Re: Elvis vinyl related discussion

[Sweet-Angeline]

MBM put out some very classy vinyl for sure

[Alexander72]

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Great lp s one frome France and Elvis Country UK original.

Have the UK Elvis Country with bonus photo in my collection, never saw this French compilation before. Label is simular to this well-known French release: https://www.discogs.com/release/4433603 ... is-Presley and is apperently a budget label. Anymore releases on that label?

On the subject of mono mixes, if my information is solid... (So please correct me if I am wrong).

Period of real dedicated mono mixes

1954 - 1968:

RCA made monomixes of (all?) Elvis recordings until about the end of 1968.This means that the mono versions were not simply "fold-downs" (stereo merged into mono), but mixed versions with sometimes noticeable differences in balance, EQ, dynamics etc.

Bilbo, I thought about this a bit. I don't think that the UK pressings can have different mixes of anything.

Before 1969 or so,the final mix was done during recording session. My guess is that in the Elvis world,recording systems with more than 3 tracks were used in the Memphis -69 sessions for the first time.

Up until then the systems were basically 3 tracks:
1.
2&3: the rest of the musicians mixed to 2 tracks, which were used as left and right channel and therefore created a stereo image.

In the fifties,everything was mixed during the session,even Elvis's vocal. So you could not separate it from the band after the session. And Let's leave the binaural backup tapes out of this discussion...

In order to "mix" these afterwards, it would mean that you would need the multrack 3-track tapes and even then you can only mix the balance of Elvis vs. Rest of the instruments and vocals.

And I'm pretty sure that RCA did not send the original 3-track session tapes or even copies of them to the UK for remixing

So, the mono and stereo releases could have had different mastering. That means that the equalization,limiting and compression settings could have been different. For a listener it might seem like a certain instrument is heard differently,but that's because every instrument (and vocal) is produced with certain frequenzies and if those frequenzies are emphazised in the mastering process, the instruments/vocals in those frequenzies are heard louder. And vice versa.

Thank for the analysis!

You are very right. In my post about the mono mixes I was referring to the mixes made in the US. And these mixes were sent out to pressing plants in the rest of the world. The tapes sent were 2nd generation copies at best. In the UK, they were definitely remastered to the "UK taste" in sound. At least in the 50's and early 60's.

Bilbobaggins probably is right that RCA would sent mixed 2nd generation tapes to production facilities worldwide. From Elvis In Memphis was never mixed as a MONO album in the US so in this case the UK lacquer cutter had to "fold-down" the STEREO tape for a MONO record. I was really in awe when I first played the MONO record last week. JohnnyByeBye is so right: you can still make a hell of a difference in mastering as the Brits did. It's an excellent listening experience.

[Bilbobaggins]

Today I went to a small local vinyl (and beer) store to buy me some protective outer sleeves. Taking a quick look around I saw a US pressing of "Elvis 68 NBC TV Special" in a box with 2nd hand vinyl. Looking at the vinyl there wasn't the faintest sign of a hairline to be seen. So I took it home and gave it a quick clean. It sounds NM to me. If I am not mistaken it is a 1968 Hollywood pressing.

Maybe one of you US vinyl experts (Alexander72?) can confirm this?

[JohnnyByeBye]

Bilbo,you are so lucky!! Complete with original inner sleeve...Looks absolutely beautiful,congratulations!

[elvis-fan]

Today I went to a small local vinyl (and beer) store to buy me some protective outer sleeves. Taking a quick look around I saw a US pressing of "Elvis 68 NBC TV Special" in a box with 2nd hand vinyl. Looking at the vinyl there wasn't the faintest sign of a hairline to be seen. So I took it home and gave it a quick clean. It sounds NM to me. If I am not mistaken it is a 1968 Hollywood pressing.

Correct... as it's a 10S and rigid, it's a '68 Hollywood pressing. You should also see an H in the runout...
Nice find!

[colonel snow]

In the lead-out groove you'll find a code to recognize the pressing.
Here an explanation:

In 1963 another set of codes was introduced.

1st character (year recorded)
W = 1968

2nd character (label designation)

3rd character (size & speed)
A: master tape (also B, C)
K: 7" 45rpm
L: 7" 33rpm
P: 10" 33rpm
R: 12" 33prm

4th character (description)
A: stereo EP
B: mono EP
M: mono
S: stereo
T: quadrophonic
1: New York City recording
2: Chicago recording (discontinued in 1973)
3: Hollywood recording
4: Nashville recording
5: outside recording
6: foreign recording (?)

Plant identication of stampers
I = Indianapolis
H = Hollywood
R = Rockaway

A1 = first mold made from first master
A3 = third mold made from first master
C2 = second mold made from third master

This is not the master as recorded!!!

colonel snow

[Bilbobaggins]

Today I went to a small local vinyl (and beer) store to buy me some protective outer sleeves. Taking a quick look around I saw a US pressing of "Elvis 68 NBC TV Special" in a box with 2nd hand vinyl. Looking at the vinyl there wasn't the faintest sign of a hairline to be seen. So I took it home and gave it a quick clean. It sounds NM to me. If I am not mistaken it is a 1968 Hollywood pressing.

Correct... as it's a 10S and rigid, it's a '68 Hollywood pressing. You should also see an H in the runout...
Nice find!

Indeed, there is a H on the runout.

[colonel snow]

What is the complete code in the lead-out groove?
After pressing thousands of records a new mold was used for the next serie of pressings.


colonel snow

[Bilbobaggins]

What is the complete code in the lead-out groove?
After pressing thousands of records a new mold was used for the next serie of pressings.


colonel snow

Side 1: WPRM 8051 10S H
Side 2: WPRM 8052 9S H

[Alexander72]

What is the complete code in the lead-out groove?
After pressing thousands of records a new mold was used for the next serie of pressings.


colonel snow

Side 1: WPRM 8051 10S H
Side 2: WPRM 8052 9S H

That's a marvelous find @Bilbobaggins. Would be a sin to leave that one in the bin (That's my motto these days ). Of the Orange label with rigid vinyls the Hollywood pressing is harder to find as the bulk was pressed at the Indianapolis and Rockaway plants. Nice to have in the collection, congrats!

[colonel snow]

What is the complete code in the lead-out groove?
After pressing thousands of records a new mold was used for the next serie of pressings.


colonel snow

Side 1: WPRM 8051 10S H
Side 2: WPRM 8052 9S H

Explanation:
W = 1968
P = label
R = size 10 inch 33 rpm
M = mono

8051/8052 = serial number

10S = 10th mold
9S = 9th mold

H = Hollywood

Take a look into your US vinyl collection to see the pressings you have.


colonel snow

[colonel snow]

Here an example for my LP: Almost in love - Pickwick label 1970

In lead out groove:
side A: ZCRS 5968 3S H
side B: ZCRS 5967 12S H

Explanation:
Z = 1970
C = label
R = size 10 inch 33 rpm
S = stereo
5968/5967 = serial number

3S = third mold
12S = twelfth mold

H = Hollywood

It's not my intention to run through my LP collection as far it concerns US pressings. Besides I've LP's from other foreign countries and no US albums in that case. I don't collect doubles.


colonel snow

[LesterB]

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Just received this in the post today. It sounds excellent and has very little studio chatter so plays like an album - really nice!

[LesterB]

I meant to buy Harem Holiday FTD vinyl but ordered California Holiday instead by accident!

Anyway, I've opened it up and currently playing side 1. WOW!!!!! Hands down this is the best FTD vinyl that I have heard. It sounds fantastic and is laying on the turntable flat. As many of you know, I think most FTD vinyl sound dreadful so this is a great surprise.

Does anyone know who cut this? I wonder if Girl Happy and Harem Holiday have been cut by the same person??

[Mike C]

As the monaurals were phased out in 1964 onwards these are especially hard to find. I am still looking for:

- Something For Everybody (LPM)
- Pot Luck (LPM)
- Girls Girls Girls (LPM)
- It Happened At The Worlds Fair (LSP)

All other LPM/ LSPs on Black Label White Top are covered although some may deserve an upgrade.

If you are looking for an LSP of It Happened At The World's Fair, they are definitely out here at decent prices. According to Elvisrecords.com, there was never a monaural reissue of this soundtrack LP since it was a poor seller.

Of the other three LPMs you are looking for, I'd say Something for Everybody is the easiest to locate. Seen several copies the last few months.

Good point about the phasing out of the monaurals after 1964.

It Happened At The Worlds Fair 1964 Black Label White Top available at decent prices? Maybe if you live in the US and while shopping at thrift stores, garage sales etc but haven't seen one for ages on Ebay or Discogs. Oh well, just like with all hard to find reissues: patience and dedication are the name of the game
However do not hesitate to notify me if you come across one. Would really appreciate that

My apologies. Alexander. You're right, on the rarity of the 1964 White Top version. Please check your PM as I have a lead on another one you have been looking for.

[Mike C]

I noticed this on eBay think it’s UK seller, they have for sale ‘Gold Records Vol 4 rare Never Ending Sleeve’.

According to the description, I don’t think the seller realise its rarity amongst collectors. I’d have it myself but I’ve already got a copy. Plus I’m at that stage of life where I’m wanting to slim down my collection due to space.
Link:

https://ebay.us/m/PR4fD6

Wish the seller would post to the US. I'd put on a bid.

[Sweet-Angeline]

R-30759639-1716473273-8210.jpg

Just received this in the post today. It sounds excellent and has very little studio chatter so plays like an album - really nice!

Redemption have put out some nice vinyl and some CD sets, other vinyl are;

LIVE ANTHOLOGY 1973
OL SWIVEL HIPS STILL WOUS`EM...BOX SET
THE NINETEEN SEVENTY ONE SOUNDBOARD COLLECTION & MORE VOL.1 and VOL.2 (BOX SETS)

[Alexander72]

I noticed this on eBay think it’s UK seller, they have for sale ‘Gold Records Vol 4 rare Never Ending Sleeve’.

According to the description, I don’t think the seller realise its rarity amongst collectors. I’d have it myself but I’ve already got a copy. Plus I’m at that stage of life where I’m wanting to slim down my collection due to space.
Link:

https://ebay.us/m/PR4fD6

Wish the seller would post to the US. I'd put on a bid.

It's probably not a matter of the seller's unwillingness, but almost all European postal companies have stopped shipping packages to the US because it's unclear how imposed tariffs should be handled. BTW: the UK MONO I posted here before has the Never Ending cover.

[LesterB]

I saw a message on ebay saying they are now posting to the USA via their Global Shipping Program

[Alexander72]

For me the greatest fun of collecting is that even with the most common releases there are endless variations to be added to a collection. In Europe the Elvis Forever series starting in 1974 sold millions of copies. In my collection are copies from Canada (Volume 1), Italy (80s Linea Tres series volume 1-3), The Netherlands and France but the series originated from Germany. I've got a sweet spot for this series as I grew up with them. Sound wise these suffer from electronically reprocessed stereo, mastering error with a failing stereo channel on volume 2 and overall very compressed sound because of the densely pressed grooves. At the time, I didn't care about those shortcomings: I was just happy when a new Elvis record was released and I heard new songs that I didn't have in my small collection at the time.

Below the German pressings I collected over the years, from 1974 up to 1987 with multiple volumes and label variations.

from top to bottom, from left to right

- Elvis Forever, 32 Hits And The Story Of A King, 1974, RCA International, Turquoise Label, Germany
- Elvis Forever, 32 Hits, 1976-1982, RCA International, Turquoise Label, Germany
- Elvis Forever, 32 Hits And The Story Of A King, 1984, RCA International, Black Silver Label, Germany
- Elvis Forever, 32 Great Tracks, 1989, RCA International, Black Silver Label With Lightning Bolt Logo, Germany

- Elvis Forever Volume 2, 32 Hits, 1980, RCA International, Turquoise Label, Germany
- Elvis Forever Volume 2, 32 Hits, 1984, RCA International, Black Silver label, Germany

- Elvis Forever Volume 3, 32 Hits, 1982, RCA International, Turquoise Label, Germany
- Elvis Forever Volume 3, 32 Hits, 1984, RCA International, Black Silver label, Germany

- Elvis Forever Volume 4, 32 Hits, 1986, RCA International, Black Silver label, Germany

- Elvis Forever Volume 4, 32 Hits, 1987, RCA International, Black Silver label, Germany

To see these and more international releases, please check out the video I did last year on Elvis Forever on my Your Elvis Guide YouTube Channel.