Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab releases a stunning 180-gram 45 r.p.m. vinyl of Linda Ronstadt.
Linda Ronstadt – Prisoner In Disguise – Elektra/Asylum (1975)/Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 2-608 (2025) 180-gram 45 r.p.m. double vinyl, 35:37 *****:
(Linda Ronstadt – lead vocals; with special guests, Andrew Gold; James Taylor; Lowell George; Dan Dugmore; Danny Kortchmar; J.D. Souther; Kenny Edwards; Russ Kunkel; Nigel Olsson; Peter Asher; David Lindley, Maxine Waters and many others)
When Linda Ronstadt released Heart Like A Wheel in 1974, it supercharged her career as a rock singer. It went to #1 on the charts and featured a blend of rock (“You’re No Good”), country (“When Will I Be Loved”), and contemporary standards (“You Can Close Your Eyes”/“Willin’”). In 1975, she signed with Asylum and began an unprecedented run of success (including several Grammys) with unexpected forays into a wide variety of styles, including American pop standards, Spanish-language canciones, light opera and more up tempo rockers. Ronstadt has a unique voice, capable of both crystalline power and subtlety. Her range is flexible and capable of interpreting any genre with technical and artistic skill. Sadly, she no longer performs or records for health reasons.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has released a 180-gram 45 r.p.m. double vinyl of the 1975 Asylum album, Prisoner In Disguise. If there were any doubts about Ronstadt’s ability to sustain momentum, they were quickly dismissed. This eclectic ambitious collection of songs (with an all-star cadre of session musicians) is impressive. Side One opens with a Neil Young song, “Love Is A Rose”. This is right in the singer’s comfort zone with a country arrangement showcasing fiddles, banjo and beautiful layered vocals. Her voice is prominent, and appeals to both rock and country aficionados. Keeping the country music vibe on “Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On The Jukebox”. Ronstadt manages to distill the melancholy with her dulcet voice. She injects subtle flourishes including a touch of vocalese. The simpler instrumentation keeps the focus on her voice. She injects grittiness into Lowell George’s “Roll Um Easy”. Side Two is a display of exquisite balladry. It’s not an easy task to cover Smokey Robinson. On “Tracks Of My Tears”, a highly polished studio arrangement is counterpoint to Ronstadt’s vocal maneuvers. She intermingles moments of tenderness (including falsetto) with trademark modulation,. Not trying to emulate the original recording, her soprano fits well here. A certain highlight is the title track. Written by frequent collaborator J.D. Souther, Ronstadt’s poignant delivery and emotive tonality is impeccable. Souther’s exquisite tenor harmonies and string accompaniment make this cut memorable.
Side Three is representative of the broader approach to song selection. Ronstadt cuts loose on a gritty rendition of the Motown hit, “Heat Wave”. This is not a typical song for her, but the sheer power of her voice makes it emphatic (and there’s a male backup chorus). She interprets “Many Rivers To Cross” less like a reggae number, and more like a church hymnal (with some higher register), backed by a a choir. Another compelling track, “The Sweetest Gift” is a shimmering vocal duet with Emmylou Harris, perhaps indicative of the future Trio work. Her grasp of traditional country music is flawless. This dynamic is also effective on “You Tell Me That I’m Falling Down” (Side Four). Linda’s cover of Dolly Parton’s “I will Always Love You” is different from the original and the Whitney Houston blockbuster. It is more restrained, but operatic in its scope with country instrumental shading. The finale (“Silver Blue”) is another Souther ode to romantic yearning that is a natural fit for this duo.
The Mobile Fidelity 45 r.p.m. double LP is a superior analog upgrade to this 50-year old album. The sound mix (1/4”-15 IPS Dolby A analog master to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe) is resolute with precise instrument separation. The audio focus is centered on Ronstadt’s pristine voice, establishing focal points on clarity and tonal nuances. Packaging includes a Stoughton gatefold and protective inner sleeves.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Linda Ronstadt – Prisoner In Disguise
TrackList:
Side One: Love Is A Rose; Hey Mister, That’s Me Up On The Jukebox; Roll Um Easy
Side Two: Tracks Of My Tears; Prisoner In Disguise
Side Three: Heat Wave; Many Rivers To Cross; The Sweetest Gift
Side Four: You Tell Me That I’m Falling Down; I Will Always Love You; Silver Blue.
