Expert: Pattie - 3/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have had my St Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album for a long time. I remember buying it and taking off the plastic wrap. I have only played it a few times so the record itself is in excellent condition. The cover has no blemishes. The cutout insert is intact and in mint condition. The record still has the white sleeve inside the album cover, also in mint condition. How do I tell if the album is mono or stereo? After every song and before the time are the letters BMI. On the middle of the album on the right side it says SMAS-2653 (SMAS 2-2653). On the back cover lower right side it says "All lyrics copyright 1967 for the world by Northern Songs Ltd. England" It also says Capital and EMI and that it is by MACLEN MUSIC INC. Can you give me an idea of my album's worth? Thank you for your assistance.

ANSWER: Hi Angela!

Well, you definitely have the stereo pressing. That's what the first "S" is in SMAS-2653. If it were mono, it would just be MAS-2653. Congrats on keeping yours in good condition, also! Currently a mint original copy of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is valued at around $65-$75. Thanks for the question!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does the album color make a difference? Mine is red but others on ebay state theirs is green or black label.

Answer
Hi again, Angela!

That indicates that you don't have an original pressing. Capitol changed to a sort of an orange/red label I believe in November of 1972. Most of the copies of Pepper at that point were being pressed with the Apple label. The first issue of Pepper with the orange/red label wasn't until 1976. That does bring the value of your LP down, unfortunately to about $30-$40. Sorry about that...

Peace,
Pattie
8^)