ECM switch from WB to Polydor in the U.S., When?

[six string]

Can anyone shed light on this point in time? I can't find anything definitive anywhere on the internet.

[king ubu]

what's this all about, distributors?

[Chuck Nessa]

It also means a change of manufacturers in this case. The first US pressings were distributed/made by Polydor, then switched to Warner's and eventually back to Polydor. Not at home to check the dates.

[six string]

Yes this is about distribution and/or manufacturing. What I've noticed is that the Warner Bros. issued ECM lps had smooth edges and they sometimes feel like they've got just a little bit more weight though that could be my imagination. The WB records just look like more care was put into the mfgr process. I guess I've never noticed or was sure that a Polydor ECM album might be an earlier pressing than a WB designated. My main reason for wanting the information is to try and date a recording as far as first press, second press, etc.

[mjzee]

The original Polydor pressings (for example, the original release of Crystal Silence) were terrible, very noisy and crackly. Polydor then switched to a better manufacturer. My copy of Gary Burton's Passengers, from 1977, is noticeably better - it looks like they used CBS's pressing plant. The switch to WB happened around 1978, around the time of the release of "Pat Metheny Group." The WB pressings were noticeably better, and had rice paper inner sleeves. The switch to Polygram (note the corporate name change) occurred in the mid-'80's. My copy of Arvo Part's "Tabula Rasa," from 1984, is from WB; Gary Burton's Whiz Kids, 1987, is from Polygram.

[JSngry]

The original Polydor pressings (for example, the original release of Crystal Silence) were terrible, very noisy and crackly.

That was my experience as well...the next best think to silence was apparently the sound bacon frying on a campfire with firecrackers going off all around!

[king ubu]

Interesting, wasn't aware of all this, thanks!

Got around two dozen ECM LPs at least, but I think they're all European pressings.

[JSngry]

I picked up a German ECM copy of Ruta And Daitya in the cutout bins once, ca. 1974, and was stunned at how quiet the vinyl was. Just freakin' unbelievable.

[king ubu]

Not sure I have any such old ECMs, but all the ones I've listened to have been good. (There are several ones I've never played yet, I buy them used, so it's carpe diem ... and some just stack up.)

[six string]

The original Polydor pressings (for example, the original release of Crystal Silence) were terrible, very noisy and crackly. Polydor then switched to a better manufacturer. My copy of Gary Burton's Passengers, from 1977, is noticeably better - it looks like they used CBS's pressing plant. The switch to WB happened around 1978, around the time of the release of "Pat Metheny Group." The WB pressings were noticeably better, and had rice paper inner sleeves. The switch to Polygram (note the corporate name change) occurred in the mid-'80's. My copy of Arvo Part's "Tabula Rasa," from 1984, is from WB; Gary Burton's Whiz Kids, 1987, is from Polygram.

Even though the name changed to Polygram, I believe the Polydor icon was still on the covers unless those are the pre-WB pressings. I have a Dave Holland album that came out in 1985 so it looks like I can start to narrow it down to either 1986 or 1987 for the switch from WB to Polygram. Of course I try to buy German ECM pressing when I can. That brings me to another question. With all the resurgence of vinyl going on, ECM doesn't seem to want to really get in that game for some reason. I find it a bit puzzling but they've succeeded so far so they must be doing something right.

[Chuck Nessa]

The Warner Bros pressings were done at the plant I used - Wakefield Mfg in Phoenix, AZ. during that era Warner's pressed their own promos at Wakefield, but consumer issues at Columbia.

Edited January 26, 2013 by Chuck Nessa

[Pete C]

IIRC, Polygram existed only as a corportate entity, not a label, while Polydor started as a label, and I suppose survived as one into the Polygram era.

Edited January 27, 2013 by Pete C

[Bluesnik]

I picked up a German ECM copy of Ruta And Daitya in the cutout bins once, ca. 1974, and was stunned at how quiet the vinyl was. Just freakin' unbelievable.

The Germans are known as very good vinyl (and any other media) manufacturers.

[six string]

IIRC, Polygram existed only as a corportate entity, not a label, while Polydor started as a label, and I suppose survived as one into the Polygram era.

Yes, that would explain the polydor icon on the covers after 1986.

[sambrasa]

I've always tried to track down original German pressings, even if they'd be considerably pricier. Had Robin Kenyatta's "Girl From Martinique" as ECM/Polydor which looked minty but sounded like shit, cheap cover which probably had ring wear when it was new. More than happy to get rid of it and buy solid German pressing: pristine sound + laminated cover with still looks gorgeous 40 years later. Deutschland, large portion yes!

[B. Clugston]

With all the resurgence of vinyl going on, ECM doesn't seem to want to really get in that game for some reason. I find it a bit puzzling but they've succeeded so far so they must be doing something right.

They've actually started releasing a small selection of new vinyl again. http://www.ecmrecords.com/News/Special_Offers/LP-Liste.php?cat=&we_start=

[six string]

With all the resurgence of vinyl going on, ECM doesn't seem to want to really get in that game for some reason. I find it a bit puzzling but they've succeeded so far so they must be doing something right.

They've actually started releasing a small selection of new vinyl again. http://www.ecmrecord...?cat=&we_start=

I thought so but I must be shopping at the wrong stores as I have never seen a new ECM lp in the racks.