For audiophiles with a bent towards classical music, a favorite label for many years has been Telarc out of Cleveland, Ohio.  Telarc has developed a reputation over the years for first-rate performances, recordings, and mastering.  This began on vinyl, but starting in the 1980s, extended to CDs.  For the CD collector, the earliest Telarc CDs were pressed in Japan and West Germany, with Japanese pressings being more prevalent.  Early Telarc CDs were pressed primarily at two plants in Japan — CBS/Sony and Matsushita.  Only a limited number of the earliest Telarc titles on CD were pressed by CBS/Sony; the majority of early titles were pressed by Matsushita.  These Matsushita pressings can be broken down into two categories — early and later pressings.  Some titles only exist as later Matsushita pressings, but others released around 1983 and ’84 exist as both early and later Matsushita pressings.  One such example is the recording of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel.

Telarc released this recording of 1812 Overture, Op. 49 on CD under catalog number CD-80041.  The CD also contains performances of Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, Op. 45 and Cossack Dance from Mazeppa.  In the interest of brevity, this release will simply be referred to as 1812 Overture here.  In addition to the two Japanese Matsushita pressings of 1812 Overture, there is also a Japanese CBS/Sony pressing.  Here, we will focus on the two Matsushita pressings.  These two pressings differ in details on the CDs themselves as well as in the booklets they were supplied with.  The two pressings have identical back inserts.  Of the two, the early Matsushita pressing is the rarer one.

The early Matsushita pressing has “MADE BY MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC IND.CO.,LTD.” and the Technics audio logo stamped on the plastic ring.  The Technics brand of audio components was owned by Matsushita at the time.  The matrix code on this early pressing is “TEL CD-80041 5” and is stamped on the mirror band in small, thin characters that are typical of early Matsushita pressings.

The later Matsushita pressing has no text stamped on the plastic ring, and the matrix code is “TEL CD-80041 P”.  Here, the matrix code is stamped in a larger, thicker font that is typical of later Matsushita pressings.

These Matsushita pressings were issued with different booklets.  Pictures of the front and back covers of the booklets are provided below.  The booklet with the early Matsushita pressing contains 12 pages, while the booklet with the later Matsushita pressing contains 8 pages.  The two booklets contain the same information — liner notes by Albert Petrak, notes about the recording, and instructions for the proper care and handling of a compact disc.  Interestingly, both booklets carry a warning that states “CAUTION!  DIGITAL CANNONS”.  Inside these booklets, the listener is warned that the cannons were recorded loud and is advised to carefully adjust the volume during playback as a result.

Shown below are the front and back covers of the booklets for the two Japanese Matsushita pressings of 1812 Overture, as well as a picture of the back insert that is common to both pressings.  Finally, the two Japanese Matsushita pressings are shown.

The front cover of the booklet for the early Japanese Matsushita pressing of Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel (Telarc, catalog number CD-80041).  This booklet contains 12 pages.  As noted in the top left corner, a warning about digital cannons appears on page 10.

The front cover of the booklet for the later Japanese Matsushita pressing of Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel (Telarc, catalog number CD-80041).  Compare the artwork to the cover shown above.  This booklet contains 8 pages.  As noted in the top left corner, a warning about digital cannons appears on page 6.

The back cover of the booklet for the early Japanese Matsushita pressing of Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel (Telarc, catalog number CD-80041).  There is no barcode.  “DIDZ-10015” appearing beneath the catalog number in the top right corner pertains to the Japanese CBS/Sony pressing of this title, as this pressing shows the DIDZ number in the matrix code and on the label side of the disc.  The discs pressed by Matsushita do not show the DIDZ number.

The back cover of the booklet for the later Japanese Matsushita pressing of Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel (Telarc, catalog number CD-80041).  Compare the artwork to the back cover shown above.  A barcode appears in the bottom right corner, and the digital cannons warning has been added as well.  The DIDZ number does not appear beneath the catalog number in the top right corner.

The back insert for the Japanese Matsushita pressings of Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel (Telarc, catalog number CD-80041).  This back insert is common to the early and later Matsushita pressings.  There is no barcode.  The DIDZ number appears beneath the catalog number in the top right corner.

