I know purists say for US Stones issues only US copies are adequate, but there was no way I could resist this Canadian press. It's wrapped in a thick, very hard, structured cover with high quality print. The label is of same FFRR kind as first UK exports over the Atlantic and sound quality clear and edgy. If this had been US 1st press it would have sold dearly, but since it is Canadian you can get a mint copy cheaper than a tatty American even though this is rarer. Being a collector for over thirty years there's still a lot I don't understand about the business. But I know I like this and it's a keeper. For comparison with US issue (I don't have that anymore) matrix no:s are hand etched (Side 1: ARL-703X1-2-A/Side 2: ARL-7032-2-A) (RÅ*) (ÖXCÅ*) (YZÄ*)
A UK mono cutting of this album for export purposes to the US was made, but ultimately did not go beyond the test pressing stage.
SvaraRaderahttp://www.popsike.eu/pix/20100311/120541917529.jpg
It may be interesting to point out that the orig US/CAN stereo version of this album has a fantastic sounding true stereo mix of 'Look what you've done', all the rest is re-chanelled garbage.
That test press would be something, probably a few different versions or mixes there. I didn't know about the stereo, thought it was all fake. Will check for it, it's not that uncommon.
SvaraRaderaYou can also find the stereo LWYD on the 1971 UK compilation Stone Age. But that too is one big fake stereo mess, save for two tracks.
SvaraRaderaAs for the UK mono December Children, I'd guess that it was made from a US mastertape. Who knows? Only the lucky guy who won that auction, I guess.
Yup Decca released a whole serie, mostly fake stereos, after the lable swap. Got a few, but not "Stone Age". Will try that, it's a lot easier to find than the US DC 1st stereo. Funny thing - a few from that Decca serie was issued as fake mono in Brazil 1971-72...so fake mono made from fake stereo :)
SvaraRadera