Electric Light Orchestra: Eldorado

Eldorado: ELO's Orchestral Triumph Deserves Better Than This UltraDisc Pressing

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) earned their reputation for creating progressive rock masterpieces that blend musical dynamism with meticulous detail. "Eldorado," aptly subtitled "A Symphony by the Electric Light Orchestra," exemplifies Jeff Lynne's creative genius as the band's first true concept album.

The Orchestra Finally Takes Center Stage
"Eldorado" represents a pivotal moment in ELO's evolution, marking the true fulfillment of the "Orchestra" in their name. For the first time, Jeff Lynne hired a full orchestra to perform in-studio, abandoning the overdubbing techniques used on the band's first three albums. This decision paid dividends, as "Eldorado" finally garnered ELO the critical acclaim they had been chasing with their previous releases.

MOFI UltraDisc: A Bright Disappointment
Given the extraordinary level of detail and care that Lynne invested in creating ELO's records, one would expect that mastering an audiophile version would be relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, the MOFI UltraDisc pressing of "Eldorado" suffers from an overly bright mastering approach that detracts from the listening experience.

This brightness issue isn't unique to "Eldorado." It's a pattern I've observed across numerous MOFI UltraDisc pressings. The Eagles' "Hotel California," Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Texas Flood," Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" – all share this same problematic characteristic. Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" stands as a rare exception that received proper mastering treatment.

Perhaps the high frequencies are simply too challenging for MOFI's "One-Step" system, which notably includes a digital transfer component (a controversial aspect that led to a class-action lawsuit).

The Vinyl Verdict: Save Your Money
The disappointment is palpable! While the detail is certainly present in this pressing, the excessive brightness makes it difficult to relax and fully appreciate such a magnificent record. The listening experience becomes fatiguing rather than immersive.

For audiophiles seeking to experience "Eldorado" as it deserves to be heard, I'd recommend tracking down a first pressing or perhaps the MOFI Original Master Recording on Super Vinyl at 33 RPM. Either option will cost significantly less and likely provide a more balanced, enjoyable listening experience.

In the end, this pressing fails to do justice to one of ELO's most ambitious and important works – a symphony that deserves better treatment than it receives here. 💸

💰 Invest
 💵 Consider
💸 Pass