The early Japanese Matsushita pressing of Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel (Telarc, catalog number CD-80041).  The paragraph beneath the CD format logo at 3 o’clock states that the disc was made by Matsushita.  The text “MADE BY MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC IND.CO.,LTD.” and the Technics logo are stamped on the plastic ring, and the matrix code is “TEL CD-80041 5”.  The matrix code is stamped in the early Matsushita small, thin font.  The ‘M’ also appearing in the mirror band stands for Matsushita.

The later Japanese Matsushita pressing of Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel (Telarc, catalog number CD-80041).  The paragraph beneath the CD format logo at 3 o’clock states that the disc was made by Matsushita.  There is no text stamped on the plastic ring, and the matrix code is “TEL CD-80041 P”.  The matrix code is stamped in the later Matsushita large, thick font.

I’m still learning. It never ends. I’ve been collecting early CD pressings for some 12 years, but I’m still finding discs I never knew existed.  Exhibit A: A West German pressing of Funkadelic Maggot Brain.  Mind you, I was aware of the 1971 funk creation; I had just never owned a copy and certainly had never seen a West German CD pressing.  When I spotted the plain spine with white lettering on black in a CD store, I figured this could be an early release.  Sure enough, the disc states “Made in West Germany”, as do the inserts.

Maggot Brain is a well-known example of shock-value early ’70s funk created by George Clinton (vocals), Eddie Hazel (lead guitar), Bernie Worrell (keyboard), and others.  The title track, also the opener, sets the emotion from the get-go, and this 7-track album commands your attention from start to finish.  That’s if you can get past the album cover.  Seriously, I advise anyone who has the opportunity to buy Maggot Brain to get past the cover and pop in the CD, record, whatever.

The West German CD of Maggot Brain was released on the Westbound Records label, another first for me.  The catalog number is CDSEW 002.  The only date appearing on the CD and inserts is the original release date for the album of 1971.  The CD was pressed by Sonopress, and the following information appears in the mirror band on the disc: “SONOPRESS C-7334 /CDSEW 002 A”.  Relative to the fancy early West German Polygram pressings that have captivated the attention of us early CD collectors (and sellers, too), the Maggot Brain CD is stark in appearance — just plain black text with no color coating.

In case there was any doubt as to the faithfulness of this CD in capturing the complete album content (sometimes an issue in the early days of the CD), there is a large, bold statement on the back insert that reads “ORIGINAL ALBUM ON CD”.  The back insert shows a London address for Westbound Records.  This suggests that the West German CD of Maggot Brain was originally released in the U.K. or possibly all of Europe.

From what I can tell, this CD of Maggot Brain is quite rare.  Though I have been at this for a long time and my collection is large, this CD serves as a reminder to keep getting out to the bins.  Keep hunting!

Shown below is the cover, back insert, spine label, and West German pressing of Maggot Brain.

The cover for the West German pressing of Funkadelic Maggot Brain (Westbound Records, catalog number CDSEW 002).  This is the same cover artwork used for the original 1971 LP.

The back insert for the West German pressing of Funkadelic Maggot Brain (Westbound Records, catalog number CDSEW 002).   As noted at the top, the content on this CD matches that of the original album release.  A barcode appears in the top right corner, and “Made in West Germany” is printed in the bottom left corner.  The only date appearing on this insert is the original album release date of 1971.

The spine label for the West German pressing of Funkadelic Maggot Brain (Westbound Records, catalog number CDSEW 002).

The West German pressing of Funkadelic Maggot Brain (Westbound Records, catalog number CDSEW 002).  The disc was pressed by Sonopress and has “Made in West Germany” printed at 3 o’clock.  The only date appearing on the CD is the original album release date of 1971.  The matrix code is “SONOPRESS C-7334 /CDSEW 002 A”.

