Blog

Rare pressings. Big opinions. Honest listening.

On February 27, we welcomed renowned audio journalist Michael Fremer to our Timonium Experience Center for a special vinyl listening event—an evening devoted to hearing records the way they were meant to be heard.

Fremer, editor of Tracking Angle and a longtime contributor to The Absolute Sound, has spent decades evaluating turntables, cartridges, tonearms, and record pressings. He has been one of analog audio’s most outspoken advocates—even during periods when many believed vinyl was finished. Few people have listened to as many records, across as many systems, with the same level of critical attention.

For collectors and music lovers alike, the event offered a rare opportunity to experience vinyl through Fremer’s perspective.

The Listening Session

Throughout the evening, Fremer guided attendees through a carefully curated selection of records inside the showroom. Some were familiar classics, while others were unexpected selections—along with rare test pressings, acetates, and audiophile editions that few people have ever had the chance to hear.

As each record played, Fremer shared stories about the artists, the recording process, and the subtle but significant differences between pressings. The session highlighted how mastering choices, pressing quality, and playback setup can dramatically shape the way music is heard.

Below is the full playlist from the event.

Michael Fremer’s Listening Session Playlist

CLICK FOR THE PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY →

Frank Sinatra – In the Wee Small Hours
Tone Poet test pressing

Nina Simone – Little Girl Blue
Analogue Productions reissue

The Beatles – Abbey Road
Original U.K. Apple pressing

Duke Ellington – Masterpieces by Ellington
Analogue Productions 45RPM reissue test pressing

Buddy Holly – Buddy Holly
MCA Records “Heavy Vinyl Series” 1995 acetate

Rufus Reid / Caelan Cardello – Rufus Reid Presents Caelan Cardello
Liam Records test pressing

Caelan Cardello – Chapter One
Jazz Bird / Liam Records

The Who – Tommy
Classic Records 2006 45RPM acetate

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven
Classic Records 45RPM single test pressing

Wadada Leo Smith & Amina Claudine Myers
Central Park’s mosaics of reservoir, lake, paths and gardens
Red Hook Records 45RPM

The Who – Who’s Next
45RPM UHQR Clarity Vinyl (unreleased)

Art Blakey – A Night in Tunisia
45RPM Music Matters acetate