CD: The Eagles - On The Border SACD MFSL MOFI UDSACD 2231 SEALED SUPER AUDIO CD

MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL ANALOG MASTER TAPES FOR EXQUISITE SOUND

With its name indicative of the music's boundary-testing diversity and Southwestern inspiration, On the Border finds the Eagles leaving everything on the table and embracing a harder edge that takes the band out of more relaxed territory and establishes it as a group that knows how—and wants—to rock. Glenn Frey, Don Henley, new member Don Felder, and company immediately announce their intent on the defiant album-opening hit "Already Gone" and never look back, crafting a gem of a record that from start to finish is arguably their most consistent and balanced effort.

Mastered from the original analog master tapes, Mobile Fidelity's numbered-edition hybrid SACD plays with reference clarity, presence, and dynamics that elevate an effort revered for decades by audiophiles, it provides a lively, transparent, and intimate view of a release whose contemporary importance continues to grow. The opportunity to zero in on the particulars of the Eagles' golden harmonies, distinct vocal timbres, and cohesive interplay has never been better. Free of artificial ceilings and artifacts, the collectible reissue also spotlights the important sonic differences between the approaches of the two producers that are an important part of the album's story and success.

Indeed, with On the Border, there's plenty to take in and soak up. Declared by famed critic Robert Christgau as "[the Eagles'] best album," the 1974 set claims a rich backstory. Initially recorded amid tumultuous sessions with producer Glyn Johns in London shortly after the release of the group's sophomore Desperado set, On the Border took a new turn after the band elected to scrap most of the prior work, return to its native California, and team with producer Bill Szymczyk to give the material less of a smooth, polished sheen and more toughness. Szymczyk also afforded the Eagles more input and freedom in the arrangements, and suggested adding another guitarist to play on "Good Day in Hell." Felder got the call, and so won over the Eagles with his skills, he quickly became the fifth member of the band.

SEALED. No number.