This incredible sounding UK 1st MONO pressing of their 2nd album dates from initial November 22 1963 release date.
On the yellow black Parlophone label PMC 1206 with the Jobete publishing credit for the song Money on the side 2 label.
These early pressings were immediately withdrawn due to customer complaints of jumping and the album was quickly re-cut giving it a less aggressive sound.
Fortunately this issue does not occur on modern turntables and this early copy lets us enjoy this album the way it was originally meant to sound.
Matrix numbers: XEX 447-1N XEX 448-1N
Stamper codes: 1/GGA 3/GPA
Vinyl weight: 160g
Housed in an earliest-type cover with the darker front panel image and the You Really Gotta Hold On Me spelling on the rear track-list.
The front laminated, tri-flipback cover was printed by Garrod Lofthouse and comes complete with original poly-lined inner- sleeve.
CONDITION
Disc
Labels: NEAR MINT
Both are clean unblemished showing a small handful of faint spindle trails around the side 2 centre hole and just one on label 1.
Visual: NEAR MINT
Very hard to find an early pressing of this album in this condition as most early copies were purchased by hardcore fans who quickly played them to death. However this copy appears to have been barely played as both playing surfaces retain all of their deep-gloss factory shine and are totally unmarked in strong daylight with just a few barely visible wispy paper hairlines beneath halogen light. Both sides of this heavy, high-quality pressing lie 100 flat on the turntable when playing.
Sound Quality: NEAR MINT
Without doubt this is the best sounding pressing of this album. The initial/early cut produces a power and energy which has never been successfully reproduced on any subsequent pressing on any format. Every track on this copy plays cleanly and clearly in both channels, with no trace of any groove/playwear. There are certainly no clicks, pops, crackle or any other audible distraction to spoil this amazing listening experience. You will not be disappointed.
Cover: EXCELLENT
Again, hard to find this early-type cover in this kind of condition. The quality of the card used was extremely poor by today s standards and quickly became brittle and discoloured quickly and easily. This highly respectable example came from a non-smoking home and is clean and white where it should be. The high-gloss front panel retains an excellent shine with little three thumbnail wrinkles and a light disc impression from storage. All corners are free from any heavy bumps or bruising and whilst the opening edges show a hint of wear, there are no tears or feathering to either. The rear panel is clean bright and free from any writing or missing paper. Both seams are smooth unstressed and the spine is unworn and fully worded.
Inner-sleeve: EXCELLENT
