World Record: Van Der Graaf Generator Reissue

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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World Record: Van der Graaf Generator Reissue – A Collector's Dream (and a Few Nightmares)

Okay, folks, buckle up. We're diving headfirst into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes utterly frustrating world of vinyl reissue collecting. Specifically, the Van der Graaf Generator reissue campaign. I mean, wow. What a ride.

The Holy Grail: Perfecting the H to He, Who Am the Only One Reissue

Let's be honest, finding a pristine, original pressing of H to He, Who Am the Only One is like searching for the lost city of Atlantis. It's ridiculously rare, and if you do find one, your bank account will likely be weeping. So, when the announcement of a reissue came out, I was stoked. Absolutely stoked. Pre-ordered that sucker the minute it went live. I even set a reminder. I was that guy.

My excitement, however, was soon tempered. See, I'd read all the forum posts, the whispered rumors, the panicked cries of fellow collectors. The initial pressings, it turned out, had some... issues. I'm talking serious stuff—warped vinyl, pops and crackles that sounded like a demonic orchestra warming up, and surface noise that would make a washing machine sound peaceful. I kid you not.

I received mine, and my heart sank. Seriously, it was the audio equivalent of fingernails on a chalkboard. I was pissed. It cost me a pretty penny, and it was, to put it mildly, unacceptable.

What I Learned the Hard Way (and How You Can Avoid My Mistakes)

1. Research, Research, Research: Don't just pre-order blindly. Check forums, read reviews, and see what other collectors are saying before you plunk down your hard-earned cash. There are tons of online communities dedicated to specific bands and reissues.

2. Understand the Pressing Details: Look beyond just the artwork. Pay close attention to the mastering engineer, the pressing plant, and any other relevant information. Certain plants are known for higher quality work than others, and it makes a HUGE difference.

3. Patience is a Virtue: If the initial pressing is problematic, don't despair. Often, labels will issue corrected pressings. Just be patient, and keep your eye out for announcements.

Beyond H to He: The Broader Reissue Landscape

The H to He situation was, unfortunately, not an isolated incident within the VdGG reissue program. Some of the other albums had their own set of issues - slight mastering inconsistencies, a few off-center pressings here and there. It was a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. The whole situation made me deeply appreciate the detailed release notes some labels now include about their releases. They're far from perfect, of course, but the amount of information they offer is seriously helpful.

A Positive Note (Finally!)

Despite the initial setbacks, the overall reissue campaign has been a positive one. Many fans, myself included (after a replacement and a whole lot of email correspondence!), now have access to these incredible albums on high-quality vinyl. The sheer amount of effort that went into the remasters is impressive. So, while it wasn’t a smooth road to get here, it was a valuable lesson in the sometimes chaotic but ultimately rewarding world of vinyl collecting.

The Bottom Line: Buy Smart, and Enjoy the Music!

Collecting vinyl can be a beautiful and rewarding experience, and the Van der Graaf Generator reissue saga is a testament to both the joys and the pitfalls. By carefully researching each purchase and managing expectations, you can avoid some of my past mistakes. Ultimately, the goal is to listen to incredible music, and this reissue campaign allowed access to some truly incredible albums for many fans.