REO Speedwagon – Hi Infidelity

Got this from Amazon today, also has side 2 issue but even if it didn't it's a terrible pressing to my ears. I've seen people talk about it being bright but that's an understatement. The lack of low end make it a non starter for me. I may try and track down a Friday Music pressing but it's a bit of a gamble as I'm in the UK so it may be an expensive gamble.

Decided to try again (3rd time) from Amazon, and got the same whoosh issue on side 2.

I hope all of the 2024 pressings of Hi Infidelity aren't messed up on side 2 of the LP. I got my copy by mail of this newly remastered 2024 pressing the day it was released. Side 1 was flawless and sounded great. However, there's definitely a problem with side 2.

Before I go much further, I'll tell you that I've been through two copies of the album so far. Both came from Amazon. I don't know what the problem is exactly but there is something in the pressing which you hear throughout side 2 that is obviously a problem. It's on the record too because each time it rotates around you hear the flaw being picked up by your stylus. And ultrasonically cleaning the record does nothing to remove the surface noise. It's the scratched up or scuff sounding noise and both copies that I have gotten from Amazon have the same exact problem. It's a shame because side 1 of the album was really mint. But all of side 2 has the sound of an old album with bad spots on it throughout the whole side.

Amazon told me to keep the first copy and sent a second one. But I'm going to send the second one back and get a refund and then try getting another new copy a little later to see if Sony Music/Legacy has either pressed anymore copies or done anything about it. Of course it could be some of the copies turned out great and some didn't? I have no idea how many copies are being pressed. But I think it's likely a problem that was overlooked due to a lack of quality control personally.

I have two original copies that sound great! I was wanting to compare the original pressing against the remastered 2024 pressing but I haven't been able to do that yet. It doesn't sound like it's any spectacular upgrade just going off of memory. I actually listened to the original pressing about a week ago before the May 3rd, 2024 pressing was put out.

I'd be curious to know if any others are experiencing the scratchy noise on side 2 on their 2024 pressing of Hi Infidelity or if it sounds clear?

Bootradr