Mike Mettler

Album ReviewsVinyl Reports
Prog Pioneers Yes’ Spectacular 1973 2LP Masterwork Tales From Topographic Oceans Sets Sail Again on 180g as Part of Newly Expanded Super Deluxe Edition
Mark Smotroff,  |  Feb 06, 2026  |  First Published: Feb 06, 2026  |  comments

In December 1973, Yes issued Tales From Topographic Oceans, a double album that some fans consider to be the greatest record they ever made, while others view it as a time-marker pinpointing the precise moment where the entire progressive rock genre went off the rails. Either way you look at it, the galvanizing, chart-topping Tales From Topographic Oceans is being rightly celebrated today, February 6, 2026, with the release of an exemplary, expansive super deluxe edition from Atlantic/Rhino that includes 2LPs, 12CDs (yes, 12 CDs), and 1BD — a truly deep-dive for (re)consideration of this remarkable recording. Read Mark Smotroff’s review to see exactly why this new collection of Tales is worthy of repeat sailing, er, spinning on your turntable . . .

Continue Reading >
Analog Gear News
Soulines tt23 Turntable
Mike Mettler  |  Feb 05, 2026  |  First Published: Feb 05, 2026  |  comments

Numbers don’t lie, or so we’ve been told. We here at AP are endlessly captivated by the various deep meanings and interpretations ascribed to certain specific numbers — and we’re happy to report that Serbian manufacturer Soulines are as fascinated with numbers as we are, if not more so. That numeric fascination has led Soulines to dub their latest turntable as the tt23, so read on to see all the features and specs of this wholly intriguing model. . .

Continue Reading >
ALBUM RELEASE NEWSNew Wax WednesdayVinyl Reports
Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, and The Mothers Combine Ingredients for New 180g 2LP and 1LP 50th Anniversary Options for 1975’s Bongo Fury on March 20
Mike Mettler  |  Feb 04, 2026  |  First Published: Feb 04, 2026  |  comments

After a long absence, the Muffin Men have finally returned to their respective seats at the table. What I mean by that is thus: The first Frank Zappa-related release of 2026 shines a spotlight on Bongo Fury, the historical October 1975 collaboration between lifelong friends Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, with The Mothers also along for the ride. A newly expanded 50th anniversary edition of Bongo Fury will be released by Zappa Records/UMe in a variety of formats, including 2LP and 1LP sets, on March 20, 2026. Read AP editor Mike Mettler’s report to see just how Bongo Fury has been upgraded and expanded. . .

Continue Reading >
Album ReviewsVinyl Reports
David Bowie’s Benchmark 1976 Album Station to Station Connects Anew With Stellar 50th Anniversary Half-Speed-Remastered 180g 1LP Reissue
Mark Smotroff,  |  Jan 30, 2026  |  First Published: Jan 30, 2026  |  comments

Fifty years ago, upon the release of his 10th studio album on RCA, January 1976’s Station to Station, David Bowie painted a firm portrait of his future, presenting his Thin White Duke persona that was first hinted at on March 1975’s Young Americans. Now celebrating its so-called Golden Jubilee, Station to Station was re-released 50 years to the day on January 23, 2026, via Parlophone in a new half-speed-mastered, audiophile-worthy limited-edition 180g LP, alongside a fun, companion picture disc option. Read Mark Smotroff’s review to see if you need to check into either/both of these STS reissues. . .

Continue Reading >
Analog Gear News
Pro-Ject Scorpions Turntable
Julie Mullins,  |  Jan 29, 2026  |  First Published: Jan 29, 2026  |  comments

Fellow vinyl lovers, prepare to be rocked like a hurricane. Austria-based manufacturer Pro-Ject recently announced the latest in their lineup of special edition turntables: the limited-edition Scorpions model. Its belt-driven design is based on Pro-Ject’s popular T2 turntable — and, as Julie Mullins reports, this version just might have Scorpions fans saying they can’t live without you, er, can’t live without it. . .

