BEATLES RUBBER SOUL 1965 UK RARE loud cut transition 579-1/580-4, MONO PMC 1267

	£		62
	$		82

THE BEATLES - RUBBER SOUL

An extremely rare and sought after copy of this 1965 UK MONO "transitional" loud cut 1st pressing on the UK PARLOPHONE label, MONO, PMC 1267

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1  XEX 579 - 1  with stampers "1" and "T T" at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock respectively

Side 2  XEX 580 - 4 with stampers "4" and "G MG" at 8 o'clock and 2 o'clock respectively

Note the "-1/-4" matrix endings, clearly indicating that side 1 is the infamous "loud cut" variant and 

The appearance of the vinyl is EXCELLENT+. The vinyl is flat and each side has retained virtually all of it's original beautiful glossy sheen. In normal daylight each side of the vinyl comes across as near perfect and it's only under a bright light that a few superficial, very faint paper scuff marks come into evidence along with one 3mm (just visible) thin scuff mark on track 1 side 2, but all of these are virtually negligible and have no negative impact upon audio quality. Overall brilliant condition with jet black lacquer still fully intact - remarkable, and rare, for a 53 year old classic such as this.

The labels are excellent. There are a number of faint spindle trail traces on each side adjacent to the centre hole, however, indicating that this record has had a reasonable number of plays but apart from that no other blemishes whatsoever, with all writing perfectly legible and lettering beautifully defined still, and the yellow "PARLOPHONE" text and logo each retaining their rich colour vibrancy. Note the presence of "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD...." text on the perimeter of the label and the "SOLD IN THE U.K. SUBJECT TO..." text across each label, and the very rare "M" and "T" tax code on the side 2 label all of which confirm this to be a very early pressing.

The history behind the very first Rubber Soul UK pressing, dubbed the "loud cut" variant is this :  It was argued that the early presses (very first pressings were MONO only) were unbalanced with a muddy bass and an edgy, aggressive vocal sound. Since these copies seemed to lack body the decision was made to halt production whilst the mother plates were re-cut. The dead wax matrix number corresponding to the original loud cut variants ends in "- 1", the re-cut variants have a matrix ending in "- 4". This LP has the original loud cut on side 1 and the re-cut recording on side 2.

The front laminated Garrod & Lofthouse outer sleeve is in EXCELLENT+ condition.  All edges remain firm with no scuffing including the rigid spine where all writing remains perfectly legible. Each corner remains a perfectly defined right angle with none of the usual rubbing. There is the occasional 1-2cm very light, surface laminate crease adjacent and perpendicular to the top and bottom edges and spine and a further small laminate crease just beneath Ringo's face but each of these is minor and non-intrusive. The inside flip backs are pristine and remain fully functional with no tears or scuffs. There are no nasty marks, no age discolouration, no writing or doodles. All the colouring remains rich and vibrant and the photos remain crystal clear; the front side has retained it's shine and coloration and is especially impressive. Note the "12 LL" text on the bottom flipback which is indicative of a very first pressing. In summary, not quite a perfect outer sleeve but certainly a solid "excellent" which is remarkable considering it's 53 year old antiquity.

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent+. Hard to fault in fact, with superb MONO tone and clarity, even on the higher frequencies and at higher volume. No skips, no clicks no pops, no background crackle, just wonderful MONO audio quality throughout. Each track on this classic LP makes for a great listen - brilliant!

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. DRIVE MY CAR

2. NORWEGIAN WOOD

3. YOU WON'T SEE ME

4. NOWHERE MAN

5. THINK FOR YOURSELF

6. THE WORD

7. MICHELLE

Side 2 :

1. WHAT GOES ON

2. GIRL

3. I'M LOOKING THROUGH YOU

4. IN MY LIFE

5. WAIT

6. IF I NEEDED SOMEONE

7. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

Comes complete with original die-cut "USE EMITEX" tracing paper lined inner with just some minor creasingtowards one of the corners but no tears or splits and remains fully functional and in overall excellent+ condition.  Note that I always post the record(s) in a new plain white inner sleeve(s) in order to protect the original(s).

In summary a truly EXCELLENT copy of this increasingly rare 1965 UK 1st MONO pressing Beatles classic, all the more sought after by virtue of it being the rarer loud cut "transitional" version - a valuable addition to any serious Beatles vinyl collection and continuing to gain in value.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 63 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class signed for  : UK £5.00; 

and Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for continental Europe £9, and Rest of the World £13. 

PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE PAYING!!

 I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler