Stills & Collins' 'Everybody Knows' Vinyl Review: A Tale of Two Turntables

When I first came across Stills & Collins' 'Everybody Knows', I was excited to hear the harmonious duo's take on some classic covers and original tracks. The album, released in 2017, features Judy Collins and Stephen Stills reuniting after decades apart. However, my initial experience with the record was marred by a loud and annoying surface noise that made it unenjoyable.

I was so put off by the noise that I decided to give the album another chance on my other turntable, which is equipped with a Sumiko Pearl cartridge. Unfortunately, the surface noise persisted, and I found myself questioning whether the record was worth the high price tag (originally upwards of $40).

It wasn't until I played the album on my Music Hall MMF 7.1 turntable, fitted with a Goldring 2400 cartridge, that I was finally able to appreciate the music without distraction. The duo's harmonies are indeed blissful, and their covers of Tim Hardin's 'Reason To Believe', Bob Dylan's 'Girl From The North Country', and The Traveling Wilburys' 'Handle With Care' are sweet and charming.

One standout track is 'River of Gold', which is an instant classic worthy of both artists' legacy. Throughout the album, Stills & Collins' vocals are top-notch, and the production is spot on – not too retro or trying to fit in with modern trends.

In the end, 'Everybody Knows' is a fine record that is worth listening to, but your experience may vary depending on your turntable and equipment. If you're considering purchasing the album on vinyl, I recommend giving it a good cleaning before playing it to ensure optimal sound quality.

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