{"id":968,"date":"2024-07-06T15:31:05","date_gmt":"2024-07-06T15:31:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/?page_id=968"},"modified":"2024-07-07T09:17:19","modified_gmt":"2024-07-07T09:17:19","slug":"rubber-soul-legacy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/shootouts\/legacy-shootouts\/rubber-soul-legacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Rubber Soul (Legacy)"},"content":{"rendered":"<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"969\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/shootouts\/legacy-shootouts\/rubber-soul-legacy\/rs_covers\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?fit=1200%2C736&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,736\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"RS_covers\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?fit=300%2C184&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?fit=1024%2C628&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-969\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?resize=1024%2C628&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?resize=1024%2C628&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?resize=300%2C184&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?resize=768%2C471&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_covers.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>First published: Apr 15, 2021<\/p>\n<p>The Candidates:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"2\/\">UK 1st Pressing (1965)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"3\/\">German 1st cut (1965)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"4\/\">German 2nd cut (1972)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"5\/\">German 3rd cut (mid-1980s)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"6\/\">Japanese 1973 pressing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"7\/\">The Verdict<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The UK pressings are specified according to\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/thebeatles-collection.com\/wordpress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TheBeatles-Collection<\/a>, the German cuts are specified according to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/beatles-german-cuts-list\/\">German Matrix Database<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><b><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"970\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/shootouts\/legacy-shootouts\/rubber-soul-legacy\/rs_uk1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?fit=1600%2C1546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"RS_UK1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?fit=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?fit=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-970\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?resize=300%2C290&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?resize=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?resize=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?resize=768%2C742&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1484&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_UK1.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>UK 1st Pressing (1965)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><strong>PCS 3075<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discogs.com\/The-Beatles-Rubber-Soul\/release\/393617\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discogs<\/a> | <a href=\"http:\/\/thebeatles-collection.com\/wordpress\/2011\/07\/16\/rubber-soul-parlophone-pcs-3075\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TheBeatles-Collection<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Matrix:<br \/>\nSide A: YEX 178-2<br \/>\nSide B: YEX 179-2<\/p>\n<p>The UK first press is the reference for the stereo mix of the album. The stereo mix isn\u2019t everyone\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>The dynamics are fine, for example, between the good, warm bass, tambourine, acoustic guitars and sitar on \u201cNorwegian Wood\u201d, or on the livelier \u201cWhat Goes On?\u201d which is especially fine-sounding and intricate in its instrument separation and dynamic range. The rockier songs like \u201cWait\u201d or \u201cThe Word\u201d sound raw and powerful.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall:<\/strong> that\u2019s how this album ought to sound.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><b><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"971\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/shootouts\/legacy-shootouts\/rubber-soul-legacy\/rs_de1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?fit=1600%2C1546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"RS_DE1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?fit=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?fit=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-971\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?resize=300%2C290&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?resize=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?resize=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?resize=768%2C742&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1484&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE1.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>German 1st cut (1965)<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><strong>SMO 84 066<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discogs.com\/The-Beatles-Rubber-Soul\/release\/11322344\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discogs<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/beatles-german-cuts-list\/1962-1966\/rubber-soul\/#1\">German Matrix Database<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Matrix:<br \/>\nSide A: YEX 178-2<br \/>\nSide B: YEX 179-1<\/p>\n<p>The German 1st cut was released in 1965\u00a0 on the Odeon label of EMI Electrola (white\/red\/gold label). As a matter of fact, Rubber Soul never had the H\u00f6rZu (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).<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s tambourine on \u201cDrive My Car\u201d is somewhere lost in the background. Basses have substance, but not are not rich in detail. The great original dynamics on \u201cNorwegian Wood\u201d is lost. The intro on \u201cNowhere Man\u201d sounds lame, just not as mind-blowing as on the UK. Lennon\u2019s singing on the right channel on \u201cThe Word\u201d is considerably muted. \u201cWhat Goes On\u201d, a firework of intricate instruments on the original cut, loses the clarity in the treble area. While the verse parts on \u201cWait\u201d sound quite similar to the OK, the difference during refrains is jarring: German version sounds more compressed, and, well, again, has less treble.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall:<\/strong>\u00a0that 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.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><b><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"972\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/shootouts\/legacy-shootouts\/rubber-soul-legacy\/rs_de2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?fit=1600%2C1546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"RS_DE2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?fit=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?fit=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-972\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?resize=300%2C290&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?resize=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?resize=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?resize=768%2C742&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?resize=1536%2C1484&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE2.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>German 2nd cut (1972)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Odeon, 1C 062-04 115<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discogs.com\/The-Beatles-Rubber-Soul\/release\/733059\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discogs<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/beatles-german-cuts-list\/1962-1966\/rubber-soul\/#2\">German Matrix Database<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Matrix:<br \/>\nSide A: 04 115 A \u2013 3<br \/>\nSide B: 04 115 B \u20132<\/p>\n<p>The 2nd cut was made by EMI Electrola in 1972 (not to be confused with a repress of the 1st cut in 1969, both with the SMO and the 1C 062 cat. no.) This second cut was reissued multiple times throughout the 70s. It can be identified by the very narrow deadwax on Side A, and usually has a small circle above the ST33 indicator on labels. Also noteworthy: this cut runs slightly slower than the UK. As for the sound characteristics, here we go with our selected sample tracks.<\/p>\n<p>The first track, \u201cDrive My Car\u201d, is a pleasant surprise, very similar to the UK 1st! A tad bit more reserved in punch, but when switching back and forth, the difference is marginal. Next track is, the ballad \u201cNorwegian Wood\u201d with its rich instrumentation. Once again, very pleasant dynamics, with good, deep and detailed basses on the low side, tambourine and sitar in the trebles, and very clear singing. Though the line \u201cI sat on the rug, biding my time\u201d sounds slightly more muffled than on the UK (as it was pointed out, I verified it). \u201cNowhere Man\u201d lacks a bit the precision of the UK, the intro of which unfolds like a flower, first the choir to the right, then the bass and drums at the midleft, and then the guitars to the far left. The German does the same, but the effect is slightly less strong. Also, the guitar solo is a bit more buried in the mix. Harrison\u2019s \u201cThink for Yourself\u201d sounds tamer on the German version, the UK has a punchier midrange (distorted guitar and singing) on the UK version. \u201cThe Word\u201d, a more action-y song, feels slightly narrowed on the German version, so that John\u2019s voice is not as far right as in the UK. On the other hand, Ringo\u2019s maracas are more detailed on the German version (and bass is strong on both). The last track on Side A, \u201cMichelle\u201d, sounds more open on the German cut, the trebles and Paul\u2019s voice actually more-defined.<\/p>\n<p>On Side B, \u201cWhat Goes On\u201d the UK gets ahead with better-detailed trebles and overall dynamics, the German sounds more reserved. \u201cI\u2019m Looking Through You\u201d has a punchier bass on the UK, though the midrange has slightly more substance on the German. \u201cWait\u201d, oddly enough, sounds very similar on both versions, with no real edge to each of the candidates. On \u201cRun for Your Life\u201d, the singing on the right channel has been slightly reduced, so it is more in harmony with the instruments (left channel) \u2013 but has less impact.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall:<\/strong>\u00a0I actually forgot how well this version actually sounds. Some songs sound virtually the same, whereas others seem to have more \u201cpunch\u201d on the UK. On the other hand, some of the others have better-detailed in trebles on the German version. Overall, a fine record to own.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><b><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"973\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/shootouts\/legacy-shootouts\/rubber-soul-legacy\/rs_de3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?fit=1600%2C1546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"RS_DE3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?fit=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?fit=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-973\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?resize=300%2C290&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?resize=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?resize=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?resize=768%2C742&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?resize=1536%2C1484&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_DE3.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>German 3rd cut (mid-80s)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><strong>1C 072-04 115<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discogs.com\/The-Beatles-Rubber-Soul\/release\/16207832\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discogs<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/beatles-german-cuts-list\/1962-1966\/rubber-soul\/#3\">German Matrix Database<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Matrix:<br \/>\nSide A: 04115 &#8211; A2<br \/>\nSide B: 04115 &#8211; B1<\/p>\n<p>This release is listed on Discogs as being from 1981, however, this is wrong. This record has been cut using DMM technology, which was used on Electrola for pop music starting with 1984. The deadwax areas are rather spacious, especially on Side B. Also, this cut runs faster than the UK (and the pauses between songs are shorter) \u2013 it is actually the fastest of the lot.