Peter Frampton: Frampton Comes Alive!

Frampton Comes Alive! - Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Reissue
The Album
Captured primarily within the walls of San Francisco's legendary Winterland Ballroom, "Frampton Comes Alive!" catapulted Peter Frampton from respected musician to genuine superstar. The double-live album's seismic impact—over 8 million copies sold—places it among the most successful concert recordings in music history.

Singles like "Show Me the Way" and the talk-box epic "Do You Feel Like We Do" became radio staples, fueling the album's extraordinary commercial triumph. While "Frampton Comes Alive!" doesn't necessarily push artistic boundaries, its enduring appeal rests on perfectly capturing Frampton at the height of his powers, showcasing his charismatic stage presence and undeniable guitar prowess.

The Sound
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's treatment of this live classic yields mixed results. On the positive side, this pressing brilliantly resurrects the electric atmosphere of the performances, placing listeners squarely among the enthusiastic Winterland crowd. The vinyl itself is impressively quiet, with commendable imaging and detail throughout.

However, MoFi's notorious "smiley face EQ" signature makes an unwelcome appearance here—boosted bass frequencies and emphasized highs create a somewhat artificial sonic profile. While this approach can enhance some studio recordings, it becomes particularly problematic with live material where the recording environment already presents inherent challenges. The exaggerated frequency curve can prove fatiguing during extended listening sessions, especially at higher volumes.

The Vinyl Verdict
Despite its sonic imperfections, the MoFi pressing remains superior to both the original A&M release and many subsequent reissues. For serious Frampton fans, it delivers enough sonic improvements to justify its purchase at retail price.

That said, the value proposition becomes questionable on the secondary market, where these limited pressings often command premium prices. Recent standard reissues have closed the quality gap considerably, offering comparable listening experiences at significantly lower price points. Budget-conscious collectors would be wise to explore these alternatives before paying inflated rates for the MoFi edition.

A quality pressing worth owning at reasonable cost, but not worth breaking the bank to acquire. 💵

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass