Lynyrd Skynyrd: Second Helping

Second Helping arrived in 1974 and changed everything for Lynyrd Skynyrd. "Sweet Home Alabama" became an instant classic, Neil Young loved it despite being its target, and the band cemented their place as the definitive Southern rock outfit. The album is tighter and more polished than Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, but Al Kooper's production keeps the raw edge intact. The three guitar attack of Collins, King, and Rossington remains one of the great sounds in rock music.

Analogue Productions offers two paths into this album, both with impeccable pedigree. Kevin Gray mastered both versions at Cohearent Audio from the original analog tapes. Gary Salstrom handled lacquer plating at QRP, and both were pressed at Quality Record Pressings on heavy vinyl with Stoughton tip on gatefold jackets. The audio chain is as good as it gets.

The 33 RPM Single LP (AAPP 413)
The single disc 180g pressing delivers the album as originally intended: two sides, no disc flipping mid-song. Kevin Gray's mastering pulls detail from the tapes that standard pressings never revealed. The three guitar interplay on "Call Me The Breeze" separates cleanly, and Ronnie Van Zant's vocals sit naturally in the mix without compression artifacts. Bass response is tight and punchy. For listeners who want an excellent sounding copy of Second Helping without the ultra premium price or the inconvenience of a 2LP set, this pressing delivers.

The 45 RPM Double LP (AAPP 413-45)
This is where things get serious. Spreading the album across four sides of 200g vinyl at 45 RPM provides wider groove spacing, reduced inner groove distortion, and improved high frequency response. The difference is not subtle. "Sweet Home Alabama" hits with visceral impact that Hi Fi News described as "the punchiest, most kick ass incarnation yet." The bass absolutely hammers. Dynamics expand. The three guitar attack gains separation and presence that the 33 RPM version, as good as it is, simply cannot match.

Discogs reviews border on hyperbolic, with collectors calling it "perfection" and "the best demo record I've ever heard." Multiple users report dead silent pressings with zero pops or clicks straight out of the sleeve. One reviewer with over a thousand jazz records called it his absolute reference pressing. That's saying something. Note, we have read these same comments for dozens of records. As always, your ears are the best ears for determining what is "the best demo record" for your taste. However, it is awfully good!

The 45 RPM edition is reportedly going out of print. Chad Kassem himself has confirmed limited remaining stock. If you're considering this one, the window is closing.

The Vinyl Verdict
Both pressings are excellent. The 33 RPM version represents tremendous value and sonic quality for listeners who prioritize convenience and don't want to flip discs every ten minutes. It sounds better than any other single LP pressing of this album you're likely to find.

But the 45 RPM version is special. It's reference quality vinyl that justifies the format's existence. If you care about hearing "Sweet Home Alabama" the way it was meant to sound, loud and full of swagger, this is the pressing. The premium price and 2LP format are the only barriers, and for this album, they're worth clearing.

Both are essential depending on your priorities. The 45 RPM is one of the finest rock pressings Analogue Productions has ever released. 💰

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