Simply exemplary presentation and great editing work.Though I’m not a massive Beatles fan I can really appreciate great record reviews. This will surely be the oracle when discovering the best sonic presses. I felt I learnt a lot from this..and that sir is the measure of the professionalism of these videos. Thanks,Scott.
Thanks so much for these two videos. As much as I would love the 2014 Mono Vinyl box set I’m not willing to pay the prices being asked so until Apple re-release it (if ever!) I’ve decided to build my own mono collection with original vinyl and have used your videos as a guide. Currently got my eyes on copies of Sgt Pepper, Help and Please Please Me!
Great video! I was quit happy to see That my Horzu MMT copy matrix no’s ended in A-1 & B-3. I had to dig it out of my collection because I started second guessing myself since I bought my copy at a convention in the mid 80’s. Thanks!
Although in the mono mix of Helter Skelter you miss the Ringo Scream "i have blisters on my fingers" i think it sounds better than the stereo mix. the vocals have more reverb as well as the drums
Another terrific video. Have been checking daily for this since your first installment. This follow up is every bit as good. Mono or stereo can be a difficult decision. My take is both formats are essential listening and we are very fortunate to have 2 ways of enjoying the Beatles and other 60's artists. Please do consider doing more. Your videos are second to none! Thanks very much.
One day while helping out my local record store, someone came into the store selling his collection of records. He was an older gentleman and said that he bought his albums back in 1971 till about the 80’s and that he only played most of them only once or twice. As we looked through his albums, I noticed that he had a few of the Beatles albums. Every album of his Beatles related were 1971 reissues from capital and the covers were decent. They all show signs of water damage here and there and from the seller telling us that all of his records sat in his basement, this checked out. The white album for example, you can really see the water damage on the cover but it wasn’t severe at all. It was just on the corners of the cover. But when I went to test the vinyl itself, I was shocked. The vinyl played like brand new. There was no distortion at all, or any dirt/dust issues either. I know that the capital versions of any Beatles album usually doesn’t sound great compared to the uk variants, but I was just truly amazed by how a pretty much brand new copy of a old Beatles album truly sounds. I then tested 5 other albums of his and they all played and sounded like new. I then bought every beatles albums of his that day (except for the red compilation album).
Since you are the best when it comes down to the Beatles sounding albums, would it be too much to ask from you to do similar UA-cam videos about the German and Japanese pressings?
Bookmarked & thank you so much...definitive guide on shopping later Beatles release! This has informed my last few purchases successfully. I have a YEX-749 Japanese Abbey Road (NM, that I adore), now I know which UK pressing to shop out for a shootout.
Another great and informative video on this fine channel. Furthermore, it made me appreciate how good condition my own original vinyl copies actually are in. Most of them I bought cheap as upgrades in the early to mid-1990s when the world was blindly devoted to the little spinning silver disc. I still remember an advert in Record Collector listing an LP as: BEATLES, Same (PMC 7067) ..... £ 10.00. I wondered, "Some kind of compilation?" Or perhaps ... could it really be someone advertising a mono version of THE WHITE ALBUM under its real title? So I looked up the catalogue number and it actually was. I rang the seller up, it was still there and I bought it. Goodbye cruel stereo, Hello lovely mono! It's playing right now ...
...really fantastic work - i bought my UK The Beatles Album in the end of the 90´s and it took me years to find out which one didn't came out with -1 at first! I must wait until now to know the N after the dash X numbers means the cutting machine 'Neumann'! THX and all the best
As a kid growing in former Czechoslovakia, it's still nice to see some mention about Beatles records published there. And yes, czechoslovak mono Abbey Road is quite hard to find in fairly good shape, including booklet and under 200€. It has a bit more treble, but both mono and stereo versions are much quieter than UK pressings (side A is even more quieter). You should also cover "east european" albums in one video, I would like to know your opinion. Btw, czechoslovak mono version of A Collection of Beatles Oldies but Goldies is also fold-down of stereo mix, so it was for me a surprise that original mono mix of From Me To You has a harmonica intro.
I lived in Prague from 1996-200 and spent a lot of time in the antique shops looking for those Beatles Supraphon LPs. I found a few of the Oldies LPs and one or two mono Abbey Roads, which are both nice sounding discs. I also enjoyed the Supraphon compilation LP of the Hollies, Beach Boys and Julie Driscoll. I'd love to do a video on the Czech vinyl scene back in the late '60's.
@@Parlogram Julie Driscoll compilation is basically my latest vinyl I got 2 weeks ago, I also have a 7" single with This Wheel's On Fire, which was released in 1968 by Supraphon (because Julie Driscoll performed live in Bratislava in 1968 at Bratislavská lýra festival). If you need some help with research, feel free to ask.
I absolutely love all the Beatles UK releases them really good in stereo and a mono I love the different types speed variations especially on Sergeant peppers lonely hearts club band. What is interesting is that in the mono version of blue Jay where you don’t hear the backwards music that fades in and out as you do in the stereo stereo another interesting thing is there’s echo affect on the mono mix of baby you’re a rich man which does not appear in the stereo mix and I absolutely love the longer fade out of all you need is love. I also like that different type speeds on the weight of them as well and one thing that you didn’t mention was that the model mix is a little bit shorter on Helter skelter.
Thanks Andrew. Neil from Bexhill on Sea. Keep em coming. I have a huge collection of Beatles records. Some are original with the flip back covers. Even have the plastic Fool cellophane inner sleeve for Sgt. Pepper.
The UK pressing on green vinyl of Abbey Road is one of the most amazing sounding albums I have ever heard. It is one of the best of any albums,Beatles or other wise. I have no idea why. On hearing the first time I was in shock. Sounds better than any other format as well which of course is amazing in itself!
Very interesting. It's worth noting that the second half of I Am The Walrus stereo mix is just duophonic Mono, because the radio fx were mixed down live (to mono). I'd personally get mono and stereo for MMT. White Album too, if only because the differences are so noticeable. One day I'll get all the pressings you recommend!
