JOHN LENNON WALLS AND BRIDGES 1974 PCTC 253 W/BOOK LIVERPOOL IMPORT

• Artist: John Lennon

• Title: Walls and Bridges

• Label: Apple Records (An EMI Recording)

• Catalog Number: PCTC 253

• Country: UK

• Year of Release: 1974

• Format: 12-inch LP, Stereo

• Matrix Numbers:

• Side 1: YEX 937-4

• Side 2: YEX 938-4

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Pressing Notes

• This is a UK Apple Records first issue, as denoted by the PCTC 253 catalog number and “Mfd. in U.K.” on the label.

• The -4 lacquer cuts suggest a slightly later early pressing, since initial UK first pressings often start at -1. Still, this is a 1970s pressing from the initial release era, not a reissue.

• The Apple labels are correct for this era, with green apple on Side 1 and cut apple on Side 2.

• The inclusion of EMI text and publishing credits matches authentic 1974 issues.

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Packaging

• Outer Sleeve: Features John Lennon’s childhood artwork (football scene, June 1952, age 11).

• Inner Gatefold: Includes Lennon’s self-portrait photo (multiple glasses) and lyric/artwork booklet bound inside.

• Condition: From the photos, there is some handling wear but the spine and colors remain strong. Booklet pages appear intact, which is important for collector value.

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Historical Context

• Walls and Bridges was John Lennon’s 5th solo studio album, released during his so-called “Lost Weekend” period in 1974.

• It features “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” (his only #1 solo hit during his lifetime, featuring Elton John), “#9 Dream,” and other tracks written while separated from Yoko Ono.

• This album reached #1 in the US and #6 in the UK, marking a commercial comeback.

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Collectability

• Original UK copies are moderately collectible, especially with intact booklet and in good condition.

• The matrix -4/-4 indicates not the very first cuttings, but still a 1970s original pressing.

• Later UK reissues (1980s and beyond) use different catalog numbers and often omit the booklet, making this copy more desirable.