As it continues to a stellar era for roots music albums to be given the audiophile treatment, this week’s column looks at five recent ones, including several firsts.
With its previous releases the Capitol/Interscope Definitive Sound Series (DSS) has distinguished itself from other audiophile labels that have predominately reissued classic rock recordings. Now, the label again shakes up the field, twofold. First, last week it released the first one-step of a country music album, Kacey Musgraves’ beloved 2018 album Golden Hour. Second, its Beck’s Ride Lonesome one-step was released on the same day as its regular release. Both are bold moves. (An excellent primer on the one step process, which is considered the ultimate in audiophile records, can be found here.)
The column also includes another first: two international roots music releases, one Brazilian, the other Cuban. Finally, a phenomenal bluegrass reissue, and a listing of some exciting upcoming audiophile roots reissues.
But first a brief update on Acoustic Sounds' Vinyl Summit in Salina, Kansas (October 15-18, 2026). It not only extended host Chad Kassem’s extraordinary love of music, it brought together the people who create the records with the audiophiles and customers who cherish them. Industry leaders and music lovers alike experienced firsthand the craft behind exceptional sound that included tours of the record making process (mastering and vinyl production), high-fidelity listening sessions, industry presentations, and a pop up store. However, the highlight for many were the three evenings of live music, one jazz and two of blues, and featuring artists who have been featured in ND such as Mud Morganfield and Jimmie Vaughn. The sessions were also recorded for potential future releases.
