The Velvet Underground - 3rd LP UK 1969 MGM 1st Press

	£		165
	$		219

The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground

MGM - CS 8108

The 1969 UK original pressing of the third Velvets album is easily one of the rarest major label LPs of the 1960s. Estimates of the number of copies pressed are around the 600 mark. This UK first press was unique, containing a different mix to that which was issued in other countries, as well as a different back cover. These quirks were both corrected for later pressings.

As most Velvets fans know, this LP exists in two completely different mixes, the MGM engineer Val Valentin’s mix and the Lou Reed mix (or ‘closet’ mix - for the claustrophobic sound). Prior to release, the Valentin mix was rejected and Lou Reed’s mix was intended to be used on all pressings worldwide. All went to plan, except in the UK. Here in Britain, Valentin’s discarded mix was mistakenly pressed into action, presumably as the result of MGM in the USA supplying the wrong masters.

The LP was simply deleted from the MGM catalogue in the UK instead of being repressed with the closet mix, leaving only the initial batch of a few hundred in existence. When the album was eventually reissued the early 70s, the closet mix was in place. That 2nd MGM version is by far the most common UK pressing around.

The differences between the two mixes are huge. For one track, ‘Some Kinda Love’, a completely different recording is utilised. This can be easily detected, as the Valentin version is longer and has two duelling guitars (one in each channel) and a faint cowbell, while the Lou Reed mix features a totally different take with only one guitar (in the right channel) and a much louder cowbell in the left channel. The other nine tracks are the same takes in both versions, but mixed very differently. In ‘I’m Set Free’ for example, the Valentin mix brings up the ringing 12-string guitars and gives Mo’s drums more air. Reed’s closet mix suffocates these instruments in favour of the bass and the vocals, giving a much stuffier sound. Overall, the Valentin mix is simply a better balanced master which really gives the instruments greater equality and clarity. Over the years, the Valentin mix has gradually become the preferred choice for reissues, but would it have seen the light of day at all if not for this ‘rogue’ UK original?

Not only did the UK get the first airing of the Valentin mix, it also got a different cover design. On every other edition of the LP, the split photos of Lou Reed on the back are arranged vertically. On this pressing, they are horizontal. Again, when the 1971 pressing was issued, this mistake was corrected. The cover itself is a front laminated flipback, printed by Garrod & Lofthouse.

Condition

Labels: VG++ Both blue and gold labels have moderate spindle traces, some light rubbing and a name written in small, neat script on both sides. Both have the 50/50 blue/gold colour split, as opposed to the 75/25 split of the reissue labels.

Vinyl (visual grading): VG+ The vinyl still retains all its original shine on both sides. Close examination of the LP reveals some superficial paper scuffs from the inner sleeve, minor needle marks and a few very light hairlines, but nothing worse than that.

Vinyl (sound grading): ranges from VG to EX The record plays great. There is some gentle background noise audible in the quieter sections but no jumps, sticks or groove distortion. The background noise is always below the music and much less audible on the songs with a fuller sound. The first song, ‘Candy Says’, has the most audible wear, but from then on the sound improves noticably. Track by track, the sound gradings are as follows.

Side One                                     Side Two

Candy Says: VG                         Beginning To See The Light: EX

What Goes On: EX                     I’m Set Free: VG+

Some Kinda Love: VG+            That’s The Story Of My Life: EX

Pale Blue Eyes: VG+                 The Murder Mystery: VG++

Jesus: VG+                                 After Hours: VG++

Cover: VG+ Some creasing at the corners and edges of the laminated front, and a touch of record impression. The non laminated ‘horizontal split’ back panel looks great with just slight wear and a name written in small, neat script at the top. The seams and spine are all 100% intact, with all the spine writing clearly readable. The flipbacks are securely in place, again with some light edge creases.

PAYMENT AND SHIPPING DETAILS

UK BIDDERS:

ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS: Paypal, Cheque, Postal Order or Cash.

POSTAGE RATES: 1st class post for 1 LP is £2.50, plus 75p per LP (double LPs count as two).

Recorded delivery available for an extra 65p.

BIDDERS OUTSIDE THE UK:

ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS: Paypal, or Cash in UK sterling only

POSTAGE RATES: Air Mail for one LP: EUROPE: £4, NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA / JAPAN & AUSTRALIA £7. For each additional LP, add £1 to the cost (double LPs count as two)

World wide postal insurance is available for an extra £5.