Hello!!! very nice information you have in your channel it would be nice if you do a video related to codiscos which edited beatles records during the 60´s in Colombia, they had 78 rpm records and a nice collection of EP´s, I have almost all of their colombian records except the 78´s and a few ep´s, codiscos edited almost all lp´s with a different track list and covers, regards!!!
Hi, again, Andrew. . As regards the -1 Tomorrow Never Knows--what I also notice is that the drum sound is far thinner and mixed further back than RM 8, and the final few notes of McC's backward solo got cut off (or maybe overwhelmed sonically) by the tape loops, and I speculate that's what bothered Lennon about it. Finally, the other posts about doing Japanese pressing reviews (beside the wonderful red monos you've done)--I second! The Abbey Road from their BC 13 is actually almost--almost--more my go to than the UK -2/-1--except for the awkward tape flutter on side 2. The bass is tremendously satisfying, especially on Come Together. And since you mention the German MMT--the interesting thing about that is that it has not only all true stereo and updated SFF mixes on side two, but still retains the US first stereo mix of Walrus, which I greatly prefer. It's as if to say side one is vintage '67 and side two is the now official catalogue version.
Ask around, in the US, the White Album seemed to wear out in a matter of months and I know I'm not alone when I tell you I had to buy a new White Album every three years. My imports always seemed to have a higher quality of vinyl than the pressings made in America. I did find a new German issued Magical Mystery Tour back in the 80's and it still sounds great! Thanks for all the great info!
I really love the fact that Ringo‘s is I got blisters on my fingers in the stereo version of Helter skelter and I think revolution nine in mono is the fall down mix.
Yet another great detailed presentation from this channel...always something new to absorb. I’ve got both the stereo and mono Abbey Road reel to reel tape , but still need the White Album , Oldies but Goldies and MMT to complete my reel collection ...the MMT was of course never issued as a reel in the U.K. I’ve also got 2 copies of the boxed set of Let it Be , one with the red apple and one with the green apple , both I believe “original” sleeves....from what I can understand it was indeed released with the green apple at some point later in its issue but it seems a lot believe at if it’s not red then it’s been substituted at some point?.......any insight or clarification on this point would be helpful.
Thank you Dai, glad you like the video. The stereo reel-to-reels of the early albums are very hard to find. Good luck with your search for your missing ones. The 'Let It Be' box set was issued with both red AND green Apple covers by a ratio of about 3:1. It's a popular misconception that all were red.
Hi Andrew, Love the video! I think it's my second or third time watching it at this point. I'd love to see a video on what you think are the best pressings of all the albums, like creating some sort of 'master collection' if money wasn't a concern, like the Nimbus or Audio-5 copies of Sgt. Pepper. Reason being is that my US pressing of Let It Be sounds quite noticeably better than my -2U/-3U UK pressing of Let It Be. However, I never hear much talk about the US Let It Be pressing in this regard.
I would love to see a video dedicated to White Album numbering just so you know. I've always been confused as to why my early 70s copy with side opening seems to have a number that is too low for the amount of copies pressed and sold since 1968.
Very much looking forward to the White Album numbering video. I have a No. 0004 29. Mono top loader. The space between the 4 and the two is a complete mystery. I always thought it was #429, but i think it's actually a misprint from the factory and it's more likely in the four thousands.
Greetings from Brazil! Just adding that Let It Be also had a mono vinyl release in Brazil, back in 1970. I'm saying that because i am a happy owner of a copy! Those are even rarer than Abbey Road (I doubt there are more than a hundred for sale in the world). Also, all the solo Beatles albuns from 1971 were released in mono by here, but those are even rarer, generally being sold for thousands of dollars. All these records were only folded-down stereo mixes.
Hi Andrew. I think that the first brazilian pressings of mono White Album, containing a weird version of Revolution opening the side 4 with an up and down pitch variations, deserve a future report .
Another wonderful video! Thanks for sharing. Out of sheer nerdy interest, what system do you use to evaluate the SQ of your lp's? The Garrard/SME combo that's in the beginning of the vid? What cartridges (stereo/mono) would you recommend?
I've listened to these LPs on many systems over the years, mostly on an EMT 950 turntable with a TSD-15 cartridge. The Garrard/SME set up is not used for grading. For that I have a more modest Project Carbon Esprit turntable fitted with an Ortofon 2M Blue which I find excellent.
Another fantastic video...I really enjoyed it. Of course after more people view this..I suspect that the cost of the 1982 pressings you were referring to will greatly increase on cost. LOL. I was also hoping to hear your thoughts on the 2014 Mono pressings. I think they sound fantastic. .and a good option for those who can't afford some of the fantastic pressings you presented. With that said. ..even the 2014 mono pressings are going up in cost. Your thoughts?
Thanks Mark. I will be doing videos about the 2014 mono LPs and the 2019 singles box shortly. The 2014 LPs are already increasing in value so grab them while you can.
My life was less complicated,after finding that i don't know anything about Beatles records,but for one I'm sure,have all German pressings,with exception Capitol "White Album,"and one or two from former Yugoslavia. P.S.German pressings are all on "Apple"label.
Regarding the mono Yellow Sumbarine LP... Yellow Submarine and All You Needs Love are fold downs too! The entire side is a fold down of the stereo. Nice video though, thanks!
I have astereo pressing of beatles for sale on emi greece label the label is cream with emi in red letters like ths shadows 20 golden greats.does that make it a 70s pressing any idea of its value?
I'm piqued by your preference for the mono 'white album' which I am fairly certain I've never heard (in full; perhaps some DJ has spun a mono "Birthday" for my consumption via single speaker transistor radio way back in the day - how would I know?). Are there true mono CD reissues to browse? My vinyl collection has about hit my home's capacity by now. I own a stereo US pressing of TWA, I can make my hi-fi pretend to be mono, but that won't be the same experience, I'm betting. Very excellent and frank breakdown of the subject, by the way, including the caveats about groove-wear. When I was a more avid, less aware collector, I collected some disappointments along the way.
Great video. It’s a shame that the Revolver album features such distortion as it is preferable to the stereo mix in my opinion. I do enjoy the 2014 mono pressings of all the records and the BC13 collection for the stereo ones although it’s missing Magical Mystery Tour, but for that I have the German pressing. Thanks for sharing!
