Aretha Franklin - Aretha Now 1968 US early reissue VG/VG

ARETHA FRANKLIN - ARETHA NOW

Trace the immediate, high-demand secondary manufacturing wave of the Queen of Soul's 1968 masterwork with this distinct late-1968/early-1969 Atlantic Records stereo reissue (Discogs ID: r4206752). While maintaining the album's original 1968 release year footprint and the iconic David Gahr front portrait, this specific pressing represents a fascinating transitional moment in Atlantic’s physical production chain. Rather than using the typical early-1968 matrix configurations, this version utilizes freshly cut, high-performance lacquers processed by foundational Atlantic studio engineer Adrian Barber. Cut onto premium Audiodisc lacquer blanks, Barber's signature touch yields a stellar, high-output, and beautifully detailed soundstage. The record perfectly separates the thunderous driving punch of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section from the soaring gospel-driven call-and-response dynamics of The Sweet Inspirations on historic soul pillars like "Think" and "I Say a Little Prayer". For collectors looking for a clean, early-generation sonic profile without the multi-market wear of the very first summer press block, this pristine late-'60s reissue stands out as an audiophile-grade sleeper cut.

1968 US release by Atlantic, catalog # SD 8186.  Early reissue (original release year was 1968) in stereo on Atlantic green, white and red labels with 1841 Broadway address in rim text.

Sleeve grades VG.  Still mostly covered by original shrinkwrap and original hype sticker still attached!  Excellent color/finish, no ring wear, shaped corners with light dings.  Small (~1.5 cm) seam split at top opening.  Bit of pencil writing in upper left corner on back cover.

Vinyl grades VG.  Side A plays well but has some crackle and a few light clicks/pops while Side B plays mostly VG+.  Disc has some light scratches along with standard light surface marks and hairlines.  Oddly, side B looks worse than side A despite playing better.