Music Complete US clear vinyl defects?

Hey! Longtime lurker, new poster... Wondering if others who got the US 2xLP clear indie edition have picked up copies with a slight warp to the first disc. It's a little bump in one area that makes Restless and Tutti Frutti both skip (but the rest and second disc are OK). I ordered one from Amoeba (in California) then bought another at a local store in Ohio, and they both have the same issue.

I emailed Mute to see if they can replace the disc instead of just returning it again - the UK import is a bit expensive to justify - but wanted to figure out if it's just my bad luck or the whole pressing run.

Cardigans8 wrote: Hey! Longtime lurker, new poster... Wondering if others who got the US 2xLP clear indie edition have picked up copies with a slight warp to the first disc. It's a little bump in one area that makes Restless and Tutti Frutti both skip (but the rest and second disc are OK). I ordered one from Amoeba (in California) then bought another at a local store in Ohio, and they both have the same issue.

I emailed Mute to see if they can replace the disc instead of just returning it again - the UK import is a bit expensive to justify - but wanted to figure out if it's just my bad luck or the whole pressing run.

I would think a warped disc would be case by case as opposed to a repeated pressing defect.

That's what I would think too, but coming upon it 2 out of 2 tries with basically the same small defect makes me wary to buy another US copy (hence wondering others' luck). The store clerk mentioned nobody had returned their copies, so maybe I'm just that unlucky?

I am normally one to favor UK pressings over US pressings. But in the case of "Music Complete" I may change my opinion. According to Mute's Instagram page, the US pressing was done by RTI, who are known for high quality audiophile pressings. According to the Discogs entry, the UK/European pressing was done by Optimal Media GmbH.

For what it's worth, I would probably recommend an RTI pressing over an Optimal pressing. RTI, coincidentally, pressed most of the FACTUS albums, as well as the recent run of Rhino audiophile New Order LP repressings. With that said, however, you can get a one-off warped pressing from any plant.

-Mike

So theoretically it should be a good pressing... but any warps on a $30 record sort of go against that reputation. I wouldn't recommend buying it unless you don't plan to listen to the first two singles. Still curious to hear from other US buyers as I haven't seen any feedback online other than positive praise for the UK pressing.

My US copy is not warped.

Warping would not be a manufacturing defect, it would come after. Warping is usually caused by heat.

Helpful... but frustrating too! I thought it might have been somewhere post-manufacture but before stores receive it since multiple copies in such distant areas had basically the same issue. Hopefully the label decides to get back to me and send a replacement. I don't know if it's worth continuing to play hide and seek looking for a decent copy.

Hi, I just bought the same LP in Canada yesterday and am having the exact same issues you've described. Same LP, same disc and same songs. It has to be a pressing issue. Did you email the record company and did they offer a replacement?

I returned the clear 2xLP for the black 2xLP today and the first disc is still skipping through Restless and Tutti Frutti (first song on either side of the disc). The cat # for both is 9628-1. Other than the colour, same discs and same problem. No response from Mute...yet.

Had the same issue with my clear 'indie store' x2 release here in the uk.

Shop had said I was the first and they had sold a few of them.

Argh. I will have to carefully audition my opened UK pressing now to be sure.