Hi Scott, Excellent review. I agree a stellar release by Mobile Fidelity and the Super Vinyl version is now the best copy we both have. I will have to check out the other album you mentioned the Harmonic Choir . Congrats on the 3.0K subs. I really appreciate you giving my channel a shout out. Take care and Stay Safe.
Thank you so much. I appreciate what you are doing. I still can't get over how good this thing sounds. I hope everyone who wants one can get it. Thanks for watching!
Thank you, Steve. I'm so glad you got a copy. This has been one of the most improved reissues I've heard in some time. Hope to hear your thoughts on it soon! Thanks for stopping by!
Yes everything you say. This and my Mofi Beck Sea Change are my top sounding vinyls. Maybe a few others in the list but this is top 5 for me. Look at all the musicians on it too. The top musicians of the 60s and 70s. Love it love it. What a gem 💎
Thank you for your comment, I've heard so much about Sea Change, though I missed out on that one somehow. This album I've known since it's original pressing, and it sounded special there, but this is a whole new level. A gem indeed.
My copy delivered a couple days ago. I’ve only listened to the first disc so far but can’t wait to find the time to listen to the second. I want to give it my full attention. I almost didn’t order it because I had never heard the album. Then I started reading about it and how many artists played on it and placed my order. I am so glad I decided to purchase it. It’s great like all the reviewers has stayed. I’m glad my first time experiencing it is on this copy. Nice review.
You are in for a treat, that second disc is out of this world! Man, you picked the right edition to add to your collection. I'm sure we all will be glad we grabbed this one - I see it disappearing very soon, and it being so limited will become prohibitively expensive as the word gets out. Enjoy it my friend, and thanks as always for sharing your opinion here. Love to hear from you.
I couldn’t agree more. I bought this album when it came out and then the Classic Records edition. This blows them both away sonically. Strikingly beautiful. Everything you said!
Hi Jody, thank you for your comment! I remember thinking the Classic was "the last word" for this recording, then the 50th offered a slightly different presentation, but this is unbelievable. So many improvements! The Neotech Supervinyl compound really is a blessing for all of us. Makes a huge difference on this record. Glad your enjoying it. You are one of the lucky 4,000 people in the world to have this incredible release!
I'm so happy I ended up with fricken 4 of these! I got 2 to make sure I didn't get stuck with a seem split incase they sold out quick. But then got 2 more from music direct and asked mofi to cancel the other 2 so I could get the music direct free shipping cuz im low on money. They responded late so sent me 4. I'm not a flipper but I think I lucked out this time cuz now that they're selling out I think they're gonna be big money. Anyway this sounds so utterly beautiful where I'm gonna keep 2 for myself just to have one incase mine gets damaged or something. It may just be my favorite mofi, even counting onesteps. My only nitpick is due to the texturing they all develop a very slight tearing on the sides of the spine. They're very miniscule it's more like wear. So overtime if you open it alot they'll end up with white wear lines on the sides of the spine. All 4 of mine had this slight wear coming from 2 different shipments with no other damage so it's clearly a side effect from the texturing process. It's very miniscule though just something I noticed from my OCD. It took my like 5 hours to decide which one to keep for myself lol.
Hi Simone, I have to admit, I'm crazy about this release and am tempted to get a second one! This is going to be legendary - clearly one of the greatest improvements I've heard compared to most reissues. I did too notice the potential for a problem with the spine when I first ran my hand over the edge I had to look to see if it was a crack or split. It is fully intact, but I think this paper stock could be an issue with repeated opening and closing. I want to keep it pristine so I'll be removing the records from the jacket and put it into a dual pocket resealable jacket.
This album is why I really like MOFI and the reason is I wouldn't have listened to this album if MOFI didnt suggest it by releasing it. I got this from the MOFI site and they delivered to southsea UK in 4 days. My favourite record in my collection not just sonically but also the actual music.
Yes, when I see that they've chosen something that was off my radar, I know I have to check it out. Glad you made this discovery. Thanks for your comment as always!
A masterpiece. I always felt the sound of the beginning of Music is Love was artistic choice…? At about 2:30 into the song, magic happens and the whole room opens up…
Perhaps that was the case - at any rate when that bass kicks in it's unreal. You're right, it's just opens up deep and wide, and everything fills out. A goosebump moment for sure!
i only had the 5.1 mix on dvd-audio before this. however when i played this mofi lp for the first time it was like the first time i ever heard this album.
Wow that's really interesting. I've never had anything on that format, and I'm sure many of the titles on it were highly regarded, but nothing beats a high quality analog reissue such as this for this album. I feel so lucky to have it - as you could probably detect, I'm very happy with this edition. This is one of those cases where no other pressing I've ever heard is even close. Your one of the lucky ones, 1 of 4,000 to be exact, who will have the finest edition of this fascinating record!
If anyone hasn’t purchased this MoFi release , go out and get it. Scott I can only imagine how this album sounded with your Maggie’s. Music must have been coming from every place possible. Everything that you described was spot on and there no need to add anything. Again, just get this MoFi version.
Just checked and Music Direct still has it. I can't imagine it will last more than a few weeks or so. Looking at a new cartridge (Hana) and this will be the first thing I'll put on! Glad your are loving it, Brian. This is the kind of release that makes all of this worthwhile!
I think I grabbed the last copy after watching this video haha, it's sold out now. I also have a 50th anniversary coming from US (I am based in the UK) to have a RTI pressed 33 for more relaxed spins. Let's see how they compare on my system.
@@ThePressingMatters Love the deep bass. My big Linn speakers go down pretty low. Super great stereo effect. Must be a very good recording to start out with.
@@taralewis9916 Back in the early days of The Absolute Sound, the original release was on their Superdisc List. It's always been held in high regard. I bet this one will return the title to their current Superdisc listings. Are you familiar with it? www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2019-tas-super-lp-list
Hi Scott, I just got a domestic copy of this LP to compare to the MFSL 45. The domestic copy, all though a bit noisy is better sounding than the MFSL version. The MFSL sounds more live and much brighter than the domestic but the domestic is much more musical and easier to listen to. The MFSL makes my moving coil sound edgy. Clearly this is a well record tape to start with. I have only played the MFSL once and I already have played the domestic three times. That must mean something. I think it's the 1/2 speed mastering process that's just screws things up.
Hi Tara, that definitely does mean something. I suppose the high end could be a bit edgy with certain moving coils. My Hana has occasionally seemed to exaggerate the treble response, and it's something I'm working on - setup, loading, tube changes. I still prefer the MOFI in this case, but as you saw in the video I did not have an original. I appreciate the increased separation and clarity in the vocal harmonies.
I'm a huge classic rock fan but never heard this album before. I will admit I like but am not a huge fan of CSN/ CSNY, although Neil Young is one of my absolute favourites. I'll give this one a listen, if I like it I'll grab the 50th Rhino, def not a $75 album for me. Got too many other audiophile-priced albums to buy!
@@ThePressingMatters Funny you ask- I have since realized this album is truly an all-time classic, the combination of Crosby and the Dead/Garcia is just perfect, this album creates such a unique and beautiful vibe, I love it. I decided to get the Classic Records pressing, good deal with the price falling right between the 50th and Mofi. Sounds great to me without having the others for comparison. I'm satisfied but certainly wouldn't rule out picking up the Mofi/50th as well!
@@Matasky2010 That's great, I'm so glad you're enjoying the Classic. It's a very nice edition. Isn't the music like such another time and place? Totally unique. David's voice will always lock it to CSN, but he really created something very different here with a distinct hippie vibe unlike anything I can think of. If you do ever get the upgrade itch, my advice would be get the MOFI - the 50th is good but the MOFI is a bigger jump in quality for (currently) double the price. I'm really surprised it hasn't sold out yet.
I think MFSL has gotten a lot better than from some of their earlier 1/2 speed masters from the 80's. I think this is mostly due to the 45RPM process they now use but you really have to pay up for it
They definitely have gotten better, 45 has something to do with it but the mastering engineers choices I think are even more important. I think Krieg Wunderlich has been doing a great job for several years now, and very rarely has a misstep. The Supervinyl is a big factor in how this record sounds as well. Reveals so much more and the eerie quiet makes you feel like your right there.
