R.E.M. – Reckoning

Why is this so much more rare than the Murmur MFSL Anadisq? Were there fewer copies pressed?

Having recently purchased both this Mofi and a NM copy of the original (OG) US quiex vinyl, thought I would weigh in on the good comparison discussion below. First, on my system (which is a fairly high end, resolving system), I thought both pressings were terrific and actually fairly close. So the differences I am about to mention are not "night and day" but rather subtle after a volume-matched A/B/ comparison session over a very fun afternoon. My conclusions: Original press cut louder than the Mofi. Both of the pressings I own are very quiet. A few more ticks and pops on the OG, but still overall a very quiet pressing. The Mofi, it must be said, is ridiculously quiet and one of the few records where I believe the overused expression "dead quiet" actually applies. Original is just a bit thinner sounding and instruments less defined but there is a raw quality to the sound. The Mofi has more bottom end, a little better instrument separation and a wider soundstage. Vocals are a bit more up front and center in the OG and more ethereal and wider in the Mofi (which surprised me). Overall, and again we are talking nuanced differences, if I had to sum up the differences with an analogy, I would say the OG is a bit more like listening to the band playing the album in the garage and the Mofi is bit more like listening to the album in the studio. I generally find this to be the case in the other R.E.M. Mofi's vs. their OG counterparts that I have. Both are fantastic and there are no losers in this comparison. I am glad to have both, and probably see myself reaching for the Mofi as my first choice listening copy because of the better bottom end. For most, it probably comes down to the fact that the Mofi reissues were quite limited and thus are extremely expensive, so if you can find a good quality OG for a decent price (which is getting increasingly difficult to do) then jump on it.

The original US pressing on quiex vinyl already sounds so good it’s hard for this mfsl edition to top it. The original is cut louder, and has more of an impact in the speakers imo. This pressing actually comes very close in sound to the original US pressing. Imo, the original US has slightly better vocal definition and is just a little more dynamic in the treble. The MoFi actually sounds very similar. If you want a great sounding version of this album, look no further than the first US press and it won’t cost you over $200.

I own #146 of this rare, limited pressing. Clear, rocking, detailed sound. Slightly different mix on some songs. Sometimes MOFI is better!