Allman Brothers Band: Idlewildsouth

Idlewildsouth was The Allman Brothers Band’s second album and the last Studio album to feature band leader Duane Allman. The release experienced mild commercial success, only growing in popularity over time. This was primarily due to the band’s extensive and grueling touring schedule, and a repackage and rerelease of the album in 1973 with the band’s self titled debut (Beginnings).

Track Listing
1. Revival
2. Don’t Keep Me Wondering
3. Midnight Rider
4. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
5. Hoochie Coochie Man
6. Please Call Home
7. Leave My Blues at Home

Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs released Idlewild South prior to the digital scam that allegedly started in 2011. Therefore, this record should be sourced from analogue master tapes. However, staff members at MOFI have stated that at least 60% of all titles utilized a digital process by the end of 2011 even thought they were marketed as Original Master Recordings utilizing original master tapes. Therefore, it is possible that this release incorporated a digital step somewhere in the process.

Mobile Fidelity’s release of The Allman Brothers Band Idlewild South is pressed on very quiet heavyweight vinyl. However, you do have to turn the volume up to experience the record in its full glory and as we are sure the band intended. It should be noted that this was an issue with early releases as well. The detail and separation are excellent. Base and highs on our release did not show glaring signs of the notorious smiley face EQ that MOFI is known for. Overall, this offering from MOFI is probably the best available unless you can get a 1st press ATCO yellow label release in Near Mint condition.

Online MOFI reviews of this record are interesting. Some will say that the MOFI release is not as good as a 1st press from the 70s. But when you go to sites and forums, such as Discogs, and look at the average rating from owners of the record and compare this MOFI release to a 1st press, the MOFI typically has a higher average rating overall. I know there are many variables to be considered, but I am learning that objective written reviews on forums are hard to come by. The average rating we see from hundreds of owners, versus the three or four who write a review, support what we experienced with this record.

If you are looking for a very good “audiophile” copy of Idlewildsouth, do not hesitate to consider the 2009 Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs release. It is dynamic, detailed, and certainly one of the quieter vinyl releases of this record that you will find. 💵

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