Rolling Stones Fans- I Need advice

Look for an original first pressing with the yellow label stamped with "COC 59100" at the top edge and at the bottom edge "Distributed by ATCO, Div of Atlantic Recording Corp. 1841 B'Way, NY, NY." The second pressing will read 39105, have a "WEA" logo and not show the 1841 B'Way Address. The latter info I garnered from an EBAY seller March 15, 2009. I have my original early 70's copy stored away but wanted to hear an LP version once I became an audiophile a few years ago and hungered for the "original" snap of the record. So I chased down a recent reissue on heavy vinyl but it was muddy sounding and I returned it. I then went looking for a Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab half speed edition and having never having heard a bad MFSL record, I expected a return to my rip roaring 70's sounding lp and more. Wow, even MFSL let me down as the recording was dull and lifeless sounding. (Most Stones fans agree this is a surprising disappointment - maybe the MFSL Box Set edition version is different but I don't know.) Finally, I went hunting for an original first pressing lp and got it. This lp sounds gorgeous, full, clear, with its pumping-sneering-leering-get out of my way rock and roll as I remembered it. "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" is one of the Stones most remarkable pieces ever (clocking in at 7:17) for its fabulous jam arrangement alternating sax and guitar solos in the latter half culminating in one of rock's great riffing guitar solos that I have to credit Mick Taylor as it is tasty, elegant, and grooves. (But you already know that.) When the sax comes back to close out the climax, there's nothing left but to smile and say "Thank you God". Overall, Sticky Fingers deserves it place among the "classic" rock records as it features many great songs - Brown Sugar, Wild Horses, Sway, Bitch, Moonlight Mile, and more, showing off how the Stones can swing through different musical generes on one record. It's the pinnicle of the Stones "Golden Era" because after guitarist Mick Taylor's departure (Exile on Main Street), the band's sound went searching trying to find a niche in the changing music styles of disco, ragge, etc..., that followed in the late 70's forward. Good luck on finding a first vinyl pressing. It'll be worth your effort as none of the CD's I've ever heard ever came close to this edition.

The Mobile Fidelity pressing of Sticky Fingers is perhaps the worst product from MFSL.

Avoid this recording at all costs.

Jwong, great description of Sticky Fingers! I am now craving to listen to it. I have the original pressing that I bought in college and it is excellent! I must correct you though, the great Mick Taylor left after It's Only Rock and Roll which followed Exile.

Mick Taylor is out on a US solo tour currently. I'll be going to see him next month! Can't wait!

Any decent condition original vinyl or standard CD issue of SF should do. Don't overpay! Which you prefer will be mostly a matter of taste (like most things).

A final coda: For the new reissue of Exile on Main Street due out later this month with extra unreleased tracks and alternate versions. A source reports Mick Taylor was brought back to help complete some of the new released tracks. The source said it couldn't confirm the rumor of Taylor's contribution but it wouldn't deny it either. Yes, Pops, I stand corrected, MT left after It's only Rock n' Roll (Aside: Isn't MT's tasty Santana-ish guitar on Time Waits for No One another jewel?)