Save Money, buy "Beginnings"...
Great work by the original line-up of the ABB...not quite as much "straight-ahead blues" as the first self-titled release. If you don't already have this or the band's first album, by all means purchase "Beginnings" which combines both works in one convenient 60-minute collection.

Blues/rock classic but purchase the Gold edition from Mo-Fi
From the melodic opening lines of "Revival" to the closing strains of "Leave My Blues Alone" this is one of the best albums The Allman Brothers Band ever created. The band has, of course, created other masterpieces but this is the first album where everything comes together from the top notch playing by Duane and Dickey to Greg's bluesy growl. Most of the tracks from this album have became the bedrock of the band's concerts (and a good portion of this album formed the basis for the classic and seminal live album "Live at the Fillmore East").

"Idlewind South" has been remastered a number of times for CD but the best versions to purchase are the early edition mastered by Dennis Drake where Drake doesn't futz with the sound but presents the music naturally without compression or altering the sound of the original mastertape. Drake's remaster can usually be found used. If you see the "Capricorn Remasters" on the inlay card of the CD, this isn't the one remastered by Drake. You'll find a copy of Drake's remaster used in all probablility and its one of the original issues of the CD.

The best version, however, is the newly released version from Mobile Fidelity (which is back in business with new owners after going out of business in the early part of the 21st century). Mastered by Shawn R. Britton the album has never sounded this warm, rich or good on CD. If you can find the Britton remaster (google Music Direct or go to the Mobile Fidelity website)which was released in a limited, numbered edition in a replica of the original album sleeve, I'd snatch it up. It's possible some independent retailers are carrying it (sadly amazon.com is not and I'm not quite sure why perhaps its is sold out). Britton also did the marvelous remaster of Linda Ronstandt's "Dont Cry Now" and is also doing a remaster of a seminal Little Feat album).

Pick up this classic album you won't be sorry. If you can't find the Britton remaster go for the marvelous Drake (Drake also did early versions of "Beginnings" the album that combines this album with their first). Enjoy!

The best ever
The allman brothers could do it all; Two of the best guitarist in the business, two drummers, great bass and piano.
It does not get any better than this.

What a Great Album!
I have to admit that my opinion here isn't too objective; mainly because I am an Allman Brothers fan from way back.
This was Duane's last album with the Allman Brothers before tragedy struck. Maybe for that reason alone, it deserves a place in any rocker's collection. Duane Allman's slide guitar reaches those high notes, and bro Gregg cooks too. I love those harmonizing guitars.
I cannot be even slightly critical of this album, because each and every song delivers the ultimate sound these guys were famous for.
Their version of "Hoochie Coochie Man" is a good example of how tight and together they played. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I still have the original vinyl album, and don't have the CD yet, but after reading the other reviews here, I know it's probably my next CD purchase for sure.
Some music, no matter how much time has passed, just sounds better.

Classic Stuff
The Allman's second album and another strong one. More classic songs including "Revival", and "Midnight Rider". The album also contains one of the most popular all instrumental tracks of all time "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed" where Duane Allman and Dickey Betts tear it up on dual lead guitar. The album also features a cover of "Hochie Coochie Man" which is ok, but I have heard better versions. This album is on a par with the first one if not slightly better. This would be the last album for Duane Allman who died of a motorcycle accident after this album was recorded.