Simon & Garfunkel Bookends - MOFI Supervinyl vs Original "Two Eye" Promo

[@astolatpere11]

New high end gear can be such a revelation. Shows what is truly in the groove.

[@ThePressingMatters]

So true! My collection has taken on a new life, and I'm having a ball going through everything again.

[@amosperrine1909]

You may just have convinced me to pick up the MoFi. I, too, have an OG, that I got in college, albeit not a promo, and have always treated my LPs with utmost care. This is the album that showed me that Simon was a top tier, masterful songwriter. His earlier work, while good seemed at times slightly precocious to me. Overall, I have listened more to this one than any other S&G album. Again, many thanks for this.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Absolutely, this is an album to treasure, and my goal with this review was to remind people how special it is. The fact that MOFI has done a superb job with it, staying close to a top original, with subtle and tasteful enhancements is icing on the cake. Makes me excited to see it this more conservative approach is a trend.

[@ThePressingMatters]

If you do end up getting it, I'd love to hear back from you about it!

[@graemeferdinands5856]

Scott, take a bow! You are absolutely SPOT ON with every single word you've said, in this appraisal!! You have NAILED IT!!! 👏👏👏👍

[@ThePressingMatters]

Well, I must say, this comment made my day! First off, I'm an so glad you found the video, and watched it through and took the time to comment. I think I know how you reacted - just like I do when a reviewer is describing things exactly how I heard and felt them. Nodding in agreement and smiling! So great to have you here, and thank you for the positive feedback!

[@graemeferdinands5856]

@ThePressingMatters Scott, I connected so much with you on this, because, although I don't have the MoFi, I pulled this album out about 2 months ago and, had the same, EMOTIVE experience!! What an album! What a piece of musical "perfection" it is!! And yes, even though I live in Australia...even I was SO MOVED listening to "America"!! 🥹 I'm subscribed to your Channel, always love your content, keep up the great work! 👍😊

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome! Thank you and I look forward to more discussions on future topics.

[@classicrock7890]

This is one of the best Mo-Fi's I've heard. A must buy.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I really love what they did with this, and I hope it's a sign of a more sophisticated style of mastering coming from the label.

[@onsenkuma-l2p]

Scott: Great review of a superb album - easily my favourite S&G album. You've really brought the whole thing into sharp focus. I have a mint Japanese S&G vinyl box set which really should be all I need, but when the MoFi was announced I couldn't resist. I've listened to it a couple of times and it is a beautiful pressing. If your review doesn't convince anyone sitting on the fence about the MoFi to pull the trigger then I don't know what will.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the record as much as I did. It's great to hear feedback from those that also have heard it. Once in a while, things really come together for a review. I think this was one of those times! Thank you so much for watching and taking a moment to comment!

[@DanG465]

Scott, thank you for this video. This album is important to me, too! Recently I finally got the mono (it plays really well with a mono cartridge). After seeing your review I have to clean my 1J(machine)/1A(hand) stereo copy and give it a listen. I bought it way back when, and remember playing it often.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome that you found a mono. I'm glad the review sparked an interest in giving the OG a new spin. It's a beauty, as is the MOFI. Thanks for watching!

[@jodygoeler586]

Bookends is truly an extraordinary album. Perhaps my favorite detail in this production is the sustained violin line that ends the string ensemble transition in Old Friends. It’s heartbreaking step down to follow the new chord - just beautiful. Great review. Love MOFI’s treatment as well.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes! That is another fantastic detail in this production. Such a great record. So glad to give it some attention.

[@DukeOfData]

I grew up with this album. It touches a chord deep within my being.

[@ThePressingMatters]

There is something about it - certain lyrics, a chord change or a climax in the harmony of voices that does touch the soul. It happens every time too. Thanks so much for your comment!

