German 1st Cut (1970)
1C 062-04 433 Y
Discogs | German Matrix Database
Matrix:
Side A: 1C062-04433-Y-A-1
Side B: 1C062-04433-Y-B-1
This version is quite common in Germany. It was first released in the UK-like collector’s boxset, but also separately. Unlike in UK, the Apple on the back has always been red. This particular first cut of “Let It Be” was in use in Germany throughout the 70s and was only superseded in mid-80s by an analogue unmarked DMM version. My copy is from 1973.
Now for the sound. Side A starts out with “Two of Us”, and here the difference to the UK is already audible. The bass has been boosted, but the mid-high range feels somehow reduced, losing the brilliance of the acoustic guitars and vocals. Somehow it sounds muffled, like from under a blanket. Same goes for “Dig a Pony”: the bass is amplified, but the vocals are somewhat buried. “Across the Universe” has the buried vocals as well. “I Me Mine”, however, profits from the stronger bass end, while the trebles are still detailed enough, having been strong to begin with. “Dig It” is okay. Now for the title track: unfortunately, the first part is sort of muted, the vocals buried, the grand piano lacking definition. It gets slightly better once the bass, drums & orchestra kick in, however, the vocals remain buried in the mix. “Maggie Mae” has more bass substance and still the same good stereo separation, but the trebles are dull, like through a blanket.
Side B: the difference in bass is less pronounced than on Side A, probably due to a later UK cut for that side. “I’ve Got a Feeling”: basses and trebles are nice and detailed, though the vocals feel a bit buried. “One after 909”: similar to the UK, but slightly less overall definition. “The Long and Winding Road”: very similar to the UK as well, actually, with a tiny bit less presence in the vocals. “For You Blue”: actually, a very nice definition, punchy bass, good drums, good separation. “Get Back”: again, similar to the UK, but the vocals are slightly buried again. On the other hand, the trebles (cymbalos) are actually more pronounced than on the UK version.
Overall: at least Side A, in comparison to the -3U UK cut, loses out in detail and clarity. While having a stronger bass, the German version sounds like through a blanket, losing details on the high end and vocals. Side B is however more similar to the late UK -4 cut, though it still suffers somewhat from muted vocals and trebles.