I think the bad quality of vinyl has been discussed elsewhere quite extensively. Like what happened, that vinyl in 2005-2010 sounds worse than vinyl in say 1995-2004? I have yet to see / hear proof other than the poor mastering jobs that people do for their music what is very different from past decades. Having a lot of releases pressed both CD and LP, and able to compare same material on both formats, in majority of cases I can't complain. And each time there is complaint, I know it's all about what style of material is tried to put on LP or 7", what simply is impossible considering the limitations of format. I did series of tape re-issues on LP/CD. Where most actually sounded better than they originally did on tapes. Where 2 of the LP's sounded better than CD, but one of CD's sounded better than LP. Reason was that one of sides was not only 25 minutes long, but included very rough sound in wrong hrz, what would only boost when cut on vinyl, while bass levels had to be cut due length, and result was harsh. Not really bad, but just different. And I did prefer how it originally sounded on tape or CD, but was perfectly aware it could have been done better if length, preventing re-mastering and such has been taken care better. Double LP for 45 minutes just didn't seem good option and some compromise had to be made. But people can always choose CD if they don't like it. Other side of LP sounded much much better when it's done in way as it should. And what is best considering this discussion is that that is EXACTLY same material pressed on 7" back in 1999 as well as exactly same song on comp LP in 2000 as now on complete band LP in 2009. One can compare that anytime. Same songs, same master, same factory, 7" in 1999, side of LP 2009. Compilation LP in 2000, same track in 2009. Quality is right there to be compared and 2009 simply kills. Which is of course advantage of longer 12" groove in case of 7", but advantage is such a good, it doesn't explain the whole case.
Of course this is just one case, but very concrete and real. As opposed to "although haven't heard much of recent (noise) vinyl, I feel like..."
I'll be happy to hear any proof of bad vinyl quality, where variables (such as label submitting 2009 boosted & compressed re-issue cd as master instead of original 1977 analogue master, label stubbornly pressing material what doesn't fit in templates/restrictions of format, refuses test pressing due costs, refuses additional mastering offered by factory to quarantee vinyl compatability, etc) are removed. Not just those "this re-issue shounds shit! factories can't make vinyl" or such.. you know. All the printers can do high quality sharp printing, and still this world is filled with pixelated, bad color scale rubbish that their customers supply to be made.
I assume you mean Slogun "bloody roots" CD? With such a high sound pressure, such a heavy stereobass occasionally, such a ripping high pitched crisp, plenty of playing time... of course THAT isn't going to sound as loud, as pure and as strong as it does on CD that's been mastered to straight 0db. But does it make vinyl of 2009 bad, that it still can't perform some qualities that it never could? I recall back in the day, when bands were put in studio to record material, they were aiming for vinyl LP. label knew it, band knew it, studio knew it. They were aiming for 2 sides with reasonable lengths. Sometimes even putting easy and less distorted or less heavy songs in end of sides to balance quality of long vs. short groove etc. I remember reading of many producers & studios where these things were taken into consideration. Order of tracks wasn't all about how well they "flow" after another, but also how to take best advantage of format to make album. If people won't do it anymore, but insist 50 minutes of heaviest full blast insanity, that's really not fault of vinyl format that it can't perform expectedly.
But I do agree there are plenty of low quality vinyl. Pressed in unclean factory, with dust particels making permanent snap & pop. Thin warped vinyl. What I do hate the most, is the increasing number of out-of-central vinyl releases that many smaller german companies produce. In music, the wowwing can be unbearable, making riffs and melody utter trash. Of course they don't show up so well if one does just rhythmic DJ vinyls into heavy turntable use, but that isn't the use of most recordings.
I do agree Zeno Marx in general, especially about low quality tapes that are insult to what tape should be.
In contect of metal, there has been a lot of very artificial "XXXXX doesn't support death of vinyl. This collectors item is pressed 333 copies" printed on ALBUM cover is best example. Death of vinyl is when it's no longer viable listening format, but mere collectors item, often pressed less than there is demand. Which a lot of noise is starting to be. Not about reaching decent amount of listeners and keep recording available (which would perhaps be the "support for band" was talked about in this topic), but limited edition collectors item meant to sell fast and to be auctioned special trophy (which is most of all support for label than anything else. Most likely hastely bought limited items may end up buried in shelves of collectors and never really listened).
I think its always varying what is "dying" and what gets no support. Some labels say CD's never sell, other say that's the only thing what moves properly. Some say vinyl don't move, others say nothing else will ever interest actual noise collectors. Some wonder who the fuck buys tape, other say that's what people kill for. Not even browsing CD shelves, but diving straight into dusty tape boxes. It could be nice to do honest anonymous poll about what people prefer. From my own experience I can say that CD's sell the best. People would probably buy vinyl if it wasn't that expensive to ship around. Tapes sell to specific audience, but often it's about specific bands. And I'm confident it has more to do with who's release it is, than people buying tape in particular. I release in all formats and everything sells pretty much same amount. Everything is treated with same respect and aim for quality and all formats basically include mix of new and old, guaranteed sellers and very hazardous investments.