[@53puskas53]

It was lovely to see how emotional you became in describing your reactions to the music on this record - I suppose giving emotion is the purpose of music.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I believe my current system is bringing me closer to the music and as a result, the intention and emotion of the performances. When I add in the fact that I identify with the time period of the songs, and the sentiment behind the lyrics, it was impossible to not be deeply moved. I love when it shows too.

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Beautiful descriptions as always, Scott. Another gold level video. Thx

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much, Anthony. I'm really happy how this turned out!

[@barbaricyawper14]

Fantastic! I’ve always loved this album for all the reasons you stated here. A couple years back I paid a small ransom for a G grade mono copy, which are rare. The mono has a punch that the stereo also has, but the mono has a few different/alternative takes in some sections. Well worth seeking out!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've heard so much about the mono, and would love to hear it to spot these differences. When listening to this on stereo, I admit it's hard to imagine it otherwise - it seems designed for stereo. However I've been completely won over by mono mixes of music I imagined worked only in stereo. Sgt Pepper and Piper at the Gates of Dawn are two that come to mind. Always open minded, I look forward to the day I hear Bookends in mono. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@MichaelRMarshall1]

Thanks for your kind, informative and helpful review of the new MOFI Simon & Garfunkel "Bookends" vinyl release. Unfortunately, I converted solely to high rez/digital physical media several years ago so I no longer have an analog front end. I did recently purchase "Bridge Over Troubled Water" on MOFI SACD and was underwhelmed so I was really hoping for the best when I purchased their new SACD of "Bookends". It is one of my favorite albums from ANY artist and it did NOT disappoint! A great transfer and a release that I regularly return to. Cheers!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Michael, Great to hear a report on the SACD! I'm glad it turned out as well as the vinyl. Good news for fans of both formats. Thanks for watching!

[@mikekeysboe9755]

Thanks so much for another great review. I was on the fence with this, but you have swayed me to go for it!

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome! I can't imagine anyone being disappointed. Im super critican of MOFI on occasion but there is nothing to criticize here. Very welcome news indeed. Let me know what you think once you've heard it!

[@roncronovich9095]

Another Pressing Matters review, another record in my cart. Thanks! Ron

[@ThePressingMatters]

Glad I could help Ron. You'll be happy with this one!

[@fidelios_frequency]

I’ve heard from others as well that this MoFi is a really good sounding one. I’m sticking to my original 2 👁️ though. Thanks for your review. ✌🏻

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Arnaldo, Yes, it is very good, one of Mofi’s better efforts. That it could come even close to the wonderful original is noteworthy. If push came to shove, id keep my original. As a matter of fact this Mofi was borrowed, so I don't own it and probably won't get it. I did try the budget version out there for $23 on Amazon. Its mastered by Ryan Smith and its excellent and is a nice way to get a great new copy for a reasonable price. Thanks for watching!

[@DaveAllen-j7p]

It was a delight to revisit this lp via the Mofi version. I played the daylights out of my original copy back in the day. Simon once mentioned he was struggling with a writer's block during this period, but what a collection of songs. Re: "Fakin' It" - maybe this song is a comment on the writer's block issue. The underlying acoustic guitar riff sounds to my ears straight out of a mid sixties Donavan song. then Mr. Leitch himself is named in the whimsical tailor fantasy sequence toward the end. Maybe a comment on the nicking of ideas.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I did notice musical and lyrical references to other artists. I can't remember where but I thought I heard a drum riff very reminiscent of a Beatles track that came the year before.

[@davidpetersen7091]

As you get "older" this album probably makes more sense. Great review. Mr. Pete------> aging hippie

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I guess I am feeling a bit older than when I first heard the album and it definitely hits differently. Every moment was a delight, not just the hits. I think the increases in fidelity with the system upgrades add to the wonder of this record. Thanks for watching!

