Great to see Los Lobos getting some love. They’re a seriously under-appreciated band.

Heading to the States in a week's time and you've given me some ideas for the MoFi releases to track down. Thanks Mazzy

Great video. Loved your inclusion of the Ry Cooder albums - some of my most beloved mofis.

It’s all about the music! Enjoyable video and so nice to watch a different view of Mofi releases these days. Thanks

Hi Mazzy what a great collection of Artists & Album's regardless of which copy it was , great video really enjoyed it thanks.

Great video Well done. Thank you Have a wonderful one Shavua Tov

Excellent info! Love these kind of videos. I’m now compelled to jump on the MoFi train! ❤

I only have three Mofi records: Blood on the Tracks, A Salty Dog, and Lifes Rich Pageant. They all sound incredible. I too would love to hear an audiophile version of the stereo After Bathing at Baxter's. Great video, Mazzy!

Great review! I love my MoFi of Hall & Oates Rock & Soul; so quiet and clean...I am in awe every time I hear it after seeing them live in the last few years.

Analog purists jumped the shark when they said they would rather hear tape degradation instead of a digital step to fix such issues.

Enjoy the music! Great selection, Mazzy…

Great job Mazzy thank you

Well man, I always enjoy your view. I was expecting a Beatles in there but great pics. That Beck is a great call. All the best, Bruce in Santa Cruz

I totally agree with you about surrealistic pillow. Along with the Volunteers album is the wonderful. Enjoyed the video.

I bought the David Crosby on a whim when it was announced, not really knowing the album. Glad I did. Wow what a great record.

THANK YOU MAZZY! Finally a sane voice in the room. I don’t care about workflows of a particular record. What the hell does it sound like? That’s all that matters!! If it’s sound great all analog? Great! If it sounds great digital? Great! Get a grip people.

This was needed. I think you are spot on. It's your ears, your room, your taste and your setup. It seems like few talk about the enjoyment of the music anymore. I might even show a few of my favorite Mofi's. I have around 60. Cheers.

Great shirt. Great video. ✅

I have a small selection of MoFi LPs, including "Koko," "In a Silent Way," the B-52s, and some Elvis Costellos -- all because I've loved them for years -- they were important parts of my life -- and they were all gloriously recorded to begin with. (I have the Ry Cooders, some Sinatras and a bunch more "Original Master" MoFi SACDs, stereo and multi-channel.) Your remarks reminded me of a friend from many years ago, when the hot new "high-end" home video format was the 12-inch LaserDisc -- better picture and sound than VHS could ever provide. He tried to tell me I should get the Olivia Newton-John/Gene Kelly roller-disco musical "Xanadu" (1980) because it had "great Dolby Surround sound." Yeah, but it was "Xanadu." Hi-Fi "Xanadu," but "Xanadu," nevertheless. I passed.

A good level-headed self-aware non-pompous reasoned multi-perspective view of the subject. Glory be, who'da thunk it in the world of record nuts?

Great choices!! I'm pleased to agree and have a number of them. Jeff Beck, Dylan, Miles, and oh man! Boomer's Story is a GEM! I'm not down on MoFi, going case by case as always, DSD step isn't ideal, nor prohibitive, but also no 1-steps here.

Great video! I don’t have all of these, but the ones I do have, I agree with your assessment. I’d also throw in Tapestry and Music from Carole King. These two MoFi best the originals in my opinion. The One Step of Tapestry is a different animal all together.

I love my Mofi's too. My favorites are the old Mofi's made by Stan Ricker and pressed by JVC in Japan.

Happy for a positive MOFI video. I still get some of their releases and am so glad we now get the whole truth about their process. For those that seem to think SACD versions should be purchased since they are DSD anyway I tested that by getting the Dire Straits "Love over Gold" MOFI SACD to compare to my MOFI vinyl and the vinyl on my system is way better.

Very informative video. Good style honest approach to buying with years of experience. Going to purchase a few based on your recommendations...well done.

Smart approach!

Thanks for the recommendations as always. I do wonder what your thoughts are on the Hall and Oates catalog if you have any of those.

Mazzy I feel like you and I think alike. I have a couple of audiophile showpieces to test equipment and wow friends with but only a few. When I buy hi fidelity recordings, I only buy recordings that have music that I enjoy listening to. I have a lot of older Mobile Fidelity records mostly half speed masters. I think many of them sound fantastic and way better than the originals. I've only recently bought newer ones and I'm very impressed with many of them. I think we're in the midst of some great releases with MoFi and Analog Productions putting out so many fine pressings. I'm also a fan of SACD which I think comes very close to analog many times. I missed out on Santana Abraxas from MoFi on vinyl. But guess what? The SACD is superb! I'd be interested in hearing someone compare them since I've never heard the vinyl. But if you like Sanatana don't shy away from the SACD. I'd guess it's the next best thing. Anyway, another fun video thanks!

