LP.2108.8.1 was released on the third generation orange label in late 1976, the first series of pressings in Capitol's new Mississauga pressing plant. These pressings can be identified by the medium size (39 mm) pressing ring, characteristic of Capitol pressings, and feature a new master. These Capitol pressings used traditional thicker records.
Availability
This variation was available between late 1976 and 1977 (for approximately one year) when the label design changed to the purple label (see LP.2108.9.1). This pressing is relatively common as this series of reissues coincides with a deliberate effort by Capitol of Canada to promote the band's back catalogue (a highly promoted new set of LP reissues as well as the Beatles Forever series).
General Information
This pressing marks the beginning of a new era for Capitol pressings in Canada. Indeed, these (3rd generation orange labels) are the first in-house Canadian pressings to be produced at Capitol Canada's new pressing plant in Mississauga, Ontario. Pressings up until 1983 are made at this new plant, and feature the classic 39 mm pressing ring. These Capitol pressings used traditional thicker records.
The text layout and font were once again completely changed on this reissue.
Pressing Information
Matrix numbers are different from previous variations, as a new set of masters was prepared for this new series of back catalogue reissues. The hand-written catalogue numbers are now followed by new lacquer codes:
Side 1: ST-1-2108 H22
Side 2: ST-2-2108 H20
The trail-off also carries a stamped MASTERED BY CAPITOL marking, and a small stamped Capitol target logo.
Cover
The cover construction of this variation changed for the first time, moving away from the front slick used on all previous variations. It is printed by Modern Graphics, whose credit appears on the spine (see below). This cover features an 8 mm inner seam.
Most copies have been confirmed with a new "wrap-around" construction (where front and back slicks are not separate, but one large slick folded over the spine of the jacket, like a book).
The photo below shows an unfolded wrap-around slick from one of these pressings, with the back and front covers printed as a single sheet. The tiny angled part by the spine is a great clue of a wrap-around construction on assembled covers.
This construction also brought a new marking on the spine: "Super Jac", printed next to the "Litho in Canada" credit. Super-jac was Modern Album's name for this paper-wrapped (wrap-around) construction, introduced in the mid-late 1970s to compete with Shorewood's direct-to-board Shorepak; these 1976 reissues are its first appearance on Canadian Beatles covers. The mention was later carried over by mistake onto the posterboard covers of the two following variations (LP.2108.9.1 and 10.1), which use no slick at all.
Finally, this cover also features the new legal information at the bottom of the back cover: the Capitol "target" logo, the EMI box, and the address of the new Mississauga plant (3109 American Drive).
Packaging
This edition was shipped in tight shrink wrap, with a plain paper LP inner sleeve. These Capitol sleeves are square and have a large flap on the bottom and side.
Note** These inner sleeves were being used as they refilled stocks, so it is possible that leftover earlier sleeves were used as well.
