Of the three original UK versions issued from these recordings - stereo, regular mono and the soon withdrawn "loud cut" mono - I'm one of few who actually prefer the latter (see earlier post). Don't know if that has to do with I use a round stylus (Shure M44-7) instead of some later thinner construction, but though the regular mono is very good I've always thought the more powerful and hard hitting loud cut is more rewarding. This stereo however is a different matter all together. After the, for its time, absolutely stunning stereo mix of "Beatles For Sale" and the totally ok one of "Help!" (see earlier posts) this comes through a lot more unbalanced at parts. The power is there for sure, but with exception of "Think For Yourself" and "What Goes On" all cuts have lead and most of the background vocals mixed hard right, giving a somewhat unnatural impression. Surprising considering the two forerunning stereos and George Martin's well known accuracy with the mixes, but can be explained by two coinciding events. At the time Martin had begun to experiment with compatible stereo mixes to enable stereos to be played on contemporary state of the art mono equipments and probably also with a future of good folds in mind. The operation was abandoned and only UK Beatles fold became "Yellow Submarine", four years later. Also the whole conduct was rushed for the record to be in the shops before Christmas. My guess is most of the mixes heard here originated from Martin's trials with compatibles and slipped through cause they didn't have enough time to make new ones. However that may be and whatever format you prefer it is a great album and that's what really matter. Premiere UK stereo had label as shown here with "Sold In UK..." in a laminated flip/back cover and rice-paper "Emitex" inner. (BÄ*) (PÖX*) (LGÅ*)
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