Audiophile Digital

The Beatles
Anthology 4
Apple 02478 05321 (two CDs)

A rare display of largesse from Apple: this is just the fourth volume of the Giles Martin-remastered Anthology – also on triple vinyl [0602478084911] – sparing those who own the originals the expense of having to buy the 8CD or 12LP box sets to own it. These ‘soundtracks’ provided all the music from the epic, band-curated documentary from 1995-6, which gave us over 150 rare recordings. Conceived to accompany the new, 9th episode, this fourth set adds 36 tracks to the original trilogy – 13 are previously unreleased, while also included are Jeff Lynne-remixed versions of the two posthumous songs. Outtakes, rehearsals – as revelatory now as were the three volumes from the original broadcast. Magnificent. KK

Sound Quality: 90%

Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Kate & Anna McGarrigle/Dancer With Bruised Knees
Morello Records OMRLL118

Dating from 1976 and 1977, this brace of albums introduced us to the delights of a Canadian sister duo, singer-songwriters who blended country, folk, rock and more, and who must have been recognised as potential stars before they even released a record. How so? These albums brim with the calibre of guest musicians who only grace performances from the best: Lowell George, Steve Gadd, John Cale, Bobby Keys and too many other A-listers to cite. The material is both lush and delicate, while Melody Maker honoured the debut as ‘Best Record of the Year’. The follow-up proved even more melodic and enticing. Think of it as ‘Carly Simon x2’. KK

Sound Quality: 85%

Joni Mitchell
Hejira
Mobile Fidelity UDSACD 2275

Reviewed in One-Step vinyl form [HFN Dec ’25], this 1976 release moves fluidly to SACD (see the Van Halen disc, opposite), which attests to MoFi’s narrowing of any perceptible gap between the formats. Yes, there are audible differences, but they’re limited to a minuscule reduction in warmth. Be not put off, especially if you’ve abandoned vinyl or simply prefer the glories of SACD. To recap, this was a career pivot for Mitchell, reinforcing her jazz inclinations while amplifying her already monumental intensity. For Mitchell fans who evolved along with her, it’s less of a shock than retrospective assessments might suggest. Newcomers? Start with Blue. KK

Sound Quality: 90%

Van Halen
Fair Warning
Mobile Fidelity UDSACD 2246 SACD

Earning LP of the Month in One-Step form [HFN Feb ’26], Van Halen’s fourth album loses very little in transitioning to SACD, while arguably adding a tad more ‘kick’ and weight in the lower registers. Ironically, this 1981 release was recorded before digital technology had taken over studios completely, yet it sounds as if it was tailor-made for SACD, with a marginally heightened impression of attack on Eddie Van Halen’s breathtakingly fast and crisp shredding. That said, the vinyl benefits David Lee Roth’s snarky vocals with a hint of warmth, but he was hardly Perry Como, so it’s academic. ‘So This Is Love?’ remains the high point in a more ‘grown up’ set. KK

Sound Quality: 90%