Cat Stevens – Tea For The Tillerman

Just listening to my copy, it’s a really great pressing, quiet with great dynamics. I have nothing to compare to with but I can only imagine that this version would give any other version a run for its money.

This thing stands out! Very quiet pressing. Sound quality is top notch.

My copy has some issues. The spindle hole is slightly off center and the label area of the record is slightly cupped (warped). These combined to cause a fast shaky tremolo-like effect on delicate arpeggiated guitar and piano parts on songs like Hard Headed Woman and Sad Lisa. I own an original copy from 1970 and the recent Abbey Road/Optimal version--so I have sources for comparison. After 5+ years of periodic adjustments to my VPI Prime turntable trying to get this record to track properly, I was finally able to eliminate the problem by removing the VPI screw down record clamp. DOH! The clamp was transferring the warpage from the area under the label to the tracks, and the off-center spindle hole made it worse. Without the clamp, the grooves maintain their intended shape. A VPI unipivot 3D printed armwand with a decent micro line stylus can easily handle an off center spindle hole. I'm so glad I didn't give up on this recording because it is really good. AP/QRP captured the pure depth and richness of Cat Stevens' baritone voice. Paul Samwell Smith included some subtle production gems like the modulation effects on "On the Road..." that are gonna be hard to spot on other pressings. It is really a great recording of a classic. System--VPI Prime, SoundSmith Zephyr Star, Sutherland Pre, Yamaha amp, BW 702 S2, REL T/7x (x2).

Really nice presentation and clarity on this release. Beautiful music, heavy-duty gatefold packaging. My one complaint is there is more surface noise than I would expect, even after multiple cleanings in the Spin-Clean.

i have the 33 rpm and this sounds amazing (fluance rt-85). This is making me rethink buying the 33 analogue productions instead of holding out for 45. really really great, highly recommend

Even though I have to agree that the sound production of this record is just heavenly good, my copy is rather noisy with a lot of pops and clicks, that I can't get rid of. Maybe it will need a Utrasonic cleaning, I don't know.
It stays one of the best LP's ever made. Absolutely love this music !

Can only echo what other reviewers have posted here. Great pressing, remastering and sound quality. At varying points, Steven’s vocals are very upfront; which is his style, and that can be a little overwhelming for any system. I’d suggest purchasing a copy while it’s still somewhat affordable.

If you have the outer cover/sleeve for this record(or a trashed record with good cover) you'd like to sell , please reach out to me. If this is still up, I'm still looking. Will delete accordingly. Thanks.

Are all these pressed off center? I had recently received 2 copies, both off center on both sides. Not much, but enough to make the guitar harmonics and piano fluctuate in pitch...

I paid a lot of money for this pressing but there will never be another Tea for the Tillerman, and when a pressing is this good and you love this album don't risk missing it.