@@Parlogram Agreed. Giles made a Frankenstein's monster of the parts, up to 'The BEATLES', where he did actually do a passable job of keeping an already well mixed album up to the quality it was originally given.
@@alfching2499 indeed, it's already as it should be on the original mix, so no amount of dabbling makes it new and improved. If I can say where George hit perfection with STEREO imaging, I'd suggest the Magical Mystery Tour ep is a landmark. It's outstanding, just play 'Fool On The Hill'. I don't gravitate towards the MONO medium after 'With The Beatles', I love 'Hard Day's Night' in Stereo.
that's the trouble with buying on the likes of ebay and spending hundreds of pounds on Beatles originals. especially something like a gold label stereo of please please me and then you play it. and it sounds like someone's cooking a fried breakfast in the background. those record players at the time were putting out 4g of weight on these records. no wonder most records are full of distortion .
Nicely done, Andrew on both parts! We agree on Beatles for Sale and Abbey Road choices for sure - very wise suggestions and selections. Again, if you ever do come across a -2/-1 of Abbey Road that sounds clean please let me know :)
Fair point that the stereo mixes on Revolver are ropey, especially compared with the mono release. However, how does the original stereo version stack up against the 70s German Apple reissue you mentioned on your German albums video?
"Yellow Submarine" mono album. Both "Yellow Submarine" and "All You Need Is Love" are fold-downs of the stereo mixes, not the original mono mixes. Though, technically, these tracks have yet another odd mix as a consequence. "Hey Bulldog" suffered from a lack of audio clarity in both stereo and fold-down mono. The "Songtrack" mix improved matters a lot, but it was only until the true mono mix of the song was released that it really came into its' own - powerful and ready to blow the speakers. Recommended.
Hey Andrew. I had found a 'Pro Use' Abbey Road a while back, and I really liked it straight away (I have both UK first lable and cover copies). The stereo separation struck me as 'cleaner' or more exact - and for an lp I didn't imagine it could happen with - that was a surprise! I'm slightly curious as to why you found it less interesting than the -2/-1 UK original?
I’ve been on the hunt for a -1/-3 HÖR ZU MMT, but the word is definitely out on those...even later pressings are selling for quite a lot these days, especially here in the USA when one pops up. I’ve been dying to hear it. Guess I’ll have to pay up! I may sell my yellow vinyl UK pressing to help fund one, as it’s definitely just a collectible and not a great listen. I can spare it.
Enjoy your videos! I have Japanese mono and stereo box sets and some other miscellaneous pressings, so I would be interested in your takes on those, too. I LOVE your appreciation of George Martin's orchestral score on Yellow Sub, but I do have to take issue with one comment about side one--both the title song and "All You Need is Love" are without doubt stereo folddowns. This is proven by the earlier fadeout and guitar solo on "Love" and various elements of Yellow Sub.
Thanks for all the info. I keep running to my collection to see what I have. Do you know anything about the 78rpm records from India. I've always tried to find some.
My dad used to have two of these... She Loves You and A Hard Day's Night... Unfortunately a friend of his borrowed them in the early 70s and he never got them back
Hello, I have a 1978 stereo White Album with -1 (side 1) -3 (side 2), -1 (side 3), and -2 (side 4) cuttings. I have to say the sides with -1 sound bad to me - very forward in the mids with the vocals taking away from the music. Very harsh. Side 2 with -3 sounds so much smoother and pleasant sounding. What are our thoughts on why? Thank you!
My Revolver UK Mono 2nd Press (without RM11) sounds awful esp on H, T & E and Yellow Sub. For some reason, the bass on the former is overdone, and the bass on YS just isn’t. I wonder if George Martin was trying to adjust for the fact that industry standard meant cutting to the RIAA standard, and most mono players used ceramic cartridges which didn’t use RIAA. RIAA meant reducing bass and boosting treble when making the LP cut. On a ceramic mono cartridge, that would be overtly tinny, so when mastering the mono tape (before the LP cut was made) maybe there’d have been a slight bass lift and treble cut made, to compensate for RIAA cutting. I have the Mono Box from around 2012 which suffers from neither problem. Obviously I don’t know any of this for certain, but I reckon that the RIAA curve/ceramic cart issue figures in there somewhere. The Revolver original stereo is a far more civilised cut, although the stereo mix itself is disappointing.
Hello. I was wondering if you might clear up something I’m curious about. My White Album does not contain the four separate photographs. Rather, the four pictures are on one uncut poster, and the images are larger than the usual separate pictures. How did that happen? Also, no “stereo” stamp or serial number on the front cover. Just the embossed “Beatles”. I can’t find anything about these details. It’s a very good sounding copy... Thanks!
Hello Robert, It was a cost-cutting exercise in the late '70's to replace the 4 pictures. Copies with the poster are mostly found in the 'BC13' blue box.
@@Parlogram Thank you for your reply! I suppose there is the possibility of a “pieced together” copy, as I got it at a record show. You have to be pretty careful at those. Still, it sounds very good. Much better than the US pressings I have. That was my goal. Thanks again! ✌️
These videos are wonderfully produced! I'm just wondering what are your opinions on the later cuttings of these records that were done in the 70s/80s? As much as I love my original UK LPs I can't help but lean towards those later cuttings for the sheer precision and clarity in them. Perhaps it's just my system that I listen on but I've had some near mint -1 cuttings in the past and to me they seemed to sound sort of veiled.
Thanks for watching the videos, glad you liked them. I understand your comment about the later pressings and your system certainly affects your perception of them. I think some of the 70's cuttings are very good but at the end of the day it's all about personal preference. Sounds like a good subject for a future video though!
Thank you Andrew for great videos, My question is about cartridge. Is that better to use dedicated mono cartridge to listen mono Lps or I can still will hear a difference on my regular stereo cartridge? Thank you
I have a 2U/3U copy of Let It Be, and I must say it sounds very weak compared to my US first pressing of Let It Be. It definitely isn't a condition issue, but simply the UK version sounds a bit thin to me. Thoughts on the UK vs US pressings for Let It Be?
I might add with regard to the White Album and Let It Be -- there were UK white vinyl stereo issues pressed in 1978 or so that really sound wonderful. Something about new lathes I read someplace...the US also released a white vinyl edition the same year I think and it's reputedly nothing special. The problem with the UK white vinyl White is it's hard to find a quiet pressing. I got a still sealed copy many years ago and it was noisy none the less. I have an early '70s UK ~1 mat stereo I bought used that's far quieter and nicer in terms of surface noise, but it just doesn't have the full, rich tonality of that '78 white vinyl UK. Way it goes.
Another great video Andrew. "White Album" is one I can't completely decide whether I prefer mono or stereo. Savoy Truffle in mono is a standout track. In stereo, it sounds like boring filler. Yer Blues in mono sounds horrid. Then there's the huge differences between Helter Skelter in either format. I think having good copies of both is essential for any fan.
I have a first pressing Beatles Oldies test pressing stereo test pressing. It’s never been played by looking visually. No spindle trails. What’s really odd is does NOT having mothers at 9:00 on either side. Apparently it was rejected,long story. My belief is the mothers were stamped into the music grooves on the inside tracks. I imagine it’s worth a lot of money to collectors. Needless to say I’m tempted to play, but I won’t. The stampers are G on side one,and R on side two. People always try to sell these as G1 which is the matrix, not the pressing . This should be the first actual album ever pressed. I imagine this copy made EMI change the tracking or stamping of mothers ...
You mentioned a 1969 uk mono press of revolver in the video but I can't find it on discogs. Also a 1980's mono press of the album exists and I'm wondering if it would be any good. Thoughts?
I was close to purchasing a (likely first press) of Abbey Road in VG condition, but the seller told me that the record was sold to somebody else. I settled on my loss by winning an auction for a 749-4/750-3 repress from around 1976 in NM condition. How did I do there?
Is the Beatles White album first UK press the only version that has sold in UK text on the Apple Or does that appear on any other pressing’s stereo or mono
I like that you're aware of foreign pressings for finding superior quality cuts. I collected all the first STEREO UK issues - perhaps for historical reasons. I'm aware of course, that the earliest mixes were just awful! Everything is placed on one side or the other, no effort was made to utilise the recently new format. The Giles remixes are also horrible...until the white album 'The BEATLES', whereupon he didn't change the mix too much, and they still sound like a 4piece group making music together!!
@@Parlogram Cheers, thanks for that.I could have been mistaken but the version on MMT sounds different to Yellow Submarine soundtrack and both are stereo.
Your Mother Should Know mono mix is terrible. The flanger effect makes me nauseous. BTW, thanks for mentioning Abbey Road brazilian (non-true) mono pressing. Let it Be was also pressed in mono (stereo fold-down) in Brazil.
Can you do a review of the horrible sounding Beatles U.S. albums ? The majority were remixed by I believe Dave Dexter. They had too much echo and reverb. A lot were fake duophonic stereo. I can’t find anyone on You Tube who reviews these. Thank you.
Simply exemplary presentation and great editing work.Though I’m not a massive Beatles fan I can really appreciate great record reviews.
This will surely be the oracle when discovering the best sonic presses.
I felt I learnt a lot from this..and that sir is the measure of the professionalism of these videos.
Thanks,Scott.
Thank you so much, Scott.
Thanks so much for these two videos. As much as I would love the 2014 Mono Vinyl box set I’m not willing to pay the prices being asked so until Apple re-release it (if ever!) I’ve decided to build my own mono collection with original vinyl and have used your videos as a guide. Currently got my eyes on copies of Sgt Pepper, Help and Please Please Me!
Me too. Lots of early copies. I found a cracking revolver but I need Sgt P and White
Great video! I was quit happy to see That my Horzu MMT copy matrix no’s ended in A-1 & B-3. I had to dig it out of my collection because I started second guessing myself since I bought my copy at a convention in the mid 80’s. Thanks!
Although in the mono mix of Helter Skelter you miss the Ringo Scream "i have blisters on my fingers" i think it sounds better than the stereo mix. the vocals have more reverb as well as the drums
You also miss the claps on Ob-La-Di-Ob-La-Da in mono, along with a chipmunked Don't Pass Me By.
Another terrific video. Have been checking daily for this since your first installment. This follow up is every bit as good. Mono or stereo can be a difficult decision. My take is both formats are essential listening and we are very fortunate to have 2 ways of enjoying the Beatles and other 60's artists. Please do consider doing more. Your videos are second to none! Thanks very much.
Thank you very much, Bob. I'll be doing more videos soon.
One day while helping out my local record store, someone came into the store selling his collection of records. He was an older gentleman and said that he bought his albums back in 1971 till about the 80’s and that he only played most of them only once or twice. As we looked through his albums, I noticed that he had a few of the Beatles albums. Every album of his Beatles related were 1971 reissues from capital and the covers were decent. They all show signs of water damage here and there and from the seller telling us that all of his records sat in his basement, this checked out. The white album for example, you can really see the water damage on the cover but it wasn’t severe at all. It was just on the corners of the cover. But when I went to test the vinyl itself, I was shocked. The vinyl played like brand new. There was no distortion at all, or any dirt/dust issues either. I know that the capital versions of any Beatles album usually doesn’t sound great compared to the uk variants, but I was just truly amazed by how a pretty much brand new copy of a old Beatles album truly sounds. I then tested 5 other albums of his and they all played and sounded like new. I then bought every beatles albums of his that day (except for the red compilation album).
Amazing video, Andrew!!! All the best from Brazil!!!
Thank you, Luis! All the best from Austria!
Since you are the best when it comes down to the Beatles sounding albums, would it be too much to ask from you to do similar UA-cam videos about the German and Japanese pressings?
Sounds like a great idea, Dimitri.
Would be a lot interesting
@@Parlogram Another suggestion would be Beatles albums that are currently available in 2020. Thanks for making these videos!
@@Parlogram There is an edition of Abbey Road in mono from Argentina.
