Allman Brothers Band: Idlewildsouth

Southern Rock's Hidden Gem: Mobile Fidelity's Pressing of "Idlewild South"

The Allman Brothers Band's sophomore effort "Idlewild South" holds a bittersweet place in rock history as the final studio album featuring the incomparable leadership of Duane Allman before his untimely death. While initially experiencing only modest commercial success upon its original release, the album's stature grew significantly over time—fueled by the band's relentless touring schedule and a strategic 1973 repackaging with their self-titled debut under the name "Beginnings."

The Mobile Fidelity Treatment
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's 2009 pressing of "Idlewild South" comes from the pre-2011 era, theoretically predating what fans now refer to as "the digital scam" that rocked the audiophile community. While this suggests the release should be sourced purely from analog master tapes, it's worth noting that according to MFSL staff admissions, approximately 60% of their releases incorporated some digital processing by late 2011, despite marketing that emphasized "Original Master Recordings utilizing original master tapes." This leaves some lingering questions about the exact provenance of this particular pressing.

Sound Quality Assessment
Despite any uncertainty about its production path, this MFSL release delivers impressive sonic results. Pressed on substantial heavyweight vinyl with remarkably quiet surfaces, it provides an excellent foundation for the music. One characteristic carried over from earlier pressings is the need to increase volume slightly to experience the record at its intended impact level.

Where this pressing truly shines is in its detail retrieval and instrumental separation—allowing listeners to fully appreciate the band's intricate musicianship and pioneering southern rock arrangements. Unlike some Mobile Fidelity releases, this one largely avoids their infamous "smiley face" EQ curve, presenting more balanced highs and bass frequencies.

Comparing to Original Pressings
The ongoing debate between original pressings and audiophile reissues takes an interesting turn with "Idlewild South." While vocal forum reviewers occasionally favor original ATCO yellow label releases from the 1970s, aggregate user ratings tell a different story. Across platforms like Discogs, the MFSL release consistently earns higher average ratings from hundreds of owners compared to first pressings.
This discrepancy highlights the subjective nature of vinyl reviewing and the gap between vocal minority opinions versus broader user experiences. My personal evaluation aligns with the majority consensus—this MFSL pressing offers exceptional sound quality that rivals or exceeds all but the most pristine original pressings.

The Vinyl Verdict
For collectors seeking a definitive audiophile version of "Idlewild South," Mobile Fidelity's 2009 release warrants serious consideration. Its quiet surfaces, dynamic presentation, and impressive detail retrieval provide an outstanding listening experience for this southern rock masterpiece.

While purists might still hunt for a near-mint first pressing ATCO yellow label, the MFSL version offers consistent quality without the treasure hunt. It stands as a worthy showcase for the Allman Brothers' groundbreaking fusion of blues, jazz, and rock that would influence generations of musicians to follow.
For both casual fans and serious audiophiles, this pressing delivers the goods—capturing the spirit of this influential album with clarity and power that honors the legacy of both Duane Allman and the pioneering band he helped create.. 💵

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass