Joni Mitchell – Court and Spark

Does Mofi finally have their shit together? First of all this is a stellar effort sonically. Everything seems just right to my ears. Great soundstage, instrument separation, good bass but not too much and not too bright either. Oh and very quiet throughout. Side 4 impresses me the most with it's diversive jazz elements. No warpages, seam splits or miscentered labeling which is pretty tough to get the trifecta from this outfit from past experience. And this is the first time EVER they put the records outside of the sleeves. It made for a difficult time getting them out but all is good. I'm probably one of the few who preferred the bigger box with the sponges but that's just me. My favorite Mitchell album is a winner all the way around this time. Let's hope quality control remains upgraded on future releases.

The third Joni 1 Step for me and my third pressing of this classic record.

Its an excellent pressing but there are caveats. I still hate the packaging. Over the top excessive, branded crap that makes getting the record off the shelf and playing a chore. At least the records dont split the inners now but Mofi need to pay the artist and coverworks mote respect instead of blowing their own tainted trumpets.

So.... My 2010 EU Rhino is decent but unspectacular. I really liked the Bernie 33rpm remaster from a couple of years ago but i tried 5 copies and they all had hideous non fill noise and ive not kept a single one. This is nigh silent throughout and by far the best pressed vinyl wise. The mastering is excellent too. Perhaps not much better than BG's effort but the open and dynamic easy feel of 45rpm can be felt. For sure the wide grooves permit the use of my more romantic sounding older Shure cart which influences my preference. But even with the modern AT this still sings.

That makes it 3 for 3 delights with the Joni 1 Steps on the sound and pressing front for me. I just hope they stop the over packaging and over charging madness but Mofi clearly care more about themselves than artists and vinylista's. If you can look past the negatives the pressing is definitive.

Any word on the sound and quality control? This would be my first MoFi release