The Band’s Northern Lights-Southern Cross is, in nearly every respect, the group’s studio swan song. The group’s fifth album is also one of its finest works, a finely textured collection that at the time of its 1975 release marked the quintet’s first album of new material in four years. And what songs they are. Anchored by the standards “Acadian Driftwood,” “Ophelia,” and “It Makes No Difference,” the set finds the collective in peak form, the absorbing music a result of both guitarist Robbie Robertson’s unflappable songwriting and a fortunate confluence of creative factors.

As Robertson recalls, the Band had been rejuvenated after touring with Bob Dylan and reconnecting with the same muse responsible for inspiring its landmark debut. In addition, the group came to the realization that it worked better when operating outside of traditional recording studios. Akin to Music From Big Pink (also available on Mobile Fidelity Hybrid Stereo SACD) and The Band, sessions for Northern Lights—Southern Cross occurred within a clubhouse-like atmosphere—specifically, a converted Malibu ranch/bordello they called Shangri-La.

There, with the pressure off, the Band was able to relax, think, and take their time. The situation also fostered a new approach to recording. Due to Shangri-La’s dimensions and myriad windows, the Band overdubbed all of the vocals, ensuring unrivaled smoothness and fluidity. In addition, the group embraced the then-new technology afforded by recording on a 24-channel console, allowing for multiple layering of keyboards and overlapped harmonies.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity’s numbered limited-edition hybrid SACD brings the beauty, intellect, and contours of Northern Lights—Southern Cross to life as never before. Particularly compelling is the priceless “Acadian Driftwood,” on which you can hear the oddly tuned fiddling of bluegrass virtuoso Byron Berline seamlessly mesh with Garth Hudson’s bagpipe and Richard Manuel’s piccolo with unparalleled transparency. Blending Quebecois, Cajun, and country, the song is one of the greatest compositions in the American songbook—and now, even better.

Don’t wait on this amazing-sounding disc! Get your collector’s edition copy from Music Direct today!