Name: BLUES BREAKERS WITH ERIC CLAPTON: UK &amp; US ORIGINAL MONO LP SET EDITION (2 CD)
SKU: K7302520
Availability: BackOrder

Description

Taken from UK Original Mono LP (Decca LK 4804) released in 1966 and US Original Mono LP (London Records LL 3492) released in 1966

This classic 1960s British blues rock album has been meticulously transferred from two master tapes: the original 1966 UK mono version, when the master tapes were at their freshest, and the original US mono version! This is not just a high-quality reproduction; even though both versions are 1966 original mono versions, the UK and US versions were mastered in completely different ways, making this a fascinating recording that lets you compare the two versions!

John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers were a driving force behind the British blues rock movement of the 1960s. With Eric Clapton at the core after leaving The Yardbirds, they formed a full-fledged band, and their album, “Blues Breakers—John Mayall With Eric Clapton,” is a historic masterpiece that represents 1960s British rock. This album, a true blues album, inspired graffiti reading “CLAPTON IS GOD” to be displayed throughout London, and led to Clapton’s deification.

Additionally, this album was released in 1966, an era when mono records were the norm, and while various artists released releases in both mono and stereo formats, mono was the dominant sound. As I will explain later, this album’s true merits can only be appreciated when listened to in mono!

Moreover, the most important point about this release is that the mastering was completely different between the UK and US versions at the time! Roughly speaking, the original UK mono version has a smooth sound and a wide bandwidth, with a sound texture that emphasizes the freshness of the original master, while the original US mono version was mastered with a heavy 60s-style compression that sounded good when played on the radio, with a slight emphasis on the treble and a strong emphasis on impact.

So, this time, we’re offering a rare reissue set featuring both the original UK mono and US mono versions! Not only will you be able to listen to the original mono version, which is the freshest version of this classic album’s master tape, but you’ll also be able to enjoy comparing the textures of the two different pressings from that time. Please note that the original UK mono version of “Ramblin’ On My Mind” contains surface noise from the original record (please rest assured that it is not so noticeable that it interferes with listening to the song).

While the stereo mix of this album is clear, it’s difficult to hear the interplay between the various instruments, which is the essence of blues music. While a mono mix has also been released on current CDs, the master tape’s freshness has clearly deteriorated since it was released nearly 60 years ago. The original mono release, however, brings the sound together as a single whole, conveying the band’s energy, the album’s greatest draw, with incredible force. Eric Clapton’s stunning guitar playing, which inherited the guitar skills of blues legends Freddie King and Otis Rush, is clearly too far removed from the band in the stereo mix. The opening momentum is also exceptional in mono.

As mentioned above, one of the greatest attractions of analog records is that even the original recordings of the same album sound completely different depending on the country. This is a major point of this release! As mentioned above, the original 1966 mono version of this album is a prime example of this, and you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the sound production aims that were emphasized in both the UK and the US at the time.

What makes this album so groundbreaking is its overwhelming rawness and persuasiveness. It beautifully captures the band’s members, all around 20 years old, fully demonstrating their individual talents under the control of their boss (John Mayall), who is more than 10 years older than them. And it’s not a copycat blues sound; Clapton’s individuality is already evident! At just 20 years old, he established his own identity with the Les Paul and Marshall amp combination. The mono mix, unique to the original vinyl record, captures the breath of a band featuring this incredibly unique young guitar superstar, and is vastly different from today’s digitally transferred CDs, nearly 60 years later.

The only way to compare mono mixes with fresh master tapes, as in this case, is to obtain the original UK and US vintage LPs from that time, but of course these have become expensive items. Original US mono pressings, in particular, are even less likely to appear on the market than original UK mono pressings. Even if you can get your hands on one, the deterioration of condition typical of vintage LPs is inevitable. This CD release eliminates this problem, yet retains none of the mono flavor that is unique to the original LPs from that time, when the master tapes were far fresher than they are today.

This historic ’60s British rock masterpiece is a must-have in Eric Clapton’s career. This album is released in two versions, recreating the original sound of the album! Compare the sonic qualities of the original UK and US mono mixes and find your favorite “international sound”! A must-listen for all rock fans!

Disc 1 – Taken from UK Original Mono LP
1. All Your Love
2. Hideaway
3. Little Girl
4. Another Man
5. Double Crossing Time
6. What’d I Say
7. Key To Love
8. Parchman Farm
9. Have You Heard
10. Ramblin’ On My Mind
11. Steppin’ Out
12. It Ain’t Right

Disc 2 – Taken from US Original Mono LP
1. All Your Love
2. Hideaway
3. Little Girl
4. Another Man
5. Double Crossing Time
6. What’d I Say
7. Key To Love
8. Parchman Farm
9. Have You Heard
10. Ramblin’ On My Mind
11. Steppin’ Out
12. It Ain’t Right