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THE BEATLES - CHRISTMAS ALBUM (1970)
Original Official USA Pressing

01. Dec. 1963 (5:03)
02. Dec. 1964 (4:04)
03. Dec. 1965 (6:25)
04. Dec. 1966 (6:41)
05. Dec. 1967 (6:09)
06. Dec. 1968 (7:53)
07. Dec. 1969 (7:40)

All tracks MONO
All of these mixes are officially unavailable on CD.
Full artwork included in download..

Hardware:
- Technics 1210mk2
- Jelco SA-750D Tonearm (w/ JAC 501 cable)
- Audio Technica AT33PTG MC
- Pro-Ject Tube Box SE-2
- Yamaha CA-1010
- RME ADI-2 A/D Interface

Software:
- Audition 3.0 used for editing, (incl. manual removal of clicks and pops) & adding gain.
- Click Repair 3.9.1 used with setting Cl: 10, Cr: 0

Transfer and Restoration by Prof. Stoned

Prof. sez:

Here's another rarity in the series "essential but not available on cd".

As you know, these 7 tracks were originally released on flexi discs to all members of the British fan club. When the band broke up in 1970, it was decided between the band's ever loyal fan club secretary Freda Kelly, George Harrison and Paul McCartney that the fan club was to be dissolved, as well. A final present to the club members was conceived: an album that put all seven Christmas messages together. In Britain the LP was called "From Then To You”, which first came out on the Lytone label, and then later on Apple. In the USA, the LP was simply called "Christmas Album", and came out on Capitol/Apple. Reportedly, the release of the USA pressing was much delayed; copies were delivered two or three months after Christmas to unsuspecting fan club members.

Both the UK and USA versions are said to have been sourced from Freda Kelly's copies of the original flexi discs. To my ears, 1964, 1965, 1969 and possibly 1968 may have been tape sourced, as they don't have the crackling that's quite apparent on the other tracks, and which one would expect from such an inferior medium. However, the sound quality is about equal for all tracks, and none of these have the same fidelity as the regular EMI recordings.

Because the original release was limited and not for commercial purposes, demand for this LP quickly exceeded supply, and soon enough, counterfeit versions of both the UK and USA releases appeared in the early ‘70s. Later on during that same decade, a counterfeit version of the USA album that faithfully copied the original sleeve and record labels flooded the market. To this day, these are often mistaken for the real deal, and in my estimation, outnumber genuine pressings on a scale of 10 to 1.

This recording was sourced from a mint original 1970 fan club copy with authentic Sam Feldman/Bell Sound signature. The vinyl quality is good for this era, and most of the surface noise actually comes from the recordings themself. I have managed to clean up the crackling as thoroughly as possible, without harming the sound. This might well be the best digital version so far, at least compared to all the sources I have heard.

As for the content itself, 1966 to 1968 are probably the most interesting ones. Then again, the whole series gives an interesting glimpse into Beatleworld over the course of seven years. I think it's an essential listen for the above-average fan (and let's face it, most of us are).

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!