Bookmarked & thank you so much...definitive guide on shopping later Beatles release! This has informed my last few purchases successfully. I have a YEX-749 Japanese Abbey Road (NM, that I adore), now I know which UK pressing to shop out for a shootout.
You're welcome and good luck with the hunt!
Another great and informative video on this fine channel. Furthermore, it made me appreciate how good condition my own original vinyl copies actually are in. Most of them I bought cheap as upgrades in the early to mid-1990s when the world was blindly devoted to the little spinning silver disc. I still remember an advert in Record Collector listing an LP as:
BEATLES, Same (PMC 7067) ..... £ 10.00.
I wondered, "Some kind of compilation?" Or perhaps ... could it really be someone advertising a mono version of THE WHITE ALBUM under its real title? So I looked up the catalogue number and it actually was. I rang the seller up, it was still there and I bought it. Goodbye cruel stereo, Hello lovely mono! It's playing right now ...
Thanks for sharing your takes on the best sounding Beatles LPs. Much appreciated video. Cheers, Nelio.
Thanks for watching, Nelio. You're welcome!
...really fantastic work - i bought my UK The Beatles Album in the end of the 90´s and it took me years to find out which one didn't came out with -1 at first! I must wait until now to know the N after the dash X numbers means the cutting machine 'Neumann'! THX and all the best
Thanks for watching, Mike. Much appreciated!
great video...great channel ...thanks for all your hard work...
Thanks for watching!
As a kid growing in former Czechoslovakia, it's still nice to see some mention about Beatles records published there. And yes, czechoslovak mono Abbey Road is quite hard to find in fairly good shape, including booklet and under 200€. It has a bit more treble, but both mono and stereo versions are much quieter than UK pressings (side A is even more quieter). You should also cover "east european" albums in one video, I would like to know your opinion. Btw, czechoslovak mono version of A Collection of Beatles Oldies but Goldies is also fold-down of stereo mix, so it was for me a surprise that original mono mix of From Me To You has a harmonica intro.
I lived in Prague from 1996-200 and spent a lot of time in the antique shops looking for those Beatles Supraphon LPs. I found a few of the Oldies LPs and one or two mono Abbey Roads, which are both nice sounding discs. I also enjoyed the Supraphon compilation LP of the Hollies, Beach Boys and Julie Driscoll.
I'd love to do a video on the Czech vinyl scene back in the late '60's.
@@Parlogram Julie Driscoll compilation is basically my latest vinyl I got 2 weeks ago, I also have a 7" single with This Wheel's On Fire, which was released in 1968 by Supraphon (because Julie Driscoll performed live in Bratislava in 1968 at Bratislavská lýra festival). If you need some help with research, feel free to ask.
I absolutely love all the Beatles UK releases them really good in stereo and a mono I love the different types speed variations especially on Sergeant peppers lonely hearts club band.
What is interesting is that in the mono version of blue Jay where you don’t hear the backwards music that fades in and out as you do in the stereo stereo another interesting thing is there’s echo affect on the mono mix of baby you’re a rich man which does not appear in the stereo mix and I absolutely love the longer fade out of all you need is love. I also like that different type speeds on the weight of them as well and one thing that you didn’t mention was that the model mix is a little bit shorter on Helter skelter.
An excellent review.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Andrew. Neil from Bexhill on Sea. Keep em coming. I have a huge collection of Beatles records. Some are original with the flip back covers. Even have the plastic Fool cellophane inner sleeve for Sgt. Pepper.
The UK pressing on green vinyl of Abbey Road is one of the most amazing sounding albums I have ever heard. It is one of the best of any albums,Beatles or other wise. I have no idea why. On hearing the first time I was in shock. Sounds better than any other format as well which of course is amazing in itself!
excelente coleccion amigo parlogram auctions, saludos
Great presentation with excellent info for Beatles buyers. Thanks. Same for GDR / Japanese pressings
Thanks for watching!
I always thoroughly enjoy your videos. I would love to know your thoughts about the Beatles In Mono box set.
Thanks, Steve. I'll be doing a video about the mono box in the near future.
Hi Andrew, hope your having a great day. I wanted you to know that I just picked up the Czechoslovakia mono abbey road for 171.00 dollars. 😊👍
Congratulations! That's a tough one to find.
Great videos
Thanks, Neil.
Very interesting. It's worth noting that the second half of I Am The Walrus stereo mix is just duophonic Mono, because the radio fx were mixed down live (to mono). I'd personally get mono and stereo for MMT. White Album too, if only because the differences are so noticeable. One day I'll get all the pressings you recommend!
Thanks for watching, Paul. Glad you found it interesting.
Just got a mono 69 yellow and black -3 (oddly not on Discogs). It sounds a million times better than my ‘71 stereo copy. Very happy!
Hello!!! very nice information you have in your channel it would be nice if you do a video related to codiscos which edited beatles records during the 60´s in Colombia, they had 78 rpm records and a nice collection of EP´s, I have almost all of their colombian records except the 78´s and a few ep´s, codiscos edited almost all lp´s with a different track list and covers, regards!!!
Hi, again, Andrew. . As regards the -1 Tomorrow Never Knows--what I also notice is that the drum sound is far thinner and mixed further back than RM 8, and the final few notes of McC's backward solo got cut off (or maybe overwhelmed sonically) by the tape loops, and I speculate that's what bothered Lennon about it. Finally, the other posts about doing Japanese pressing reviews (beside the wonderful red monos you've done)--I second! The Abbey Road from their BC 13 is actually almost--almost--more my go to than the UK -2/-1--except for the awkward tape flutter on side 2. The bass is tremendously satisfying, especially on Come Together. And since you mention the German MMT--the interesting thing about that is that it has not only all true stereo and updated SFF mixes on side two, but still retains the US first stereo mix of Walrus, which I greatly prefer. It's as if to say side one is vintage '67 and side two is the now official catalogue version.
I thought I had a good background for hearing different masterings of the Beatles but it's amazing how illiterate I really am.
Ask around, in the US, the White Album seemed to wear out in a matter of months and I know I'm not alone when I tell you I had to buy a new White Album every three years. My imports always seemed to have a higher quality of vinyl than the pressings made in America. I did find a new German issued Magical Mystery Tour back in the 80's and it still sounds great! Thanks for all the great info!
I agree, Thomas. Thanks for watching!
I really love the fact that Ringo‘s is I got blisters on my fingers in the stereo version of Helter skelter and I think revolution nine in mono is the fall down mix.
Yet another great detailed presentation from this channel...always something new to absorb.
I’ve got both the stereo and mono Abbey Road reel to reel tape , but still need the White Album , Oldies but Goldies and MMT to complete my reel collection ...the MMT was of course never issued as a reel in the U.K.
I’ve also got 2 copies of the boxed set of Let it Be , one with the red apple and one with the green apple , both I believe “original” sleeves....from what I can understand it was indeed released with the green apple at some point later in its issue but it seems a lot believe at if it’s not red then it’s been substituted at some point?.......any insight or clarification on this point would be helpful.
Thank you Dai, glad you like the video.
The stereo reel-to-reels of the early albums are very hard to find. Good luck with your search for your missing ones.
The 'Let It Be' box set was issued with both red AND green Apple covers by a ratio of about 3:1. It's a popular misconception that all were red.
Hi Andrew,
Love the video! I think it's my second or third time watching it at this point.
I'd love to see a video on what you think are the best pressings of all the albums, like creating some sort of 'master collection' if money wasn't a concern, like the Nimbus or Audio-5 copies of Sgt. Pepper.
Reason being is that my US pressing of Let It Be sounds quite noticeably better than my -2U/-3U UK pressing of Let It Be. However, I never hear much talk about the US Let It Be pressing in this regard.
I'm currently planning a video just like the one you describe, but made up of more affordable pressings.
I took your advice Andrew. I found a -1 mono of Sgt Pepper and it’s awesome. Thanks
Congratulations, David. Enjoy!
@@Parlogram I will sir,Love your channel.
I would love to see a video dedicated to White Album numbering just so you know. I've always been confused as to why my early 70s copy with side opening seems to have a number that is too low for the amount of copies pressed and sold since 1968.
Very much looking forward to the White Album numbering video. I have a No. 0004 29. Mono top loader. The space between the 4 and the two is a complete mystery. I always thought it was #429, but i think it's actually a misprint from the factory and it's more likely in the four thousands.
There is about half a second of tape dropout on Day Tripper just before Tried to please her. It has been repaired on the I compilation.
Greetings from Brazil! Just adding that Let It Be also had a mono vinyl release in Brazil, back in 1970. I'm saying that because i am a happy owner of a copy! Those are even rarer than Abbey Road (I doubt there are more than a hundred for sale in the world). Also, all the solo Beatles albuns from 1971 were released in mono by here, but those are even rarer, generally being sold for thousands of dollars. All these records were only folded-down stereo mixes.
10:45 the crowd cries out...."When is THAT video going to be available?" Great stuff as always Andrew, thank you!
Hi Andrew. I think that the first brazilian pressings of mono White Album, containing a weird version of Revolution opening the side 4 with an up and down pitch variations, deserve a future report .
Thanks Tácito, I'll check it out.
Goo goo ga job! 👌👌👍👍
Another wonderful video! Thanks for sharing. Out of sheer nerdy interest, what system do you use to evaluate the SQ of your lp's? The Garrard/SME combo that's in the beginning of the vid? What cartridges (stereo/mono) would you recommend?
I've listened to these LPs on many systems over the years, mostly on an EMT 950 turntable with a TSD-15 cartridge. The Garrard/SME set up is not used for grading. For that I have a more modest Project Carbon Esprit turntable fitted with an Ortofon 2M Blue which I find excellent.
Great video, thank you. I would be really interested in your thoughts on the 2014 mono pressings vs. the originals.
Thank you, Max. The 2014 mono box comparison video is coming soon!
Another fantastic video...I really enjoyed it. Of course after more people view this..I suspect that the cost of the 1982 pressings you were referring to will greatly increase on cost. LOL.
I was also hoping to hear your thoughts on the 2014 Mono pressings. I think they sound fantastic. .and a good option for those who can't afford some of the fantastic pressings you presented. With that said. ..even the 2014 mono pressings are going up in cost.
Your thoughts?
Thanks Mark. I will be doing videos about the 2014 mono LPs and the 2019 singles box shortly.
The 2014 LPs are already increasing in value so grab them while you can.
Just curious -- who did the theme music for your channel? Makes me smile every time. Great videos, BTW!
Thanks Fibber! The theme came from the UA-cam audio library.
How about a video on the excellent France-for-UK pressings of 1973|1974 ?
I have a French pressing of The White Album PCS 7067 and 8 My guess, from the 1980's. that I picked up in 2001 for 10$ (no posters). Sounds very good.
Beatles❤❤❤❤
My life was less complicated,after finding that i don't know anything about Beatles records,but for one I'm sure,have all German pressings,with exception Capitol "White Album,"and one or two from former Yugoslavia. P.S.German pressings are all on "Apple"label.
Regarding the mono Yellow Sumbarine LP... Yellow Submarine and All You Needs Love are fold downs too! The entire side is a fold down of the stereo. Nice video though, thanks!
I have astereo pressing of beatles for sale on emi greece label the label is cream with emi in red letters like ths shadows 20 golden greats.does that make it a 70s pressing any idea of its value?
I'm piqued by your preference for the mono 'white album' which I am fairly certain I've never heard (in full; perhaps some DJ has spun a mono "Birthday" for my consumption via single speaker transistor radio way back in the day - how would I know?). Are there true mono CD reissues to browse? My vinyl collection has about hit my home's capacity by now. I own a stereo US pressing of TWA, I can make my hi-fi pretend to be mono, but that won't be the same experience, I'm betting. Very excellent and frank breakdown of the subject, by the way, including the caveats about groove-wear. When I was a more avid, less aware collector, I collected some disappointments along the way.
Great video. It’s a shame that the Revolver album features such distortion as it is preferable to the stereo mix in my opinion. I do enjoy the 2014 mono pressings of all the records and the BC13 collection for the stereo ones although it’s missing Magical Mystery Tour, but for that I have the German pressing. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching, William.
Another great video. The mention of Sgt. Pepper"s has me wondering what you think of the Giles Martin anniversary mix
The anniversary mix was an interesting exercise, but one listen was enough for me.
@@Parlogram Agreed. Giles made a Frankenstein's monster of the parts, up to 'The BEATLES', where he did actually do a passable job of keeping an already well mixed album up to the quality it was originally given.
@@alfching2499 indeed, it's already as it should be on the original mix, so no amount of dabbling makes it new and improved.
If I can say where George hit perfection with STEREO imaging, I'd suggest the Magical Mystery Tour ep is a landmark.
It's outstanding, just play 'Fool On The Hill'.
I don't gravitate towards the MONO medium after 'With The Beatles', I love 'Hard Day's Night' in Stereo.
Hi, im new to your videos and they are GREAT, would you consider making a video of how you clean your vinyl? Kind regards Ross
Hi Ross, Yes I will be doing a video on that soon.
that's the trouble with buying on the likes of ebay and spending hundreds of pounds on Beatles originals. especially something like a gold label stereo of please please me and then you play it. and it sounds like someone's cooking a fried breakfast in the background. those record players at the time were putting out 4g of weight on these records. no wonder most records are full of distortion .
Nicely done, Andrew on both parts! We agree on Beatles for Sale and Abbey Road choices for sure - very wise suggestions and selections. Again, if you ever do come across a -2/-1 of Abbey Road that sounds clean please let me know :)
Thank you, Christopher. The next clean sounding 'Abbey Road' I get in is yours!
Fair point that the stereo mixes on Revolver are ropey, especially compared with the mono release. However, how does the original stereo version stack up against the 70s German Apple reissue you mentioned on your German albums video?
"Yellow Submarine" mono album. Both "Yellow Submarine" and "All You Need Is Love" are fold-downs of the stereo mixes, not the original mono mixes. Though, technically, these tracks have yet another odd mix as a consequence. "Hey Bulldog" suffered from a lack of audio clarity in both stereo and fold-down mono. The "Songtrack" mix improved matters a lot, but it was only until the true mono mix of the song was released that it really came into its' own - powerful and ready to blow the speakers. Recommended.
Hey Andrew. I had found a 'Pro Use' Abbey Road a while back, and I really liked it straight away (I have both UK first lable and cover copies). The stereo separation struck me as 'cleaner' or more exact - and for an lp I didn't imagine it could happen with - that was a surprise!
I'm slightly curious as to why you found it less interesting than the -2/-1 UK original?
Huh, I never knew the mono Yellow Submarine had 2 actual mono mixes. I always read it was "just a fold, so don't bother" anywhere.
I’ve been on the hunt for a -1/-3 HÖR ZU MMT, but the word is definitely out on those...even later pressings are selling for quite a lot these days, especially here in the USA when one pops up. I’ve been dying to hear it. Guess I’ll have to pay up! I may sell my yellow vinyl UK pressing to help fund one, as it’s definitely just a collectible and not a great listen. I can spare it.
Don, Contact me via the website and I may be able to help you get one: www.parlogramauctions.com/Contact
Enjoy your videos! I have Japanese mono and stereo box sets and some other miscellaneous pressings, so I would be interested in your takes on those, too. I LOVE your appreciation of George Martin's orchestral score on Yellow Sub, but I do have to take issue with one comment about side one--both the title song and "All You Need is Love" are without doubt stereo folddowns. This is proven by the earlier fadeout and guitar solo on "Love" and various elements of Yellow Sub.
Noted!
How do you feel about the EMI non-valve, transisterized recording equipment used on Abbey Road? I recall the Beatles had some comments about that.
Cant find the Abbey Road you suggest in discogs. Can you link it to me?
www.discogs.com/The-Beatles-Abbey-Road/release/2607424
Thanks for all the info. I keep running to my collection to see what I have. Do you know anything about the 78rpm records from India. I've always tried to find some.
Mark, I know of them and some people who have them. I hope to do a video on them soon. Stay tuned!
My dad used to have two of these... She Loves You and A Hard Day's Night... Unfortunately a friend of his borrowed them in the early 70s and he never got them back
Hello,
I have a 1978 stereo White Album with -1 (side 1) -3 (side 2), -1 (side 3), and -2 (side 4) cuttings.
I have to say the sides with -1 sound bad to me - very forward in the mids with the vocals taking away from the music. Very harsh. Side 2 with -3 sounds so much smoother and pleasant sounding.
What are our thoughts on why? Thank you!
My Revolver UK Mono 2nd Press (without RM11) sounds awful esp on H, T & E and Yellow Sub. For some reason, the bass on the former is overdone, and the bass on YS just isn’t. I wonder if George Martin was trying to adjust for the fact that industry standard meant cutting to the RIAA standard, and most mono players used ceramic cartridges which didn’t use RIAA. RIAA meant reducing bass and boosting treble when making the LP cut. On a ceramic mono cartridge, that would be overtly tinny, so when mastering the mono tape (before the LP cut was made) maybe there’d have been a slight bass lift and treble cut made, to compensate for RIAA cutting. I have the Mono Box from around 2012 which suffers from neither problem. Obviously I don’t know any of this for certain, but I reckon that the RIAA curve/ceramic cart issue figures in there somewhere. The Revolver original stereo is a far more civilised cut, although the stereo mix itself is disappointing.
Hello. I was wondering if you might clear up something I’m curious about.
My White Album does not contain the four separate photographs. Rather, the four pictures are on one uncut poster, and the images are larger than the usual separate pictures.
How did that happen? Also, no “stereo” stamp or serial number on the front cover. Just the embossed “Beatles”.
I can’t find anything about these details.
It’s a very good sounding copy...
Thanks!
Hello Robert, It was a cost-cutting exercise in the late '70's to replace the 4 pictures. Copies with the poster are mostly found in the 'BC13' blue box.
@@Parlogram Thank you for your reply!
I suppose there is the possibility of a “pieced together” copy, as I got it at a record show. You have to be pretty careful at those. Still, it sounds very good. Much better than the US pressings I have. That was my goal.
