{"product_id":"aretha-franklin-aretha-now-1968-us-early-reissue-vg-vg","title":"Aretha Franklin - Aretha Now 1968 US early reissue VG\/VG","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eARETHA FRANKLIN - ARETHA NOW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrace 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 \u003ci\u003e\"Think\"\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003e\"I Say a Little Prayer\"\u003c\/i\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1968 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSleeve grades VG.  \u003c\/strong\u003eStill 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVinyl grades VG.  \u003c\/strong\u003eSide 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CS5 Vinyl and Memorabilia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47326513660035,"sku":null,"price":17.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/3553\/6003\/files\/WIN_20260621_21_02_21_Pro.jpg?v=1782094718","url":"https:\/\/cs5music.com\/products\/aretha-franklin-aretha-now-1968-us-early-reissue-vg-vg","provider":"CS5 Vinyl and Memorabilia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}