[@redphil7797]

Cheers Scott, thanks for another wonderful in depth and passionate review. Bookends is one of my very favourite 'old friends' if I can say that 😊. If I need to convince anyone what a well set up record play back system can sound like - it's the go to. Not sure I'll be going for the Mofi any time soon though - too hot for me right now. Thanks again keep up the good work

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great to hear your thoughts on the record. It is actually a great demo record! Originals a so good. If you've got a clean one you are set.

[@LetThereBeSound1]

Fantastic Scott! Now I have to hear it so let me know if & when you get your own copy!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think you'd be very pleased with this one Oz. I'll have this copy here until John comes to town over the holidays. You must hear it.

[@nickperagine4070]

So I have this album and paid 2 bucks for it it’s in great condition and even has the poster I did what you did went back and replayed it and forget about At the Zoo one of my favorites from this album

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Nick, Its great when a discussion or an article can give you the urge to revisit an old favorite with fresh eyes snd ears. I love when i feel so inspired and im glad you were abke to exoerience it too! Thsnks do much for commenting!

[@nickperagine4070]

@ I really enjoy your insights especially when comparing old and re-issues weather they on a new pressing or one that’s old but in pristine condition Thanks for that Nick

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome, Nick! Thanks for your contributions to the comments!

[@syr1964]

I also have an OG two-eye and feel no need to get the MOFI because of how good the OG sounds. Glad to hear the MOFI sounds good though.

[@ThePressingMatters]

You have one of thr great original pressings. No need to go further, imo. The Mofi is excellent as well. One of their best.

[@matt6587]

Thanks for the thoughtful review, Scott! i agree that it's a tasteful mastering. My system isn't nearly as nice as yours but I can say that I was similarly moved by the recent listens of the new MoFi. It's one of those things where you can say to yourself I know this album it's not really going to hit me freshly. But somehow it did-- when they sing "and the moon rose over an open field" -- the eyes welled up. It's probably just a human thing, voices singing together... if one is open, receptive, it gets to the core. and it's captured well here.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Your welcome. I think you are getting to what it is here that moves us so. I was trying to figure it out - is is a certain line in the lyric? Yes, for sure that's part of it. Is it the way the voices dovetail together beautifully? Yes it that too especially as you hear Art in his higher register. It is our associations with certain memories when hearing these songs? For sure I recall this period of time. All these things make it great. Add in fantastic music, playing, engineering. The record is a gem in either version. Thank you for your comments! I loved reading them.

[@matt6587]

@@ThePressingMatters Thanks for the beautiful response, Scott! It's all of those things that makes this record, for sure. As you say, some of the songs we associate with memories of hearing them. And it's interesting too-- this album is about memory in many ways and returns to that feel in the music itself. maybe it's that mix that partly creates its power. thanks again for inviting me to consider why this album is great! i wonder what you'd make of the new supervinyl Bridge Over Troubled Water. i don't have the one step but i have the classic. the classic seems a bit more natural. but the recent MoFi Bridge has its moments, too. if the classic were on supervinyl, it might be a clearer winner.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Oh I didn't realize it was out in Supervinyl. I'll look into it and see if I can get a copy. I bet I'd like it more than the One Step.

[@markpocock183]

Thanks Scott! This has been on my wish list for some time, but an original press in the wild is proving elusive. I am glad to have an alternative, but the approx $80 in Canada is giving me pause. Who knows, maybe for Christmas 😊

[@ThePressingMatters]

I hear you there. $60 is a stretch for a single 33, but in this case, I feel it is worth it to me. I hope in any case you get to hear it somehow before laying down $80. I'm so glad they didn't do this as a One Step. It's pretty much a perfect sweet spot for this album.

[@quikspecv4d]

So far I’ve only got to listen to the MOFI with my headphones and not my main system (I will very soon) but I totally agree with you Scott. It sounds great. The vinyl is quiet and very well pressed too.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think you'll be just as impressed over your main system. All those spatial effects, vast sound field and deep bass and dynamics will make your system come alive!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Super impressed with the vinyl. Silent and perfectly pressed.

