Japanese Pressing (1973)
AP-8151
Matrix:
Side A: YEX 168 2S
Side B: YEX 169 2S2
This Japanese version from early 70s comes in a gatefold copying the original Odeon release (which I also own, but it has too worn-out grooves, thus not qualifying for the shootout) Anyhow, with 1973 this is the earliest cut of the lot.
Side A. The title track already reveals the problem of this Japanese version. It sounds somehow dull, as if covered with a blanket. Even though the trebles are nice and detailed (refrain of “Help!”), the rest is somehow murky and lacking definition, especially the bass and the midrange. This is sometimes more, sometimes less pronounced: on “Help!” or “I Need You” rather more, on “The Night Before” or “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” a bit less. “Another Girl” is slightly louder on the Japanese. “You’re Gonna Lose That Girl” is once again, weaker on the low end. And on “Ticket To Ride” the characteristic guitar riffs are buried in the mix, though the singing has more presence.
Side B: “Act Naturally”: nice bass groundwork and trebles, but the voice and the guitar are a bit buried in the mix. “It’s Only Love” misses some substance in the low region. At least there are no problems with sibilance, and the trebles are nice. “You Like Me Too Much” also lacks a bit in bass and midrange, the voice is slightly buried. “Tell Me What You See” is also lacking somewhat in the bass area. “I’ve Just Seen A Face” is seriously muted, the maracas are just a shadow of themselves, and Paul seems to sing through a pillow. Same goes for “Yesterday”, the guitar and Paul’s voice are muffled. “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”: bass is lacking, voice is muffled and everything is just murky.
Overall: the Japanese often features good detailed trebles, but other than that it lacks substance in the low midrange (making vocals sound muffled) and bass.