What's up with the analog "echo" phenomenon?


I was recently listening to an Analogue Productions LP record: "The Intimate Art Pepper". I couldn't help but notice--particularly on the solo horn cuts--an anoying echo-type of phenomenon. Actually, it is more like a reverse echo with the quieter "decay" sound proceding the loud actual intended sound by about a half second. I hope this makes some sense. Actually, I've noticed this for years on other analog recordings. It is very noticable during very quiet passages just before a loud passage. I didn't expect to hear this on a supposed "audiophile" pressing.

Is this phenomenon a necessary evil in the analogue tape medium?
mstram
Ah the joys of vinyl, the perfect analog medium. Makes listening to music more exciting since you have a taste of what the next groove will deliver. It's even better than "continuousness": it is an overlap almost. So you see, digital has holes between the samples, vinyl, on the other hand, puts information on top of information; no gaps, no holes, just pure liquid, uninterrupted music!
What a relief!!! So they're really not including subliminal messages with each record we buy: "...spend more money on audio gear..."
I worked as a recording engineer for major artists in the Phili/NYC area for 5 years. The tape phenomena listed above was always prevented by storing the right reels (played off) vs the left reels (which are rewound). This was standard practice everywhere.

Print-through DOES occur. I do not deny that. But careless storage plays a part in what you're hearing. (Or the adjacent inner groove was cut too hot on the vinyl lathe).