[@matthewtapley2765]

Very nice review. I always go between this and Parsley Sage … as my favorite S&G album. I understand your response to America. The line “Kathy I’m lost” always gets me. It captures the confusion and even hopelessness of young adulthood. What do we do now?! Any thoughts on the mofi Parsley Sage Rosemary and Thyme from a couple years back? I personally haven’t heard it

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks Matthew, I have not heard the Parsley Sage on MOFI, but I am planning a follow up on this video and covering that album MOFI vs original. My friend who has it should be visiting shortly.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm Planning to followup with reviews of Mofi's Parsley and Bridge. I have nice originals of both and will do comparisons for the channel

[@robertmorgan9205]

I’ve never been particularly into lyrics, it has to be something really special …or abstract in a Bowie way, but the ones in America have always seemed extra special to me. I’m from the UK so they don’t have the same meaning for me I suppose yet they manage to be so descriptive…I just love them.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Paul Simon created some great imagery here. It's easy to form your own pictures in your mind when listening to America. While each person's images will be slightly different, I imagine the song packs an emotional punch wherever you are from.

[@robertmorgan9205]

@ absolutely, Scott. Of course it’s not the only one either, Bridge Over Troubled Water for one is also high up in my favourites

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@robertmorgan9205 Yes! That song is spellbinding. Art is amazing there.

[@fueledbylove]

Pretty sure I have Bookends on a factory reel, somewhere... I did not know much about this album besides hearing the Top 40 singles, ages ago... until acquiring my tape, except I love the track "America" which my fondest memories of I must admit, are of the Yes cover of the song! I guess Yes were fans of S&G but I shan't veer too far off topic. Now, thanks to your video I have greater appreciation of this work and have to go and dig up that tape.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Omg it would be fascinating to hear the 7.5ips tape edition!

[@fueledbylove]

@@ThePressingMatters Have you seen a 7.5ips of this album? I have "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and "Bookends" both are 3.75ips though. Ive wondered what criteria they followed to choose which tapes or artists were released on the higher or lower speeds. Some tapes you can find a particular album at both speeds but there are many that were only made at the slow speed i.e, the Iron Butterfly catalog where there is no 7.5 of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida or the 3rd album Ball but I have their first one, Heavy, Best Of and Metamorphosis in 7.5ips. Obviously the switch to 3.75ips was primarily to cut production costs using less tape. Hardly a boon to the end user. Whoops I think I went off-topic.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@fueledbylove I thought I saw it somewhere recently - eBay, Discogs. But I might be mistaken

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@fueledbylove Yes it's listed in both speeds in Discogs! There's definitely a 7.5ips out there.

[@fueledbylove]

@@ThePressingMatters Great! I did not know that could be looked up on Discgos, Ive just gone by watching too many ePay auctions!

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Paul and Artie approve of this review (I would hope, even tho they hate each other).

[@ThePressingMatters]

I hope so too!

[@derekduncan-tm2yj]

I completely agree. I think it beats the original, even if only ever so slightly. I was surprised how good this was when mofi is so hit or miss. It’s a winner.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Absolutely! My original has some kind of fairy dust sprinkled on it, but the Mofi has plenty too with a brilliant gorgeous sound. Big win!

[@SmallPersonRoo]

I wonder how it sounds compared to the Ryan K. Smith cut from a few years ago which is absolutely amazing. I’ve preferred RKS cuts over MoFi cuts

[@ThePressingMatters]

That's a good question. I can't tell you but I see the 2018 on Amazon. I wonder if it's the RKS.

[@SmallPersonRoo]

@ I’m pretty sure it is. I’ve been meaning to compare

[@ThePressingMatters]

@SmallPersonRoo Maybe I'll take a chance. I will order it and see if it's the RKS.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@SmallPersonRoo I just ordered one. stay tuned!

[@SmallPersonRoo]

@@ThePressingMatters you’re the absolute best. Thank you for your dedication to your craft!!

