Santana

This is a review of the sound quality of the latest MoFi remastering of this album, NOT a review of the merit or stature of the debut album (we already know it is classic).Having had two Sony iterations of this album over the years, most recently the last Sony deluxe edition, this MoFi blows everything else away. As with the MoFi edition of Abraxas; increased clarity, more 3-dimensional soundstage / imaging... it's hard to believe that after all these years, Sony hasn't been able to get so much musical information out of the mastertape for their previous releases and that MoFi just did. Makes you wonder what else we're missing on the many other Sony remasters... Only regret is that the bonus material of the last Sony reissue won't also get the MoFi treatment.

I was fortunate enough to be at Fillmore in '69 when they were first becoming known. It was an experience I'll never forget. They were simply the best live band I have ever heard, though Steve Miller in the early days was phenomenal too.One reviewer complained about having to put the disk back into a cardboard holder. That's not quite right. Though I do like the plastic snap cases better, the 'cardboard' is thick, strong and artwork well reproduced. It is a folder within a folder, and the disk goes into an anti scratch sleeve.The sound is as perfect as I can imagine, it's really clean. Not quite being there ... but damn good.

This review is for the MFSL gold CD. This is about as good as one can get with this lower resolution format. Is it worth the xtra dollars - I think not - you can get the vinyl LP for the same price with a BIG jump in resolution. I have the orignal Columbia 360 sound LP and it is far better than this (or any) CD. Having said that-if you want the best sounding 16 bit CD of this great album-then this is the one to get !!! And these gold CD's really hold and/or increase in value as the years go by.

If you like Abraxas then you will certainly enjoy this album as well. The songs have a looser feel to them. If you close your eyes you can imagine the players having a great time just jamming. In fact I personally enjoy this album more than Abraxas.Mobile Fidelity has done has done an excellent job on the mastering, breathing new energy into this 1969 recording.The CD is presented in a cardboard fold sleeve to replicate the original vinyl version. So the artwork is presented in the original manner. However, I am still undecided about the cardboard sleeve because while this is nice in a nostalgic way, it is inconvenient to use. The CD is in a soft protective inner sleeve like vinyl was and it slides into the tight cardboard sleeve just like a vinyl record.But don't let this put you off, the music is awesome! So get yours now before you miss out.

My first foray into cool music in 1970 started with this album.The MoFi version is on now while I type. It brings back the vinylmemories! I bought this and paid the price for nostalgic reasons.....I've got the 2CD Sony remaster as well but this version has a specialsound so I'm happy with the transaction. So many good tunes on this debut.And then Santana follows up with Abraxas and "Black Magic Woman"....Greatway to start a career! If you can spare the bucks...get this disc. Worth it!

The first of many great one's to come. IMO, this one and Abraxas were his best. I won't comment on the music as it is well known. This Mobile Fidelity re-master is very good as is the case with most of their cd's. Still, I wish it were available in sacd .I have Abraxas in sacd and it sounds awesome. Anyway, this is probably the best example of this album that I've heard.

really good album. production is good and most songs are very much in the vein of the 70's

cant really tell much difference between this and a regular remaster cd but it still sounds great

Me gusta y suena muy bien el CD. La presentacion del mismo bastante cuidada, igual que la portada doble de un disco de vinilo en pequeñito, incluso con su fundita suave para el CD. El CD es dorado, 24 karat gold audiophile CD, según dice, para mayor duración y calidad de sonido.

love this man ,brilliant.

As an AM radio teen I heard this one day and that was it! The moveto becoming a FM listener was upon me. I just loved this album andit became the start of my first record collection. I have the 2CDLegacy remaster and now this version will be coming to my door.So many good songs on this, Santana's debut in 1969. I will return withthe sonic review, comparison if you will, of this MoFi and the Sony.....UPDATE....MAY 12,2012 Amazon.ca has let me down AGAIN! This title hasbeen ordered twice and cancelled twice. BUT....Amazon.ca has FIXED theproblem and I will be ordering a copy today from a seller and when itarrives there will be another UPDATE.....

Tralascio il giudizio artistico, i primi dischi di Santana sono obbligatori in ogni personale discoteca, e mi soffermo un attimo sulla eccellente qualità sonora di questa uscita della MFSL.La presenza è incredibile, il suono ottimamente bilanciato, si ha la perfetta idea di dove siano posizionati gli strumentisti. Bassi e percussioni ottimamente frenati ma in ottima evidenza come deve essere. Spettacolare la resa dell'organo.Il cd suona come un vinile e questo è il miglior complimento.Da acquistare assolutamente.

Very good remaster for 1969 recording. Crystal sound.Highly recommended for all Santana lovers.