why are most new releases going to four sides?


I know a number of new albums are being cut with cd in mind (50+ minutes) and with the longer length are being put on four sides of vinyl

personally some of these could easily squeeze onto 2 sides and it would be nice to hear 20+ minutes at a time instead of 2 songs per side

perhaps the expanded grooves have more fidelity, and certainly there is less inner groove distortion, but wouldn't it be nice to hear a whole side in one sitting?
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Showing 1 response by seasoned

Bottom line is that 45 rpm has better frequency response, but to fit all the music onto 2 sides requires a compromise in dynamic range and low bass. It should be noted that the blank side has better contact with the platter to drain away resonances. I do not agree that heavy vinyl is a waste. In general, heavy vinyl dampens resonances better and is less susceptible to warping. An extreme case of heavy vinyl is a Mobile Fidelity UHQR. Compare that to the standard Mo Fi issue and you will quickly see what heavy vinyl is good for. Yes, 4 sides is a trade off and these albums are probably best suited for demo purposes. Finally, "why are most new releases going to four sides?" Most are not, only some.