John McLaughlin – The Inner Mounting Flame

Quite amazed at some of the below reviews slating the sound on this one. My copy is rich, full and expansive. Its not as bright as the FM KPG cut but its not dull. Tape issues? Not a hint of them for me and i cant stand major tape issues. The pressing is dead flat and nigh silent without even needing a clean as Pallas/SC are one of the few labels that offer this. Recommended unless you want a lighter and brighter cut in the form of the KPG/FM clear vinyl and those with dull systems will likely want to go that way

Why is this listed as the bands 2nd album? It's just one of 80 versions of the 1st album. Can someone move this back to where it belongs?

This record isn’t done justice unless it’s listened to on vinyl, and nothing beats this original pressing! Super organic sounding, yet powerful. Drums and keyboards are especially impressive-sounding.

My copy (found in an outdoor dollar bin, no less) is dead silent and the sound is excellent, notwithstanding the slightly distorted mix characteristic of Columbia LPs. Can’t go wrong with a Mahavishnu OP.

Don't know why this is listed as a reissue as all those early SOPL catalogue numbers are for CBS/Sony Japan records released in 1971 / 1972. I'd say this is the 1971 first pressing!

I recently purchased this Speakers Corner vinyl release. Unfortunately I missed these reviews. And indeed, I have better Speakers Corner releases in my collection. First of all, the sound level is too soft, I have to turn the volume 15% higher than normal.
There are some tracks that could have a bit more dynamic. But I understand the original 1971 recordings weren't great either. So the blame for the lower quality (than used to at Speakers Corner) is probably not entirely their fault. The pressing is otherwise very quiet and clean.
And musically? A beautiful timeless classic!

Just to be clear this pressing does indeed have KPG@CA in the runouts and is pressed by RTI on thick clear vinyl.

My copy plays quietly. Its a livelier and less bottom heavy cut than the Speakers Corner. Both are excellent and id recommend whichever suits your ears/system.

Really, really nice pressing. The sound is crystal clear but a tad compressed. It's a lot of music on both sides. Would definitely benefit from a double album version at 45rpm I belive. But I wouldn't sleep on this version in the slightest bit.

I got a pretty good copy, sometimes you can hear hiss in the background but its fairly rare

From '71, an energetic meeting of fusion giants, yielding hot groove work and some extremely delicate ballads. Violin work complements the ensemble beautifully. Cobham is strong and gets a few great solos in. Side B conjures a Black Sabbath meets King Crimson vibe.

Great mix and wonderful sounding pressing.

3.5 stars