JOHN LENNON WALLS AND BRIDGES 1974 PCTC 253 W/BOOK LIVERPOOL IMPORT
$
55
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Description
• Artist: John Lennon
• Title: Walls and Bridges
• Label: Apple Records (An EMI Recording)
• Catalog Number: PCTC 253
• Country: UK
• Year of Release: 1974
• Format: 12-inch LP, Stereo
• Matrix Numbers:
• Side 1: YEX 937-4
• Side 2: YEX 938-4
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Pressing Notes
• This is a UK Apple Records first issue, as denoted by the PCTC 253 catalog number and “Mfd. in U.K.” on the label.
• The -4 lacquer cuts suggest a slightly later early pressing, since initial UK first pressings often start at -1. Still, this is a 1970s pressing from the initial release era, not a reissue.
• The Apple labels are correct for this era, with green apple on Side 1 and cut apple on Side 2.
• The inclusion of EMI text and publishing credits matches authentic 1974 issues.
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Packaging
• Outer Sleeve: Features John Lennon’s childhood artwork (football scene, June 1952, age 11).
• Inner Gatefold: Includes Lennon’s self-portrait photo (multiple glasses) and lyric/artwork booklet bound inside.
• Condition: From the photos, there is some handling wear but the spine and colors remain strong. Booklet pages appear intact, which is important for collector value.
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Historical Context
• Walls and Bridges was John Lennon’s 5th solo studio album, released during his so-called “Lost Weekend” period in 1974.
• It features “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” (his only #1 solo hit during his lifetime, featuring Elton John), “#9 Dream,” and other tracks written while separated from Yoko Ono.
• This album reached #1 in the US and #6 in the UK, marking a commercial comeback.
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Collectability
• Original UK copies are moderately collectible, especially with intact booklet and in good condition.
• The matrix -4/-4 indicates not the very first cuttings, but still a 1970s original pressing.
• Later UK reissues (1980s and beyond) use different catalog numbers and often omit the booklet, making this copy more desirable.
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