Artist
Europe (2)
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- Europe primarily used analog multi-track magnetic tape during their peak recording era in the 1980s.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were primarily pressed at facilities like CBS in the UK and Europe.
- Lacquer Cut:
- Their music features significant low-end frequencies, which can affect inner-groove tracking due to increased modulation depth.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors should look for etchings like 'FREEDOM' or 'EPC' in the matrix runout for authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Dating back to 1986, the original Epic pressing stands as the definitive vinyl grail for Europe (2) collectors.
- Best Reissue:
- For an accessible alternative, the 2015 Music On Vinyl 180g remaster of 'The Final Countdown' delivers exceptional pressing precision.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The sharp mid-range transient spikes and acoustic engineering in Europe (2)'s master cuts require precise tonearm calibration to clear heavy vocal peaks without inner-groove distortion.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Crate companions that natively share this specific vinyl profile include Bon Jovi (Mercury) and Def Leppard (Mercury).
