The Congos – Heart Of The Congos

Out Of seal bit murky. Ultra clean it's all there. Happy

I guess a lot of mint listings for sale post summer 2024 are actually the 2024 Czech version and not the 2017 us like the hhv one (I bought it there). Funny thing is that there is not even one listed for sale under the 2024 pressing.
It's actually easy to distinguish because above the barcode, under the catno on the back cover it says 'made in Czech republic'.
You should ask the seller to be sure.

one thing really pathetic about this release is this total crap packaging. You are going to either ruin the booklet or bust a disc trying to get the disc and booklet out. You would think VP would have this together but total JA style, just a total piece of crap as far as packaging goes.

Would be interested to know the amount of time between the yellow/blue stripe pressings and these. It’s not impossible that they were all pressed pre release, in different batches.

There are certainly more 4049 pressings around than there might first appear, anyway. I’ve currently got the copy - like this one, with the early mix and mask label- my Uncle bought in the UK at the time, and it’s almost certain he heard it on John Peel’s show in January ‘78

My copy is pretty much like everyone else's. Side A has surface noise as does B but not as bad. But then, I don't see it as all that bad. Sounds like a lot of reggae records from Jamaica that are 40 years old. Only this isn't. But it doesn't say "remastered" either. Still, I understand the complaints. But if you want an authentic sound this pretty much is. An incredible classic record with an amazing story. A definite Top 5 reggae record of all time. Just don't overpay for this version. I paid 25$ and it's worth it to me.

Terrible press quality. Promenant background crackle throughout. My NM copy sounds like a G+.

So happy to finally get a vinyl copy of this. Bass is very punchy, as it should be, this is top stuff for roots reggae. Check it out on streaming if you are unfamiliar. Super great vibe in these jams.

Current Preamp: Sanyo Plus C55 - Total sleeper - I love to experiment with different vintage options!
Amps: McIntosh MC30 monoblocks - Legendary tube amps
Turntable: Yamaha YP-D3 - DD - not a bad TT, but not legendary
Cartridge: Sumiko Amethyst - MM Japanese precision
Loudspeakers: Infinity Composition Overture III - Very Satisfying high sensitivity towers
Sub: Sonance 10-150 - Aluminum-coned beast
Other: various Tape Decks, CD players, Eight track players, etc. - I love vintage gear that performs

Even though the songs are cut short compared to other versions, this is still one of my favorite albums and in my favorite version. Seems like the Beat wanted it short and to the point, but the fidelity makes up for it. One more reason the Beat was my fave out of all the two tone outfits, they had an ear for the real thing.

I have a hand painted cover with the red/black Black Art Label record.

The running time for track 15 is 3:43, Track 16 is listed as 4:01 but plays for 1:19 and Track 17 listed as 4:09 but plays for 0:54 on the copy I have.