The
reason I stress "true" with this album is because people sell various
pressings on EBAY as "first pressings," without actually determining
their priority. The TRUE first U.K. pressing has a foldover
visible at the top edge of the gatefold and yellow letters on the
"Parlophone" print on the record labels. The run-out groove is stamped
Side 1: XEX 637-1; Side 2: XEX 638-1.
This is not only the first pressing, but it is the mono version, which is the original intended recording. Mono recordings are mixed differently than stereo in the studio, and they can be a very different adventure. Here, I'll give you a list of sonic differences one reviewer noted when listening to the mono version of Sgt. Pepper's:
The funky backwards guitar part at the end of the opening song just before "Billy Shears."
The flangey/ADT effect on Ringo's voice during some chorus of "With A Little Help From My Friends."
The tripped out flangey vocals from the second verse out on "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds."
The slightly longer end of "Fixing A Hole" where McCartney is wailing up high.
The change in tone in "She's leaving home" in the mono version - due to being sped up, not so dreary and long as in the stereo version.
The timing on the effects of "Mr. Kite."
The extended louder laughter on "Within You Without You."
The louder backing "oo-oo's" on "When I'm 64".
The "bleed edit" found at the beginning of the "Sgt. Pepper Reprise"; you can hear the machine flutter as it comes out of pause.
The low volume mumbo jumbo during the extended bass drum raps at the beginning of the "Sgt. Pepper Reprise".
The timing of the audiences are different on the "Reprise" section.
Paul McCartney ad libbing at the end. Paul sound like he is saying "Thank you very much good night now..." or "bye bye now".
The
album is in excellent shape with only a single very light mark on each side--nothing that affects the play. The cover is in very good condition with edgewear as can be seen by inspecting the close-up images (please see pics). Pockets are NOT split (the Brits did not
glue one pocket shut, but left two open.)
If you are looking for the real McCoy, the coveted first MONO pressing of the UK version of Sgt. Pepper's, you have found what you are looking for!
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