Artist
USA For Africa
Crate Digger's Guide
- Studio Medium:
- The peak recording era utilized analog multi-track magnetic tape for capturing sound.
- Pressing Plants:
- Core records were primarily pressed at Columbia Records Pressing Plant.
- Lacquer Cut:
- Their frequency ranges produced wide grooves, aiding in inner-groove tracking during lacquer cuts.
- Matrix Runout:
- Look for etchings like 'Friedman' or 'A1/B1' in the matrix runout for authentic 1st pressings.
Vinyl Collector Intelligence
- Grail Pressing:
- Securing an authentic 1985 first pressing on the Columbia imprint remains the ultimate pursuit for anyone hunting down USA For Africa on wax.
- Best Reissue:
- Recent deluxe Music On Vinyl catalog remasters successfully preserve the depth of the original USA For Africa audio master tapes.
- Mastering & Translation:
- The dense multitrack vocal harmonies and electronic sub-bass frequencies characteristic of USA For Africa's production demand a stable microlinear stylus to prevent high-frequency sibilance.
- Shelf Alternatives:
- Collectors tracking this era typically search out companion pressings from Michael Jackson (Epic) alongside Lionel Richie (Motown).
