Today’s pick for “The Dollar Bin Audiophile” is “Duit On Mon Dei” (APL1-0817) by Nilsson. Harry Nilsson has been a favorite for many. His more popular album, “Nilsson Schmilsson” is on the shelves of many collectors. Nilsson’s album “Duit on Mon Dei” is a recent dollar bin find and has made the list of audiophile pressings.
Pressed on the Orange RCA label

Side A Matrix: APL1-0817 A 205 (Etched) TML-M (Stamped)

Side B Matrix: APL1-0817 B 25 (Etched) TML-M (Stamped)

One striking feature of this 70s floppy, thin RCA orange label pressing is the complete absence of surface noise. Yes, surprisingly, after undergoing our ultrasonic cleaning and rinse process, there was hardly any distinguishable audible noise. This isn’t just luck—the pressing quality and recording are unquestionably up to snuff.
The imaging on this record is equally impressive. The bass is punchy and present, yet it never sounds artificial, boomy, or overbearing. Listening felt as if I were seated in front of the band itself, with the bass drum and guitar amp sounding raw and minimally processed. Every detail is pure and defined, creating a truly immersive experience.
This record prominently features the steel drums of Robert Greenidge on tracks like “It’s A Jungle Out There” and “Down By The Sea.” Engineer Rich Schmitt, renowned for his work on Duit on Mon Dei, achieved the impossible: making steel drums—often considered harsh—sweet and enjoyable to the ears. Even the banjo on “Kojak Columbo,” an unlikely pairing with steel drums, fits seamlessly into the mix.
While this review focuses on sound quality, it’s impossible not to mention the exceptional songwriting of Harry Nilsson. Duit on Mon Dei is an album well worth exploring, blending outstanding music with remarkable sound quality. The best part? Clean copies are readily available for under $10! I found mine for just a dollar at a thrift store.
So, keep spinning those dollar bin treasures—and remember, there’s no shame in being a dollar bin audiophile!
Check out episode 19 of Vintage Media Grading–The Podcast by pressing the “play” button above.
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