Beatles LP – Revolver 1966 – Withdrawn XEX 606-1 UK MONO 1st pressing

	£		890
	$		1,179

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The Beatles – Revolver 1966 – withdrawn XEX 606-1 UK 1st pressing on the yellow & black Parlophone label. PMC 7009. Stunning investment grade copy that has received only a few plays.

20th century collectables is pleased to offer for sale this very rare and much sought after XEX 606-1 matrix pressing of The Beatles – Revolver, featuring an alternative version of Tomorrow Never Knows, not available anywhere else or on any other format.

The exact story behind why an earlier version and mix of Tomorrow Never Knows came to be issued on such a seminal record (possibly in error) is not entirely clear as its existence only came to light in the 1980’s. One possible explanation is that John Lennon had decided (with the benefit of hindsight, and it would appear without the knowledge of George Martin) to replace this version of Tomorrow Never Knows (i.e. the XEX 606-1 version) with another preferred version i.e. the version which appeared on the XEX 606-2 matrix pressings and all subsequent copies of the album up until the present date.

For those collectors who are unaware, the track as it appears on this XEX 606-1 pressing is significantly different to the one issued on all other copies of the album including modern remastered versions. The ‘seagull’ sounds are more intense and random, the track is longer and there is piano playing at the end of the track.

The song was seen by Lennon as a ‘ground breaking’ piece of music, so it is understandable (if he did request the track to be replaced) as to why he went to such lengths to do so.

Precisely how many copies were pressed before the production line was stopped is not clear but judging by the stamping codes, production ceased very early on in the production cycle and most likely during the first morning of production.

It is not known if EMI destroyed much of this original production batch of XEX 606-1 pressings and that the ones distributed to the shops were released in error. It is quite possible that a significant number of copies were destroyed by EMI, as their quality control at the Hayes pressing plant in Middlesex was very stringent. What is known however, is that collectors are left with a very rare pressing of an alternative version to one of the most seminal and ground breaking of all Beatles songs.

Happy bidding and good luck! 

Matrix numbers: XEX 605-2 & XEX 606-1 (withdrawn matrix)

Stamper codes: 2/0 & 3/T (early single digit stampers)

Please check out the pictures and read on for further details:-

CONDITION

Disc

Visual:  Side 1 EXCELLENT+ Side 2 nr MINT

A superb looking disc of this ultra rare pressing which retains it’s original rainbow factory sheen.  Side one has a some ultra faint handling marks but these are superficial and are the kind which disappear when the record is rotated during inspection; grades at or around excellent+ Side two is in stunning condition with only one small faint mark which appears and disappears according to the angle in which the record is held, even under a harsh halogen desklight nothing much more is revealed – side two has clearly received only a handful of plays in its 57 year history and grades at or around near MINT. Side two carries the ultra rare 606-1 matrix code. A stunning copy and the finest I've seen. The vinyl lies 100% flat on the turntable.

Audio: nr MINT

Superb unworn audio with no distortion or groovewear. Very little to fault other than some occasional surface noise in places. Eleanor Rigby plays superbly. The all important track ‘TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS’ grades at MINT and is a superb audio example of this rare and deleted track only available on these earliest of pressings. The record does not jump or stick.

Labels: Label 1 EXCELLENT+ Label 2 nr MINT

A superb set of labels showing minimal signs of use. Probably less than 10 plays. Side one carries the KT tax code.  As with all XEX 606-1 pressings, side two has the early abbreviated ‘Dr. Robert’ as opposed to the later ‘Doctor Robert’.

Cover

nr MINT

A stunning example of this 1966 1st issue Garrod & Lofthouse cover in near MINT condition. There is some slight ageing/yellowing to the front panel which prevents a MINT grading. The laminate retains it’s original shop fresh high gloss sheen. There are no laminate bends or ‘thumbnail’ creases to any part of the cover. The original opening edge is factory sharp. The back panel is in pristine condition. All flipbacks are intact. There is no writing or personalisation to any part of the cover. The spine is uncrushed with the writing fully legible. Now extremely tough to find in this condition.

Inner-sleeve EXCELLENT+

Original ‘patents applied for’ inner sleeve.

Any questions please ask

This record has been strictly and conservatively graded to ‘UK RECORD COLLECTOR' standards.

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