first part-time job, this was my first record purchase. I had been raised on my Dad's records, The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Yes, times they were a changing.