The resurgence of vinyl records continues, and Universal Music Group’s catalog division, UMe picks up on the trend with a special vinyl series directed at audiophiles. The new Vinylphyle, launching on November 14th, 2024, will reissue some of history’s most essential albums with exceptional sound quality, new essays and first-class presentation.
The first four releases in the series are set. Those albums are rereleases of four real classics – The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967), Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Exodus (1977), The Band’s Northern Lights–Southern Cross (1975), and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” (1962).
As their PR notes, Vinylphyle distinguishes itself from other reissue series through uncompromising production standards. Each release features all-analog mastering from original source tapes by some of the industry’s most esteemed engineers— the inaugural four titles were mastered by Joe Nino-Hernes of Sterling Sound. Each record is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl at Record Technology, Inc. (RTI), the renowned Southern California audiophile pressing plant.
The packaging on each reissue will match the audio in superior quality, pairing archival photos, artwork and liner notes with new essays from prominent music and art critics. The first four releases feature informative and lyrical new writing from The Needle Drop founder Anthony Fantano (The Velvet Underground & Nico); filmmaker and DJ Don Letts (Exodus), music journalist Rick Florino (Northern Lights–Southern Cross), and writer James Ritz (“The Christmas Song”).
After the launch, the series will get two albums monthly, building a library spanning multiple genres and eras.