Continue Reading >
Analog Gear News
Sumiko Oriole MC Cartridge
Mike Mettler  |  Jan 29, 2026  |  First Published: Jan 29, 2026  |  comments

We’ve been waiting semi-patiently to sing about a cool new phono cartridge that we got a heads up about a few weeks ago — and now that the embargo period has officially lifted, the time has come for us to fill you in on Sumiko’s Oriole MC cartridge. Read on to see all of the Oriole cart’s features and specs. . .

Continue Reading >
ALBUM RELEASE NEWSNew Wax WednesdayVinyl Reports
Another King of Rock & Roll Epic in the Making: Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert 2LP Soundtrack Gets Crowned on Vinyl on April 24
Mike Mettler  |  Jan 28, 2026  |  First Published: Jan 28, 2026  |  comments

When it comes to the King of Rock & Roll, nothing is too EPiC (acronym-derived case sensitivity specifics very much intended) for director Baz Luhrmann to tackle. Relative to the theatrical premiere of Luhrmann’s latest visual ode the King, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert — which hits theaters with a one-week exclusive IMAX engagement on February 20, 2026, followed by a global theatrical release from NEON and Universal Pictures International a week later on February 27, 2026 — RCA/Legacy will be releasing a companion 2LP soundtrack on April 24, 2026. Read AP editor Mike Mettler’s EPiC report to see if this hunk o’ double-Elvis vinyl-to-come belongs in your collection. . .

Continue Reading >
Album ReviewsVinyl Reports
T. Rex’s Pioneering 1971 Release Electric Warrior Gets Even More Glammed Up With Fine New Rhino High Fidelity Series 180g 1LP Remaster
Mark Smotroff,  |  Jan 23, 2026  |  First Published: Jan 23, 2026  |  comments

Many music fans consider Electric Warrior, the classic September 1971 Reprise LP by Marc Bolan’s T. Rex, to be ground zero for the music genre known as glam rock. Indeed, popular music’s trajectory at that time would likely be very different if not for the success of this album, which has long been an in-demand fan-favorite LP. And thus, a new, audiophile-worthy remastered 180g 1LP version of it courtesy Rhino’s most excellent High Fidelity Series was very much in order. Read Mark Smotroff’s review to see if you need to get it on with the Kevin Gray remaster of Electric Warrior ASAP. . .

Continue Reading >
Analog Gear News
Aavik R-X88 Series Phono Preamps
Mike Mettler  |  Jan 22, 2026  |  First Published: Jan 22, 2026  |  comments

Since we’re on a bit of a phono preamp kick this week, it’s time to check in on what Danish brand Aavik has in store under that particular gear umbrella. Part of Audio Group Denmark, Aavik is known for their flagship R-880 phono preamp, and they tell us that they’ve drawn inspiration specifically from that model to launch their new Aavik R-X88 series of phono preamps. Read on to see all the features and specs for the three different models in this new series: the Aavik R-188, Aavik R-288, and Aavik R-588. . .

Continue Reading >
ALBUM RELEASE NEWSNew Wax WednesdayVinyl Reports
Rush Change the Mode and Crack the Code With 40th Anniversary Grace Under Pressure 180g 5LP/1BD Box Set Due on March 13
Mike Mettler  |  Jan 21, 2026  |  First Published: Jan 21, 2026  |  comments

As the ’80s continued to unfold, Rush found themselves at the crossroads once again. To meet the moment head-on, the Canadian trio enlisted a new producer, made some key arrangement and songwriting modifications, and came up with their mid-’80s statement album, April 1984’s Grace Under Pressure. In celebration of this milestone LP, UMe/Mercury and Anthem continue with their ongoing, comprehensive Rush 40th anniversary album series with the arrival of newly expanded Super Deluxe Editions of Rush’s about-face 1984 release on March 13, 2026. Read AP editor Mike Mettler’s report — which includes an exclusive interview with longtime Rush production wizard Terry Brown, who remixed the original album exclusively for this box set — to see why the 180g 5LP/1BD configuration of GUP40 should make its way onto your preorder list ASAP. . .

Continue Reading >

Pages

X