Stone Temple Pilots’ No. 4 Gets the Audiophile Treatment from Mobile Fidelity
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab is bringing Stone Temple Pilots’ *No. 4* to audiophile vinyl for the very first time. Here’s why this aggressive, underrated 1999 album could become one of MoFi’s most exciting rock reissues yet.
For fans of late ’90s hard rock and collectors of premium vinyl reissues, this is a release worth paying attention to.
Stone Temple Pilots classic 1999 album No. 4 is officially receiving the audiophile treatment from Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab for the very first time on vinyl. The new numbered-edition 180g 45RPM 2LP set arrives May 22 and continues MoFi’s growing catalog of high-end alternative rock releases.
A Bigger, Heavier Presentation of STP’s Most Aggressive Album
Originally released during a transitional era for rock music, No. 4 captured Stone Temple Pilots at arguably their rawest and most direct. While grunge was fading and nu-metal was exploding into the mainstream, STP carved out their own lane with a record that balanced crushing riffs, sharp hooks, and Scott Weiland’s unmistakable vocal personality.
Tracks like “Down,” “Heaven & Hot Rods,” and “No Way Out” leaned heavily into thick guitars and aggressive energy, while songs like “Sour Girl” and “Atlanta” showcased the band’s melodic side and songwriting depth. It remains one of the group’s most dynamic records, and honestly, one that feels especially suited for a high-quality 45RPM pressing.
According to MoFi, this release was sourced from the original analog master tapes using a chain of “1/2” / 30 IPS analog master to DSD 256 to analog console to lathe.” The records are pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing and housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket.
Whether you fully embrace MoFi’s DSD workflow or not, there’s no denying that many of their recent rock releases have sounded excellent, especially when paired with quiet vinyl surfaces and strong mastering work.
Why This Release Matters
One thing that stands out about No. 4 is just how layered and textured the production really is beneath the wall of distortion. Brendan O’Brien’s production has always had more nuance than people often give it credit for, and this kind of release has the potential to expose details many listeners may never have noticed before.
The album also deserves more recognition in the broader STP catalog conversation. While records like Core and Purple tend to dominate discussions, No. 4 contains some of the band’s strongest songwriting and arguably one of Scott Weiland’s most emotionally volatile performances.
“Sour Girl” alone remains one of the defining rock tracks of that era.
Track Listing
Side One
- Down
- Heaven & Hot Rods
- Pruno
Side Two
- Church on Tuesday
- Sour Girl
Side Three
- No Way Out
- Sex & Violence
- Glide
Side Four
- I Got You
- MC5
- Atlanta
Final Thoughts
It’s great to see more late ’90s and early 2000s rock albums getting serious audiophile attention. For years, many of these records were either difficult to find on quality vinyl or were treated as secondary compared to classic rock staples from the ’60s and ’70s.
Albums like No. 4 prove that era deserves preservation too.
If Mobile Fidelity delivers on the mastering and pressing quality here, this could easily become the definitive vinyl version of one of Stone Temple Pilots’ most underrated albums.
Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition 180g 45RPM 2LP set is available May 22 (order HERE), with a Hybrid SACD coming at a later date (pre-order HERE).