To many audiophiles and music collectors, the record label DCC (originally Dunhill Compact Classics and later DCC Compact Classics) evokes thoughts of very carefully mastered rock and jazz LPs and 24-karat gold CDs.  These LPs and gold CDs were mastered by well-known audiophile mastering engineer Steve Hoffman, who insisted on using the original master tapes and mastering these albums without compromise.  The results were often stellar.  DCC closed its doors in 2001, so the aforementioned LPs and gold CDs are out of print and generally command a premium today.

Focusing on the digital side of DCC, the gold CDs were released between 1992 and 2000.  However, the label actually got its start in 1986, and its first CDs were pressed on conventional aluminum.  Steve Hoffman came on board with DCC in 1987.  One of his early projects for DCC involved the mastering of two Ray Charles compilations on CD.  These compilations were titled Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 and Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 and were released in 1987 under catalog numbers DZS-036 and DZS-037, respectively.  These compilations are relatively common and offer an excellent mastering of many Ray Charles classics.  As will become apparent momentarily, DCC found a novel way to promote itself and its Ray Charles product in 1987.

By 1987, the music industry was seeing significant growth in the popularity of and therefore demand for CDs.  To meet this demand and further promote the CD format, record labels began producing CD singles to mimic classic 45s.  CD singles were typically the conventional 5″ in diameter (i.e., the same size as a standard CD album), but in a further marketing effort (ultimately with limited success), labels began releasing 3″ singles in the late ’80s.  Early CD players in the home could not accommodate 3″ singles, so adapters were offered to “convert” the single to a 5″ diameter.  The 3″ single would snap in the middle of the adapter to, in essence, create a 5″ disc.  In time, manufacturers of CD players incorporated a well in the disc tray that could accommodate a 3″ single directly.  Adapters were still necessary for slot-type players found in cars.

DCC used the 3″ CD single as a promotional vehicle in 1987.  One single that DCC released was of Ray Charles singing “America the Beautiful”.  This 3″ single was assigned catalog number DZS45-002.  From the catalog number, it is obvious that DCC saw the analogy between a 3″ CD single and a 45.  “America the Beautiful” appears on the aforementioned Greatest Hits Vol. 2 CD.  In comparison to the Ray Charles compilation discs, this 3″ single is very rare.  The single was pressed in the U.S. at the Shape Optimedia plant (this plant was often contracted in the late ’80s for CD singles and promotional CDs).  The disc has “SHAPE OPTIMEDIA, INC.” and “MADE IN USA” stamped on the plastic ring, and the matrix code is “DUN-DZS45-002 SOI01”.  As a nice touch, DCC added an image of Ray Charles on the label side of the disc.

Shown below is the 3″ single of Ray Charles “America the Beautiful”.  This particular copy was found in a clear plastic protective case.  The single was likely issued in this case, which was then placed in a mini-longbox sort of envelope for retail sale.

http___www.bigleaguekickball.com_advertise_ Soma NO SCRIPT REQUIRED EXPRESS DELIVERY ~ BUY Soma WITH COD Note: The original pressings of Ray Charles Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 and Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 show the record label as Dunhill Compact Classics on the disc and inserts.  Later pressings show the label as DCC Compact Classics on the disc and inserts.

The 3″ CD single of Ray Charles “America the Beautiful” (DCC, catalog number DZS45-002).  This is a very rare disc.  Note that the record label is shown as Dunhill Compact Classics at 9 o’clock.  This disc was pressed in the U.S. by Shape Optimedia, as noted by the text “SHAPE OPTIMEDIA, INC.” and “MADE IN USA” stamped on the plastic ring.  The matrix code is “DUN-DZS45-002 SOI01”.

Here we have an uncommon early promotional CD.  Most of the promotional discs from the dawn of the CD era are samplers that were intended to promote a record label and the CD format.  These samplers were included with CD players, given to radio stations, demoed at industry trade shows, etc.  Some of these early samplers have been featured on this site.  In the interest of keeping things fresh on keithhirsch.com, the promotional CD featured here is not a sampler.  Rather, it is a promotional copy of a studio album by a relatively unknown rock band from Seattle named Widow.  The album, released in 1985, is titled Rockit and is Widow’s second album.  Widow’s debut, Gone Too Far, was released in 1984.

Widow was a formulaic rock band of the ’80s.  Their lineup was Robin Taylor on vocals, Karl Van Der Velden on lead guitar, Kevin Dillon on guitars, Jay Boone on bass, and Geoff Saddler on drums.  Rockit contains 9 songs and features a typical ’80s rock production style.  The Rockit promotional CD was released by Albatross Records under the CBS Associated Records banner and was assigned catalog number ZK 40163.  The catalog number follows the format of a U.S. commercial release, but alas, Rockit was never released on CD commercially.

The Rockit promotional disc was not issued with a booklet, but there is a back insert.  Both the disc and back insert are dated 1985 and both are labeled “FOR PROMOTION ONLY” and “NOT FOR SALE”.  The Rockit CD was pressed in Japan.  Although a CBS title, the disc was not pressed at the CBS/Sony plant in Japan.  Rather, it was pressed by Denon (aka, Nippon Columbia).  By the mid-’80s, CBS had opened the Digital Audio Disc Corporation (DADC) pressing plant in Terre Haute, Indiana.  As a result, CBS stopped pressing CDs at its Japanese CBS/Sony plant for import to the U.S.  However, to keep up with increasing demand in the U.S. in the mid-’80s (i.e., beyond what DADC could handle), CBS farmed out manufacturing of many titles to the Denon and JVC pressing plants in Japan.  These Japan-for-U.S. Denon and JVC pressings are generally rare, and this promotional Widow CD is no exception.

The Rockit CD shows the matrix code in the typical Denon dot-matrix font, and the matrix code is “ZK-40163 1A1 59”.  Shown below is the back insert, a spine label, and the promotional CD of Rockit.

http___www.bigleaguekickball.com_about_ Soma free consultation NOTE: A similar promotional CD of Widow’s debut album Gone Too Far was released by CBS Associated/Albatross under catalog number ZK 39888.  This disc was also pressed in Japan by Denon.  A counterfeit pressing of Gone Too Far surfaced on ebay.com in 2010.  The counterfeit is identified by an unusually wide mirror band.

The back insert for the promotional CD of Widow Rockit (CBS Associated/Albatross catalog number ZK 40163).  It is dated 1985 in the bottom left corner and is labeled “FOR PROMOTION ONLY” and “NOT FOR SALE” at the bottom center.  Note that there is no barcode.

A spine label for the promotional CD of Widow Rockit (CBS Associated/Albatross catalog number ZK 40163).

The promotional CD of Widow Rockit (CBS Associated/Albatross catalog number ZK 40163).  Like the back insert, it is dated 1985 and is labeled “FOR PROMOTION ONLY” and “NOT FOR SALE”.  The disc was pressed in Japan by Denon, and the matrix code is “ZK-40163 1A1 59”.

In 1969, David Crosby (ex-The Byrds), Stephen Stills (ex-Buffalo Springfield), and Graham Nash (ex-The Hollies) teamed up to form the U.S. supergroup surprisingly named Crosby, Stills & Nash.  Their self-titled debut album, often referred to as “The Couch Album” in reference to the album cover photo, is a folk rock masterpiece.  Containing 10 harmony-filled tracks, including “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”, “Marrakesh Express”, and “Long Time Gone”, the album has gone down as one of the best debut albums in rock history.  In 1970, with the world awaiting a follow-up studio effort, the trio teamed up with another Buffalo Springfield alum and noted soloist Neil Young.  Under the banner Crosby, Still, Nash & Young, the quartet released the smash album Déjà Vu.  The album features 10 diverse tracks with the expected harmonies, but now with the songwriting, guitar-playing influence, and unique vocals of Young.  Hits include “Carry On”, “Teach Your Children”, and “Our House”.

Déjà Vu was first released on CD in the U.S. and Europe by Atlantic Records (one-third of the WEA acronym) in the mid-1980s.  This issue shows two catalog numbers on the disc and accompanying inserts — SD 19118-2 for the U.S. and 250 001 for Europe.  For the sake of simplicity, the U.S. catalog number will be referenced from this point forward.  Now, the original Déjà Vu CD was pressed in West Germany by Polygram as a Non-Target.  Although a first issue, this disc is not too rare.  A rarer pressing came to the U.S. and Europe afterwards, and it was not pressed in the U.S., Japan, the U.K., France, or Germany.  Actually, it was pressed in Switzerland.  Yes, Switzerland.  The Swiss pressing is featured here, a first for keithhirsch.com.

The Swiss pressing plant was known as MCS Limited/ICM Limited.  In some respects, MCS/ICM CDs resemble those produced by Polygram in West Germany.  For one thing, MCS/ICM CDs lack a clear plastic ring at the center.  That is, there is aluminum running up to the center hole.  Additionally, the matrix code font and format matches that of Polygram.  It is possible that the Polygram plant produced and then shipped glass masters (containing the matrix code) to MCS/ICM and then MCS/ICM simply manufactured the CDs.  A unique feature of the MCS/ICM discs pressed in Switzerland is a “buffed” inner ring visible on both the play and label sides.

Generally speaking, early Swiss CD pressings are rare, and the one feature here of Déjà Vu is no exception.  The inserts with the Swiss Déjà Vu disc were printed in the U.S., so this disc will be referred to as a “Swiss-for-U.S.” pressing.  The original West German pressing of Déjà Vu and later U.S. pressings feature a red ring around the perimeter of the disc as well as the Atlantic logo printed in red.  Interestingly, the Swiss pressing has no red ink, and as a result, does not bear the Atlantic logo.  All printing on the Swiss pressing is black.  The matrix code is “7567 19118-2 2895 821 03 *”.

Shown below are the cover, back insert, and Swiss pressing of Déjà Vu.

The cover for the Swiss-for-U.S. pressing of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Déjà Vu (Atlantic, catalog number SD 19118-2).  This represents the original cover artwork from the 1970 LP.  While the original LP jacket is textured, standard flat paper was used for the CD booklet.

The back insert for the Swiss-for-U.S. pressing of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Déjà Vu (Atlantic, catalog number SD 19118-2).  As noted at the bottom, this insert was printed in the U.S.  A barcode is in the bottom right corner.

The Swiss-for-U.S. pressing of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Déjà Vu (Atlantic, catalog number SD 19118-2).  Note the unique “buffed” inner ring, a signature of the Swiss MCS/ICM pressing plant.  Unlike the earlier West German pressing and later U.S. pressings, this disc lacks a red ring around the perimeter and a red Atlantic logo at 9 o’clock.  “Manufactured in Switzerland” is printed at 9 o’clock.  The matrix code is “7567 19118-2 2895 821 03 *”.

It is now summertime here on keithhirsch.com, but we keep plugging away, writing about early, collectable CDs.  Today, we review a John Coltrane compilation released by MCA/Impulse! entitled From The Original Master Tapes.  As the title suggests, this compilation called to the audiophile, who demands the best sound obtained from the best source.  It is worth nothing that a series of compilations was released under this and similar banners by MCA in 1985.  All of them were mastered by Steve Hoffman, who is well known in audiophile circles for his attention to detail in mastering to CD, LP, and Super Audio CD (SACD).  MCA released Buddy Holly and Bill Haley and His Comets From The Original Master Tapes compilations.  Similarly, MCA released a Billie Holiday compilation titled From The Original Decca Masters and a compilation of The Mamas & The Papas named 16 of Their Greatest Hits (some CD pressings of this compilation show the title as “FROM ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES”).  All of these compilations were introduced on CD in the U.S. as Japanese pressings.

John Coltrane From The Original Master Tapes is a 7-track compilation from his years on Impulse! records.  It was released on CD in the U.S. in 1985 under catalog number MCAD-5541.  The first copies to appear on store shelves were pressed in Japan by JVC.  U.S. pressings followed.  Interestingly, this album saw a very limited release in Japan in 1989 on a 24-karat gold CD.  The gold CD was released in Japan by MCA/Impulse! in conjunction with Warner-Pioneer Corporation under catalog number 43XD-2009.

The back cover of the booklet for both releases of From The Original Master Tapes states “Digitally remastered from the original Impulse stereo first generation masters.”  This statement also appears on the discs.  Additionally, both CDs state “Compiled and remastered by STEVE HOFFMAN”.

Shown below are the inserts and CDs for the two releases of John Coltrane From The Original Master Tapes.  For the U.S. issue, the original Japanese pressing is shown.

The cover for the U.S. issue of John Coltrane From The Original Master Tapes (MCA/Impulse!, catalog number MCAD-5541).  The gold CD released in Japan has the same cover artwork except that it has the original Impulse! logo in the upper right corner (orange and black logo inside a white circle).

The back insert for the original Japan-for-U.S. pressing of John Coltrane From The Original Master Tapes (MCA/Impulse!, catalog number MCAD-5541).  Note that there is no barcode.

The original Japan-for-U.S. pressing of John Coltrane From The Original Master Tapes (MCA/Impulse!, catalog number MCAD-5541).  This CD was pressed in Japan by JVC.  Note the mastering and source tape references beneath the CD format logo.

The back insert for the Japanese gold CD pressing of John Coltrane From The Original Master Tapes (MCA/Impulse!, catalog number 43XD-2009).  Unlike the U.S. issue, this back insert takes on the motif of original Impulse! records.  Note the reference to the original stereo master tapes in the bottom left corner.

The Japanese gold CD pressing of John Coltrane From The Original Master Tapes (MCA/Impulse!, catalog number 43XD-2009). This CD was pressed on a thin layer of 24-karat gold instead of the conventional aluminum.  It is shown on the original gold-tone plastic disc tray with which it was issued.  As with the U.S. issue, mastering and source tape references appear beneath the CD format logo.

A number of early commercial and promotional CD samplers have been posted here over the years.  These samplers were issued to promote the new music format and, often times, a particular record label’s artists.  Here we have an unusual promotional sampler, titled Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc.  This CD was issued by Quasar in conjunction with Philips under catalog number QUA-VOL2.  Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc is a classical music sampler and contains 12 tracks.

The Philips connection to this CD is no surprise.  Philips co-developed the CD format with Sony.  Additionally, Philips maintained a classical music label and began turning out classical music CDs in 1982.  However, the Quasar connection is a surprise, at least to me.  Back in the early ’80s, Quasar was owned by Matsushita, which also owned Technics.  Technics is a well-known name for audio components — receivers, turntables, cassette decks, and yes, CD players.  Various promotional CD samplers were issued under the Technics banner in the ’80s.  Quasar, on the other hand, was known as a video brand — TVs, laserdisc players, and VCRs.  (My parents bought a Quasar VCR in 1983.  Solid unit.  We got many years out of it.)  As the CD format gained steam in the ’80s, it seemed that Matsushita felt the need to put the well-known Quasar brand on CD players.  Hence the sampler discussed here.  Quasar CD players were uncommon, so it is believed that this CD sampler is rare today.

Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc was pressed in Japan by the parent company, Matsushita.  Although the disc and inserts are undated, the CD is an early Matsushita pressing.  It has “MADE BY MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC IND.CO.,LTD.” and the Technics logo stamped on the clear plastic ring at the center.  The inserts were printed in Japan.  Both the disc and inserts are labeled “Not for Sale”.

Shown below are various pictures of the inserts associated with Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc, as well as the actual CD.

The cover for Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc (Philips, catalog number QUA-VOL2).  Note the statement “Not for Sale” printed in the bottom right corner above the catalog number.

A page inside the booklet for Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc (Philips, catalog number QUA-VOL2) promoting the CD format.  At that time, the format was promoted as providing 60 minutes of music playback.  The actual capacity of a compact disc is approximately 80 minutes.

The back cover of the booklet for Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc (Philips, catalog number QUA-VOL2).  Since the CD was new, it was common for handling and storage instructions to be included with promotional samplers and some discs sold at retail.  As noted in the bottom left corner, the booklet was printed in Japan.  Someone stamped the back cover of the booklet “SEP 3 1985”, which could indicate that this sampler CD was issued in 1985.  However, the disc and inserts do not show a copyright or phonogram date.

The back insert for Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc (Philips, catalog number QUA-VOL2).  This CD contains 12 classical music tracks.  As noted in the bottom right corner, this insert was printed in Japan and is labeled “Not for Sale”.

A spine label for Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc (Philips, catalog number QUA-VOL2).

The early CD sampler Quasar Digital Demonstration Disc (Philips, catalog number QUA-VOL2).  This CD bears both the Philips and Quasar logos and is labeled “Not for Sale”.  The disc was pressed in Japan by Matsushita and has “MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC IND.CO.,LTD.” and the Technics logo stamped on the plastic ring.  The matrix code is simply “2-4”.

In August 2012, a rare variation of the West German Target pressing of The Doors’ debut album was featured on keithhirsch.com.  The common pressing has a silver target motif against an orange paint background with silver text and silver CD format and Elektra logos.  The rare variation has the same color combination for the target and background, but the text and logos are black.  More information on this rare pressing is available here.  At that time, it was promised that another Doors Target pressing variation would take the top spot here.  Well, here it is.  Enter a rare pressing of The Doors Morrison Hotel.

Morrison Hotel was released in 1970 as The Doors’ fifth and second-to-last studio album with Jim Morrison.  A concept album, perhaps, the first side of the original record was titled “Hard Rock Café”, while the second side was titled “Morrison Hotel”.  Morrison Hotel followed The Doors’ 1969 effort, The Soft Parade, which was a departure from their well-established amalgam of rock, blues, and poetry.  After The Soft Parade was not well received, The Doors went back to their original formula with Morrison Hotel (well, somewhat; no two Doors albums are quite alike).  With Morrison Hotel, the intensity and full-scale Morrisonesque imagery was back.  The opening track and hit, “Roadhouse Blues”, as the title indicates, also made a clear statement that The Doors were going back to their roots with this album.  Other well-known tracks from Morrison Hotel include “Waiting For The Sun” (which did not appear on the 1968 album of the same title), the groove-driven “Peace Frog”, and the ballad showing off Jim Morrison’s smooth, warm vocals, “Blue Sunday”.

Elektra Records released the Morrison Hotel LP in 1970 under catalog number EKS 75007.  Jumping ahead to the mid-’80s, Elektra introduced Morrison Hotel on CD in the U.S. as a West German Target pressing under catalog number EKS 75007-2.  Thus, this original CD borrowed the LP catalog number and added the ‘2’ suffix assigned by the music industry to designate the CD format.  There are two variations of this Target pressing of Morrison Hotel, and they are the reverse in terms of rarity relative to the two aforementioned variations of the debut album.  In the case of Morrison Hotel, the common West German Target pressing has the silver target motif, orange paint background, black text, and black logos.  The rare variation, and it is very rare, still has the silver target and orange paint, but the text and logos are silver.

It would seem that WEA could not settle on a text/logo color for Elektra Target pressings, as some pressings across the series have black text and black logos and others have silver text and silver logos.  However, variations exist for only a few titles (Mötley Crüe Shout At The Devil is another one existing in both forms; black is common, silver is rare).

The two pressing variations of Morrison Hotel share the same matrix code — “75007-2 2893 280 01 #”.  The inserts are also identical.  Shown below are the cover and back insert for the West German Target CDs of The Doors Morrison Hotel, along with the rare silver-text/silver-logo pressing.

The cover for the West German Target CD pressings of The Doors Morrison Hotel (Elektra, catalog number EKS 75007-2).  This is the standard cover artwork used for releases of the album on a variety of formats over the years.

The back insert for the West German Target CD pressings of The Doors Morrison Hotel (Elektra, catalog number EKS 75007-2). As indicated along the bottom, this insert was printed in West Germany. Note that there is no barcode.

The rare silver-text West German Target CD of The Doors Morrison Hotel (Elektra, catalog number EKS 75007-2).  The compact disc format logo and Elektra logo are also printed in silver.  It can be seen along the perimeter that this disc was pressed in West Germany by Polygram. The matrix code is “75007-2 2893 280 01 #″. The common West German Target CD of Morrison Hotel has the text, Elektra logo, and compact disc format logo printed in black.