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User reviews and community discussions of the Jon Anderson – Olias Of Sunhillow vinyl LP reveal a polarized reputation, with prog fans praising its ambitious one-man production and atmospheric sound while others criticize it as lacking Yes's substance and suffering from muddy vinyl audio. Strengths dominate positive takes, but sound quality on original vinyl draws consistent complaints.
### Sound Quality
- Original vinyl is frequently described as muddy and inferior, lacking detail compared to later CD remasters or 5.1 surround mixes that reveal "new color, texture, and details."
- Reviewers note overproduction, calling it "10 gallons of stuff in a 5 gallon bucket" and disappointing despite hype.
- Positive comments highlight immersive, clean remasters with discrete elements, hypnotic layers, and enchanting vocals, though these apply more to digital reissues than vinyl.
### Build Quality
- Iconic gatefold sleeve and artwork by Roger Dean and David Fairbrother-Roe receive strong praise, with users reminiscing about "gorgeous packaging" and spending hours with lyrics and illustrations.
- No major complaints on physical construction, though the elaborate original design is reproduced in reissues.
### Reliability
- Discussions rarely address playback reliability (e.g., warping or pressing issues), focusing instead on Anderson's technical feat of multi-tracking all instruments live without modern tools like Pro Tools.
- One user notes Anderson "almost went mad recording this," emphasizing the era's production challenges but not vinyl-specific durability.
### Strengths
- Anderson's solo performance on diverse instruments (harp, sitar, flutes, etc.) is hailed as a "tour-de-force" and "outstanding musical achievement."
- Gorgeous melodies, poetic lyrics, and immersive prog fantasy create a "New Age Symphony" with no filler, often rated 10/10 and compared favorably to Yes albums.
- Hypnotic, layered vocals and exotic soundscapes evoke calm and transport listeners.
### Weaknesses
- Lacks Yes's "substance," jazzy/rock structures, or flashy solos; seen as "elevator music," "mystical gibberish," or inferior solo effort.
- Overly ethereal, new age-y, or dreamy for some, with "mystical gibberish" lyrics and no "real thing" band dynamic.
- Vinyl's compressed sound disappoints compared to Yes's output.
### Overall Reputation
- Highly regarded among Yes/prog enthusiasts as a "stunning prog masterpiece" and "best Yes album Yes never made," especially in remastered forms (scores of 8-10/10).
- Divisive for casual listeners or strict Yes fans, who view it as inconsistent, indulgent, or dated after 50 years.
- Strong cult following for its creativity and packaging, but original vinyl holds it back.
English (US)