ROLLING STONES/EXILE ON MAIN STREET UK COC 69100 VS. US COC 2-2900.

Probably the greatest rock album ever made and a must have, whatever issue or format best fitting your ears. Had an early US copy (etched matrixes ST-RS-722507C/8A/9B/10A) for decades and always been totally content with that. Top press with awesome audio and robust wrapping. But through the years I've also seen the original UK issue being a lot more cherished and sold for bigger bucks. So when this early press (stamped matrixes A1/B2/C1/D1 also with etched US numbers ST-RS 722507/8/9/10) showed up a while ago in nice nick at a price fitting my wallet I decided to buy it and see what the fuzz was all about. As it turned out...not much. US outer sleeve may be perceived as a tiny bit sturdier, text on spine situated differently, fonts on the UK postcard fronts uncolored and there's variation in label designs. That's about it. They sound very much the same to me - couldn't tell them apart in a blind test - both come out absolutely great and offer equally tophole connection. I understand if die-hard Stones fans are willing to cough up big to get the UK 1st as that is rarer and it's also important for some collectors to get a British band on British vinyl. But if you're only in it for the music and audio you'll be as happy listening to an early US issue. That is in fact the original, high class all the way and since it is more common you can also get it a lot cheaper. (RÅ*) (CPYC*) (YZÄ*)