<\/p>\n<p>There are immediately several surprises present. First, the overpowering, boosted bass. Not just the bass guitar, but rather the bass drum. It is literally thumping. The second thing is, the stereo panorama has been narrowed quite substantially. I have picked out some exemplary songs, as both aspects are present throughout.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDrive My Car\u201d is a very good example. The intro solo and the singing come almost from the center, instead of the right channel. The bass drums are thumping, almost being distracting. The cymbals are also moved nearer to the center, and sound murky. \u201cNorwegian Wood\u201d is better, it\u2019s less compressed stereo-wise, and has a better instrument separation, though the bass never stops droning. The narrow stereo panorama of \u201981 effectively kills the aforementioned effect of the \u201cNowhere Man\u201d intro, and murks up the middles. Same goes for \u201cThe Word\u201d, where Lennon\u2019s parts (on the far right on the UK) are now in the mid-right and are somewhat buried in the mix. \u201cMichelle\u201d actually profits slightly from the narrower panorama, as Paul\u2019s voice and the choir have more presence; however, the bass is, once again, too much for my taste.<\/p>\n<p>On Side 2, the two vocal parties are kept in the far left and right, but the guitars have been moved to the center. By this, the intricate weaving of instrumentation is disturbed, the guitar parts sound buried in the mix. On \u201cI\u2019m Looking Through You\u201d, the bass is not thumping or droning, but rather rumbling, whereas the guitars have been moved from left almost to the center. It\u2019s droning again on \u201cWait\u201d (which also became murkier due to narrowed stereo). And the whole narrowing thing culminates at the extreme on \u201cRun for Your Life\u201d, where, well, instead of instruments being left, and John being right, everything just comes from the middle.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall:<\/strong>\u00a0the original stereo Rubber Soul drew some criticism due to its original stereo panorama, having a &#8220;hole&#8221; in the middle. This late German press seems to have tried to fix it by narrowing everything down. So this might be an interesting alternative for those who don\u2019t like the original mix. For those who are seeking a faithful representation of the original mix, this one should be avoided. As for the bass, it is really deep \u2013 though I personally found it rather distracting.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><b><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"974\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/shootouts\/legacy-shootouts\/rubber-soul-legacy\/rs_jp\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?fit=1600%2C1546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"RS_JP\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?fit=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?fit=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-974\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?resize=300%2C290&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?resize=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?resize=1024%2C989&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?resize=768%2C742&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?resize=1536%2C1484&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/beatles-shootouts.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/RS_JP.jpg?w=1600&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Japanese 1973 pressing<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><strong>AP-8156<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discogs.com\/The-Beatles-Rubber-Soul\/release\/5014356\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discogs\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Matrix:<br \/>\nSide A: YEX-178-Z 1S3<br \/>\nSide B: YEX-179 2S<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDrive My Car\u201d 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. \u201cNorwegian Wood\u201d 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 \u201cNowhere Man\u201d is unfolding just beautifully. \u201cThe Word\u201d sounds surprisingly clear and detailed, John\u2019s singing in the right channel is spot-on (though the overall song has more power in the UK 1st). But \u201cMichelle\u201d is indeed a revelation on the Japanese version, fine and detailed.<\/p>\n<p>Side B starts with the intricate weaving of instruments and voices that is \u201cWhat Goes On?\u201d 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\u2019s voice(s) on \u201cI\u2019m Looking Through You\u201d sound slightly clearer, than on the UK. Just about everything sounds clearer on the Japanese. In \u201cWait\u201d, on the lines \u201cBut when the heart breaks\u201d, you hear Ringo\u2019s cymbals clearly defined, where on the UK, they are somehow murky. Same goes for John\u2019s voice on \u201cRun for Your Life\u201d which is less shrill than on the UK 1st.<\/p>\n<p>Though the Japanese is also not without its pinch of salt. First, it\u2019s has the longest runtime, being the slowest of the lot. Second, between songs, there are some audible pre-echos.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall:<\/strong> 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\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>0th place:<\/strong> UK, just because it\u2019s the original reference, so it\u2019s out of competition. It\u2019s raw, it\u2019s punchy, it\u2019s balanced, it\u2019s just good.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1st place:<\/strong>\u00a0Japan 1973. Very similar to UK, but more elegance and detail. My to-go version from now on.<br \/>\n<b><\/b><\/li>\n<li><strong>2nd place:<\/strong> Germany 1972. Also quite a similar to the UK, but some slight differences on certain songs make it slightly worse.<\/li>\n<li><strong>3rd place:<\/strong> Germany 1965. Muffled and boring, except for the stylish red-gold-white label.<\/li>\n<li><strong>4th place:<\/strong> Germany early 80s cut. Not only was the bass getting on my nerves, but I also disliked the narrow stereo. Though this might be actually a plus point for some.<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":934,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-968","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=968"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/968\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":979,"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/968\/revisions\/979"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/934"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beatles-shootouts.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}