Gorillaz - Demon Days

Now that I own an official copy of the release, I would like to finally say what's good and bad about this (and presumably the other) unofficial release..... As of this writing, it is not completely terrible if you can get it for $25 or less. The album is sped up a bit for an unknown reason, but is not pitch shifted, so it's hard to notice unless you compare the digital version side by side to this. The sound quality is basically identical to the CD release, as that was likely the source. The sound quality is NOT bad like some people harshly say, but it is basically the CD version on vinyl. It doesn't sound as good as the Vinyl Me Please version, but it's not necessarily bad. It's not distorted or anything, just not as good as the official. This release isn't particularly good on the design front. The real release is a gate fold featuring artwork for all of the songs (similar to the CD insert) on the inside. The font is slightly different in that the "O's" are fatter on the official release. The monkey next to Noodle on the back is also a drawing for some reason. The sleeves that the records come in are plain sleeves instead of the large character portraits on the official release. Overall, this is not a bad unofficial release on the sound quality front. It's the CD, but it's on vinyl! If you're desperate for a copy on vinyl, like I previously was, can't wait for a repress, and can't afford an original/VMP version, I'd say that this isn't a complete waste of money. Just remember that it's the CD on vinyl, and you're missing out on the art inside of the gatefold.

Could you say from whom specifically you purchased your copy?

I own this bootleg. I have a friend who has an official release. There is a definite difference in speed. i own an ATLP120USB turntable that allows me to turn the speed down minute intervals, and the differece is about a 2% decrease in speed to get the actual tempo of the album. That being said, if you have the capacity to tweak the speed of this unofficial release, it sounds wonderful. If there is a drop in production value, it isn't audible(after the few drinks i had admittedly). Verdict;if you want this classic at a good price, get the bootleg,if you're a serious collector wanting an original, well... you aren't buying this anyhow XD Happy Jammin Everyone!

I've noticed on automatic record players, the album sounds sped up. Gonna need a manual player to get it right.

Another difference, although kinda subtle, is the different typeface used on the album/artist names on the front cover. This one looks like Arial, while the original uses a geometric sans serif font.

I have not listened to a genuine copy of this album on vinyl, but I can tell you that this bootleg is more than satisfactory if you don't wish to spend over $100 on an authentic pressing. The only downside I see to this bootleg is that it is not a gatefold, so the inner artwork is missing. The sleves that the LP's come in are also different from the original version. They are plain white paper instead of heavy, solid sleeves with the band members faces. Grab this while you can if you don't want to spend a fortune on a copy and don't want to hold out for a repress.The discs are also rather heavy weight. Mine arrived completely flat, no warping. The "clear" color is a bit muddled, but looks nice overall. It's like a middle ground between completely clear, and coke bottle green.

Ignore the guy at the bottom saying it's not worth it. If you don't want to spend all of the money on an original pressing, this record sounds good. It's quiet, doesn't clip anywhere, and I didn't hear any surface noise, or see any in my digital rip I made. There's no vinyl rips of the original pressing anywhere online, so I can't really compare it to an original, but it isn't bad. Kumanosuke must be an elitist.

To each their own. I think it sounds good for not being a $200 original.

is it worth the buy then? Or would it just be a waste of money?

So this bootleg isn't good then? Was thinking about buying it but my reconsider.

"this bootleg is more than satisfactory if you don't wish to spend over $100 on an authentic pressing"I own it and believe me: It's not.

Sound quality of the bootleg pressing is fine but the tempo is slightly too high. Pitch sounds ok but too many bpm compared to the original album, spoils it for me but I can make do given the original pressing is out of my price range.

theres another pink pressing apparently . . . . .

So what is the sound quality like? Is it an OK pressing?

Pressing sounds fine. It's on a 180g vinyl. No complaints on my end. I don't know why people are so worried that they bought a bootleg... The original is going for 5x the price.

I should have been much more scrupulous before laying down cash for this. There were many signs just from looking that this is a bootleg: where's the parental advisory sticker? The monkey drawing is fake. No Parlophone label info anywhere. Yup, I got duped. I never thought a bootleg of this album would slip through the cracks and end up at an Amoeba Music in SF... Buyers BEWARE.

How much did you pay? Maybe you paid the right amount for this version?

Amoeba Music in LA has TONS of bootlegs, i figure the one in San Fran does too. Bootlegs are a good thing In my opinion, most of the time. I have bought some that sound horrible, but usually they sound just as good as the original and cost a fraction of the price. I collecct a lot of bootlegs, because often times they will have unreleased material.

The demand for this album is way too high for Parlophone to ignore. I suggest you just be patient and wait for the official 180 gram repressing which will inevitably come and actually be worth your hard-earned money.

This is very strange. I bought this album at a local MediaMarkt store in Belgium. I'm surprised they are selling bootlegs...?

I had the same "problem" on HHV.de It only cost me about 16.99€, so I am okay with that..... But I really would like to get this album in the original version if its possible

As a Previous Owner of a Original Copy, The Original one came with a Parental Advisory Sticker on it. My copy was still in the original plastic with the price tag of $17.99 from "Freak Beat" Records. That is why the Bootleg has it printed. Because they were trying to emulate the original sticker.

I think you're mistaken. Only counterfeits or 'bootlegs' have the Parental Advisory label on them, the original issues do not...Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/vinyl/comments/44wzgv/demon_days_vinyl_vs_the_bootleg_vinyl_guide_i/

It's a bootleg, basically unless it has the parental advisory label printed on the front cover it's a bootleg.

Does anyone know anything about this or have a source on it? I picked it up at a record store on record store day, I would be upset if it turned out to be a bootleg.

Yeah, man. You bought a bootleg. The original pressing wouldn't likely land on a shelf and be priced for anything less than $150. I have an original press from Holland and bought this one knowing it was a boot, but wanted one to open and play. Hope you didn't spend a ton on it!

No, there is not. The records are contained in plain white sleeves w/ no artwork or designs. If it was any other album, or artist, that wouldn't be a big deal. But w/ Gorillaz, half of the charm is in the images and artwork of Hewlett - if you can't have this album the way they aesthetically intended it, then you probably shouldn't bother.

No. This may be why I have several skips on mine because the vinyl is housed back to back.

How much did you pay for it? $30? You got your money's worth. I have this, picked it up in New York.

This is a bootleg version, not a repress, we hope we can get any official repress in the future.(if you see the monkey behind Noodle on the rear cover, is a bit different than the monkey in any other version of Demon Days, take a look to the pic I just upload. I don't know why they changed the monkey)