Some collectors claim the "Kitlope" rip isn't just any FLAC, but a specific vinyl rip made using esoteric Canadian equipment (think: a Thorens TD-160 turntable situated in a cabin off-grid, powered by hydroelectricity—no mains noise). They argue the "Kitlope rip" has a uniquely "green" or "ambient" soundstage, perhaps influenced by the quiet of the rainforest.
“Kitlope” is not a band member, a producer, or a B-side. The Kitlope is a real place—the Kitlope River and Heritage Conservancy in British Columbia, Canada, one of the largest intact coastal temperate rainforests in the world. So why would it appear alongside a Norwegian pop album in a FLAC search?
While "Kitlope" refers to an unofficial archival source, high-resolution FLAC versions of this album are officially available for purchase:
Recorded at in London, the album is a definitive artifact of the mid-80s new wave era. It successfully blended moody, Nordic melancholy with upbeat, radio-friendly synthesizers.
Released on 1 June 1985, Hunting High and Low catapulted Norwegian synth-pop trio A-ha to international fame. The album’s hit single “Take On Me” became iconic for its rotoscope animation video and distinctive chord progression. In the 21st century, audiophile communities seek lossless (FLAC) rips from early CD pressings or pristine vinyl. One such rip, circulating under the identifier “Kitlope,” has gained niche recognition for its claimed provenance.
While official digital releases of Hunting High and Low exist (e.g., 2015 deluxe edition), the Kitlope rip is typically described as: