Decoding matrix numbers and inscriptions on the run-off groove area may provide some clues about the origin of this mysterious pressing. So, I tried to make a quick analysis on matrix info although I am certainly NOT an expert on the subject.
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"CAPITOL" stamp (left) and "KP" inscription (right) found
on many copies of both regular and white label promo LPs |
[1] As noted on the previous post, both
"MASTERED BY CAPITOL" and
"KP", which are commonly seen in most, if not all, of the regular and white label promo LPs, are not stamped or inscribed in any side of the two discs.
[2] Instead, there are
"Emw" hand-etching and
"LS" or
"SL" monogram
* (two letters are superimposed) on each side, the former denoting
Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc., now a defunct vinyl/cassette manufacturing plant located in Indiana (see
this page on Discogs.com for reference) while the latter possibly referring to an yet identified engineer's initials (for known deadwax signatures of mastering/cutting engineers, check
here).
*NOTE: Further Internet search suggests that
"LS" may actually be
"ES" which also refers to
Electro
sound Group Midwest, Inc., although I don't figure out why two different codes (
"Emw" and
"ES" ) are used to specify the single same pressing plant.
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Hand-etched "Emw" and "LS" (or "SL") on the CBS special Products LP
|
[3] One of the white label promo LPs from the US I've kept for decades is supposedly an early pressing as it comes with a memorandum from Bruce Lundvall, the then President of the domestic division of CBS Records. So, I compared the main code of the matrix number (side 1 only) of this "Special" pressing with that of the WLP copy:
WLP:
T1 PAL36855 1M
CBS Special Products:
AL 36855-1AB
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| Label and matrix number on Side 1 of the CBS Special Products release |
From these facts,
(i) Unlike many circulating copies, it is possible that the master for this pressing is not cut by Ken Perry at Capitol Records.
(ii) Back in 1980, Columbia Records had three principal vinyl pressing plants: Terre Haute, IN (1953-1982), Pitman, NJ (1960-1986) and Santa Maria, CA (1963-1981). For big artists like Springsteen, the album must have been pressed at all major pressing plants. The WLP matrix is preceded by "T1" (actually on all sides), which presumably indicates that these vinyls are pressed at Terre Haute, IN, whereas the CBS Special Products version seems not to be pressed at any of the three because of the absence of such a pressing plant-specific signature.
(iii) The last code of the matrix usually reflects cutting number/history at Columbia Records. One-letter code ("M" for WLP) may suggest an earlier pressing than two-letter code ("AB" for Special Products). However, I wonder if this comparison makes sense because the two sets are most probably pressed at different plants as indicated by different label design and matrix info. Prefix codes ("PAL" vs. "AL") preceding five digits ("36855" for Side A) also do not match between the two pressings. I have no idea what this difference means.
— To be continued.
→ Check here for the updated information.
I can confirm that the monogram is "SL". Not "LS" and definitely not "ES". I can see it very clearly on all four sides on my copy. Logically, "SL" are the initials of the mastering/cutting engineer at Electrosound Group Midwest, but that remains to be confirmed.
ReplyDeleteHere are high quality scans of my copy:
http://www.springsteenlyrics.com/collection.php?item=7541
Hi Eddy, many thanks for your comment. I just remembered people saying that the first impression is always right.
ReplyDeleteEddy, one question on your copy. Which sleeve, thick or thin, does your copy come in?
ReplyDeleteIf you are talking about the jacket, it comes in one with a thin spine. All my other six US pressings (not this version) come in a jacket with a thick thin spine.
ReplyDeleteIf you are talking about the inner sleeves, they are cardboard (not paper), just like all the other US pressings I have.
Here are all my US pressings, with complete info:
http://www.springsteenlyrics.com/collection.php?category=album&f_12=1&f_ymin=1980&f_ymax=1980&f_c=USA&cmd=list
(in the next two days I will add better scans and the dead wax inscriptions for the promo copies)
I was talking about the outer sleeve (jacket). As far as I know, no copies have been circulated in the thick, box-like sleeve. Just wanted to know about your copy.
ReplyDelete