The Sisters Of Mercy - First And Last And Always [Mobile Fidelity]

While the original 1985 release of First and Last and Always set the standard for a generation of alternative music, this Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi) reissue elevates the record to an entirely new sonic plane. Part of MoFi’s prestigious Silver Label Series, this limited and numbered edition marks the first time any Sisters of Mercy title was granted a dedicated audiophile mastering. Recorded with the classic and highly influential lineup of Andrew Eldritch, Wayne Hussey, Craig Adams, and Gary Marx, the album remains the quintessential document of darkwave’s mid-80s peak.

Mastered on the Gain 2 Ultra Analog System and pressed at RTI, this release addresses the "thin" sonic profile often associated with 80s vinyl. The MoFi engineers have provided a fuller, richer perspective that grants newfound definition to Doktor Avalanche's steady, mechanical pulse and the band's signature "jangle-angled" guitars. Every aspect—from Eldritch's ghostly, baritone vocals to the prancing, melodic bass lines—is presented with surgical clarity. The result is a more immersive, atmospheric experience that highlights the "wall of sound" production without losing the minimalist, cold precision that makes the album a masterpiece.

Housed in a sturdy, MoFi-branded jacket and protected by an anti-static inner sleeve, this numbered LP is a mandatory piece for serious collectors. It captures a band in a moment of creative perfection—drenched in gloom and black humor—just months before the classic lineup famously splintered. For those seeking the most detailed and spacious version of anthems like "Black Planet" and "Marian," this Silver Label pressing is the final word in high-fidelity gothic rock.