Dan Fogelberg - Souvenirs (Impex 50th Anniversary Edition) - A Comparative Review
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Dan Fogelberg's Souvenirs is an album that holds warm memories for many, though I can't say it was ever part of my musical DNA. That said, I've spent time with three different pressings of this beloved album, and in this review, I'll share my thoughts on how they compare in sound quality, pressing, and overall presentation.
The Three Editions
Original Full Moon Pressing
Friday Music Audiophile Edition (Mastered by Joe Reagoso)
Impex Records 50th Anniversary Edition (Mastered by Chris Bellman)
The Original Pressing (Full Moon)
The original Full Moon pressing, kindly loaned to me by my friend John (a lifelong Fogelberg fan), immediately impressed me. It's a beautifully warm, rich pressing with excellent bass depth, gorgeous guitar detail, and an overall musical "rightness" that is engaging and pleasing.
It has the hallmark warmth and vibe of 1970s analog pressings that audiophiles love. For the casual listener or someone seeking a budget-friendly yet great-sounding version, this original pressing is highly recommended.
Friday Music Audiophile Edition
The Friday Music reissue, mastered by Joe Reagoso, left me underwhelmed. While the jacket and presentation are serviceable, the sound itself felt sterile and flat—lacking the emotional resonance and warmth of the original.
I often find Friday Music releases to sound like average CDs—competent but not inspired. The Souvenirs reissue here was no exception. It's listenable, but not a definitive copy by any means.
Impex 50th Anniversary Edition (Chris Bellman Mastering)
Impex's 50th Anniversary Edition is, without a doubt, the standout. At $40, it's an exceptional value for what you get:
A beautifully reproduced, heavy gatefold jacket with gold-embossed lettering
High-quality Fidelity vinyl pressing (dead quiet, flawless)
Impeccable mastering by Chris Bellman
Insightful liner notes by Charles L. Granata that add historical depth
The sonic improvements over the original pressing are subtle but meaningful:
More solid bass foundation
Greater instrumental separation
Enhanced vocal clarity and texture
The overall effect is a more immersive, emotionally satisfying listen that respects the album's acoustic roots while subtly elevating its fidelity.
Musical Highlights
While I’m not deeply familiar with Fogelberg's catalog, several tracks stood out to me:
"Part of the Plan" — The big single; upbeat but not the album's deepest moment
"Illinois" and "Changing Horses" — Beautifully melodic
"Souvenirs" — A true standout; heartfelt and evocative
"The Raven" and "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler" — Strong side two material
Pressing Quality: Fidelity Sound
The pressing by Fidelity is truly exceptional. The vinyl is dead silent, beautifully flat, and has a tactile quality that exudes craftsmanship. Rick Hashimoto's work at Fidelity has quickly positioned them as a top-tier pressing plant—I’d rank their work alongside the best.
Impex Records—helmed by the meticulous Abey Fonn—has delivered an edition that not only sounds great but feels great in the hand.
Conclusion
For Dan Fogelberg fans, the Impex 50th Anniversary Edition of Souvenirs is the definitive version to own. It captures the heart of Fogelberg's artistry with upgraded sonics, top-tier pressing quality, and beautiful presentation.
If you’re on a budget, an original Full Moon pressing is a worthy choice. The Friday Music edition, however, is easily outclassed by both.
Impex has done it again—this is a reissue done right.
Recommended without reservation.
