Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On

What's Going On: MOFI's UltraDisc Takes On Marvin Gaye's Masterpiece

Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" stands as much more than just a classic album—it represents a pivotal political statement from a time when influential minority voices were desperately needed. Beyond its cultural significance, it remains a masterfully constructed musical achievement that consistently ranks among the greatest albums ever recorded.

The Challenge of Remastering a Classic
When approaching such an iconic recording for reissue—especially at an audiophile level—extraordinary care is essential. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MOFI) faced a particular challenge with this UltraDisc release, as they had previously produced a well-respected Original Master Recording of the same album. To justify a new version at more than twice the price, MOFI needed to deliver significant sonic improvements over their already excellent previous edition.

MOFI's UltraDisc Achievement
Impressively, the UltraDisc One-Step pressing rises to this challenge. The detail retrieval and dynamic balance notably surpass MOFI's original release, which is particularly noteworthy given that many recent UltraDisc releases have struggled to demonstrate meaningful improvements over their standard pressings.
The sonic presentation captures the warmth and complexity of Gaye's vocals while revealing previously obscured details in the sophisticated instrumental arrangements. The famous bass lines emerge with newfound definition, and the overall soundstage offers impressive depth and dimensionality.

The Format Trade-Off
Despite its sonic excellence, this pressing introduces a significant consideration for purists: the 45 RPM format necessitates breaking up the album's flow. For an album originally conceived as a continuous suite of songs that blend seamlessly into one another, this interruption may detract from the intended listening experience.

For listeners who prioritize the album's conceptual flow over the last word in sonic detail, the 50th anniversary edition mastered by Kevin Gray at 33 RPM might represent a more satisfying alternative—delivering excellent sound quality while preserving the album's musical continuity.

The Vinyl Verdict
MOFI's UltraDisc pressing of "What's Going On" delivers on its premium price point with genuinely superior sound quality. For audiophiles and Marvin Gaye enthusiasts who prioritize extracting every last nuance from this landmark recording, this pressing offers a revelatory listening experience.

However, the format's impact on the album's conceptual flow introduces a meaningful consideration that each listener must weigh according to their priorities. Either way, the UltraDisc will certainly please your ears, even if your wallet feels the strain.

This reissue represents a worthy tribute to one of music's most important albums—a pressing that honors both the artistic and technical achievements of Gaye's enduring masterpiece.💰

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