My original US 1st stamper is fair superior than the MOFI. I was immensely excited about this release and in the opening moments was immediately let down. Went straight to the original, FAR FAR FAR better!
I believe I did not have my original pressing at the time I did this video. I had stupidly let it go years before when I got the Classic. In this case I didn't find the MOFI disappointing, but perhaps not definitive as is usually the case. I've been pretty hard on MOFI lately, but I thought this was one of their better ones considering what I had available. I'll revisit it when the AP Atlantic comes out and see if I can borrow an original US like you have as well.
@@taralewis9916 I'll have to listen again now that I have some updates to the system. I really loved it - I hope it still sounds good. I'll let you know here when I get back to it.
Hi Scott, Excellent review. I agree a stellar release by Mobile Fidelity and the Super Vinyl version is now the best copy we both have. I will have to check out the other album you mentioned the Harmonic Choir . Congrats on the 3.0K subs. I really appreciate you giving my channel a shout out. Take care and Stay Safe.
Thank you so much. I appreciate what you are doing. I still can't get over how good this thing sounds. I hope everyone who wants one can get it. Thanks for watching!
Traction in the rain is the stand out for me. His voice is so strong and clear. Also, the harp just fills the room!
Hi Tyler! I agree, that track is truly magical. I have never heard it like that before! Were you familiar with any other editions before this?
I love this album. Just got mine last week. Absolutely sounds fabulous. Great vid.
Thank you, Steve. I'm so glad you got a copy. This has been one of the most improved reissues I've heard in some time. Hope to hear your thoughts on it soon! Thanks for stopping by!
Yes everything you say. This and my Mofi Beck Sea Change are my top sounding vinyls. Maybe a few others in the list but this is top 5 for me. Look at all the musicians on it too. The top musicians of the 60s and 70s. Love it love it. What a gem 💎
Thank you for your comment, I've heard so much about Sea Change, though I missed out on that one somehow. This album I've known since it's original pressing, and it sounded special there, but this is a whole new level. A gem indeed.
My copy delivered a couple days ago. I’ve only listened to the first disc so far but can’t wait to find the time to listen to the second. I want to give it my full attention. I almost didn’t order it because I had never heard the album. Then I started reading about it and how many artists played on it and placed my order. I am so glad I decided to purchase it. It’s great like all the reviewers has stayed. I’m glad my first time experiencing it is on this copy. Nice review.
You are in for a treat, that second disc is out of this world! Man, you picked the right edition to add to your collection. I'm sure we all will be glad we grabbed this one - I see it disappearing very soon, and it being so limited will become prohibitively expensive as the word gets out. Enjoy it my friend, and thanks as always for sharing your opinion here. Love to hear from you.
Congratulations on all the successes you are having on your channel Scott! You and the work you do are awesome - it was only a matter of time.
Aww thank you Jason! You were there from the start and I really appreciate your encouragement in those early days!
I couldn’t agree more. I bought this album when it came out and then the Classic Records edition. This blows them both away sonically. Strikingly beautiful. Everything you said!
Hi Jody, thank you for your comment! I remember thinking the Classic was "the last word" for this recording, then the 50th offered a slightly different presentation, but this is unbelievable. So many improvements! The Neotech Supervinyl compound really is a blessing for all of us. Makes a huge difference on this record. Glad your enjoying it. You are one of the lucky 4,000 people in the world to have this incredible release!
I cant believe this is sold out. One of my all time favs.
Is it finally sold out? It took a while! It's great.
I'm so happy I ended up with fricken 4 of these! I got 2 to make sure I didn't get stuck with a seem split incase they sold out quick. But then got 2 more from music direct and asked mofi to cancel the other 2 so I could get the music direct free shipping cuz im low on money. They responded late so sent me 4. I'm not a flipper but I think I lucked out this time cuz now that they're selling out I think they're gonna be big money.
