Soundgarden – Down On The Upside

well remastered by the master himself Bob Ludwig, great reissue.

Outstanding pressing! Perfectly balanced with nice projection, and with proper separation. This was nicely done.

I have the later 2019/2020 repress of this German press. Thought I’d leave my comments here since they use the same plates.

What a relief finally listening to a Soundgarden modern remaster that doesn’t sound uber compressed! This record is not an audiophile record but it’s packed with punches, high dynamic and great instrument separation. The soundstage is great as well. This is super rare for a reissue of a 90s record. What I really love about this remaster is that it doesn’t have the smiley face EQ (mid scooped) which I believe was quite a big thing in the 90s (with Soundgarden being a major victim).

The only reason I say it’s not an audiophile record is because the remaster has some modern day polishing that may make it sound a bit too smooth. It doesn’t sound sterile but just lacks a bit of bite.

It just breaks my heart how uber compressed the Superunknown 2014 vinyl reissue is compared to this. It’s one of those records I own only because there’s no better alternative. Hopefully one day we will have a good sounding version of that record.

For now, I am so happy to own this. I needed a tipping point to embrace this album and that tipping point for me was this specific mastering done for vinyl.

Highly underrated 90s gem!

What a relief finally listening to a Soundgarden modern remaster that doesn’t sound uber compressed! This record is not an audiophile record but it’s packed with punches, high dynamic and great instrument separation. The soundstage is great as well. This is super rare for a reissue of a 90s record. What I really love about this remaster is that it doesn’t have the smiley face EQ (mid scooped) which I believe was quite a big thing in the 90s (with Soundgarden being a major victim).

The only reason I say it’s not an audiophile record is because the remaster has some modern day polishing that may make it sound a bit too smooth. It doesn’t sound sterile but just lacks a bit of bite.

It just breaks my heart how uber compressed the Superunknown 2014 vinyl reissue is compared to this. It’s one of those records I own only because there’s no better alternative. Hopefully one day we will have a good sounding version of that record.

For now, I am so happy to own this. I needed a tipping point to embrace this album and that tipping point for me was this specific mastering done for vinyl.

Highly underrated 90s gem!

I bought this new in 2018. It was at a Guitar Center and as I was deciding, a sales clerk tried to sell me a replacement plan. Still shaking my head at that one.

I ran it through my Spin Clean and my copy plays without any noise or pops. I compared it to the CD/FLAC and this sounds better. It’s punchy and has better defined highs and mid-range. A bit more dynamic. I see the audio wizard Robert Ludwig listed for remastering. He is one of the best IMO.

This being pressed at Rainbo is unfortunate as they are hit and miss with quality control. If you are buying this second hand, there are good copies. I’d recommend asking the seller to do a listening test before buying.

Wonderful press! Sound and general presentation is better than my liner notes-less Superunknown reissue! Buy with confidence

I won a copy of this album from my local radio station back in 96'. I was pumped, but was into CDs at the time. Traded it for $20 store credit at the used cd store. Still kicking myself.

Picked this one up today. Had the 2016 US Rainbo pressing which is horrible and I only listened to it twice.

This is the best I’ve ever heard these songs. The copy to get.

My copy says: "Promotional Copy Not for Sale" on the back in gold letters...

My copy has a big gash on one of the sides. Such a shame. It’s going to go back to the store.