UK 1st Pressing (1965)
PCS 3075
Discogs | TheBeatles-Collection
Matrix:
Side A: YEX 178-2
Side B: YEX 179-2
The UK first press is the reference for the stereo mix of the album. The stereo mix isn’t everyone’s favourite, as it often separates voices and instruments over stereo channels, leaving mostly an empty hole in the middle. The UK tube cut has a pleasant, warm character, which befits its folk-y character, while retaining fine trebles. Both the livelier songs and the ballads sound nice and balanced.
The dynamics are fine, for example, between the good, warm bass, tambourine, acoustic guitars and sitar on “Norwegian Wood”, or on the livelier “What Goes On?” which is especially fine-sounding and intricate in its instrument separation and dynamic range. The rockier songs like “Wait” or “The Word” sound raw and powerful.
Overall: that’s how this album ought to sound.