A compilation of odd cuts from his past - 45 onlys and earlier unissued. Stereo version has only one track - "Mr. James" - re-channeled, the rest is true stereo - a few mixed especially for this release. This mono is probably made as a total fold from the stereo tapes. But it all comes through rather good - loud and strong - and I sometimes prefer it to the custom mixed two-channel...though that is the only honest way out. For more on the issue itself and a mono-stereo comparison, please check
https://monolover.blogspot.com/2017/10/john-mayalllooking-back-69-uk-stereo.html (MÄH*)
I can confirm this is a folddown.
SvaraRaderaIf you want to hear the 45 mixes of these song on LP, find yourself a mono copy of the Dutch Compilation So Many Roads. Stereo copies of this LP abound because it was re-pressed many times in the Netherlands and Germany throughout the 70s and 80s, but these editions are NOT worth picking up because the tracks were subjected to the electronically re-channelled stereo process.
What you want is the more difficult to find mono version (DECCA XBL 646029). It's really difficult to find in clean condition, but here's a hint: be on the look out for a Belgian copy (with either mono or stereo on the sleeve). All Belgian 60s and 70s pressings with purple sleeve were cut from the original Dutch mono metal parts. Admittedly, they are rarely seen on eBay, but at least you'll have a better chance of finding a clean copy. As for the Dutch pressings: the only mono copies are the originals from 1967 and those are always, and I mean always, in either trashed or very good (at best) condition.
(taken from the linernotes of a forthcoming PS project)
Thanks a million mate. I see quite a few Dutch pressings here, but never thought of this before. Now I will certainly keep my eyes open. Didn't even know they had double issues that late.
RaderaHey give the mono another listen, the version of Double Trouble sounds very very similar to the 45. The stereo version is missing all the reverb on Greens guitar it sounds almost dry. The mono copy I have is 1A 1A far superior to the stereo, which seems to sound unnatural to me
SvaraRaderaI will listen again, but this is still a mess to me...both mono and stereo. I do prefer listening to the mono though.
RaderaIt’s got that feeling of a contractual obligation LP to it. Decca keen to make up for his switch to Polydor
SvaraRaderaTrue that :)
Radera