Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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R.E.M.’s Reckoning Definitive Sound Series One-Step is a new all-analog audiophile pressing mastered from the original analog master tapes by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering.

I received a test pressing and listened closely to this new 2026 edition ahead of release.

For me, this is also a first encounter with Reckoning — I’m hearing the album for the first time through this new test pressing.

Pressed on Neotech VR900-D2 vinyl, this first-listen video explores the character of the early R.E.M. sound, the tracks that stood out to me, and how this new One-Step presentation serves the music.

The Definitive Sound Series previously explored early R.E.M. with Chronic Town and Murmur, and Reckoning continues that story with a more immediate, driving character.

Limited Edition of 5,000 copies.

I’ve also written a companion article for Audiophilia with more detailed listening impressions:

audiophilia.com/reviews/2026/8/15/rem

#REM #Reckoning #DefinitiveSoundSeries #OneStep #Audiophile #Vinyl