Bill Withers: Just As I Am

Tale of Two Pressings: Bill Withers' "Just As I Am" on Speakers Corner vs. Vinyl Me, Please

Bill Withers' debut album "Just As I Am" stands as a timeless introduction to one of music's most distinctive voices. Released in 1971, this masterpiece showcases Withers' compelling blend of soulful folk and blues, backed by his exceptional lyrical prowess and that immediately recognizable voice. Booker T. Jones' production elevates the material further, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that's both intimate and powerful. The album spawned several hits, most notably "Ain't No Sunshine," which Rolling Stone magazine rightfully ranks among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The album itself has earned similar recognition, securing its place on Rolling Stone's prestigious 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

The Contenders
This comparative review examines two significant reissues of this classic album:
Vinyl Me, Please (VMP) reissue from 2021
Speakers Corner Records (SCR) reissue from 2007

Unlike previous comparisons that measured reissues against original pressings, this analysis focuses on how two similarly priced "audiophile" reissues stack up against each other. Both labels carry reputations for quality vinyl releases, and both records received identical treatment before testing, including thorough cleaning with a Degritter ultrasonic record cleaning system.

The Clear Winner
The results of this comparison are decisive and unambiguous: the Speakers Corner Records reissue outperforms the Vinyl Me, Please version in every meaningful category. The SCR pressing delivers superior dynamic range, a fuller sound presentation, and noticeably quieter surfaces where it matters most. During playback, pops, cracks, and other surface noise were virtually nonexistent on the SCR pressing.

The VMP Reality
Like many VMP releases I've examined, their "Just As I Am" appears to be simply a colored vinyl repress of an existing Sussex Records reissue rather than a ground-up remastering project. My research suggests this is standard practice for VMP unless explicitly stated otherwise—most releases are merely existing reissues pressed on colored vinyl and manufactured by the label that owns the manufacturing rights (similar to their handling of Cody Jinks' "Lifers" on Rounder Records, Sturgill Simpson's "Metamodern Sounds In Country Music" on High Top Mountain Records, etc.).

The VMP Proposition
This isn't to suggest that all VMP reissues are substandard. However, the blanket assumption that they uniformly represent audiophile quality would be inaccurate and ultimately disappointing for serious collectors. Most VMP releases are comparable to Music On Vinyl pressings—generally acceptable but likely produced from digital masters rather than analog tapes.

Occasionally, VMP does produce genuinely audiophile-caliber releases. Their pressing of Fiona Apple's "Tidal" stands out as an excellent example—while pressed on their signature 180-gram colored vinyl, it was properly remastered from original analog tapes. This crucial distinction separates true audiophile pressings from standard reissues.

Consumers should be wary of marketing language like "lacquer cut by... and pressed at..." which appears on VMP hype stickers. Such phrasing doesn't necessarily indicate analog mastering—both digital and analog-sourced masters go through the lacquer cutting and pressing process.

The Vinyl Verdict
For collectors primarily interested in colored vinyl with decent (though not exceptional) sound quality, most VMP reissues remain worthwhile considerations. However, inconsistency remains an issue, likely due to their relative youth in the vinyl market and lack of standardized manufacturing controls. Their reported acquisition of their own pressing plant may address these issues in the future.

Those seeking genuine audiophile quality would be better served by established specialists like Analogue Productions, Speakers Corner, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, Impex, Classic Records, Music Matters, and DCC. While these labels command premium prices, the investment is justified for listeners who prioritize sonic excellence and authentic musical reproduction.

For Bill Withers' "Just As I Am" specifically, the Speakers Corner Records reissue is the clear recommendation—a meticulously pressed and properly mastered record from analog tape sources that delivers this soulful masterpiece with the fidelity it deserves.💰

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass