I was happy with the older MoFi version, but my One Step was so much better. What drew to Tapestry is hearing these songs on the radio and while driving in the car with my dad or at home, singing them proudly in my 2nd grade voice. This album brings back some great memories and listening to the One Step takes me to my happy place.
Great video as always. Indeed, as the child of baby boomers in the United States, I'm in my 40s now, I can attest to the massive cultural impact of this album. It is not a quintessential audiophile recording, but the songs are just soooooo good, one after another. They were hits for wide ranging artists from the Shirelles to James Taylor and of course Aretha. This album simply MEANS a lot to TONS of people. That's why it sold out. It was on the turntable all the time in my house growing up and everyone loved it.
If you were here in 1971, that record dominated the spring and summer which was pretty amazing considering all the ground breaking records of that time.
As a 10 year old in 6th grade you couldn't escape any and all these songs. It wasn't until 20 years later i purchased the CD. It's good you gave the album a review. Exciting and articulate.
Excellent take on this version,I had to wait almost 12 months for mine here in Australia #8950 I also ran it up against the original and first mofi release and I agree with your comments.I just love the quiet clear sound it gives me (and so do my neighbours) It’s my first one step and now I look for others.
Aloha Michael, thanks for a very encouraging review, since I don't have the 33 version of the Mofi release to compare. Even here in Hawaii in 1971, her record album Tapestry was being played all over the airwaves. In 1996, I purchased 2 limited edition Gold Cd's one was Kenny Loggins w/Jim Messina "Sittin in " and the other was Carol King's Tapestry. Two mellow recordings that I enjoy. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Mahalo Ed
It is no surprise that it sold out quickly. The regular album sold more than 25 millions copies. In 1971 it held the top position of the US album charts for 15 weeks and it denied Led Zeppelin IV the Number one position.
I was doing an A/B comparison between the 33rpm MoFi and the One-Step and your new video notification flashed up but I waited to make my own judgement before watching this video. I have to say that I agree with you and that the One-Step was worth the money to upgrade. It’s pretty well known that the original recording wasn’t outstanding, with Carole King’s vocals cut quite hot and on the verge of distortion, although they never quite distort. However, this One-Step does a fantastic job of making the recording sound much more pleasant and listenable. It’s better balanced and has more weight to it (voice, kick-drums, piano), plus the soundstage is a definite improvement. I’d be happy to continue to play the 33rpm version if that’s the only version I had, but won’t now, as the One-Step is superb and a definite improvement.
I remember reading that the idea for Tapestry was to sound like "demos" - like when Carole King sent demos of her songs to other singers. Still, I've always liked the sound of the album. And I agree, the difference between the One Step and the regular MoFi is noticeable from the first listen. Like you, I prefer the One Step (I also prefer it over the original).
I agree about the onestep being a huge upgrade from the 33 Mofi. I was really looking forward to the onestep because it was my mother’s favorite album and played many many times in our household while I was growing up. It’s one of the few albums that I have a true emotional attachment too.
Back in Oct. 2021 you did a video on your favorite Mofi reissues. Most Miles Davis followers know that In A Silent Way is one of his most in demand albums. No mention has been made about a re-press or new reissue (one step). I know you love this album and the Mofi version is one of your favorites. Do you think they will do something with this? Also, can you do a video of your favorite Miles reissues some time in the future. I was blessed to be able to visit my daughter in Germany back in 2012. I spent 14 days there visiting some of the great sights. People here in the states are upset with the price of gas now but as I recall, gas was about $6.00 dollars a gallon back then; what is it now? Thank you so much for the great videos and sharing the joy of vinyl; especially when there is so much sorrow for those suffering in the Ukraine. Much blessings to you! Chris
113 Euro (125 $) is not cheap but for the Quality o.k. But in Germany, the robber baron dealers want 199 Euros, if you can get One Steps at all. I can't even say how that pisses me off. No record made in Germany costs 75% more in the US than the German retail price.
@@Michael45RPM No, I won't do that because I support the local record stores. But they don't get One Steps at all. In the U.S., you can get European LPs in the record store that have a run of 1000 worldwide. Here you don't get US LPs with editions of 10000 and more. It's like in many things, the Americans don't give a shit about us.
Totally agree. The records made in Europe and Germany are chipper in USA. Crazy!!! I really would like to have many of this US records but that will happened only when they cost the same for all. It may never happen. It’s principal.
I just finished listening to the 1971 pressing and MoFi One-Step, back to back. I think the Mofi One-Step is the better of the two. The original release sounds great, but the low end seems to be rolled off as compared to the Mofi. The mofi has more bass extension. Also, the Mofi has higher definition of the various instruments and vocals, and a dead quiet background.
I compared this to my UK original, 1980 CBS half speed master and the 2015 reissue and whilst the 1980 CBS version was really good and an significant improvement over my UK original, the One Step was in another league. Well balanced tonally and puts right what the original recording got wrong
This record’s detail is incredible compared to muddier older releases but there is a major overall tonal balance issue, it’s bass heavy. The low end is too prominent on half the songs whether it is the bass or kick drum.It’s a real shame. The piano tones are very nice, but Carole’s vocals screeched in a few places (on the original). As has been more common than not MOFO gives a nice sounding alternative view of a good pressing, that’s it. It’s not something definitive. Mofi is capable. They acheived that spectacular standard for Blood On The Tracks, Eagles ST, Monk’s Dream and Mingus Au Um. So they can do this. Mofi doesn’t over do their standard audiophile releases so it appears they are trying to enhance the pressings to jump off the page. You have to make the One Steps stand out, sound more vibrant. Over-embellishment. Too much is a bad thing. This may be perfect for a large number of systems but if you have playback that is ideally neutral - these masterings will be too much.
Just listened via headphones to a streamed recording and I have to say that this is a great record, sadly it is not in my collection as yet and I guess that I am too late for this version, therefore I will have to see what I can find using this interweb thingy to find somewhere that stocks a vinyl version of Tapestry.
Michael, wenn ich dich richtig verstanden 🤔 habe, dann sind diese zeitlosen Songs, nun das Maß der Dinge im Bereich audiophiler u. qualitativer Produktion von MFSL! Nichts zuvor war/ist vergleichbar so gut, wie diese Aufnahme! Richtig? ❤️Heike
@@Michael45RPM Michael, lieben dank 🙏 für deine Bestätigung. Habe schon bestellt! 😜 Carole u. ihre Songs berühren 😥 mich jedes Mal auf ein neues. Sie landen mitten in mein ❤️, auf eine besonders schöne u. emotionale Art u. Weise. Must have! 😁
I found that One Step sounds a bit harsh during louder passages. I preferred the Classic Records 45 rpm (which I assume sounds the same as the later ORG 45 rpm, cut by Bernie Grundman. The high end is less prominent and as a result ( to me at least) the overall presentation feels warmer and more "musical."
Wow, I pre-ordered a lot through Music Direct recently. I was not expecting I have to contact them to actually get the records after release in a timely manner. Kinda missing a lot of the idea behind pre-order.
I will wait for the Analogue Productions 45rpm when they use the Classic plates. I like the album but it's not an absolute favourite and I can't justify the price and shelf space for it.
I shall rant briefly here... I bought the NEW pressing of Tapestry 33rpm. Side B had lots of clicks and pops, even after very careful cleaning (Degritter and more). Upon inspection, the album had scratches, likely from handling with a glove. Incredible! But most importantly, the master this NEW pressing was done off of was NOT the same master as the 1-step (as you know from the comparison). Moreover, I also got a NEW pressing directly from Mofi of the gorgeous Miles Davis "On The Corner". And AGAIN, scratch marks from handling at the pressing plant! Fortunately these (unlike Tapestry's) are not audible... But still!!!
I have thought it over, more than once on both releases, but in the end, I decided to pass. I have to really enjoy the music to drop that much money on a One-Step. The Eagles One Steps that have been released thus far, are fantastic.
I just bought this for my mother. Side one of the first record has a few small scratches right out of the package, and you can hear them. Of coarse my mother still loves it but I am so disappointed.
Wow I thought you said you'd throw in the original non Mobile Fidelity version so we could compare all three. How am I suppose to know whether I want to upgrade my original to the lower quality mofi?
I see the appeal of the One-Step packaging, but I don’t like it. It takes too much room on the shelves, and I am running out of space. Please, please MoFi, consider changing to a beautiful Staughten gatefold jacket with the original size album art. I could store 3 gatefolds in the space of the One-Step box.
Thanks for the presentation - guess the result of the comparison was predictable/as expected. I't a shame (for the musical experience of this great, great album) that MoFi - or someone else - doesn't make a best quality/one-step/whatever 33 rpm version. As you say: This was never made as an audiophile recording - the tunes, lyrics and intimacy are the important things here. Splitting the record up on four sides (in stead of the original two) is IN IT SELF a step backwards in my opinion. I'll stick to my 33 rpm MOFI version until a better 33 rpm might show up.
Very interesting!!...piano will always test turntable speed accuracy and stylus/cartridge azimuth to the Nth degree...I had a dope smoking friend who loved Supertramp🤮...to make matters worse his turntable was revolving at approx 36-40 RPM...so the squeakie vocals and gutless music made me wish for death...though the too fast RPMs meant that the record ended more quickly...an act of kindness in that regard
I was happy with the older MoFi version, but my One Step was so much better. What drew to Tapestry is hearing these songs on the radio and while driving in the car with my dad or at home, singing them proudly in my 2nd grade voice. This album brings back some great memories and listening to the One Step takes me to my happy place.
Great video as always. Indeed, as the child of baby boomers in the United States, I'm in my 40s now, I can attest to the massive cultural impact of this album. It is not a quintessential audiophile recording, but the songs are just soooooo good, one after another. They were hits for wide ranging artists from the Shirelles to James Taylor and of course Aretha. This album simply MEANS a lot to TONS of people. That's why it sold out. It was on the turntable all the time in my house growing up and everyone loved it.
If you were here in 1971, that record dominated the spring and summer which was pretty amazing considering all the ground breaking records of that time.
As a 10 year old in 6th grade you couldn't escape any and all these songs. It wasn't until 20 years later i purchased the CD. It's good you gave the album a review. Exciting and articulate.
Excellent take on this version,I had to wait almost 12 months for mine here in Australia #8950 I also ran it up against the original and first mofi release and I agree with your comments.I just love the quiet clear sound it gives me (and so do my neighbours) It’s my first one step and now I look for others.
Aloha Michael, thanks for a very encouraging review, since I don't have the 33 version of the Mofi release to compare. Even here in Hawaii in 1971, her record album Tapestry was being played all over the airwaves. In 1996, I purchased 2 limited edition Gold Cd's one was Kenny Loggins w/Jim Messina "Sittin in " and the other was Carol King's Tapestry. Two mellow recordings that I enjoy. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Mahalo Ed
I Have the classic 45 set so I passed on the one step. Thanks again for your honest opinion
It is no surprise that it sold out quickly. The regular album sold more than 25 millions copies. In 1971 it held the top position of the US album charts for 15 weeks and it denied Led Zeppelin IV the Number one position.
Great video Michael
Thank you 🙏🏾
Nice presentation thorough and considerate
By the way Michael I still have the original that I bought in 1971
I'm happy with the standard mofi version.
I was doing an A/B comparison between the 33rpm MoFi and the One-Step and your new video notification flashed up but I waited to make my own judgement before watching this video. I have to say that I agree with you and that the One-Step was worth the money to upgrade.
It’s pretty well known that the original recording wasn’t outstanding, with Carole King’s vocals cut quite hot and on the verge of distortion, although they never quite distort. However, this One-Step does a fantastic job of making the recording sound much more pleasant and listenable. It’s better balanced and has more weight to it (voice, kick-drums, piano), plus the soundstage is a definite improvement.
I’d be happy to continue to play the 33rpm version if that’s the only version I had, but won’t now, as the One-Step is superb and a definite improvement.
I remember reading that the idea for Tapestry was to sound like "demos" - like when Carole King sent demos of her songs to other singers. Still, I've always liked the sound of the album. And I agree, the difference between the One Step and the regular MoFi is noticeable from the first listen. Like you, I prefer the One Step (I also prefer it over the original).
I agree about the onestep being a huge upgrade from the 33 Mofi. I was really looking forward to the onestep because it was my mother’s favorite album and played many many times in our household while I was growing up. It’s one of the few albums that I have a true emotional attachment too.
Great review Michael, I also own both 33rpm and the One Step, and fully agree with your conclusions!
Back in Oct. 2021 you did a video on your favorite Mofi reissues. Most Miles Davis followers know that In A Silent Way is one of his most in demand albums. No mention has been made about a re-press or new reissue (one step). I know you love this album and the Mofi version is one of your favorites. Do you think they will do something with this? Also, can you do a video of your favorite Miles reissues some time in the future. I was blessed to be able to visit my daughter in Germany back in 2012. I spent 14 days there visiting some of the great sights. People here in the states are upset with the price of gas now but as I recall, gas was about $6.00 dollars a gallon back then; what is it now? Thank you so much for the great videos and sharing the joy of vinyl; especially when there is so much sorrow for those suffering in the Ukraine. Much blessings to you! Chris
I think it is likely that they do something with: In a Silent Way Christopher
Amazingly interesting video 😁
Your opinion is always very important. Thanks you Michael
I think a more apt comparison would be the ORG double 45 mastered by Bernie Grundman.
I have a 1971 A&M/Ode records UK pressing, not a first pressing. I think it's pretty good.
First batch of shipments always comes from MoFi. Therefore, the lowest numbers
Thanks for this interesting video! I have the original Pitman press mastered by Bernie Grundman, I think it sounds great.
113 Euro (125 $) is not cheap but for the Quality o.k. But in Germany, the robber baron dealers want 199 Euros, if you can get One Steps at all. I can't even say how that pisses me off. No record made in Germany costs 75% more in the US than the German retail price.
I always sugest: Order from the source, find a friend who wants this too
@@Michael45RPM No, I won't do that because I support the local record stores. But they don't get One Steps at all. In the U.S., you can get European LPs in the record store that have a run of 1000 worldwide. Here you don't get US LPs with editions of 10000 and more. It's like in many things, the Americans don't give a shit about us.
Totally agree. The records made in Europe and Germany are chipper in USA. Crazy!!! I really would like to have many of this US records but that will happened only when they cost the same for all. It may never happen. It’s principal.
@Nicholas My opinion ist not about the people, it is the industry. I have many American Friends. Was soll der Vortrag?
I just finished listening to the 1971 pressing and MoFi One-Step, back to back. I think the Mofi One-Step is the better of the two. The original release sounds great, but the low end seems to be rolled off as compared to the Mofi. The mofi has more bass extension. Also, the Mofi has higher definition of the various instruments and vocals, and a dead quiet background.
Unbelievable Michael I just saw online for $159.99 I don't think there's a record around worth that much money
Lol! I'm surprised 45rpm left this up, given tapestries digital taint! A clear improvement he says. Yuk yuk yuk
I compared this to my UK original, 1980 CBS half speed master and the 2015 reissue and whilst the 1980 CBS version was really good and an significant improvement over my UK original, the One Step was in another league. Well balanced tonally and puts right what the original recording got wrong
This record’s detail is incredible compared to muddier older releases but there is a major overall tonal balance issue, it’s bass heavy.
The low end is too prominent on half the songs whether it is the bass or kick drum.It’s a real shame.
The piano tones are very nice, but Carole’s vocals screeched in a few places (on the original).
As has been more common than not MOFO gives a nice sounding alternative view of a good pressing, that’s it.
It’s not something definitive.
Mofi is capable. They acheived that spectacular standard for Blood On The Tracks, Eagles ST, Monk’s Dream and Mingus Au Um. So they can do this.
Mofi doesn’t over do their standard audiophile releases so it appears they are trying to enhance the pressings to jump off the page.
You have to make the One Steps stand out, sound more vibrant. Over-embellishment. Too much is a bad thing. This may be perfect for a large number of systems but if you have playback that is ideally neutral - these masterings will be too much.
Just listened via headphones to a streamed recording and I have to say that this is a great record, sadly it is not in my collection as yet and I guess that I am too late for this version, therefore I will have to see what I can find using this interweb thingy to find somewhere that stocks a vinyl version of Tapestry.
