Beatles - Rubber Soul (UK) – Mono -4/-4 Pressing –...

A very attractive 1965 UK second mono pressing of The Beatles' Rubber Soul, issued on the classic yellow-and-black Parlophone label under catalogue number PMC 1257. This copy carries the recognised -4/-4 second-pressing matrices: XEX 579-4 and XEX 580-4. These matrices followed the original -1/-1 mono cut and represent an important early stage in the UK pressing history of Rubber Soul. The -4/-4 configuration is a distinct original-period mono variation and forms part of the core sequence collected by specialists in early UK Beatles pressings. The deadwax also carries the EMI mother and stamper information: Side 1 9 AGH and Side 2 11 ARP, details included for precise identification of this particular copy and to document its place within EMI's production sequence. Released in December 1965, Rubber Soul represents one of the decisive turning points in The Beatles' catalogue. The writing became more introspective, the arrangements more adventurous, and the group increasingly treated the studio as a creative instrument rather than simply a place to document live performances. The album contains an extraordinary run of material including "Drive My Car," "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," "Nowhere Man," "Michelle," "Girl," "I'm Looking Through You," "In My Life," "If I Needed Someone" and "Run For Your Life." For the British market, mono remained the principal format in 1965, and the dedicated UK mono mix is therefore an essential part of the album's original release history. Early mono pressings such as this -4/-4 copy remain a key area of Beatles collecting, especially when accompanied by a strong original laminated sleeve and clean vinyl. ⸻ Sleeve (VG+): The original laminated sleeve remains a very clean and attractive example in VG+ condition. The front panel is particularly strong, retaining excellent colour, clean laminate and a very appealing overall presentation. The rear panel shows some age-related yellowing, which has been taken into account in the grading, but the sleeve remains structurally solid and visually very pleasing → VG+ Vinyl (EX): The vinyl remains in strong Excellent condition, retaining very good original gloss. There is some light play wear and a number of superficial signs of previous use, but nothing particularly deep or severe. The overall appearance remains clean and attractive. The labels are well preserved, with some spindle marks around the centre holes, consistent with normal previous play → EX ⸻ Details * UK second mono pressing * Parlophone PMC 1257 * Yellow-and-black Parlophone labels * Original laminated UK mono sleeve * December 1965 release * Made in Gt. Britain ⸻ Matrix / Stampers * XEX 579-4 (Side 1) * XEX 580-4 (Side 2) * Mothers / Stampers: 9 AGH (Side 1) / 11 ARP (Side 2)

Estimate:£5.86

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