The Doors Absolutely Live Original Test Pressing 1970 2 Discs -
$
215
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
This is an original 1970 test pressing of The Doors' Absolutely Live LP, manufactured at the Columbia Records Pressing Plant in Pittman, NJ.
The matrix #s are: EKS-9002-A-CP EKS-9002-B-CP EKS-9002-C-CP EKS-9002-D-CP.
There is not even a "1" marked after any of the letters, suggesting that these stampers actually pre-date the ones used for the initial commercial pressing of the album.
As to the writing on the label, all I can say is that someone must have been high when they did it because it's truly whacky. The track selections are generally correct - although my understanding is that even The Doors themselves hadn't settled on certain titles, so what is listed here as "Full Tank Blues" I've also seen referred to as "Ten-Foot Woman" when in actuality the settled title is "Build Me A Woman." Also, on this pressing, Side One is backed with Side Four and Side Two is backed with Side Three. I can't remember if this was changed before the record's release, but the sides on these discs are labeled as if the more conventional double-album numbering system was employed.
Similarly, it was my understanding that a title for this album was in dispute right up until the last minute. "Road Trips" or "Lions In The Streets" were the band's suggestions, while Elektra won the day with "Absolutely Live." Whatever the story, "13" was definitely the title of a different album released by Elektra in the same year. Once again, the inscriber's drugs seemingly kicked in hard and heavy!
See pics for detail.
Condition-wise, these discs were clearly heavily played and loved. There are numerous hairlines, scuffs, smudges, etc., and there is perhaps somewhat more surface noise than can typically be expected on vinyl from this era - especially in the extremely quiet passages, with Jim talking. Nonetheless, the records play through like champs without skips or even particularly noticeable repeating scratches. I was more than pleasantly surprised after 40-some-odd-years! I've conservatively rated the records as VG, but that's mostly on a visual basis. They might rate VG+ in the playing.
The paper sleeves are indeed also the originals. They show age, ring, shelf, and edge wear, and a few staple holes.
The most recent sale of a similar (although not identical) test pressing that I could find was many, many years ago, so I have very little idea on how to price this item. Therefore, don't be shy about making an offer. All I know for certain is that there can't be too many opportunities left to acquire this exceedingly rare and vital piece of Doors history!
Please feel free to ask questions and thanks for looking!
price rating
![Fixed Ideals [VINYL] Vinyl](https://www.popsike.com/php/thumbnail.php?url=https://www.popsike.pics/pix/20190218/312482036247.jpg)
![Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes (40th Anniversary) [VINYL]](https://www.popsike.com/php/thumbnail.php?url=https://www.popsike.pics/pix/20240106/296149791458.jpg)