Anyway this sounds so utterly beautiful where I'm gonna keep 2 for myself just to have one incase mine gets damaged or something. It may just be my favorite mofi, even counting onesteps. My only nitpick is due to the texturing they all develop a very slight tearing on the sides of the spine. They're very miniscule it's more like wear. So overtime if you open it alot they'll end up with white wear lines on the sides of the spine. All 4 of mine had this slight wear coming from 2 different shipments with no other damage so it's clearly a side effect from the texturing process. It's very miniscule though just something I noticed from my OCD. It took my like 5 hours to decide which one to keep for myself lol.
Hi Simone, I have to admit, I'm crazy about this release and am tempted to get a second one! This is going to be legendary - clearly one of the greatest improvements I've heard compared to most reissues. I did too notice the potential for a problem with the spine when I first ran my hand over the edge I had to look to see if it was a crack or split. It is fully intact, but I think this paper stock could be an issue with repeated opening and closing. I want to keep it pristine so I'll be removing the records from the jacket and put it into a dual pocket resealable jacket.
This album is why I really like MOFI and the reason is I wouldn't have listened to this album if MOFI didnt suggest it by releasing it. I got this from the MOFI site and they delivered to southsea UK in 4 days.
My favourite record in my collection not just sonically but also the actual music.
Yes, when I see that they've chosen something that was off my radar, I know I have to check it out. Glad you made this discovery. Thanks for your comment as always!
A masterpiece. I always felt the sound of the beginning of Music is Love was artistic choice…? At about 2:30 into the song, magic happens and the whole room opens up…
Perhaps that was the case - at any rate when that bass kicks in it's unreal. You're right, it's just opens up deep and wide, and everything fills out. A goosebump moment for sure!
i only had the 5.1 mix on dvd-audio before this. however when i played this mofi lp for the first time it was like the first time i ever heard this album.
Wow that's really interesting. I've never had anything on that format, and I'm sure many of the titles on it were highly regarded, but nothing beats a high quality analog reissue such as this for this album. I feel so lucky to have it - as you could probably detect, I'm very happy with this edition. This is one of those cases where no other pressing I've ever heard is even close. Your one of the lucky ones, 1 of 4,000 to be exact, who will have the finest edition of this fascinating record!
@@ThePressingMatters definitely the moment i heard it it sounded unique!
If anyone hasn’t purchased this MoFi release , go out and get it. Scott I can only imagine how this album sounded with your Maggie’s. Music must have been coming from every place possible. Everything that you described was spot on and there no need to add anything. Again, just get this MoFi version.
Just checked and Music Direct still has it. I can't imagine it will last more than a few weeks or so. Looking at a new cartridge (Hana) and this will be the first thing I'll put on! Glad your are loving it, Brian. This is the kind of release that makes all of this worthwhile!
You are going to love the Hana cart. I currently have the ML mounted on my MoFi StudioDeck.
@@brianlewis5042 I'm going for the mid level one, I think the SL? More than I've ever spent on a cartridge, I know that lol!
I think I grabbed the last copy after watching this video haha, it's sold out now.
I also have a 50th anniversary coming from US (I am based in the UK) to have a RTI pressed 33 for more relaxed spins.
Let's see how they compare on my system.
Yargi, that was very good timing! Please let us all know whatvyou think when you've heard both of them!
Hi Scott, Love the Album. 45RPM is the only way to go, tons of bass.
Fantastic edition isn't it? So glad you're enjoying it. The bass is really enjoyable - just right!
@@ThePressingMatters Love the deep bass. My big Linn speakers go down pretty low. Super great stereo effect. Must be a very good recording to start out with.
@@taralewis9916 Back in the early days of The Absolute Sound, the original release was on their Superdisc List. It's always been held in high regard. I bet this one will return the title to their current Superdisc listings. Are you familiar with it?
www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2019-tas-super-lp-list
Also there's a guy that reviewed it a few years ago. It must be very well recorded. He's what he said about: th-cam.com/video/vcT--T0-n_s/w-d-xo.html
It hasn't been updated lately but it's still on there!
