This album is beautiful, and I can't believe someone out there is suggesting that these songs would be just as good without the quality gear they used. As a songwriter, I can tell you that without the right tools/mix, a great song will only be heard as a good song by those who aren't given to hearing the potential in the song. (and most people hear exactly what's there, if they even hear everything that is there to begin with...)
Speaking as a songwriter, the production and mix are equally important to the listening experience as having a great song and performance.
