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Vinyl Rhino Returns Classic Albums to LP


(June 19, 2003) Los Angeles-Rhino Records was built on the sale of old vinyl LP's, so it's only fitting that the label recently launched Rhino Vinyl, an imprint dedicated to making classic recordings available again in the format of their original release. The first titles, a trio of albums by the Grateful Dead, arrived at retail on April 22, followed by reissues of The Yes Album (the prog-rock kingpins' third LP) and T. Rex's glam rock masterpiece Electric Warrior. The latter two hit the bins in late May. Current plans call for 10 titles this year from Rhino Vinyl, with 30 to follow in 2004. Rhino Vinyl releases will be carefully mastered and pressed on 180-gram vinyl for best-quality analog reproduction. Initial pressings are 3,000 units for each title, but quantities are not limited, according to a company spokesman. Rhino, a unit of Warner Music Group, will use the vinyl manufacturing services of Dunmore, PA-based 33 1/3RPM, which acquired and relocated WEA Manufacturing's original vinyl pressing plant in 2002. Featuring deluxe packaging that reflects the original issue (and takes full advantage of the medium's 12-inch sleeves), Rhino Vinyl albums will be distributed through the Alternative Distribution Alliance to retail stores and sold directly to consumers at www.rhino.com. The initial batch of releases on Rhino Vinyl are three of the most popular titles from the Grateful Dead: Live/Dead, Workingman's Dead and American Beauty. Originally released in 1969, Live/Dead was the first of many concert recordings from the band, and marked the debut of the epic "Dark Star." A double album, Live/Dead carries a list price of $24.98. Workingman's Dead (featuring the anthems "Uncle John's Band" and "Casey Jones") and American Beauty (including such Dead favorites as "Truckin'" and "Sugar Magnolia") are each single discs and will retail for $17.98. "As the 1980s turned into the 1990s, Rhino was at the forefront of both the CD revolution and the Save The Vinyl campaign," notes Mark Pinkus, Warner Strategic Marketing's vice president of strategic marketing and custom products. "While we couldn't save vinyl in 1993, I'm very excited about having the opportunity to resurrect it in 2003. The passion that Rhino puts into its CDs will be replicated by Rhino Vinyl with our 180-gram, original artwork, high quality releases. Nothing feels better in your hands than a beautiful 12x12 gatefold jacket; and nothing sounds better." © 2004 Medialine News
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