I should receive my copy tomorrow!
Nicole, I can't wait to hear what you thought of it! Please promise to come back and let us all know!
You will not be disappointed. Sit back and enjoy every single second of this album.
@@brianlewis5042 Hello Brian!
Hi Scott, I just got a domestic copy of this LP to compare to the MFSL 45. The domestic copy, all though a bit noisy is better sounding than the MFSL version. The MFSL sounds more live and much brighter than the domestic but the domestic is much more musical and easier to listen to. The MFSL makes my moving coil sound edgy. Clearly this is a well record tape to start with. I have only played the MFSL once and I already have played the domestic three times. That must mean something. I think it's the 1/2 speed mastering process that's just screws things up.
Hi Tara, that definitely does mean something. I suppose the high end could be a bit edgy with certain moving coils. My Hana has occasionally seemed to exaggerate the treble response, and it's something I'm working on - setup, loading, tube changes. I still prefer the MOFI in this case, but as you saw in the video I did not have an original. I appreciate the increased separation and clarity in the vocal harmonies.
@@ThePressingMatters Get a domestic copy of this LP and make the comparison.
I made sure I got a Monarh copy with MO on the printed label.
I'm a huge classic rock fan but never heard this album before. I will admit I like but am not a huge fan of CSN/ CSNY, although Neil Young is one of my absolute favourites. I'll give this one a listen, if I like it I'll grab the 50th Rhino, def not a $75 album for me. Got too many other audiophile-priced albums to buy!
Hey Adam, did you get a chance to listen to this recording? Did you like it enough to get the 50th?
@@ThePressingMatters Funny you ask- I have since realized this album is truly an all-time classic, the combination of Crosby and the Dead/Garcia is just perfect, this album creates such a unique and beautiful vibe, I love it. I decided to get the Classic Records pressing, good deal with the price falling right between the 50th and Mofi. Sounds great to me without having the others for comparison. I'm satisfied but certainly wouldn't rule out picking up the Mofi/50th as well!
@@Matasky2010 That's great, I'm so glad you're enjoying the Classic. It's a very nice edition. Isn't the music like such another time and place? Totally unique. David's voice will always lock it to CSN, but he really created something very different here with a distinct hippie vibe unlike anything I can think of. If you do ever get the upgrade itch, my advice would be get the MOFI - the 50th is good but the MOFI is a bigger jump in quality for (currently) double the price. I'm really surprised it hasn't sold out yet.
I think MFSL has gotten a lot better than from some of their earlier 1/2 speed masters from the 80's. I think this is mostly due to the 45RPM process they now use but you really have to pay up for it
They definitely have gotten better, 45 has something to do with it but the mastering engineers choices I think are even more important. I think Krieg Wunderlich has been doing a great job for several years now, and very rarely has a misstep. The Supervinyl is a big factor in how this record sounds as well. Reveals so much more and the eerie quiet makes you feel like your right there.
My original US 1st stamper is fair superior than the MOFI. I was immensely excited about this release and in the opening moments was immediately let down. Went straight to the original, FAR FAR FAR better!
I believe I did not have my original pressing at the time I did this video. I had stupidly let it go years before when I got the Classic. In this case I didn't find the MOFI disappointing, but perhaps not definitive as is usually the case. I've been pretty hard on MOFI lately, but I thought this was one of their better ones considering what I had available.
I'll revisit it when the AP Atlantic comes out and see if I can borrow an original US like you have as well.
The MFSL just sounds hard not sweet like the album is originally recorded
I felt at the time that the Classic was preferable to an original I had. Sold it. Big regret!
@@ThePressingMatters MFSL boosts the upper range making it sound overly bright and edgy
@@taralewis9916 I'll have to listen again now that I have some updates to the system. I really loved it - I hope it still sounds good. I'll let you know here when I get back to it.
@@ThePressingMatters Actually the first two Crosby Nash LP's sound good. MO on their labels too
@@taralewis9916 I have a Nash one, Songs for Beginners? in storage. I'll be sure to pull it out during my record purge.