Thanks again! ✌️
These videos are wonderfully produced! I'm just wondering what are your opinions on the later cuttings of these records that were done in the 70s/80s? As much as I love my original UK LPs I can't help but lean towards those later cuttings for the sheer precision and clarity in them. Perhaps it's just my system that I listen on but I've had some near mint -1 cuttings in the past and to me they seemed to sound sort of veiled.
Thanks for watching the videos, glad you liked them. I understand your comment about the later pressings and your system certainly affects your perception of them. I think some of the 70's cuttings are very good but at the end of the day it's all about personal preference. Sounds like a good subject for a future video though!
The originals were tube cuts, the 70's & 80's solid state cuts. The Steve Hoffman forums have a ton of info on the differences between the two.
Thank you Andrew for great videos,
My question is about cartridge. Is that better to use dedicated mono cartridge to listen mono Lps or I can still will hear a difference on my regular stereo cartridge?
Thank you
No need to buy a mono cartridge, Valeriy. I recommend using double 'Y' cables, as shown here: ua-cam.com/video/uZJnsy34uD8/v-deo.html
I have a 2U/3U copy of Let It Be, and I must say it sounds very weak compared to my US first pressing of Let It Be. It definitely isn't a condition issue, but simply the UK version sounds a bit thin to me. Thoughts on the UK vs US pressings for Let It Be?
I have 4 UK copies of 'Let It Be' with various matrix numbers, and my favourite is the white vinyl edition released in 1978.
I might add with regard to the White Album and Let It Be -- there were UK white vinyl stereo issues pressed in 1978 or so that really sound wonderful. Something about new lathes I read someplace...the US also released a white vinyl edition the same year I think and it's reputedly nothing special. The problem with the UK white vinyl White is it's hard to find a quiet pressing. I got a still sealed copy many years ago and it was noisy none the less. I have an early '70s UK ~1 mat stereo I bought used that's far quieter and nicer in terms of surface noise, but it just doesn't have the full, rich tonality of that '78 white vinyl UK. Way it goes.
Those coloured vinyls are definitely worth a video in their own right. I think they were brand new cuts on new equipment.
Fab
Another great video Andrew.
"White Album" is one I can't completely decide whether I prefer mono or stereo. Savoy Truffle in mono is a standout track. In stereo, it sounds like boring filler. Yer Blues in mono sounds horrid. Then there's the huge differences between Helter Skelter in either format. I think having good copies of both is essential for any fan.
Thanks, Bob. Good points about those 'White Album' tracks. I agree with you that both formats of this, if not all of the albums are essential.
I always thought that EMI UK released a twelve-inch LP version of MMT. Or were they all imports?
The LP wasn't released in the UK until 1976. It was only available as an import until then.
@@Parlogram Many thanks for the info.
I have a first pressing Beatles Oldies test pressing stereo test pressing. It’s never been played by looking visually. No spindle trails. What’s really odd is does NOT having mothers at 9:00 on either side. Apparently it was rejected,long story. My belief is the mothers were stamped into the music grooves on the inside tracks. I imagine it’s worth a lot of money to collectors. Needless to say I’m tempted to play, but I won’t. The stampers are G on side one,and R on side two.
People always try to sell these as G1 which is the matrix, not the pressing . This should be the first actual album ever pressed. I imagine this copy made EMI change the tracking or stamping of mothers ...
You mentioned a 1969 uk mono press of revolver in the video but I can't find it on discogs. Also a 1980's mono press of the album exists and I'm wondering if it would be any good. Thoughts?
Here's the '69 mono pressing: www.popsike.com/Beatles-Revolver-UK-1969-Press-MONO-LP-NEAR-MINT/290291217207.html
The 1981 repress sounds great.
I was close to purchasing a (likely first press) of Abbey Road in VG condition, but the seller told me that the record was sold to somebody else. I settled on my loss by winning an auction for a 749-4/750-3 repress from around 1976 in NM condition. How did I do there?
That's a decent sounding analogue pressing, Mitchell.
THE Beatles Again. Aka Hey Jude was a great sounding LP in the USA and Japan
Is the Beatles White album first UK press the only version that has sold in UK text on the Apple
Or does that appear on any other pressing’s stereo or mono
The 'Sold in UK..' text only appeared on pressings made until mid-1969, i.e. 1st pressings.
@@Parlogram Thank you so much for your information and I love your videos
What major differences are there between the Capitol and Parlaphone Sgt.Peppers except the studio chatter at the end?
The overall sound quality. The Parlophone is miles better.
Thank you, Andrew@@Parlogram
I like that you're aware of foreign pressings for finding superior quality cuts. I collected all the first STEREO UK issues - perhaps for historical reasons.
I'm aware of course, that the earliest mixes were just awful!
Everything is placed on one side or the other, no effort was made to utilise the recently new format.
The Giles remixes are also horrible...until the white album 'The BEATLES', whereupon he didn't change the mix too much, and they still sound like a 4piece group making music together!!
Мастеринг с мастер лент различается на виниле и сд. Особенно если ремастеринг произведён по нынешним стандартам то это уже не то.
How many mixes are there for All You Need Is Love?
Originally just two, mono & stereo.
@@Parlogram Cheers, thanks for that.I could have been mistaken but the version on MMT sounds different to Yellow Submarine soundtrack and both are stereo.
@@andrewhaddon5510 yes I agree. I haven't played it for a long time but the version on Yellow Submarine sounds a bit muffled, if I remember rightly.
Are the "2 emi boxes" so bad?
No, not all. Most pre-digital (pre-mid '80s) are good.
@@Parlogram Great! thank you so much
Your Mother Should Know mono mix is terrible. The flanger effect makes me nauseous. BTW, thanks for mentioning Abbey Road brazilian (non-true) mono pressing. Let it Be was also pressed in mono (stereo fold-down) in Brazil.
Can you do a review of the horrible sounding Beatles U.S. albums ? The majority were remixed by I believe Dave Dexter. They had too much echo and reverb. A lot were fake duophonic stereo. I can’t find anyone on You Tube who reviews these. Thank you.