The Beatles – Rubber Soul

1965 UK 2nd Pressing – Rare Hazel Yarwood -5/-5 Mono Cut

Artist: The Beatles
Title: Rubber Soul
Label: Parlophone Records
Catalogue Number: PMC 1267
Country: United Kingdom
Original Release Year: 1965
Pressing Year: 1965 / 1966
Format: 12" Vinyl LP
Speed: 33⅓ RPM
Mono / Stereo: Mono
Genre: Rock / Pop / Beat

Description

Rubber Soul is The Beatles' landmark sixth UK studio album, originally released in December 1965. Featuring classics including Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood, Nowhere Man, Michelle and In My Life, the album marked a major step forward in the band's songwriting and studio production.

Pressing Notes

This is the highly desirable Hazel Yarwood -5/-5 cut, identified by the XEX 579-5 / XEX 580-5 matrices. The -5 cutting is widely attributed to EMI's renowned classical cutting engineer Hazel Yarwood, who cut it in January 1966. Collectors and audiophiles particularly prize this version for its excellent balance, clarity and dynamics.

The -5/-5 pressing followed the withdrawn -1/-1 "Loud Cut" and the subsequent -4/-4 cutting. It is generally described by collectors as a second pressing / later 1965 issue, although the actual -5 lacquers were cut in January 1966.

The record features the classic black and yellow Parlophone labels and the original UK mono catalogue number PMC 1267.

Track Listing

Side One

1. Drive My Car

2. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)

3. You Won't See Me

4. Nowhere Man

5. Think For Yourself

6. The Word

7. Michelle

Side Two

1. What Goes On

2. Girl

3. I'm Looking Through You

4. In My Life

5. Wait

6. If I Needed Someone

7. Run For Your Life

Additional Information

• Rare Hazel Yarwood -5/-5 cut

• UK mono pressing

• Parlophone Records

• Catalogue number: PMC 1267

• Black & yellow Parlophone labels

• 12" vinyl LP

• 33⅓ RPM

• Original 14-track album

• Front-laminated flipback sleeve

• Cut at EMI's Abbey Road Studios

• -5 lacquers cut by Hazel Yarwood

• Highly regarded among Beatles collectors and audiophiles

• Considerably scarcer than the common later -4/-4 pressing

Matrix / Runout

Side One: XEX 579-5
Side Two: XEX 580-5

The -5/-5 matrix combination is the key identifying feature of this desirable Hazel Yarwood cut.

Condition

Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Record: Excellent (EX)
Inner Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Overall Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)

The sleeve is in very good plus condition with only minor signs of handling and storage. The vinyl is also VG+, displaying only light signs of previous play while retaining a strong overall appearance.

Rockabuy Records Grading Guide

Near Mint (NM): Virtually flawless, with little or no evidence of handling.

Excellent (EX): Extremely well cared for with only minimal signs of use.

Very Good Plus (VG+): Excellent overall condition with minor signs of handling or play.

Very Good (VG): Noticeable signs of use, but still a strong and enjoyable copy.

Good Plus (G+): More pronounced wear and surface marks, but remains playable.

Good (G): Significant signs of use and wear, but still playable.

Shipping

All records are carefully inspected, conservatively graded and securely packaged in professional record mailers with protective stiffeners to ensure they arrive safely.