I do love that Los Lobos record and the MOFI iteration. As I have said a number of times on the Steve Hoffman forum the MOFI mastering choices and maybe the DSD step, clean the sound up of the 60s Dylan and Miles Davis records at the expense of the presence the originals provide. I'll take the wolf notes please. But I do agree the MOFI versions sound very nice.

Bathing At Baxters , absolutely...my favorite !!!!

The t-shirt is back. I love it!

Nice one Mazzy this is one video that needed to be discussed I agree with you all the way those Miles Mofi kills the OG 2 eyes I have about 45 Mofi I wish I could’ve tracked down that Beck Sea Change my buddy has it I was blown away with that one the price is way out of reach. I own Dylan Highway 61 Revisited OG minty mono and the Mofi when I pull that album I pull the Mofi everytime . Even the Bowie Ziggy sounds great I found a copy last year excellent picks “Cause Mazzy Love You” Lovellandrew

True amalog is reel to reel tape.

Great video the indignation that audiophiles have now is laughable when they lived the MOFIs a year ago

The mastering choices are what matter most. I really like Analogue Productions because I like their mastering and overall product (keeps the cover and original label, tip on jacket, etc…). Sometimes a well done modern pressing is a better investment than searching out a clean original. Problem is that there are so many low quality labels right now.

Nice video Mazzy. I have a very different set of MOFI’s given our differences is musical taste and this inspires me to do something similar :)

I have many MoFi albums. All sound good.

Much, much agreed about "After Bathing At Baxters" by J.A. "Adventurous" describes Baxters well.

On the titles that I have, I'm in complete agreement. (Wish they'd do Into The Purple Valley.)

Great insights as usual, Mazzy. Not an audiophile at all, but it didn't matter. Cheers!

i have the DCC LP of surrealistic pillow. i like that its all on 1lp. it also sounds great. i know the mono is the preferred mix. but i think the dcc does a good job at making me enjoy the stereo version.

Mazzy, Another great discussion. Thanks!! Mr. Pete-------> aging hippie

Just picked up Mobile Fidelity copy of Pat Benatar's In the Heat of the Night at an antique mall. $25. Score! And it sounds very good. She finally was inducted into the RRHoF with her husband Neil Giraldo. About time.

As always, I love the fact that you start with the idea of "if you spend the money, love the music." It is easy to fall into a completist trap, but do we need to? I agree the music should be the only thing that matters. Loved all your choices. I plan to compare my MOFI Davis (I named my black lab mix after Miles by the way) to the new VMP Electric Miles box set. I also look forward to comparing the Nilsson 33 1/3 VMP pressings to the MOFI 45rpms. I can not wait to compare my MOFI Kiko to the Black Friday release. But, that is kind of the point. Enjoy the music and see what new "elements" might be revealed based on mastering choices. I also agree that if you do not know of a band or artist, stream them first. It will never matter how great the mastering is if the music does not move you in the first place!

The Doors are my favorite group. Record Store Day released Strange Days in mono from the original tapes, Bruce Botnick produced. it sounds great.

No controversy with me. I don't care if a new record sounds great or sounds horrible if it costs $500.

Vanilla Fudge mono sounds great too.

I agree with you mastering choices are hugely important in the quality of the sound, as well as the system and environment for listening to the music. I tend to believe that vinyl is better, but I acknowledge it isn’t always. I think for many people the vinyl vs digital comparison might be like the Pepsi challenge, you swore it was Pepsi until they showed you differently. My issue with Mofi was not they have a digital step, but rather their lack of transparency

This is a needed video in the Mofigate discussion. Honestly, a lot of analogue zealots got caught with egg on their faces, and they're resentful. It is all about the music, as you say, Mazzy, and some people are getting snared in dogma. That said, probably most audiophile mastering and pressings of analogue do sound better than their digital counterpart, but MoFi knows what the hell it's doing. It also knew what it wasn't saying, but I'm not sure the VC was ready to hear the truth. The analogue fanaticism would've resulted in lower sales for many releases that, as you point out in this video, in fact sound at least as good as the originals - which upsets a lot of people.

Thanks Mazzy - I really enjoyed this video. I’m on a boycott from MoFi, but totally agree re: the Dylan and the Miles - they generally sound great. I know you dislike Weezer, but I think the MoFi Pinkerton beats the OG in some respects. I totally agree re: FOMO. I fell for that on a couple of releases - both to my cost (I ended up regretting those purchases). Hopefully, now things are calming down, prices will begin to settle somewhat. The cost of some of these ‘audiophile’ pressings in the UK is really outrageous (£200 for a UHQR! - frankly, Chad can kiss my face).

I agree with your comments re analog v digital question. In the last few months, I have managed to bring my turntable up to a level of sound quality where I can easily hear that some albums (eg Rio by Duran Duran) sound better on my original LP when compared with the digital version available in iTunes. In other cases (eg Tender Prey by Nick Cave and Bad seeds) the digital version is better. In both of my examples, better means they sound clearer and more alive in our room.

I have a MoFi Crown of Creation that I really like. I'm tempted to get Surrealistic Pillow. I was never crazy about the sound of it though the music is undeniably great.

Epic shirt Mazzy! 🤣

cool video...i had a feeling dylan's desire would be here...the original press was so muddy....bathing at baxter's would definitely be interesting to hear....have they ever done warren zevon...maybe they should think about his catalog.......hope you are staying well...peace and good music to you always...rocky

Great choices, Mazzy. MoFi did a version of Ry Cooder‘s Jazz in 1984. I have it and it sounds great although it‘s not my favourite Ry album. They should re-issue some of their older stuff, especially the Kiko (for me at least😎). With or without DSD…

Great vid, Mazzy. Those are some great albums. I sold the few Dylan mono MoFi’s I had after picking up the mono box. One of my favorite MoFi’s I’ve heard is Natalie Merchants, “Tigerlily”, which was only available on CD until MoFi put it out and apparently was the first DSD one, which I’ve got no problem with. If a record sounds good, what’s the problem? lol Thanks, Mazzy.

I like the Mofi Dire Straits records 😊

Agree with what you said about the Doors album. But for the rest you showed albums that already got a lot of attention and praise in several of your earlier video's.

You get extra points for channeling Yoda when describing the Procol Harum record: “Crankable it is…”

The first MFSL I bought is my favorite album of all time: Chicago Transit Authority. I own numerous versions, OG and remasters/reissues of this great album and the Mobile Fidelity is by far the best. Thanks for a realistic and objective review of MOFI. Yes, they made a major PR blunder, but I am still a fan and keep buying the ones I want.

I won;t throw out my Mofi records. I will probably never spin the Kind of Blue again. I have the UHQR of it, and it is incredible.. I like the Dylan Mofis I have, I will never buy a new record from the company again though. They deceived me.

I have a lot of the ones you mentioned, though not the Dylan releases, not a fan. As for the DSD thing, which is just for transport, Krieg does all of the mastering in the analogue domain, apparently, so maybe this is why they don't have digital artifacts. I think when a lot of editing takes place in the digital domain then we get problems. I am actually really impressed by them and, of course, some of the masters are digital. The Miles David albums are fantastic.

I'm mostly an "analogue" guy, but I agree not all digital is bad not all analog is great! 4×DSD 32 bit captures so much information, you'd be hard pressed to hear a difference, whereas 44.1 16 bit you can hear the difference easily even on an inexpensive setup!

I'm not that experienced in MoFis....thank you for information!

Could u do a segment on what makes a psychedelic record, with examples of different types of psychedelic rock?

Mazzy taping a last minute video to hopefully get an invite to join Melinda for the Van Halen testing at the MOFI facility🤔🤔 I'm just joking....great video as usual....nice to bring a little civility to the suddenly extremely volatile VC community.....glass is always BOTH half full and half empty when collecting vinyl in this very addictive hobby.....cheers 🍺👍🍸

Great video Mazzy. Special Do Da Vinyl, LOL! Curious, what are your thoughts on The Cars MOFI? I have the debut and Shake it Up. I think they sound great, but people have said they are analog.

Taken from Webster’s dictionary: “An audiophile is a person who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction.” That’s it. That’s the requirement. Nothing in that definition about “only analog”. Nothing about “only high resolution files”. All this to say, you can enjoy both and still consider yourself an “audiophile”. There are audiophiles out there who swear by high resolution digital files and spend literal thousands on the best of the best when it comes to components to stream those files. All this to say, it really is all about the music and the way it sounds.

Really nice post, Mazzy. Some added comments from me: The recent Rhino mono of Groovin', I think, is actually better balanced than the MoFi (I don't have an original). MoFi has largely been great, but not always. And while I generally think that cutting at 45rpm is better, providing greater ease and spaciousness, the 33 mono Rhino reissue is better here. I DO think that all-analog is largely better sounding, sounding tonally more complex and having better flow (It's just the sense of things over many, many years of listening, but we'd need to do some testing, which would involve the same mastering engineer doing a digitally mastered as well as an analog-mastered record of the same album. Digital nastiness and whatnot are largely, but not completely, a thing of the past at this point, but there are subtle tonal and flow things. But those MoFi records I did think were outstanding before the big revelation are still outstanding even knowing that they were put through a digital step. However certain things I might have attributed to other things might now be attributed to the insertion of a digital process. Maybe.); but there are SO many variables in making a record including the most important one, as you say, the mastering choices, that being all-analog can be overridden by other factors (Such as if the master tapes are not in the best shape). By the way, the second MoFi "Waiting For Columbus" was done about 2010. And it was in a period when, according to Michael Fremer, MoFi was having difficulty in their master chain. MoFi had also reissued Linda Ronstadt's main catalog and it wasn't good either. The MoFi of "Surrealistic Pillow" is extraordinary. It's not a 'wow', like something you'd demo to drop jaws, but it provides more subtle pleasures. One cut that you'd want to do for comparison is the song, White Rabbit. Where on the 33, it's at the end of a side where fidelity is already relatively limited and it sounds squashed (and I have a NM original 33), on the MoFi, the song keeps surging as it goes, getting subtly bigger and bigger, marching toward you until it's huge, that drummed beat just pinning you. I don't feel that with the original. The Bill Withers is one I keep reading from others how great it sounds. But his original albums are SO good, and the songs on the greatest hits have been edited (and they're worth having in their full versions), so I've stayed away from buying it.

I just got desire , do you find the vocals to be a bit hot on the mofi release (almost clipping)? Thanks

Thanks as always Mazzy. Have you heard the MFSL Forever Changes? It's always been on my radar, but I hear conflicting reviews. Also MFSL Dylan "Oh Mercy"? I'd be interested in your thoughts as I tend to agree with you a bunch. Love you Mazzy.

You’ve convinced me that I need to own Groovin. But I think I’ll buy the MoFi mono SACD even after spending gobs of time shopping on eBay for a vinyl copy. Hope you can forgive me Norman.

Hi Mazzy, just wondering if you've purchased any of the Music On Vinyl releases? They do an excellent job mastering and their vinyl is flat and quiet. I have quite a few of those and only once had to return one because of a pressing glitch. I recently bought Bob Dylan -"Desire" MOV and it sounds incredible to my ears on my equipment. I have a modest Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Espirit turntable with a blue Ortofon cartridge. I don't have a pre-amp, but an Onkyo receiver with the phono input and vintage Radio Shack Optimus speakers that I've had since I was a much younger man. So, not at all expensive audiophile gear. I have Tone Poets, Classic Vinyl Series, Analogue Productions, etc. and they all sound incredible. The MOV are just as enjoyable and perhaps a cost effective alternative to MoFis. Any thoughts on MOV?

Los Lobos 'Kiko' is genius.

The only Dylan MoFi that I have grown to dislike is Blood On The Tracks one step. It’s strange - it feels too detailed - almost stretched or elastic. I think the ones you mentioned are fantastic too. I do agree with you that the Dylan mono box set has really held its own; it punches above its weight class lol So glad I own that.

hey Mazzy, interesting video. I thought you might have an Elvis Costello or two on the list, but maybe the MoFis are not significantly better sounding than the originals? Those EC MoFis get good reviews but none of my OGs are bad sounding, either. It looks like I need that 45rpm mono Surrealistic Pillow, glad to hear your take on that.

My og bitches brew is probably the cleanest og I've ever picked up. Very happy to have it.

Surprised not to see American beauty or Workingmans dead Mazzy! They beat the orig copies, incredible sound!

Do you have a video on the pros and cons with mono vs stereo? I prefer stereo but are curious about why some people prefer mono.

I think the positive aspect of what happened to Mofi is that maybe flippers will be leaving them alone so that those that want the albums will be able to buy them at regular price. I find it very nice to not have to rush to pick these up as they are becoming reissued. This actually brings up a good point: as these are digital they can press as many copies as they want. Maybe it's time for Mofi to release these albums not in such limited quality (only to help their 2ndary market). I would love to be able to get the R.E.M albums (at reg price) from them to compare to my OG pressings. Seems silly these (non one-step) pressings should be limited. I am still a very big fan of Mofi's non one-step releases. As far as the One-Steps go i have been more than happy with my OG pressings of these and find no need for 125 One-Step ( though I did get the Michael Jackson).

Thank you ! For being transparent on this review. I know I mess with ya a bit. But i will give credit where it is due. Right some MFSL are done well and others are not. Lets not forget MOFI back in the day on the inner sleeve told to play this lp on a regular stereo system. ERC I just do not get and living in NYC there are a lot of record stores that say WTF . Here a reissue is reissue. I always tell a young vinyl collector listen with your ears and not what other tell you. Yet this whole FOMO is really putting the young set out . Some of the MOFI gold discs were done well not many talk about those. Also not direct at you other guy that exposed Mofi is still selling them lol . Which why use a cancel culture tactic. Plus the guy in Germany is about selling stuff from Salinas . Have you ever seen the pressing prices do the math .

My Mobile Fidelity Times They Are A Changin’ says “Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab” as opposed to “Original Master Recording”. What is the difference? Stereo vs Mono?

Hey Mazzy, a good mono pressing to get of the The Young Rascals album is the Rhino green vinyl pressing . Believe me, it’s the best sounding version. The stereo version is all over the place with the bad ping pong speaker effects. I really prefer this album in mono. Check this pressing out from 2017, it’s better then the MoFi.

i take "the times they are a-changin'" for granted but would love to hear it sound different than a cassette or a cd. i've heard you discuss everything but the bill withers before. you are right about the quality of the music. totally unrelated: did you ever see laura nyro or judee sill?

Its about the mastering stupid!! Love the fact that Mofi has unwittingly pulled the veil of the v.c bride to expose how beautiful digital can be

I would only consider a reissue if there was a problem with the original. You missed one that's important to me: the MoFi of *My Aim is True.* I bought the original on Columbia (it still has the "Who is Elvis Costello?" ad sticker on it). I tried to love it, but cleaning didn't remove the distortion and it always sounded a bit distant somehow. Instead of getting the CD I went for the MoFi LP remaster & it's quite nice sonically plus there's a new sleeve design too. Music-wise, I'll have to agree to disagree with you (& most critics) on Procol Harum. I like them (I have the live LP with Edmonton Symphony), but I just bought the Cherry Red deluxe version of *Salty Dog* last year and I only play it occasionally. I'm much more a fan of The Strawbs '70's albums!

I haven't heard it but I would love some thoughts on Aimee Mann's Lost in Space MOFI. I only have the CD. This one desperately needs a reissue.

Were both of them clean? Kind of hard to get a true indication of sound from dirty records

The Ry Cooder titles are AAA!

Problem with Mofi is not just their lack of transparency; it’s that they price their records as exclusive when in reality it’s digital and they can make infinite copies. For Analogue Productions, you know what the source is and it’s legitimately limited for a reason. If MOFI prices come down, I would consider buying again. If they keep the price as/is I remain out.

For Bob Dylan, I think you're thinking of the Sony SACD remasters that came out in 2004? I have a few of them, they sound pretty decent, but they're definitely louder, a bit more heavy handed, compared to the MOFI SACDs I have.

Apple Music has both versions of Groovin’. It may be coincidental but whenever there is a MoFi or Analog Productions etc audiophile release, Apple Music updates that album with a hi res ALAC version. Groovin’ may confirm this. The stereo version 16/44.1 and the mono is 24/192 and an Apple Digital Master. This is one of the rare cases where the ADM version is not as good as the “CD quality” version. The stereo puts the mono to shame.

hi Mazzy, Off topic here. There's a lot of issues with the latest Dylan box. Deep scratches and heavy warping. I checked mine and I have a scratch on one LP that looks like it was caused by a freaking railroad spike. And theres significant warping throughout.. I'm returning mine and they are replacing the whole box. I hope the new one is not worse. Check yours and replace while you can.. Just a heads up. Love you Mazzy!

I loved the video Mazzy! I do hope that the Jefferson Airplane records get a repress. Take care.

With this good review maybe you can join Melinda at the Mofi trip ? 😅

I hate the term "all analog." I was hoping not to hear it anymore but some people can't stop. Does the pressing sound good or not? If it sounds good, than it does not matter how they got there. That is all that matters. Great video!

to me Mazzy, I want good sounding music, and if there is a digital source somewhere in the line, oh well.. I could care less about OG copies (especially jazz) that sound like bacon frying, and Im too old to spend time searching and too cheap to spend $300 on an OG. The OJC's , Blue Note Tone Poet and Classics and Mofi's, are a good deal in my opinion.

I'm really surprised you did not put in one of their first Super disc that was critically acclaimed : Fleetwood Mac. It was as close to a master tape you could get

Cant really argue with any of these. Maybe I prefer the Bitches Brew og. Good choices Mazzy. See we agree on something👍🏻

My copy of The times they are a-changin' is a new repress (not mo-fi) that is so poor I cannot bear to play it - it is so lo-fi I find it unlistenable. I will check out the mofi version, thanks!