Japanese 1973 pressing
AP-8156
Matrix:
Side A: YEX-178-Z 1S3
Side B: YEX-179 2S
The Japanese is recorded slightly lower in volume than the UK (about 2db). And, after hearing the mid-1980s German version, it was a very pleasant return to the original mix.
“Drive My Car” lacks the raw punch of the tube-cut UK a little bit, but on the other hand, the Japanese cut is very detailed and, well, very pleasant. “Norwegian Wood” features some good and detailed bass. Actually, it sounds actually even more exciting than the UK in the direct comparison, without being an artificial mess like the 1981 German one. The beginning of “Nowhere Man” is unfolding just beautifully. “The Word” sounds surprisingly clear and detailed, John’s singing in the right channel is spot-on (though the overall song has more power in the UK 1st). But “Michelle” is indeed a revelation on the Japanese version, fine and detailed.
Side B starts with the intricate weaving of instruments and voices that is “What Goes On?” And this is once again, very similar to the UK. The trebles have been slightly muted, the basses are defined but less punchy, the voices and guitars have great presence. Paul’s voice(s) on “I’m Looking Through You” sound slightly clearer, than on the UK. Just about everything sounds clearer on the Japanese. In “Wait”, on the lines “But when the heart breaks”, you hear Ringo’s cymbals clearly defined, where on the UK, they are somehow murky. Same goes for John’s voice on “Run for Your Life” which is less shrill than on the UK 1st.
Though the Japanese is also not without its pinch of salt. First, it’s has the longest runtime, being the slowest of the lot. Second, between songs, there are some audible pre-echos.
Overall: Apart from being slowed down, this is probably the best representation of the original mix. It is easily the best-detailed version of all, and while lacking the UK’s tube-cut power, it makes up for it with finesse and intricacy. And that Japanese vinyl is dead quiet, too (except for the pre-echoes).