Billy Joel: Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II

Billy Joel's Greatest Hits on MFSL: When "Audiophile" Disappoints

Billy Joel's "Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II" compilation, originally released in 1985, stands as a comprehensive chronicle of the Piano Man's most successful work through the first decade of his career. As with most hits compilations from the mid-1980s onward, these collections typically originate from digital sources rather than analog masters—a practical necessity given the complexity of gathering multiple master tapes spanning different recording sessions and potentially different studios.

The Mastering Conundrum
For the original label (Columbia in this case), utilizing digital transfers represents the most efficient approach when assembling compilation albums. Gathering, preserving, and working with dozens of individual analog master tapes for a single release presents significant logistical challenges and potential risks to irreplaceable original recordings.

Mobile Fidelity's Claim
Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs allegedly took a different path with their release of Billy Joel's "Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II," claiming to utilize the original analog source tapes. This approach seemed feasible since MFSL was already releasing Billy Joel's catalog up through "An Innocent Man" as part of their prestigious Original Master Recording series, theoretically giving them access to all necessary master tapes.

The Digital Step Controversy
Since 2011, evidence has emerged that MFSL incorporated a digital step into their pressing process—contrary to their marketing claims and premium pricing structure. This revelation has raised legitimate questions about the true source material for their "audiophile" pressings. Some collectors now wonder whether MFSL genuinely starts with analog masters or simply receives digital transfers from parent labels (which may themselves derive from analog sources).

The Sonic Reality
This particular MFSL pressing lends credence to these concerns. The sound quality can best be described as lifeless—lacking the dynamic presence and separation one expects from a true audiophile pressing. The sonic presentation feels homogenized, with instruments and vocals blending together rather than occupying distinct spaces in the soundstage.

Nothing about this pressing delivers the "wow factor" that typically justifies MFSL's premium pricing. The detail retrieval falls noticeably short, bass response lacks impact and definition, and the overall listening experience fails to deliver what audiophiles reasonably expect from a high-end reissue.

The Vinyl Verdict
For collectors considering this MFSL release, the recommendation is straightforward: save your money and seek out a clean original pressing from 1985. The standard Columbia release will likely deliver comparable sound quality at a fraction of the cost, without the misleading "audiophile" pretensions.

This release serves as a cautionary tale about the sometimes questionable value of premium reissues, particularly for compilation albums where the source material may inherently limit what even the most skilled mastering engineers can achieve. When investing in audiophile pressings, research and healthy skepticism remain essential tools for making informed purchasing decisions. 💸

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass