LP.2228.9.1 is an unusual pressing that was not pressed by Capitol, even though it bears many Capitol markings. It is recognized by its darker purple label and the dome logo found in the perimeter print of the label. It also features the smaller 29 mm pressing ring of Cinram, and a different textured outer ring surrounding the pressing ring.
Availability
This variation was available for a short time in 1977 (for only a few months) when a temporary subcontractor (Cinram) was seemingly used while Capitol was adjusting its operations at its new plant in Mississauga, Ontario. More information on the reasons behind the use of this third party pressing company at a time when Capitol was launching its own operation would be appreciated. The regular Capitol pressings returned a few months later (see LP.2228.10.1).
General Information
This pressing features the new "old-style" purple label, but unlike the standard ones found on following pressings, this one has a slightly darker label and features the Capitol dome logo in the perimeter print. It also bears a smaller pressing ring than Capitol pressings from the era (29 mm with a circular texture vs 39 mm clean pressing markings).
This pressing is part of an odd and scarce series of pressings. From the information gathered so far, it seems that Capitol subcontracted Cinram to press these records while operations were still being adjusted in the new pressing plant (maintenance, repair or support during a period of high demand).
Pressing Information
This time, Cinram was subcontracted to press this series of reissues. The 29 mm pressing ring is indicative of the Cinram pressing plant, but was made from parts prepared at Capitol (dead wax information features the stamped Capitol target logo).
Matrix markings are identical to those of the Capitol pressing LP.2228.8.1: the hand-written catalogue numbers are followed by the same lacquer codes, and the trail-off carries the same stamped MASTERED BY CAPITOL marking. While being Cinram pressings, these records were made from the set of masters prepared by Capitol for the orange label series:
Side 1: ST-1-2228 H22
Side 2: ST-2-2228 H22
Seeing that Capitol temporarily subcontracted Cinram to press these as support while operations were still being adjusted in the new factory, it is most likely that these pressings were made from "borrowed" Capitol pressing plates sent from Mississauga (instead of creating a new master at Cinram). A "CR" marking in the trail-off would indicate a master made by Cinram itself; no pressing of this 1977 series has been documented with that marking so far.
Cover
The cover of this variation is similar in design to the previous variation, but it now features the posterboard construction (image printed directly on the cardboard frame instead of glueing paper slicks). This results in a thinner cover, with no white frame around the front cover image. Like the other early posterboard covers of this album, it is unmarked (no printer's logo). It could theoretically be a Shorewood cover, since Shorewood introduced the posterboard construction (and Ross-Ellis (DJ) covers only appear on later retro rainbow pressings), but nothing on the jacket confirms it. The back cover carries the Capitol-EMI legal line and target logo at the bottom.
Packaging
This edition was shipped in tight shrink wrap, with a plain paper LP inner sleeve. These Capitol sleeves can be square or rounded and have a large flap on the bottom and side. Note: these inner sleeves were being used as stocks were refilled, so it is possible that leftover earlier sleeves were used as well.
