One yet unelucidated DARKNESS matrix code found in some of the early U.S. pressings. |
There may be more examples but I cannot so far find any others, except for the three-letter code PPP, which is hand-inscribed on the run-off matrix of SIDE 2 of the certain pressings. I own four such copies whose rear sleeve features the large track listing and black font credits (see the last post for the details of the rear sleeve variation). The four copies share the identical matrix information and the machine-stamped TML-M inscription is found on both sides of vinyl disc. Thus, these pressings are not repressed copies (see this
post for an example of repressing). However, they are also found not to be initial or very early pressings because their matrix number suffix consists of two letters as visible on each side (1AG/1AB). Like the other four matrix hand-etchings, I first presumed that PPP encodes a unique pressing plant name and its geographical location. So far, however, I couldn't think of any plausible interpretation for this matrix code using the aforementioned assumption rules.
The following are what I consider as key facts and circumstances:
- As explained above, the PPP-handetching pressings are NOT regarded as initial or very early copies that are originally released on June 2nd, 1978.
- The pressing number seems NOT to be small since these copies are relatively found easily at used record shops or online auction, suggesting that they were pressed at a Columbia's regular pressing plant.
- Upon the settlement of strike, the Pitman plant resumed the operation by the end of May or early June in 1978 (according to the 05/27/1978 issue of the Billboard Magazine), and thus it is most likely that this facility got started pressing the DARKNESS album by early summer in 1978.
- These particular vinyl discs were apparently NOT pressed at Santa Maria and Terre Haute plants, the other two regular Columbia plants in operation back then, because their representative matrix codes, such as 1S and T1, are not found on the dead-wax space.
Finally, I have examined my collection and summarized, as shown above, the relationship of record company/pressing plant/matrix information for the early U.S. pressings of the DARKNESS LP. It must be noted that, as the tabulation is solely based on my own copies I have kept to date, this summary is not complete and still missing relevant pressings that should be incorporated herein. For instance, I guess there would be a few more variants that were pressed at non-regular pressing plants. Another guess is whether the Santa Maria 1A/2A pressing has been available (as I have never seen the copies). Does anyone have a copy of such?
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PPP; couldn't it be as simple as Pitman Pressing Plant??
ReplyDeleteProvided that it really refers to Pitman, I vote your idea!
DeleteHalleluja!
DeleteI have a PPP variant, which has the following matrices:
ReplyDeleteSide 1: PAL-35318-XXX (crossed out) 1AF TML-S PPP
Side 2: PBL-35318-2AB PPP TML-M
So PPP on both sides.
My Santa Maria early pressing has the following matrices:
Side 1: PAL-35318-1B TML-S
Side 2: PBL-35318-2B TML-S
So no 1A, 2A variant here unfortunately
Great info, thanks!
DeleteAs for the probable Pitman pressings:
I didn't know the existence of the version with the PPP code on both sides.
As for the Santa Maria pressings:
With three (1A, 1B and 1C on SIDE 1) and two (2B and 2C on SIDE 2) suffix varieties, I have all the combinations in my collection except for 1C/2B.
I don't think the SIDE 2 matrix suffix 2A has ever been available. According to Dave Marsh's BORN TO RUN book (Chapter 15), SIDE 2 of the LP, once completed mastering, had to be remastered immediately before the release of the album because the first track The Promised Land was remixed to put Miami Steve's guitar solo back in. So, I guess SIDE 2 before subjected to remastering would carry the matrix suffix 2A.
Looks like you have a great DOTEOT early Amrican pressing collection!
DeleteHow many copies do you own of this great album?