[@michelraffin7006]

Hello,Scott do you Know about the 33rpm bridge over troubled water mofi? I have thé one step but i am wondering about getting thé 33rpm

[@ThePressingMatters]

I don't know much about it, but I have a friend who has it. Perhaps I can follow up this video with Bridge and Parsley Sage.

[@michelraffin7006]

@ that would be nice Scott…thanks

[@ThePressingMatters]

Sure. I think he has both Bridge and Parsley, and I have originals of those. That would be a cool video.

[@primeanalogrecords]

Hey Scott! As usual great to hear from you! I was wondering if you know the best pressing of There Goes Rhymin’ Simon! I’m looking for that copy that sounds really good because it has one of my favorite songs on it Kodachrome!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Matt! I honestly don't have direct experience with that album, but a guess would be a first US pressing or the One Step. There were a lot of positive reports in that particular One Step. But try to hear before you splurge on something like that. Some of those are too detailed for my taste.

[@primeanalogrecords]

@@ThePressingMatters gotcha! Thanks

[@jasonwhiton174]

Nice! For some reason S&G recordings have often triggered a deep emotional response in me. I admit it's almost unbearable, some kind of tapping into something. Teary. I listened to them a lot as a little kid, so maybe it connects to some early thing in some way. But this is unquestionably a great record. As you mentioned, I've tended to remember Bookends as some hits plus, but previewing the songs now on-line, I really love all the experimental aspects. Paul Simon really is a creative genius. I don't have any original pressings, but maybe I'll check out the MOFI. I wonder how the SACD compares? Thanks :)

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Jason, Thanks for your comment. Apparently Ryan K Smith mastered this in 2018, and it looks like it's available from Amazon. I just ordered one to try and I'll let you know how it sounds.

[@jasonwhiton174]

@@ThePressingMatters Hi Scott, do you mean the 2018 vinyl? It would be interesting to hear a comparison.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@jasonwhiton174 Yes, as far as I can determine RKS cut the US version from 2018. I think at some point it was pressed at QRP. There is a no name EU mastering from the same year. I'll let you know if it is in fact the correct mastering and I'll compare to the original.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm not sure if I'll do another round of comparisons in a video, but the 2018 is a very good edition. I've only had a brief time with it, but if there's some open space in the channel topics, ill do a new video.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

But....but... I do have an original too, and it sounds great. Is the MoFi that much of an improvement? I get the message that if an original isn't available the MoFi is a no-brainer. But for those who have a clean original?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Correct, in my opinion a good original is the gold standard. That the MOFI got close to it makes it the choice if an original is not available.

[@stereo8893]

Hi Scott, thanks for the equipment update . Did I miss what kind of speakers you listen with? I know they must be room size appropriate and I would like to know what they are please. - Ray

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Ray, These are my speakers: system-audio.com/en/product/sa-pandion-30-2/#buy

[@fueledbylove]

So "santa maria" is the best physical pressing but what about the claims no sibilence? I am not getting the connection of how that is related. Thanks.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Not sure either. I just noticed a few of the S sounds on Bookends reprise at the end of side. Extremely minor, not an issue for me.

[@ThePressingMatters]

This might happen on some setups and not others.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Most things I've read and a few comments here seem to indicate Santa Maria was a premium plant and produced the best records of the three Columbia plants.

[@fueledbylove]

@@ThePressingMatters I understand that it is like RCA and Indy plant. And a sibilant effect in vocal recordings from what have understood has a lot to do with your speakers. Its funny you know that hissing isn't something you'll notice much UNLESS you are trying hard to detect it. lol.

