The Doors – The Doors

Monarch (Stereo) First Pressing Shoot-Out:

74007A (M) MR (on BOTH sides) ("OHER" typo w/Witmark Credit) pressed in late 1966 vs.
74007A-2 (MON) MR (on BOTH sides) (corrected label) pressed in 1967

The (M) MR is the true first pressing; it sounds phenomenal --it's hard to describe, but even compared to the -2 (MON) re-cut, the (M) sounds more "alive" and spacious, the music bursts out of the speakers. Jim's vocals are crystal clear and out in front, instead of being muted as in later pressings. The -2 MON is still great, but it doesn't have the power and detail of the (M). Things to look for: the (M) jacket sleeve has a 'matte' finish whereas as the -2 (MON) as the semi-gloss sleeve, similar to what all pressings have to the present day. The (M) center label has a slighter darker gold color. Another thing to note: just because your copy might have the OHER mispelling doesn't guarantee its a (M) --you have to check the deadwax. I have a Monarch (Mono) with the OHER mispelling and its -2 (MON) in the deadwax with a semi-gloss cover. The (M) pressings from 1966 are extremely rare --in 20+ years of collecting I've only ever found one copy with (M) both sides w/typo. It is the grail and I feel should be listed as separate from the -2 MON which is slightly later. Maybe in the future the Discogs community will reach a consensus on this.

The best pressing out there, no contest. Worth every penny.

Does anybody know - matrix numbers variant 2 (Mon) also with misprinted labels (Oher Side) or not?

Note: the inter-sleeve shown in the photos is incorrect. The correct inter-sleeve should have the "Dean Street" address at the bottom, as well as the correct London address (Poland Street?). Can anyone give some clarification for the 'period-correct' UK address for the inter-sleeve?

Didn't believe the hype about this original Monarch stereo until I heard it. Head and shoulders above everything else.

If anyone has a clean copy they'd like to sell please let me know. I would love to have a NM or VG+ copy. I'm willing to pony up for it. THANKS

Does this Monarch stereo pressing ("Oher Side") have the non-censored version of The End (with the F-word)? I found very different info via google.

I’m looking for a NM vinyl copy if anyone is thinking about selling?

But what an incredible debut album this is! I’ve been listening to it regularly since I got into the Doors at college, around 1990, and I am still in awe at how creative this record is. The layering of sounds and the relationship between the drums, keys and guitar is just perfect - it’s like the band are instinctively connected to each other in a way you often see amongst jazz musicians. From start to finish the record plays out like a story, and it’s in unforgettable journey, with the most climatic ending in The End.

I have a pitman pressing and it sounds great. Keen to see how it compares to this Monarch pressing.

Has anyone compared these versions?

EKS-70047A (M) M in a circle ^9991
EKS-70047B (M) M in a circle ^9991-X

VS this one

EKS-70047A (M) M in a circle ^9991
EKS-70047B-2 (Mon) M in a circle ^9991-X

I guess the first side should be the same, right?

As for the B side, I read somwhere that it's louder and bassier (better by some opinions) on the latter copy.

Any comments?

Cheers

The “unicorn” pressing: misprints on the A label, MR in the runouts, and truly breathtaking sound! Cut loud and hot by Ray Hagerty at Monarch, this gold label pressing must be the gold standard to which all Doors’ records must be measured. The high frequencies are shimmery bright, especially when John Densmore rides the brass. The midrange is given a boost, when Jim is right in your face screaming his best poetry. The bass response is also well defined, especially on tracks like “Soul Kitchen” and “I Looked At You”. I’ve compared this earliest mastering to the red label copy, the Gold Record Sticker issue, even the DCC, and none of them come close. A VG will do. You won’t be disappointed.