Mono Versus Stereo

Ah yes. That eternal battle of which format is superior.........

IMHO, it depends on the song itself. Something which requires a ton of overdubs usually breathes better in stereo but so many tunes come to life in monophonic.

A prime example being the 1966 single "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles (oh no... not those guys, again). We'll get to that in a moment......

In the 1960's, walking into a record shop and having the choice of either format was routine. Most kids bought the mono recordings because:


1. Most 45's were in monophonic so they had no choice.

2. Their playback equipment wasn't exactly of the highest quality and only had one speaker.

3. Mono LP's were usually a dollar cheaper than the "posh" stereo pressings.


Since monophonic was the norm, The Beatles were more concerned with these mixes. They rarely attended stereo mixing sessions which would usually be completed within an hour or so. These said stereo versions are still being utilized today- and since they were not really done with much care- there's the true excuse to give the entire Beatles catalog a stereo overhaul. As long as they are done in analog by those who know what they are doing. No "brickwalling" etc. In other words.....keep the 21st century, auto tune obsessed go-tees away.


George Harrison once stated: 


"Why would anyone want stereo? To me, it ruined the sound and it made everything seem so naked".


In many instances, he was 100% correct.


My favorite part of all this are the differences between each of the mixes. Many tunes were sped up or slowed down for either mix. Some had different effects, instruments missing, vocal takes or in many cases, completely different takes of the songs themselves. Sometimes these things happened by choice or simply by accident.

Anyway, let's compare the two mixes of "Paperback Writer". Beginning with what I consider to be the extremely wimpy stereo mix. The tune first appeared in that format on December, 1966's "A Collection Of Beatles Oldies...But Goldies" which was somehow never released in the USA (it did come out in Mexico). It's first American stereophonic release was on February, 1970's "Hey Jude" compilation (originally titled "The Beatles Again") and that was an alternate and even wimpier mix in itself.



OK. Here we go.....



The stereo mix features all the guitars and drums panned to one channel. This kills the entire feel of the recording. Also, the vocal delay effects are minimal as compared with the mono. IMO, it's completely useless.


Click here:



UK LP (1966):

US LP (1970):



Now for the mono. Notice the power behind the entire recording. Everything is where it should be and it's also about 10 seconds longer. Take particular note of the delay effect on McCartney's vocal at 1:34. Whenever I hear this, I get chills.


Click here:



US Picture Sleeve. Notice the reversed guitars:






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