The latest release of the popular "Mobile Fidelity" CD reissue series has been confirmed. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL), a manufacturer specializing in analog masters, is a trusted brand that is supported by audiophiles around the world. With the utmost passion, sound masters have digitized many of the greatest albums from master tapes. Among the series, this work includes the CD "UDCD 516" released in 1989. It is Elton's first multi-platinum masterpiece "Madman". In the 1990s, when the CD conversion of Mobile Fidelity analog works, which placed the utmost importance on master tape sound, reached its peak, many high-quality CDs appeared, but MFSL was in a class of its own. Other high-quality CDs are based on the idea of "suppressing digital degradation" by using new technology to reduce the discomfort of compression or reduce reading errors in the material. In contrast, MFSL's policy is "faithfully reproducing the sound engraved on the master tape and not adding anything extra." They have developed their own "half-speed mastering" technology that focuses on the stage of extracting sound from magnetic tape, placing the utmost importance on "the analog recorded sound itself". Since 1987, MFSL has borrowed original master tapes from record companies and meticulously digitized many masterpieces one by one. They released the "Ultradisc" series, which transfers the sound of the master tape to CD. Currently, they are also expanding into the fields of SACD and LP, but the point is that this work was made into a CD in the late 1980s. Magnetic tape masters are vulnerable to deterioration over time, and the more time passes, the more the sound at the time of recording is lost. There are cases where the tape is distorted or stuck, but even if it is stored carefully, it cannot prevent the loss of magnetism. Nowadays, it is becoming the case that LPs recorded with physical grooves sound better than the master tape itself. In that respect, the "Ultradisc" series was a great achievement. It started in the 1980s when CDs were in widespread use, and the sound of the master tape was digitalized before the arrival of the new technology CD, which boasted high sound quality. Piano, vocals, strings... everything is vivid and natural in "Madman." This work, "Madman," conveys the master sound "18 years after recording." MFSL's gold CDs include "Ultradisc" and "Ultradisc II," but this work is the earlier "Ultradisc." The sound is a delicate piano with a delicate touch and natural vocals that slowly soak into your heart. The natural feeling is clear from the first song, "Tiny Dancer." A beautiful piano melody dances at the beginning, but in the case of the current remastered CD, each hit is too intense. Although I understand the intention of the engineer who wanted to create a three-dimensional effect, only the peaks of the rising hits are strongly pushed out, and each hit is sharp as if it is being thrust at you. It is true that the piano is a struck string instrument when it is bowed, but when it is emphasized to this extent, it is almost a percussion instrument. The current remastered CD has a three-dimensional feel, as if everything was disassembled and then reassembled, but it is unnaturally rough. In contrast, this work is very natural. Not only the peaks but also the vibe of the piano body vibrating are clear, and it also harmonizes with Elton's singing voice. I don't know if the piano and vocals are simultaneous or separate tracks, but even the subtle changes are synchronized, giving the original flow of the song. Of course, this does not mean that the sound is a mass, but that it has a three-dimensional feel that is different from the current remastered feel. The key is the fineness of the details. The presence of the instrument itself is conveyed by the fine details of each sound being firmly preserved, and when they overlap, a sense of layering is created. It is felt as a "three-dimensional space in which the performer actually exists" rather than a manufactured three-dimensional feel. Of course, such realism and natural sound can also be felt from the band sound and strings. The current remastered CD especially emphasizes the dramatic development, and when the rhythm comes in, it's boom! It's as if the sound explodes, and the strings surge in like a tsunami. I understand the mastering engineer's desire to show off a dynamic version of "Madman" that no one has ever heard before, but that is not the original "Madman". It is definitely this work that teaches us the world of sound that each performer has spun and that Gus Dudgeon has built up. The master sound of this great masterpiece has been preserved to this day because it is a CD by "Mobile Fidelity". Even if you want to get the actual thing now, it is difficult because it was originally produced in limited quantities. This release is to allow as many people as possible to experience that beautiful sound. Taken from the original US Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab CD(UDCD 516) from Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab "Original Master Recording" Collection 1. Tiny Dancer 2. Levon 3. Razor Face 4. Madman Across The Water 5. Indian Sunset 6. Holiday Inn 7. Rotten Peaches 8. All The Nasties 9. Goodbye
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