German 1st cut (1965)
SMO 84 066
Discogs | German Matrix Database
Matrix:
Side A: YEX 178-2
Side B: YEX 179-1
The German 1st cut was released in 1965 on the Odeon label of EMI Electrola (white/red/gold label). As a matter of fact, Rubber Soul never had the HörZu (or subsequent Apple) treatment in Germany and remained with Odeon until well into the 80s. My copy of the 1st cut is from 1966. One thing one notices in direct comparison: this is probably the only version of the lot that has pretty much the same length and speed with the original UK version, so it has most probably been cut from a copy of the original stereo tape, at the same speed. Though the German version is considerably lower in volume (~3db).
In direct comparison to the UK 1st, however, the German loses out way bad. Literally as if someone has put a blanket put over the speakers, muffling all details, especially the trebles. Ringo’s tambourine on “Drive My Car” is somewhere lost in the background. Basses have substance, but not are not rich in detail. The great original dynamics on “Norwegian Wood” is lost. The intro on “Nowhere Man” sounds lame, just not as mind-blowing as on the UK. Lennon’s singing on the right channel on “The Word” is considerably muted. “What Goes On”, a firework of intricate instruments on the original cut, loses the clarity in the treble area. While the verse parts on “Wait” sound quite similar to the OK, the difference during refrains is jarring: German version sounds more compressed, and, well, again, has less treble.
Overall: that was a long way to say that the German 1st is just tamer, duller, muffled, less exciting in every respect. At least it has the same speed.