Michael, wenn ich dich richtig verstanden 🤔 habe, dann sind diese zeitlosen Songs, nun das Maß der Dinge im Bereich audiophiler u. qualitativer Produktion von MFSL!
Nichts zuvor war/ist vergleichbar so gut, wie diese Aufnahme!
Richtig?
❤️Heike
Ja genau, ich bin mir sicher, dass dies die beste Version dieses Klassikers ist
@@Michael45RPM
Michael, lieben dank 🙏 für deine Bestätigung.
Habe schon bestellt! 😜
Carole u. ihre Songs berühren 😥 mich jedes Mal auf ein neues.
Sie landen mitten in mein ❤️, auf eine besonders schöne u. emotionale Art u. Weise.
Must have! 😁
Yeah, I’m gonna stick with the 331/3. I’m okay having the 2nd best sounding version on this one.
same here. it's a great record, but i'm not re-buying everything that i already own
Hey Michael bluenote just put on preorder RONNIE FOSTER - TWO HEADED FREAP
JACK MCDUFF - MOON RAPPIN’ Coming out late may in the classic series
I found that One Step sounds a bit harsh during louder passages. I preferred the Classic Records 45 rpm (which I assume sounds the same as the later ORG 45 rpm, cut by Bernie Grundman. The high end is less prominent and as a result ( to me at least) the overall presentation feels warmer and more "musical."
Wow, I pre-ordered a lot through Music Direct recently. I was not expecting I have to contact them to actually get the records after release in a timely manner. Kinda missing a lot of the idea behind pre-order.
Glad I saw this as well because I hadn’t no idea eitger
it’s a digital recording
My local record store has 2 copies for nearly 200 euros each. Quite expensive, so I don't know. I am actually waiting on the C,S&N album.
It`s not sold out yet
I will wait for the Analogue Productions 45rpm when they use the Classic plates. I like the album but it's not an absolute favourite and I can't justify the price and shelf space for it.
I shall rant briefly here... I bought the NEW pressing of Tapestry 33rpm. Side B had lots of clicks and pops, even after very careful cleaning (Degritter and more). Upon inspection, the album had scratches, likely from handling with a glove. Incredible! But most importantly, the master this NEW pressing was done off of was NOT the same master as the 1-step (as you know from the comparison). Moreover, I also got a NEW pressing directly from Mofi of the gorgeous Miles Davis "On The Corner". And AGAIN, scratch marks from handling at the pressing plant! Fortunately these (unlike Tapestry's) are not audible... But still!!!
I have thought it over, more than once on both releases, but in the end, I decided to pass. I have to really enjoy the music to drop that much money on a One-Step. The Eagles One Steps that have been released thus far, are fantastic.
I just bought this for my mother. Side one of the first record has a few small scratches right out of the package, and you can hear them. Of coarse my mother still loves it but I am so disappointed.
Wow I thought you said you'd throw in the original non Mobile Fidelity version so we could compare all three. How am I suppose to know whether I want to upgrade my original to the lower quality mofi?
Hey Jim I have all 3 the one step takes you to a different level
I see the appeal of the One-Step packaging, but I don’t like it. It takes too much room on the shelves, and I am running out of space. Please, please MoFi, consider changing to a beautiful Staughten gatefold jacket with the original size album art. I could store 3 gatefolds in the space of the One-Step box.
DSD!!! Digital..Nooo
Thanks for the presentation - guess the result of the comparison was predictable/as expected.
I't a shame (for the musical experience of this great, great album) that MoFi - or someone else - doesn't make a best quality/one-step/whatever 33 rpm version.
As you say: This was never made as an audiophile recording - the tunes, lyrics and intimacy are the important things here. Splitting the record up on four sides (in stead of the original two) is IN IT SELF a step backwards in my opinion.
I'll stick to my 33 rpm MOFI version until a better 33 rpm might show up.
Very interesting!!...piano will always test turntable speed accuracy and stylus/cartridge azimuth to the Nth degree...I had a dope smoking friend who loved Supertramp🤮...to make matters worse his turntable was revolving at approx 36-40 RPM...so the squeakie vocals and gutless music made me wish for death...though the too fast RPMs meant that the record ended more quickly...an act of kindness in that regard