FRESH CREAM 593.001 (-66) UK MONO

One of my favorite LP:s. True mono - recorded almost live in the sudio - powerful with a very natural and inviting outcome. Immediately well played and as it seems made with lots of good humor. I wish more would be like that. It's well known the US version had different tracking with "I Feel Free" instead of "Spoonful". In some countries it was also released as a twelve-track, adding "Wrapping Paper" and "Coffee Song". For details on that please check the  Swedish issue. (CÄRÄ*)

FRESH CREAM 623.031 (-66) 12 TRACK STEREO SWEDEN

 A 12-track stereo version, pressed in Germany for the Swedish market. As I understand this was the original plan even for the UK issue, before "Wrapping Paper" and "Coffee Song" were dropped for different reasons. Don't know the exact release date, but I remember it was sold in the shops here before the UK version surfaced. The common 10 tracks are the same stereo mixes as UK first, but it's clear the additional ones didn't get much two channel attention. Initially only a very crude stereo mix of "Coffee Song" existed, probably made for instructional purpose. It has Clapton's guitar only in one speaker and the rest in the other, as I'm sure never intended for release. That's the one on here and impossible to enjoy unless you press the mono button, but then it's pretty good. "Wrapping Paper" is mainly mono, but with a few slight stereo effects. Don't know the idea behind this enhanced stereo variation. Maybe the order was set before the change was done, or they didn't care and just sent what they had for better or worst. Even if I would have prefered all tracks in original mono instead of crude stereo it's still cool with the two "leftovers" on an original issue. Re-pressed a few times during the sixties, with some minor changes on back cover and label, but same tracks and audio. (SWÄU*)(CÄRÄ*) (GÖXÄ*)

FIRST LP:S

JUNE 19, 1948 US Columbia presented the first LP:s. At a press conference they showed "The Voice of Frank Sinatra" (CL 6001) and a concerto by Mendelssohn (ML 4001), But initially they had pressed 100 titles to get a good start with the catalogue. Long Playing vinyl had already been tested by RCA in the thirties, but failed because of the fragile record material. Columbias breakthrough came by also selling cheap improved turntables and needles, fitting the new format. (NYFÖ*)

GENE AUTRY'S WESTERN CLASSICS HL 9001 (-48) US

Very first country LP. As I understand transferred from some earlier recordings. Not traditional country in any way, more sentimental and radio friendly, but a nice sign of the times. Audio reminds a lot of listening to those old '78 records - warm and cozy. (NYFÖ*)(MÖRS*) (YZÄ*)

GENE KELLY/NURSERY SONGS JL 8001 (-48) US

Early press of first childrens LP. This was one of four albums Columbia showed to the press when they presented the new format in June 1948. (NYFÖ*)(MÖRS*) (YZÄ*)

FRANK ZAPPA/TRANSPARENCY 2352 057 (-75) (MONO + STEREO) UK

A UK 22 track compilation. Only worth mentioning here since it has the 45' mono versions of "Big Leg Emma" and "Why Don't You Do Me Right", as far as I know their only appearance on LP. They also showed up as bonus tracks on CD:s later, but that's another story. (ZÄP*)(PÖP*)

A FEW WORDS ON COLLECTIONS AND SAMPLERS

I don't collect singles, but will go for a good collection or sampler anytime. And with a good one I mean having the correct original mixes, mono or stereo. Unfortunately there are lot of bad ones out there - using re-mixed monos, stereo reductions, reductions of fake stereo or, worst of all, unsensitive digital re-mixes (allthough I admit there are a few fine digital mixes out there). These are all exemples of historical falsification. Some of those songs, as presented today in altered versions, are not even close to the artists original intentions, or the way they were heard and appreciated then. Maybe I'm just old and can't appreciate this brave new music world, but to my ears those treasures are better left untouched than being tampered with by greedy and meddlesome record companies. Still there are good ones out there you can own and enjoy without paying a fortune. Below five notable exemples on rather cheap buys to get rare mono mixes. And there are more all over this blogg. Decca "World of..." serie(mono has "PA" prefix) issued true mono mixes on a lot of their stuff up to mid 1970, though not all is on the spot. They can be hard to locate, but when you do they wont cost You a fortune. (SÄM*)

BEST OF MARY HOPKIN 5C054-93536 (-71) (MONO + STEREO) HOLLAND

Dutch only compilation. Has all the original 45' mixes with "Those Were the Days", "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "Temma Harbour" in true mono. Also the soft, careful UK single stereo mix of "Goodbye" is there and the audio top notch all over. Highly recommended! 1:st with label as shown here and thin laminated cover.(FÄV*) (PÖP*) (HÖLX*) (GJÅ*)

WORLD OF HITS PA.7 (-69) UK MONO

Five of the fourteen tracks are the true 45' single mixes, the rest reductions of the stereo versions. (SÄM*) (WÖF*)

WORLD OF HITS VOL. 2 PA.35 (-69) UK MONO

Nine of the fourteen tracks have the original 45' mono mixes, the rest are reductions of existing stereo versions. Pretty good. (WÖF*) (SÄM*)

WORLD OF HITS VOL. 4 PA.83 (-70) UK MONO

Last one in the "World of Hits" serie with a double release. All tracks fold downs as far as I can hear - either of true or fake stereo versions. No good. (SÄM*) (WÖF*) (UKÖ*)(YMÖ*)

THE WHO/A QUICK ONE 593.002 (-66) UK MONO

In its way a true classic. Title track is by many considered to be the first rock opera ever. You also get one of the band's today most loved numbers - "So Sad About Us" - and a both skilled and invigorating Keith Moon appearance in "Cobwebs & Strange". Add to that the very catchy "Boris The Spider" and sincere "I Need You" and the tracking is a blast.  But to my ears the audio could have been better - comes through partly muddy, unbalanced and way too loud at parts. Though it is what it is and as an original good in its own way I guess. First with structured label as shown here and fully laminated cover. (WÖH*) 

 

JOE COCKER/WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS LRZ 1006 (-69) UK MONO

The last mono issue on UK Regal Zonophone. Planned for release spring -69, but trouble with the recording delayed it to July same year, two months after "Unicorn" (LRZ 1007). One of my absolute fav monos. Superior audio - big, bold, yet clear with that wonderful voice in focus. It's a killer. "Marjorine" is the 45' mix, while the stereo (SLRZ 1006) has a re-channeled version. I know this mono doesn't show up often, but should you ever get a chance - take it! I promise it will blow your mind. First US on A&M (SP-4182). UK press with label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. It had many re-issues on CD, some re-mastered, but I can't find this mono on any of them. (Late addition. Since I wrote this I've also found a UK stereo and made a comparison between the two. Check that here - https://monolover.blogspot.com/2017/03/joe-cockerwith-little-help-from-my.html ) (RÄZ*)(YMÖ*) (JÖC*)

THE LIVE ADVENTURES OF MIKE BLOOMFIELD AND AL KOOPER M 66216 (-69) UK MONO

One of the classic live albums of the sixties, both musically and quality of recording. This UK mono is probably a reduction, but plays fine with a nice live feeling. If You find a UK mono be sure to check both records. Most of these have record one mono, cover without stereo sticker, but the second record is often stereo. Took me four copies to find one with both mono records. Don't know the back-ground, but maybe there was something wrong at the pressing plant. Premiere US on Columbia (KGP 6/CS 9742). First UK with label as shown here and laminated f/o cover. (YMÖ*)(LYBÖ*) (ÄLCÖ*)

AL KOOPER/I STAND ALONE M 63538 (-69) UK MONO

After working with Dylan, Stephen Stills, Mike Bloomfield and being front man in first setting of Blood Sweat & Tears, Kooper went on to record his first solo project and it's a good one. A mix of covers and originals, performed in different styles with great skill makes this his best solo album to my ears. Released in US as stereo (COLUMBIA CS 9781) 1968. This UK -69 mono is a fold down of the stereo tapes, but comes through very well, so I guess the original must have been truly compatible. (YMÖ*) (ÄLCÖ*)

KEEF HARTLEY/HALFBREED DML 1037 (-69) UK MONO

Hartley had a long career drumming with different combos - among them Rory Storm and the Hurricanes (a year after Ringo left), Artwoods and Mayall. He was also in a short time setting with Paul Rogers, Paul Kossoff and Gary Thain. The latter also followed him to this group before joining Uriah Heep 1972. Other personnel on this album are from Mayalls old cicuit including Mayall himself. And that's what it sounds like - in the vein of "Bare Wires" and "Laurel Canyon", but more rock'n'roll with Miller Anderson being a better singer than Mayall. This mono comes through totally right, either a separate mix or made from a good compatible. Released in US on DERAM (DES18024). First UK had large label as shown here and laminated f/o cover. (DÄRR*)

KEEF HARTLEY/ THE BATTLE OF NORTH WEST SIX DML 1054 (-69) UK MONO

Made with about the same staff and material as the debute "Halfbreed" with top class mono sound, this with all certainty from a very good compatible. It's a little more jazzy and though top performance all the way sounding less special. Very skilled but I miss the edge and feeling of the former. First US on DERAM (DES18035). Early UK had label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover. (DÄRR*)