LP.2108.6.1 features the new orange label in its first generation, appearing in 1972. This first generation is recognized by the GOLD perimeter text around the label. This pressing still features the RCA 70 mm deep-groove pressing ring and its Modern Graphics cover. The record itself featured a new label, but was still pressed by RCA from the same Canadian stereo plates as the target-label pressings.
Availability
This variation was available in 1972 (for a short period) when covers mistakenly using a leftover mono back slick appeared (see LP.2108.6.2).
General Information
Although orange pressings are generally quite common, these early orange labels are more difficult to find today; 2nd generation and third generation orange label pressings are much more common. The first generation is the scarcest of all three generations of orange labels.
First generation orange labels can be identified by the GOLD perimeter print around the label, second generations have black text that is much easier to read. This pressing was made in small quantities when demand required a new run of pressings to restock the warehouse. Another interesting fact is that this label generation was unique to Canada since Capitol USA opted for the Apple label for their Capitol reissues instead.
Pressing Information
As was the case for all previous variations, Capitol of Canada subcontracted the RCA pressing plant in Smiths Falls (Ontario) to manufacture new batches of albums with the new "first generation of orange labels". The records were still pressed from the same Canadian stereo plates as the previous variations, and therefore carry the same markings:
Side 1: ST-1-2108
Side 2: ST-2-2108
These pressings feature the same 70 mm deep-groove RCA pressing ring as previous pressings. The label design was new (the orange label with its gold perimeter print), replacing the target design used since 1970.
Cover
The cover of this variation is similar in design to previous variations, and was also manufactured by Modern Graphics. These covers have the standard 10 mm straight inner seam.
Covers up to the mid 70s used a “front slick” construction (a larger back slick, usually printed in black and white that wrapped around the front of the cardboard cover, onto which a smaller colour front slick was glued, creating a white frame effect all around the front image).
The front cover carries the regular Modern Graphics logo. The cover construction itself is identical to all previous variations, with a front slick construction.
The back cover keeps the Canadian-market list of albums introduced with the first pressing: Beatlemania! and Twist and Shout instead of Meet The Beatles and The Beatles' Second Album, with Long Tall Sally added ahead of The Hollyridge Strings' Beatles Song Book. A Canadian back cover lists four Capitol albums, one more than the American.
The front cover keeps the BLOCK STEREO designation. The albums on the back remain in the correct chronological order (Beatlemania before Twist and Shout).
Packaging
Copies of LP.2108.6.1 were packaged with a tight shrink wrap.
These were now sold with a generic plain paper LP inner sleeve.
