The Beatles - Rubber Soul * NEAR MINT * -1/-1 LOUD CUT * 1965 MONO UK 1st PRESS

	£		351
	$		465

The Beatles - Rubber Soul

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb UK first pressing of The Beatles sixth studio album, Rubber Soul.

Album Background:

Often cited as the Beatles 'folk' or 'stoner' album, Rubber Soul noted a distinct progression away from their beat-band, rock'n'roll origins and in doing so displayed the bands increasing maturity as musicians and lyricists. Rubber Soul was the first western album to utilise the sitar, which alongside the use of the harmonium and jazz organ demonstrated The Beatles' inclination to explore new ideas and cultures. 

The first mono pressing of Rubber Soul, identifiable by the -1 / -1 matrix numbers, was short lived as members of the production team deemed that the audio was too 'loud'. EMI agreed to repress the album with a new mix of the recording but would not scrap those records that had already been produced. Consequently, a small number of the album with the first mix - known as the 'loud cut' - were released. This is one such copy. 

Album Details:

Serial number: PMC 1267

Matrix number: XEX 579 - 1 / XEX 580 - 1

Stamper codes: 3 GDP / 2 HD

Tax Codes: KT

Vinyl Weight: 165g

As discussed above, the -1 / -1 matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing.

The black labels with yellow Parlophone logo are the first variant as is evident from the Sans Serif typeface and the placement of the publishers asterisk after each of the song titles; on the first variant there is a space between the song title and the publishers asterisk and on later variant there is no space. 

The original Garrod & Lofthouse front-side laminated flip-back sleeve is the first variant as is evident front the 'loose thread' photograph used for the cover art (John's jacket has a loose thread - see pictures).

The album is complete with the original polythene lined die-cut Emitex 'protect your records' inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: EXCELLENT

Labels: EXCELLENT 

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Only small number of dull spindle trails can be seen to around each centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT 

Sound Quality: EXCELLENT +

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the recordings, the audio is fantastic.  There are two light clicks during T1 S2 due to the surface mark mentioned above. If not for these I would confidently grade the audio as near mint. There is no sign of groove wear distortion or background noise. The lead ins are quiet, as is the dead-wax between tracks. The bass is punchy, the vocals are clear. A truly superb listening experience.

Sleeve: MINT -

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT 

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more vinyl rarities.

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