Derek and the Dominos: In Concert

Derek and the Dominos' "In Concert": MFSL's Underwhelming Live Offering

Derek and the Dominos may have been short-lived as a band, but their impact on rock history remains profound. Recorded in October 1970 at the legendary Fillmore East in New York City, "In Concert" captures the raw energy of Clapton's post-Cream, post-Blind Faith project at their live peak, riding the commercial momentum generated by their studio masterpiece "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs."

Historical Context
The commercial success of "In Concert" prompted the later release of a companion live album, "Live at the Fillmore," which features many of the same songs drawn from different performances during their Fillmore residency. The primary appeal of these live recordings stems from the exceptional musicianship on display, particularly Eric Clapton's incendiary guitar work. Unlike many live albums that serve as mere contractual obligations or career placeholders, "In Concert" delivers substantive musical value that justifies its existence beyond the studio recordings.

The Mobile Fidelity Treatment
Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs' release of "In Concert" falls into the category of technically competent but ultimately unremarkable audiophile pressings. While the vinyl surfaces maintain MFSL's typically quiet standard, the inherent limitations of the source recording become immediately apparent. The overall presentation requires listeners to increase volume levels significantly beyond normal settings to fully appreciate the live performance dynamics.

Sonic Assessment
The dynamic range proves disappointingly restricted, lacking the visceral impact one hopes for from a premium live rock recording. Detail retrieval similarly fails to exceed what's available on standard pressings, raising questions about what exactly justifies the "audiophile" designation and accompanying price premium.

The soundstage, while adequate, doesn't create the immersive "you are there" experience that the finest live album pressings can deliver. Instrumental separation remains merely adequate, with crowd ambience and venue acoustics blending rather than enhancing the musical presentation.

The Vinyl Verdict
Given these limitations, the elevated cost of this MFSL pressing becomes difficult to justify. Comparable listening experiences can be achieved through numerous more affordable releases, making this particular audiophile edition a questionable investment for all but the most dedicated Clapton completists.
For casual fans seeking to explore Derek and the Dominos' live performances, standard pressings or even high-quality digital versions will likely provide equivalent satisfaction at a fraction of the cost. The music itself remains powerful and historically significant, but this specific MFSL pressing fails to elevate the material in a way that merits its premium positioning.

While "In Concert" preserves vital performances from one of rock's most prestigious "supergroups," this particular Mobile Fidelity pressing sadly does little to enhance the experience beyond what more accessible versions already provide. 💵

💰Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass