Allman Brothers Band: Brothers and Sisters

Brothers and Sisters was The Allman Brothers Band's fourth studio album. Released in August 1973 on Capricorn Records, it was the second album released by the band following death of band leader Duane Allman and the first following the death of bassist Berry Oakley. The back cover features a photograph of Brittany Oakley, the daughter of Berry Oakley and his wife, Linda.

Bothers and Sisters was the biggest selling album by the band, selling over seven million copies worldwide, and reaching the top spot on the Billboard Top 200 Pop Albums chart. The album produced the band's first and only top ten single, "Ramblin' Man", peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The album included other standout songs, such as "Come and Go Blues", "Jessica", and "Wasted Words". The Allman Brothers Band is regarded by many as the greatest rock band of the 70s. Duane Allman is regarded as one of the greatest guitar players of all time.

Track List

1. Wasted Words
2. Ramblin' Man
3. Come and Go Blues
4. Jelly Jelly
5. Southbound
6. Jessica
7. Pony Boy

As has been well documented by us and others, albums released by Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs can be a mixed bag. While usually pressed on high quality and very quiet vinyl, the sound quality can be less than one would expect from a self-proclaimed audiophile label. Granted, the MOFI that was around in 1995 is not the MOFI we know today. However, inconsistency continues to be a part of their legacy.

Mobile Fidelity has become known for its smiley face EQ. That is, highs and lows that have been enhanced to a point that they drown out the middle, making the listening experience different than it was intended and sometimes difficult to tolerate for an extended period of time and especially at high volumes.

This particular release was a part of the short lived Anadisq 200 Gain System, which incorporated 200 gram super quality virgin vinyl, special heavy-weight jackets, and half-speed mastering by Original Mastering Works. As MOFI discovered and Bernie Grundman later found out when he moved into 200 gram vinyl with Classic Records, 200 gram vinyl is difficult to manufacture correctly. Many of the 200 gram vinyl releases by MOFI under this series were plagued with non-fill, a phenomenon that occurs when the hot vinyl does not flow and fill correctly to produce a well-formed groove. The sound produced is kinda a "shsssshing" sound as the needle drags through the non-fill. As a result, MOFI suspended the program after two years in 1996.

However, for this particular release, or at least the one we have, Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs succeeded in creating a very good product. The overall sound is quiet and the detail, dynamic range and musical separation are better than the original Capricorn release. No non-fill or other quality control issues are present. We recommend this release if you are looking for a solid copy of Brothers and Sisters. While some may prefer a 1st press, and we do for the first few records released by the band on the ATCO label. However, not for this one. 💰
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