Artist
The Contortions
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- The Contortions primarily used analog multi-track magnetic tape during their peak recording era in the late 1970s.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were primarily pressed at companies like Disques Vogue and RCA Records.
- Lacquer Cut:
- Their recordings feature a wide frequency range, which can lead to inner-groove distortion if cut too close to the label.
- Matrix Runout:
- Collectors should look for etchings like 'A1' or 'B1' in the runout groove for authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Securing an authentic 1979 first pressing on the 99 Records imprint remains the ultimate pursuit for anyone hunting down The Contortions on wax.
- Best Reissue:
- Recent deluxe Superior Viaduct catalog remasters successfully preserve the depth of the original The Contortions audio master tapes.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The sharp mid-range transient spikes and acoustic engineering in The Contortions's master cuts require precise tonearm calibration to clear heavy vocal peaks without inner-groove distortion.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Collectors tracking this era typically search out companion pressings from James Brown (King Records) alongside Sly and the Family Stone (Epic Records).
