Fleetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac (1975): MOFI's Rare Half-Speed Mastering Success

Fleetwood Mac's tenth studio album, their second self-titled release, marked a pivotal moment in the band's evolution. While their 1968 debut (often called "Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac") showcased the group's blues roots, this 1975 incarnation introduced the world to the classic lineup featuring new additions Lindsey Buckingham on guitar and Stevie Nicks on vocals. The album topped the US Billboard 200 chart and spawned three top-twenty singles: "Over My Head," "Rhiannon," and "Say You Love Me," ultimately achieving an impressive 7x platinum certification.

Mobile Fidelity's Original Master Recording
In 1979, Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs (MOFI)—then an emerging audiophile vinyl production company—included this Fleetwood Mac album in their prestigious Original Master Recording series. Their approach featured half-speed mastering, a technique purported to deliver superior sound quality compared to conventional mastering methods.

The Half-Speed Mastering Technique
MOFI's half-speed process was designed to improve high-frequency response by literally slowing down the cutting process. By halving the speed during cutting, challenging high frequencies became more manageable mid-range frequencies. In theory, this approach allows for more accurate groove cutting and better high-frequency reproduction.

However, this technique has been a double-edged sword throughout MOFI's history. While some releases have achieved audiophile excellence, many others have fallen victim to what collectors affectionately term the "smiley face EQ"—overly emphasized highs and lows with recessed midrange frequencies that create an unnatural sound signature.

MOFI's Inconsistent Legacy
This inconsistency followed MOFI through its original run, which ended when the company closed its doors in 1999 during the CD era. After being revived by Music Direct in 2001, the company has continued to produce releases with mixed results, even when using different mastering techniques (as evidenced in their recent Eagles "Hotel California" and Van Halen One-Step releases). Such persistent issues suggest that the variable quality might be less about the half-speed process itself and more about the mastering engineers' stylistic choices and technical approaches.

A Rare MOFI Success Story
Remarkably, this 1979 Fleetwood Mac pressing escaped the typical MOFI pitfalls. Until Reprise issued their two-record 45 RPM version (mastered by Chris Bellman and pressed at Pallas), this MOFI release was a strong contender for the definitive vinyl presentation of the album. Even now, it likely remains the best 33 RPM pressing available, though the original 1975 Winchester pressing offers comparable quality at a lower price point.

The Vinyl Verdict
If you're specifically seeking a 33 RPM version of Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album, this MOFI pressing deserves serious consideration. However, be prepared for the premium price tag—you'll likely pay as much or more for this vintage pressing as you would for the newer 45 RPM Bellman-mastered version.

This release stands as evidence that when MOFI got it right, they really got it right, creating pressings that continue to be cherished by audiophiles decades later. Whether this exceptional quality was by design or happy accident, the result is a pressing that delivers the warmth, detail, and dynamic range that does justice to this landmark album. 💵

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