Faith was released on the Columbia label, part of CBS Records, in 1987 on LP, cassette, and CD.  With the CD gaining popularity in the U.S. by 1987, and in anticipation of Michael’s solo debut, CBS chose to issue a promotional CD of Faith in advance of the mainstream, commercial release.  This promotional issue was released under catalog number CSK 2850.  Although the musical content on the promotional CD is identical to that of the 1987 commercial release, the promotional issue has some unique features.

There are two pressings of the promotional CD that differ by their label design.  Both versions were pressed at the Shape Optimedia pressing plant in the U.S.  One version has an electric blue coating with the text “cut out” of the blue and showing through from the underneath aluminum (sort of a stencil effect).  The other pressing has blue text and no color coating (i.e., aluminum background).  The two discs have identical inserts, and it is not clear whether there is any significance to the pressing variations (e.g., methods of distribution, intended recipients, etc.).  The commercial Faith CD has black text with no color coating.

Another interesting feature of this promotional issue (used with both pressing variants) is the inclusion of a holographic insert in front of the front paper insert.  The front paper insert is merely a single sheet of paper that shows the same cover artwork as the commercial release of Faith (although the commerical release adds a CD format logo in the bottom right corner that is absent from the promotional release).  A piece of clear plastic in front of the paper insert reveals a holographic image of the text “GEORGE MICHAEL” and “FAITH” when held at the right angle in good lighting.   The commercial release of Faith does not include the holographic insert.

These promotional versions of Faith are very rare in my experience.  When locating a used copy of Faith in a store, the promotional and commerical issues can be readily distinguished by inspection of the spine label.  First, the promotional issue states “GEORGE MICHAEL” but does not show the album title.  The commercial issue shows GEORGE MICHAEL and the album title on the spine.  Second, and as stated above, the two issues have different catalog numbers.  The catalog number for the promotional issue is CSK 2850.  The catalog number of the commercial CD is CK 40867.

Shown below are the front and back inserts and a spine label for the promotional issue of Faith, along with both pressing variations.

The cover for the promotional CD issue of George Michael Faith (Columbia, catalog number CSK 2850).  The cover artwork is the same as that used for the commerical CD release except that the commerical release has a CD format logo in the bottom right corner.  This promotional issue has a plastic holographic insert in front of the paper insert that reveals the text “GEORGE MICHAEL” and “FAITH” in proper lighting.  Although the holographic text cannot be read in this picture, note the color streaks from the holographic insert.

The back insert for the promotional CD issue of George Michael Faith (Columbia, catalog number CSK 2850).  The artwork is similar to that found for the back insert issued with the commercial CD.  Note, however, that the promotional back insert lacks a barcode and includes the text “DEMONSTRATION — NOT FOR SALE” in the top right corner.

A spine label for the promotional CD issue of George Michael Faith (Columbia, catalog number CSK 2850).  Note that the album title is not included.

The two pressing variants for the promotional CD issue of George Michael Faith (Columbia, catalog number CSK 2850).  The first one has an electric blue coating and “aluminum” text, a stencil-like effect created by “cutting out” the letters from the blue coating to reveal the background aluminum.  The second one has blue text with no paint coating.  Both discs have “Demonstration — Not for Sale” printed along the bottom.  The two discs were pressed at the Shape Optimedia plant in the U.S. and bear the same matrix code — “CBS-CSK2850 SOI01″.  The disc with the electric blue coating has the text “SHAPE OPTIMEDIA, INC.” and “MADE IN USA” stamped on the clear plastic ring at the center.  The disc with no paint coating has no text stamped on the plastic ring.  The commercial CD of Faith (Columbia, catalog number CK 40867) has black text and no color coating.

Compact Disc Demonstration Vol. 1 is a varied compilation, comprised mainly of jazz and classical music.  There are 12 tracks in all, and both the disc and inserts are labeled to clearly note this release as a promotional issue.  The disc itself is labeled “NOT FOR SALE”.

The CD has telltale markings of an early Japanese CBS/Sony pressing.  It has “MANUFACTURED BY CBS/SONY RECORDS INC.” stamped on the clear plastic ring in the center, and the matrix code is stamped in the early CBS/Sony plant crude font.  The matrix code is “YEDS-4-1 1A3″.  Another indication of this being an early issue is that the copy featured here came in a jewel case with smooth top and bottom edges and “Patent pending” embossed on the back.

Shown below are pictures of the Compact Disc Demonstration Vol. 1 cover, back insert, spine label, and CD.

You’re probably wondering if there is a Compact Disc Demonstration Vol. 2.  Yes there is.  And yes, the catalog number is YEDS 5.  Look for this disc to be featured here in a future post.

The cover for the early Japanese Sony promotional sampler CD, Compact Disc Demonstration Vol. 1 (catalog number YEDS 4).

The back insert for the early Japanese Sony promotional sampler CD, Compact Disc Demonstration Vol. 1 (catalog number YEDS 4).  The track list is presented in both English and Japanese.  Note the statement “Not for Sale” printed in the bottom left corner.  The insert is dated 1982.  This artwork minus the track list was used for the back cover of the booklet. 

A spine label for the early Japanese Sony promotional sampler CD, Compact Disc Demonstration Vol. 1 (catalog number YEDS 4).

The early Japanese Sony promotional sampler CD, Compact Disc Demonstration Vol. 1 (catalog number YEDS 4).  The disc has “MANUFACTURED BY CBS/SONY RECORDS INC.” stamped on the clear plastic ring, and the matrix code is “YEDS-4-1 1A3″.  The matrix code is stamped in a crude font typical of early Japanese CBS/Sony pressings.  The disc is labeled “NOT FOR SALE” at 6 o’clock and is dated 1982.  This label design was also used for the earliest commercial CBS/Sony CDs released in Japan.

Greatest Hits Volume 2 first appeared on CD as a West German Target pressing under Asylum catalog number 9 60205-2.  The disc shows the newer “sunrise” Asylum logo, as opposed to the earlier lower-case “a” logo.  As is typical for West German Target pressings bearing the newer Asylum logo, Greatest Hits Volume 2 has a blue target and a yellow paint coating.  Surprisingly, the very rare U.S. Target pressing has a different color scheme.  It has a purple target and a light blue paint coating.  This is the color scheme found with West German Asylum Target pressings showing the earlier “a” logo.

For the sake of clarity, West German Target pressings with the different Asylum logos and color combinations are shown below.  Also shown is the U.S. Target of Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2. 

The U.S. Target of Greatest Hits Volume 2 is found with standard U.S. inserts, so there is no way to spot this rare pressing in a used CD shop without actually seeing the disc.  U.S. non-target pressings are extremely plentiful, so finding the U.S. Target is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.  This is among the rarest of the U.S. Target pressings in my experience.

West German Target pressing of Eagles Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 (Asylum, catalog number 105-2).  The disc bears the original Asylum lower-case “a” logo.  The purple target and light blue paint coating is typical for West German Target pressings bearing the “a” logo.

West German Target pressing of Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2 (Asylum, catalog number 9 60205-2).  The disc bears the newer Asylum “sunrise” logo.  The blue target and yellow paint coating is typical for West German Target pressings bearing the sunrise logo.

The rare U.S. Target pressing of Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2 (Asylum, catalog number 9 60205-2).  Compare the color scheme to the West German pressings shown above.  Although the disc has the sunrise Asylum logo, it has the color scheme associated with the earlier “a” logo.  Note that the disc has “MADE IN USA BY PDO” printed along the perimeter.  The matrix code is “7559 60205-2 2893 272 01 #”.

R.I.P., Whitney.

Years prior to producing CDs, Nimbus developed a reputation for their well-recorded and well-mastered classical music records. Many of these records were recorded, mastered, and manufactured at Nimbus’ facility in Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, Great Britain. In 1982, Nimbus rode the digital wave and began to release CDs, albeit on a limited basis to test market acceptance.

The first Nimbus CD released was a promotional sampler from 1982 entitled Nimbus Natural Sound. This sampler contains 12 classical music works and was released under catalog number NIM 5001. The CD was pressed in West Germany at the Polygram plant and was one of just a handful of Nimbus titles pressed in West Germany. The early West German Nimbus CDs are quite rare. In 1984, Nimbus added CD manufacturing to the Wyastone Leys facility and used it to greatly expand its catalog on CD.

Shown below is the Nimbus Natural Sound sampler CD and the accompanying inserts. Important details are outlined in the figure captions.

The cover for the Nimbus Natural Sound promotional CD sampler (catalog number NIM 5001). Shown is the Nimbus recording studio and pressing plant in Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, Great Britain.

The back cover of the booklet for the Nimbus Natural Sound promotional CD sampler (catalog number NIM 5001). Provided is information on Nimbus Records, including their approach to producing recorded music. As noted in the third paragraph, Nimbus would open its own CD pressing facility in the U.K. in 1984.

The back insert for the Nimbus Natural Sound promotional CD sampler (catalog number NIM 5001). The track list is shown. Note the promotional statement at the bottom next to the CD format logo.

The Nimbus Natural Sound promotional CD sampler (catalog number NIM 5001). The disc states “Made in West Germany” at 9 o’clock, and the matrix code is “NIM 5001 2893006 01″. Also note the statement “Produced in collaboration with PHILIPS” above the CD format logo at 9 o’clock. Philips co-invented the CD with Sony.

Most Target CDs, as early issues, were pressed in West Germany or Japan.  However, perusing this site, you will see a handful of U.S. Target pressings sprinkled about.  The U.S. PDO (Philips-DuPont Optical) plant pressed some CDs early on with the Target motif.  Generally speaking, these U.S. pressings are very rare.  Some of them bear the same color schemes as their earlier West German or Japanese counterparts, while other U.S. pressings have unique color schemes.  Here, we focus on one of the unique rarities.

Let’s consider Neil Young’s 1972 blockbuster, Harvest.  With the hits “Heart of Gold”, “Old Man”, and “The Needle and the Damage Done”, Harvest was an obvious choice for WEA to put on CD at the beginning.  As such, there are West German and Japanese Target pressings that were released jointly on the Warner Bros. and Reprise labels under catalog number 2277-2.  The West German Target CD is not terribly rare and has a red target and silver paint coating, the typical color scheme used for Target CDs on the Warner Bros. label.  As it turns out, there are two U.S. Target CD pressings of Harvest for collectors to consider.

The more common of the two U.S. pressings has the same color scheme as the West German pressing — red target with silver paint coating.  However, a very rare pressing has the colors reversed.  Thus, it has a silver target and red coating.  In this sense, it resembles the color scheme used for Elektra titles.  It took me quite awhile to track down this “Reverse” U.S. Target pressing.  It is not known if this Reverse Target is a test pressing or was simply made in error.

Shown below is the Reverse Target pressing of Harvest and the accompanying inserts.

The cover for the “Reverse” U.S. Target pressing of Neil Young Harvest (Warner Bros./Reprise catalog number 2277-2).  This is the same cover found with other releases of the album.

The back insert for the Reverse U.S. Target pressing of Neil Young Harvest (Warner Bros./Reprise catalog number 2277-2).  This insert was printed in the U.S., and there is no barcode.

A spine label for the Reverse U.S. Target pressing of Neil Young Harvest (Warner Bros./Reprise catalog number 2277-2).  The original European catalog number, 244 131, is also shown.  This spine label is found with other Target pressings of Harvest. 

The Reverse U.S. Target pressing of Neil Young Harvest (Warner Bros./Reprise catalog number 2277-2).  The color scheme resembles the one used for West German Target pressings on the Elektra label.  Note the Warner Bros. label at 9 o’clock.  As shown above, the inserts reference the Reprise label.  The same label discrepancy is seen with West German Target pressings of Harvest.  The matrix code for this U.S. pressing is “7599 02277-2 2893 223 05″.

Happy Holidays!  It’s time yet again to celebrate the holiday season on keithhirsch.com with an early Christmas CD.  This year, we grace this site with a compilation from one of the great crooners — Bing Crosby.  In 1986, MCA Records released Bing Crosby Sings Christmas Songs on CD in the U.S. (catalog number MCAD-5765).  The original version to hit store shelves back in ’86 was pressed in Japan.

This CD features 14 Christmas classics that Crosby recorded with Decca Records, including his staple, “White Christmas”.  Track 15 is a recorded holiday greeting that Crosby and others gave to employees of Decca in 1940.  This CD was compiled and remastered by well-known mastering engineer Steve Hoffman, and the back cover of the booklet states “RESTORED TO THE ORIGINAL MONO FROM THE DECCA MASTERS”.  As a result, this CD sounds outstanding.  Crosby’s baritone is warm and rich on this CD.  It is trite in the audiophile world, but this CD has that “in-the-room” feel.

The original CD issue of Bing Crosby Sings Christmas Songs was pressed in Japan by JVC.  While the Japanese pressing is difficult to find, this compilation stayed in print for many years, and U.S. pressings are rather common.

Shown below is the cover and back insert for Bing Crosby Sings Christmas Songs.  Also shown is the original Japanese pressing.

Warm wishes to all of you this holiday season.

The cover for Bing Crosby Sings Christmas Songs (MCA, catalog number MCAD-5765).

The back insert for Bing Crosby Sings Christmas Songs (MCA, catalog number MCAD-5765). 

The Japanese pressing of Bing Crosby Sings Christmas Songs (MCA, catalog number MCAD-5765).  The disc was pressed by JVC, and the matrix code is “MCAD-5765-U1E11″.  Note the paragraph at 4 o’clock that states “COMPILED AND REMASTERED BY STEVE HOFFMAN.  RESTORED TO THE ORIGINAL MONO FROM THE DECCA MASTERS.”

So, what about Outlandos d’Amour on CD? With The Police’s popularity in overdrive when the CD format was launched globally in 1983, it should be no surprise that their record label, A&M, wasted little time getting their music out on the shiny silver discs. For collectors of early CD pressings, there are many interesting Japanese and West German Police pressings to seek out (the first Japanese issue of Synchronicity was featured here in September of 2007; click here). Getting back to Outlandos d’Amour, let’s have a look at the first European issue, a rather unique early CD.

When A&M released their first CDs in Europe in 1983-84, they partnered with CBS/Sony. As such, these early A&M CDs resemble the early European CBS/Sony releases. They have the same label design and similar catalog number formats — a CDA prefix and five-digit suffix is common for A&M titles and CDCBS, CDEPC, and similar prefixes with five-digit suffixes are found for CBS/Sony titles. These early A&M titles were, therefore, pressed in Japan by CBS/Sony. Examples of A&M titles resembling CBS/Sony releases are Joe Jackson Night and Day (catalog number CDA 64906) and Styx Paradise Theater (catalog number CDA 63719).

The original European issue of Outlandos d’Amour is an unusual one. It doesn’t fit the mold described above. It has a CBS/Sony-like catalog number — CDA 68502 — and the back insert states that the disc was pressed by CBS/Sony in Japan. However, the actual disc was pressed in Japan by JVC. What’s more, the disc bears the original U.S. catalog number, CD-4753. Despite showing the U.S. catalog number, the disc is a unique pressing that was never actually issued in the U.S. It is only found with the European CDA 68502 inserts. The disc also bears ID number “DIDP 10180″, which is not found on U.S. issues.

I have never seen a Japanese CBS/Sony pressing of Outlandos d’Amour for the European market. Additionally, I have never seen an Outlandos d’Amour CD bearing catalog number CDA 68502. The Japan-for-Europe issue described here is unique and is very rare in my experience.

Shown below are the inserts for the Japan-for-Europe issue of Outlandos d’Amour and the CD.

The cover for the Japan-for-Europe CD issue of The Police Outlandos d’Amour (A&M, catalog number CDA 68502). This is the same cover found with other releases of the album.

The back insert for the Japan-for-Europe CD issue of The Police Outlandos d’Amour (A&M, catalog number CDA 68502). There is no barcode. The copyright paragraph at the bottom states that the disc was made in Japan by CBS/Sony, while it was actually pressed in Japan by JVC.

A spine label for the Japan-for-Europe CD issue of The Police Outlandos d’Amour (A&M, catalog number CDA 68502). With the exception of the different font for the catalog number, it resembles the spine label for the original U.S. CD issue.

The Japan-for-Europe CD of The Police Outlandos d’Amour (A&M, catalog number CDA 68502). The disc was pressed by JVC and bears the original U.S. catalog number, CD-4753. This disc was not issued in the U.S. Note “DIDP 10180″ printed beneath the catalog number at 6 o’clock. This DIDP number is unique to the European issue. The matrix code is “DIDP 10180 2E11″.

The standard U.S. CD of The Way It Is was released in 1986 and remains in print under RCA catalog number PCD1-5904.  Since it was released in 1986, the first copies that hit store shelves were pressed in Japan.  Numerous U.S. pressings have followed.  Before this version was released, however, RCA issued The Way It Is on CD in the U.S. under catalog number PCD1-8058.  The 8058 issue only exists as a Japanese pressing since it was replaced quickly by the 5904 issue.  This rare disc was pressed in Japan by Denon and contains “PCD-18058″ in the matrix code.

There are key differences between the two versions of the album: The 8058 issue has a unique album cover and also has unique versions of the songs “Down the Road Tonight” and “The River Runs Low”.  It is possible that RCA reissued the album as PCD1-5904 to capitalize on its popularity back in 1986.

It should be noted that there are variations in the booklet content with the 8058 issue.  Some copies are found with a list of “RCA COMPACT DISC BEST SELLERS” inside, while other copies have a booklet that folds open to reveal album artwork and lyrics.  The album covers are the same for the two 8058 booklets.

The back insert for the 5904 issue references the first version through the statement “Previously released as PCD1-8058″.  Shown below is the album cover and back insert along with the CD for the original 8058 issue.  This disc is quite rare, but it can be found in used CD shops and online with persistence.

The cover for the rare first U.S. CD issue of Bruce Hornsby and The Range The Way It Is (RCA, catalog number PCD1-8058).  The cover was changed when the album was reissued under catalog number PCD1-5904.

The back insert for the rare first U.S. CD issue of Bruce Hornsby and The Range The Way It Is (RCA, catalog number PCD1-8058).  The photo shown here was used for the cover of the common reissue with catalog number PCD1-5904.

The rare first U.S. CD issue of Bruce Hornsby and The Range The Way It Is (RCA, catalog number PCD1-8058).  The disc was pressed in Japan by Denon.  The matrix code contains “PCD-18058″ in the typical Denon plant dot-matrix font.

Fantasy, Inc./Contemporary Records released the first issues of this saxohphone must-have on CD in 1986 in Europe and Japan. CD buyers were treated to three bonus tracks, alternate takes of three tracks from the album. Thus, these early CDs have nine tracks instead of the standard six. Fantasy/Contemporary drew attention to the extra tracks by titling these first issues Way Out West Plus. Additionally, the label used an alternate photo of Rollins from the desert shoot for the cover.

As stated, Way Out West Plus was released on CD in 1986 in Europe and Japan. The European issue was released under catalog number CDCOP 006 and was pressed in West Germany. The Japanese issue was released under catalog number VDJ-1551 and was pressed in Japan. After these early CDs went out of print, consumers for years were left with various releases of the standard six-track album until a remaster in 2009 brought back the three alternate takes. (The remaster, however, is titled Way Out West and uses the standard cover photo.)

Shown below is the unique cover for Way Out West Plus, the back insert showing the track list, and the West German and Japanese pressings. The Japanese pressing is popular with collectors, but the West German pressing is rarer in my experience.

The cover for the European issue of Sonny Rollins Way Out West Plus (Contemporary, catalog number CDCOP 006). This CD was released in 1986. The cover features a different photo than the standard one used for Way Out West. The original Japanese issue of Way Out West Plus has the same cover except that “WAY OUT WEST PLUS” is printed in black instead of red.

The back insert for the Japanese issue of of Sonny Rollins Way Out West Plus (Contemporary, catalog number VDJ-1551). This CD was released in 1986. The yellow sticker is a U.S. distribution sticker and is adhered to the back of the jewel case. As noted, there are nine tracks, including three alternate takes. The original European issue has the same nine tracks and the same running order. Standard versions of Way Out West are missing the alternate takes.

The West German pressing Sonny Rollins Way Out West Plus for the European market (Contemporary, catalog number CDCOP 006). This disc was pressed by Sonopress, and the matrix code is “B-8347 / CDCOP 006 B”.

The Japanese issue of Sonny Rollins Way Out West Plus (Contemporary, catalog number VDJ-1551). This disc was pressed by JVC, and the matrix code is “VDJ-1551-1-S3D23″.