Diamonds & Rust, Joan Baez’s introspective, poetic, and musically lush 1975 album, returns in a definitive 180-gram 45 RPM edition is out now via Analogue Productions, the esteemed imprint of Acoustic Sounds. Strictly limited to 2,000 individually numbered copies, this collectible reissue is cut from a ½” flat tape copy of the original analog master tape by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab and pressed at Quality Record Pressings. It delivers the most vivid, tonally rich listening experience of Baez’s timeless classic to date.
This deluxe reissue is housed in a tip-on old style gatefold jacket with textured stock, crafted with care by Stoughton Printing, offering both a stunning visual and tactile presentation to match the sonic excellence within. The 45 RPM format allows for deeper grooves and greater fidelity, capturing Baez’s pristine voice and evocative arrangements in their most natural and immersive form.
Originally released at a pivotal point in her career, Diamonds & Rust bridges Baez’s folk roots with the sophisticated production of the mid-70s, bringing a new sonic dimension to her songwriting and interpretations. Anchored by the iconic title track—a bittersweet reflection on her past relationship with Bob Dylan—the album finds Baez at her most personal and expressive, balancing intimate storytelling with bold sonic ambition.
The record also showcases Baez’s interpretive power on tracks like Jackson Browne’s “Fountain of Sorrow” and Stevie Wonder’s “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer,” both rendered with striking emotional clarity and nuance. “Winds of the Old Days” and “Dida” reveal Baez’s evolution as an artist and her willingness to explore new textures and lyrical perspectives.
Diamonds & Rust (45 RPM Vinyl)
Side 1
Diamonds & Rust
Fountain of Sorrow
Side 2
Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer
Children and All That Jazz
Side 3
Simple Twist of Fate
Blue Sky
Side 4
Hello in There
Dida
Winds of the Old Days
For over forty years, Acoustic Sounds has championed the art of vinyl, reissuing historic recordings with the utmost care and precision. The company was founded by Chad Kassem, whose unlikely journey from a small apartment-based vinyl resale operation to the helm of the world’s largest vertically integrated vinyl production facility has transformed the high-end audio industry. His Salina, Kansas-based company houses Acoustic Sounds in its entirety, a reissue label (Analogue Productions), state-of-the-art pressing plant (Quality Record Pressings), a mastering facility (The Mastering Lab at Acoustic Sounds), a recording studio and concert venue (Blue Heaven Studios), print shop (Consolidated Printing) and original recordings label (APO Records). Kassem’s relentless dedication to sound quality and preservation of historical recordings has made Acoustic Sounds a trusted source for high-fidelity music. Today, the company presses over a million records each year, bringing legendary labels and artists—from Verve, Impulse, Atlantic and Contemporary Records, to John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan and The Doors—as they’ve never been heard before to fans worldwide. Chad Kassem’s commitment to excellence has redefined the boundaries of high-quality vinyl production and built an empire grounded in authenticity and quality.
A legendary voice in American folk music and activism, Joan Baez has inspired generations with her distinct soprano, powerful songwriting, and commitment to social justice. From her early days on the front lines of civil rights marches to her role as a musical voice of protest during the Vietnam War, Baez has always intertwined artistry with action. With a career spanning over six decades and honors including the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Baez remains an enduring figure in American cultural history.
