Erasure – The Innocents

Well after reading the reviews o was worried about my sealed copy, played on my pro-ject x1 and nothing wrong with it.
Clean as a whistle.

Sounds like somebody has threw a blanket over my speakers it sounds really bad

Possibly the original master was not in good condition, or the head alignment was off, but the frequency response rolls off very early starting just below 14kHz particularly on Side A which is why many are complaining about the lack of clarity. On Side B there is slightly more HF energy extending out to 16kHz, but the sound is noticeably warmer and less crisp compared to the original UK pressing. To be fair, if you have never heard the original on CD or the original LP, the sound is not bad at all. The pressing quality is very good with quiet vinyl and the sound has a warmer presentation which can be preferred by some. I don't find it bad, but it certainly lacks the clarity and punch of the original. However, what is unforgiveable in my opinion is that there are several audible tape faults on Side B - audible warbles can be heard a couple of seconds into the start of Imagination and at 12s into Weight of The World. I find it astonishing that these defects were not picked up on the test pressings. You are better off seeking out an original LP edition or CD if you want to enjoy the music as it was originally intended to sound.

My copy sounds great. Not sure if my copy is a repress of the 2016 reissue since mine did not come with a hype sticker. The volume is a bit low, but very crankable. I think people are getting the 80s style production mixed up with claims of being muffled, which is thick with reverb.

I’m not much of an audiophile but I think the volume/balance is low on this. Will test on my player at home since I am at my mom’s where I received it now but I think people are right that it sounds muffled. Too bad. Was looking forward to this one. Paid $27.

I don't have the originals to compare to but here to add that my copy also sounds "muffled" & "blanketed". I'm reluctant to purchase the other 6 BMG releases this year. What a pity.

Bought this to replace the original. I was so unimpressed by the reissued copy - very muted and low fidelity. I just bought an original in VG+ condition and comparing with the reissued version, the original wins hands down.

Excellent album, but a lackluster reissue. I have heard worse, but I have certainly heard better. There are no outright issues with excess noise or distortion, but there is a serious lack in clarity and fidelity the entire way through. Everything sounds like it has a blanket over it. It is a shame, because the LP, jacket, and printed inner sleeve are well made otherwise.

Have all these new 2016 reissues and they sounds excelent. Maybe the problem is in your turntables.

After reading the comments on here I slapped the 2016 issues that I have on the turntable to see if mine were bad too. I have all the original issues of the vinyl from when they were released in the 80's and the 30th Ann issues that I have sound super great. I wonder if they did two sets of pressings as the ones I have in the the US are pristine with no surface noise and great audio.