A quietly radical debut that traded late-60s flash for ensemble feel and lived-in harmonies. Tears of Rage opens like a wounded hymn; The Weight is the rolling parable that anchors the set; Chest Fever erupts on Garth Hudson’s cathedral-organ; The Long Black Veil and I Shall Be Released close the circle with hushed, dignified grief.

This 7½ ips Capitol/Ampex reel plays to the album’s strengths: steady dynamics, woody bass, dry drums, and un-hyped organ and guitars. Vocals sit in a truthful midrange; transients bloom without splash; hiss stays low. Compared with many vinyl cuts, the reel’s continuous ribbon preserves calm micro-detail- kick weight, organ stops, room air- across the whole program.