Beck - Morning Phase (2014) {2025 Definitive Sound Series}

Upon its release in 2014, “Morning Phase” was hailed as a companion piece to Beck’s somber 2002 classic “Sea Change”. Nearly every musician from the classic Beck band era that backed him on “Sea Change” returned to create the contemplative and stunning beauty of “Morning Phase”. Produced by Beck, the album received overwhelming critical acclaim and won three Grammys: Album of the Year, Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical and Best Rock Album!

As indicated by that Grammy for Best Engineered Album “Morning Phase” is a sonic treat… from lush atmospheric string arrangements to moments of Beck “getting loud,” the mastering of “Morning Phase” would pose numerous challenges, even with mastering legend Bob Ludwig at the controls. As you can hear in the original pressing, and a more recent reissue, it was worth the original meticulous attention to detail at the time – they both sound wonderful.

The goal of the One-Step version was to preserve this incredible recording as it was intended to be heard, with attention paid to space for its full spectrum of sound – revealing every possible detail and the wonderful dynamics of the recording. The “Morning Phase” One Step benefits from the dead quiet surface of the D2 compound which allows for the listener to truly feel immersed in the listening. After considering what appeared to be the available audio sources for the One Step, we kept saying how much we enjoyed the Bernie Grundman reissue cut and wondered what source he used.

Through a few steps and a little luck, we found the original 96kHz/24 bit vinyl files – created by Bob Ludwig – as part of the original mastering of the project in 2014. One listen to those made using them the obvious choice for the One-Step release. All the other details are transparent in the process.

Something we don’t often mention in our DSS notes is the design and package. Having “Morning Phase” in a beautiful Tip On gatefold jacket – with the original insert now in the gatefold spread really showcases the wonderful photos and puts a final touch on this incredible album in the One Step pressing!