[@SmallPersonRoo]

@@ThePressingMattersI’ve always preferred the Pitman plant. Their pressings always sounded perfect

[@celtic-audiophile]

My copy arrives on Thursday, and my new decks were set up last Friday, so looking forward to the same emotional response 🥹

[@ThePressingMatters]

Get ready, you're going to have the same reaction. Not only for the sentiment of those songs but for the beauty of the achievement, the blending of the two voices, the wonder of the production. Please let me know!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

I don't see where you listed the runout information on your "2-eye" LP. The original premium version of this LP was pressed by Columbia, Santa Maria. The pressings they did back then would be considered "audiophile" by today's standards.The vinyl was a superior mix of virgin vinyl. No lumps or bumps or pieces of record label as you might have found in other pressings in this era and later. Bookends was a masterpiece with multiple hit song included. Combined with the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album you'd practically have had S & G's greatest hits. The more I listened to it the more I found "Voices Of Old People" to be a gas. Considering those were what S & G grew up hearing, old New York Jewish people, it doesn't surprise me. With the album recorded in L.A., using the creme of "The Wrecking Crew" musicians. It's no wonder that they used the same musicians for the follow-up "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album(which sounds great in quadraphonic). The Hammond organ(not just any organ) really sings and makes it's presence known(thanks to Larry Knechtel). As far as the mono version of the "Bookends" album, because mono was officially out in 1968, it was limited to radio station promo LP's. It was probably folded down from stereo. The singles may have been the only dedicated mono mixes.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I looked tonight at the deadwax. After the catalogue number there is a 1G on side A and 1H on side B. It's all handwritten. I can not determine the pressing plant.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

@@ThePressingMatters Looking at Discogs the 1G and 1H seem to be common to the Pitman pressing plant. There should be a P after those characters. Probably 1968 but a 1A or 1B would indicate an early stamper/pressing. The Santa Maria pressings would have a backwards S in the deadwax.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I was reading up about this, and it said that with a big release, multiple lacquers were cut at once and sent to the various plants. It seems like the letters I have would be later but it seems it's not necessarily so. That it came in a Demo jacket would seem to indicate it is from the first set of stampers, but as we all know the record could have been paired with this jacket later on in its life. At any rate I can say the 1G 1H sounds pretty much perfect! I'll have to use some magnification to determine the pressing plant letter. It seemed to be an S but it's really small.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

@@ThePressingMatters I know what you are saying. Now it's reading glasses with a magnifying glass. If you find that backwards "S" you've got a real gem there. The real promo Columbia LP's mostly went to radio stations with white timing labels affixed to the front and WLP records inside. Most would have been mono as FM stereo was in it's infancy and was pre-Top 40. The stamped promo covers were sent out by the production companies to record stores, etc. Sometimes they might even have a WLP record inside. I think that the stamped promos were often from just a stack of sleeved albums before they were shrink wrapped. Some companies, like Capitol Records, just punched a large hole through the corner of a shrink wrapped album. Typically, a Santa Maria pressing will be a 1A to 1D. The higher the letter the later a pressing might be. RCA Victor made it easy, numbering their stampers "1S, 2S, 3S..............". I've got some Elvis 45's with "1S" on one side and "2S" on the other. This includes promos which may have had even higher stamper numbers. There were alot of Elvis promos sent out.

[@ThePressingMatters]

It sure looks to be an S and not a P or a T. It's so small but it didn't appear reversed. I'll grab a loupe and check closely.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I've got an og Columbia 2 eye and it blows my mind everytime i play it. Its jaw dropping. Mofi is dead to me so ill never know or care how it sounds, the og is phenomenal.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yeah it really is untouchable. I'm so glad I have a nice one.

[@jimt9371]

Great review Scott! Which stampers are on the promo LP? I have an original Santa Maria 1A/1A etched stampers which has no sibilance.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Im going to check tonight and I'll list it.

[@mattsrecordcollection]

I had a very similar experience when I got this MOFI (#204) release. I too have an early pressing that I love. My main take away was how up front the percussive elements are. From the various drums, knocking sounds to the lighting of the match and the drawing in of the cigarette. If you like this album at all I suggest getting this. Great review, you are so much more eloquent than I could be. My review kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIbdaYGLos6gqqs