Seatbelts* – Cowboy Bebop (Original Series Soundtrack)

There is a bit of surface noise on my copy, and a really annoying noisy bit at the end of side C (during "Memory,") apart from that overall sound quality is good.. though how good seems like a track-to-track thing (at least to my ears.) Some tracks, like "Tank!" and "Rush" sound at most maybe slightly better than their digital versions, while others like "Space Lion," "The Egg and I," and "What Planet is This?!" sound light years better than they ever have to me. Possibly a lot of this could be explained by them being recorded at different sessions and mastered separately?

Apart from that, I would've preferred if they'd used the version of "Rain" with Mai Yamane on vocals, not that there's anything wrong with Steve Conte's rendition, just a personal preference. Cowboy Bebop has A LOT of music, and who knows if we'll ever see a really complete collection on vinyl one day.

Sounds fantastic. I wish the art were more dynamic and unique, however it's hardly a slight against what is otherwise a superb package. Love the inclusion of the bonus tracks

Finally mine arrives.
To not mince words Ill just say that this is simply a way to collect Bebop material and listen to the music on vinyl. One should not go in expecting some revelation in of sound or visual design.
My first gripe since day 1 has always been the rather unimaginative artwork. It does not reflect the show very well and does not work as a display piece. It may be by the original creator but thats a weak defense.
Its also a real shame Green Bird is nowhere to be found.
Soundwise theres nothing particularly wrong here, and sometimes its rather good on the simpler tracks. But the complex orchestrations feel pretty congested, 2D and lackluster in of remastering. Much more care could have been put in highlighting and staging the performances to make a convincing and realistic soundscape. This seems to me largely like a CD pressed to vinyl almost directly. There are few exceptions, particularly on Side D, which is a bit better but the set certainly doesnt start off with great impressions.
It does have decent bass and highs, its just how its all arranged and used that is a bit disappointment when compared to other great Jazz recordings and pressings.
The pressing is quite decent for me however with low surface noise and the odd pop here and there mostly. But those rough card inners should really be lined with plastic if intended to be used.
In the end its nice to have as a fan, but what puts it into perspective best I think is that Id rather have the bootleg for its nicer cover and likely similar sound.

Equipment Used:
Technics SL-1210GR Turntable
ATVM95ML Cartridge
Cyrus 2 Amplifier
System Fidelity SF-3050 Tower Speakers

Can someone expain how over 1200 people can have a release which was limited to 500?

Great sounding pressing with that tasty emphasis on everything, yet so unique as well! It sounds great, with the good instruments, as well as nicely mixed vocals

Great pressing with a good inherent volume. No problems with my copy. Fabulous artwork. Just really impressed with the overall package and sound of it. Pick it up if you can!

I'm still waiting for my copy with extensions on delays... I just saw it's a "backorder pressing".
Last update: shipping before 18.01. Nothing more.
Update: they shipped it after this comment LOL

Absolutely superb pressing. I heard no surface noise whatsoever, vinyl is perfectly centered and flat, and the sound is crystal clear and dynamic. Excellent design and packaging. Love the labels. They nailed this.

I'm pretty sure the pressing run was increased to 3000 from the original 500 planned from a tweet LITA made in response the increased demand. Can anyone confirm this?

I'm not sure if my copy is a fluke but this has got to be one of the better sounding albums in my collection. Absolutely no surface noise (pops, clicks, nofill etc.) or skips along all four sides, the sound is incredibly clear, rich, and detailed. This might be due to the LITA variant being an edition of 500 and being pressed on fresher stampers but I find that unlikely. I liked that the gatefold was of a decent thickness and the printed inner sleeves (although they were glossy paper and unideal for storing the discs) had fantastic artwork. The cover art itself is nothing to write home about, but I really don't think its as ugly as so many say it is- it's actually grown on me since I've had it. I hope Vitaminless is pressed to vinyl next! (Still dying to hear The Real Folk Blues on wax)