The Doors EARLIEST U.S. Monarch 1967 Stereo Press w ALL 1st Issue Indicators NM-

	C$		495
	$		359

Very first [Stereo] U.S. pressing of The Doors' (EKS - 74007) sensational self-titled debut album released in January of 1967.  In addition, it is the earliest first pressing manufactured at the Monarch Records [Mfg. Co.] pressing plant in Los Angeles, CA., in other words, this is the pressing you probably would have found in record stores in January/February of 1967 in L.A.,  where the band was from. 
Below are all the important first issue indicators for this [Monarch] 1967 U.S. pressing release: 

1.  First batches in Mono and Stereo had erroneously printed labels. The song,  'BREAK ON THROUGH (To The Other Side)'  was instead printed, 'BREAK ON THROUGH (To The Oher Side)'...one of the most significant indicators for the earliest  pressing of this album. 
2.   The matrix numbers in the deadwax areas around both labels correspond to the 1st and earliest [Stereo] pressing for this title; also known as variant A:  EKS - 74007A  (M)   (MR)    (triangle symbol) 9991/  EKS - 74007B  (M)   (MR)    (triangle symbol) 9991-X  
3.  Publishing credits for 'Alabama Song' were assigned to 'Witmark ASCAP' on initial pressings. Later pressings had 'Harms Co. ASCAP' printed instead. 
Occasionally  these indicators are found individually on certain pressings. However, it is much, MUCH rarer to find them all together on one record.    

Among the many reasons collectors and audiophiles seek out this particular pressing is of course, the audio.   I can tell you in all honesty that playback from this copy was simply magnificent.  You may search far and wide but this animal is rarely, if ever, found...and in this condition, almost never.  In fact, in over 35 years this is the first one I am able to offer for sale.  

Cover: Excellent.....some very minor ring wear......the start of two inoffensive seam splits at the top and bottom edges; (but they haven't actually split)....spine is almost perfect with all the print easily legible.  I've noticed that the card stock used for these early printed covers are somewhat thicker and more robust than later ones.  A beautiful example and rarely found in this condition. 
Original Inner-Sleeve: Excellent(minus) .....the matte textured vintage inner-sleeve is in wonderful condition. Even with 2 clean seam splits to the left and right  it is still one of the nicest ones I've ever come across.  In addition, it has the correct [1967] Elektra Records office adresses printed below both for the US. and the UK. I emphasize the word "correct" because the addresses match the ones  printed below on the back of the Lp jacket. Any other addresses (or the lack of one) indicates a switch or a later version.  A higher quality audiophile inner-sleeve will be included to house the precious record.
Record: Near Mint(-).....the thick and heavy vinyl shows almost no evidence of play.  Truly remarkable.  Under strong light I can see a few marks that were undoubtedly there from new and probably created during the pressing process almost 53 years ago.  The labels are almost flawless....I do not see any spindle marks at all!!  A few errant light "tics" were heard during playback but not enough to lower the grade.  From the first song to the last,  the audio was outstanding....clear, detailed, balanced and distortion-free.  I am certain there isn't a cleaner example of this particular pressing on the planet.   
Matrix Numbers:        Side 1          EKS - 74007 A     (M)        (MR)           (Triangle symbol) 9991                                     Side 2          EKS   74007 B     (M)        (MR)           (Triangle symbol) 9991-X

I will always combine shipping to save you money.
International buyers....please contact me for shipping rates and delivery options. 
Please Note:  Although returns are accepted and refunds given, I only do so in case of gross product misrepresentation on my part. Therefore, please read all the description details carefully and look at all the accompanying  photos ....particularly with the "zoom" feature.