I just picked up a couple of Pablo label jazz records on recommendation of a fellow member. They appeared super clean; no scuffing, scratches, or even dust on the surface. I put one on, and the noise was very apparent. The music above(below?) the noise sounds magnificent. Transients are sharp, instruments sound great, etc., etc.
So I cleaned the record with an old tried and true method- new sponge, tepid water, and some Dawn.
Surface noise still there, though the music seems slightly 'brighter', so it's something other than dirt, dust, or other physical matter.