Audiophile Choice
Vol. 1
A Refined Selection Made for Vinyl Listening
Released by Premium Records in 2020, Audiophile Choice Vol. 1 is a ten-track compilation created for listeners who appreciate expressive vocals, familiar melodies and the focused listening experience offered by vinyl.
Issued under catalogue number PR2020, the 12-inch LP brings together interpretations of jazz standards, romantic ballads and enduring popular songs. Its restrained burgundy-and-gold cover gives the record the appearance of a premium audiophile release before the needle even reaches the groove.
Retail and catalogue listings identify the album as a 2020 Premium Records release, with the product code PR2020 and barcode 0745760229208. It is commonly classified within the jazz and classical categories, although its repertoire is most accurately described as a mixture of vocal jazz, traditional standards and sophisticated easy listening.
Familiar Songs, Different Voices
Rather than concentrating on one singer or musical period, Audiophile Choice Vol. 1 presents a varied group of performers. The programme moves from intimate vocal interpretations to polished renditions of internationally recognised songs.
The first side opens with Erin Bode’s version of “Holding Back the Years,” followed by Lloyd Marcus performing “Fly Me to the Moon.” Barbara Morrison contributes “And I Love Him,” while Marie Chanté performs the French standard “La Mer.” Side A closes with Kennedy Jenson’s interpretation of “The Look of Love.”
Side B continues with Julie Anne singing “Bewitched,” followed by Sebastien El Chato’s “Angelina.” Lucy Kelly performs “The Rose,” Nancy LaMott delivers “Accentuate the Positive,” and Lloyd Marcus returns to close the album with “Unforgettable.”
The result is a sequence that feels deliberately traditional. These are songs built around melody, phrasing and vocal personality rather than heavy production or fashionable studio effects.
A Compilation Built Around the Human Voice
The strongest unifying element on Audiophile Choice Vol. 1 is the voice. Although the performers have different styles, every selection places vocal interpretation at the centre of the recording.
That approach gives the album clear appeal for listeners who use vocal recordings to evaluate a hi-fi system. A well-recorded voice can reveal tonal balance, midrange clarity, sibilance and the ability of loudspeakers to reproduce subtle changes in expression.
However, this LP should not be treated merely as an audio demonstration disc. Its repertoire also works as relaxed evening music: recognisable, melodic and accessible without becoming anonymous background listening.
Presentation and Collectability
Premium Records chose a simple visual identity for PR2020. The dark burgundy sleeve is decorated with fine gold geometric lines, while the title appears in clean gold lettering. There are no artist photographs or elaborate illustrations competing for attention.
This understated presentation suits the concept. Audiophile Choice Vol. 1 is marketed through musical selection and perceived quality rather than celebrity branding.
Discogs catalogues the album as a 2020 LP from Premium Records, and collector activity indicates that copies have circulated in the specialist vinyl market rather than through widespread mainstream distribution.
Who Is Audiophile Choice Vol. 1 For?
The album is particularly suited to collectors interested in:
- audiophile vocal recordings;
- jazz and easy-listening vinyl compilations;
- classic songs interpreted by different vocalists;
- Premium Records releases;
- demonstration records for stereo and hi-fi systems;
- limited-distribution or harder-to-find vinyl editions.
Listeners expecting experimental jazz or a historically focused anthology may find the selection too polished and familiar. Its purpose is different: to offer an inviting collection of well-known material that encourages attention to vocal tone, space and musical detail.
Final Verdict
Audiophile Choice Vol. 1 is a tasteful vocal compilation with a clear identity. Its strength lies not in rare compositions or famous headline artists, but in the way it gathers ten melodic performances into a coherent vinyl programme.
For collectors of audiophile vinyl, vocal jazz LPs and Premium Records releases, catalogue number PR2020 is worth knowing. The elegant packaging, recognisable repertoire and varied group of singers make it an appealing addition to a carefully curated listening collection.
