Sturgill Simpson: High Top Mountain

High Top Mountain: A Pressing Analysis Worth Its Weight in Wax

When Sturgill Simpson self-funded his debut High Top Mountain, naming it after the Jackson, Kentucky cemetery where his ancestors rest, he likely never imagined the vinyl reissue complexities that would follow a decade later. Simpson's trajectory from outlaw country comparisons through the sonic experimentation of Sound & Fury has been nothing short of remarkable, earning Grammy nominations across country, Americana, and rock categories—a testament to his genre-defying artistry. His decision to cap his discography at five albums under his own name, transitioning to the Johnny Blue Skies moniker for 2024's Passage du Desir, only adds mystique to this inaugural release.

The 2023 reissue landscape presented collectors with an intriguing scenario. Vinyl Me, Please included High Top Mountain in their Country series, coinciding with the official 10th anniversary pressing. Both releases share identical mastering and manufacturing origins, differing only in vinyl transparency and color variants. However, VMP's initial marketing misstep—advertising 180-gram vinyl when the actual pressing was standard 150-gram—resulted in replacement copies being distributed in generic sleeves, creating an unintended collectible hierarchy.

The Sonic Assessment
Ryan K. Smith's remastering work transforms what was previously a dynamically compressed, lifeless recording into something genuinely engaging. The soundstage expands considerably, revealing instrumental separation that was previously muddied. Simpson's vocals sit properly in the mix without the harsh edge that plagued earlier digital transfers. The low-end response is particularly improved—the bass lines that anchor tracks like "Turtles All the Way Down" now have the weight and definition they deserve.

Manufacturing Quality
Both pressings suffer from the persistent warping issues that have become synonymous with many contemporary releases from this particular plant. While not severe enough to cause tracking problems on properly calibrated turntables, the slight dish warping is noticeable and disappointing given the premium pricing. The vinyl itself is quiet with minimal surface noise, though occasional non-fill issues create brief pops that interrupt the listening experience.

The Collector's Dilemma
For audiophiles prioritizing sonic quality over exclusivity, the choice between variants is largely aesthetic. The 10th anniversary edition's superior packaging and consistent weight specifications edge out the VMP release, despite both sharing the same lacquers. The VMP pressing's replacement saga, while frustrating for subscribers, inadvertently created multiple variants that some collectors now prize.

The Vinyl Verdict
High Top Mountain finally receives the vinyl treatment it deserved from the start. Smith's remastering rescues Simpson's debut from digital mediocrity, revealing the nuanced arrangements that establish his artistic foundation. Manufacturing inconsistencies prevent this from being an unqualified recommendation, but for Simpson devotees or outlaw country enthusiasts, this represents the definitive analog experience of an album that launched one of country music's most adventurous careers.

The pressing succeeds where it matters most—serving the music. In an era of often-disappointing vinyl cash grabs, High Top Mountain stands as a worthwhile addition to any serious country collection, warts and all. 💰

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass