Beatles Vigotone Get Back - Real?

[Kevin Sypolt]

Hey all of you Beatles gurus,

I was just out browsing ye olde record/CD shop and I came across a Vigotone "The Beatles Get Back - The Glyn Johns Final Compilation" on sale for $20. I remembered seeing a description of this on the DCC board, so I thought, "What the Heck" and plunked down the money to purchase it. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the raw versions of the songs. Here is my question:

How do I know if this is a REAL Vigotone bootleg, or a copy? The CD shop I bought it from gladly accepts returns on used items if you are not satisfied. Here is what I know:

1) Version VT 182
2) The CD itself is a silver CDR that is stamped with ivory paint, with a baby blue "GET BACK" stamped on it.
3) The CD has 18 tracks, including the two bonus versions of Teddy Boy.
4) The front graphic shows "An Early Version of the Let It Be cover" on one side of a folded photo paper like cover. The other side shows the same photo without the words. Inside the folded graphic is nothing... No notes, no nothing. The back looks fairly professional...

I could have created this copy in a couple of hours! :) Does this sound like a "REAL" bootleg album, or a fake? It really threw me for a loop when it was a CDR... Is this normal? If it is a fake, I will take it back to the store and demand a refund. Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

[Patrick M]

I'm not an expert on this, but I think it's not uncommon for "official" Vigotone releases to be on CDR. My ($8 used) copy of Freewheelin' Outtakes was a gold CDR.

Willst thou be offering this item in trade?:D

[Kevin Sypolt]

re Patrick's message: "Willst thou be offering this item in trade?"
Sure, if the SH board determines that this is an "official" bootleg version, then I would entertain that thought. It would be unethical to copy it if I don't keep it, right??? :)

Heck, this brings up a whole new area of ethics. Is it illegal to copy an illegal bootleg version? Just boggles the mind! :)

[cvila]

My copy, which I'm kinda sure is "real" Vigatone is also a CDR. They all were at this point in the company's production. Its stamped in black ink. The cover is professionally printed heavy stock paper printed on both sides as you described. Same with the inlay card. Most importantly (artwise), it came in a card board slipcase with an oversized booklet of about sixteen pages. Hope that helps.

[Kevin Sypolt]

Hmmm, didn't get the cardboard slipcase or booklet. I guess that explains why there wasn't any writing on the insert. Well, that's two for two, that this might be an official, all be it, incomplete version. Thanks for the responses so far!

[cvila]

I don't have copying capabilities, but my friend does. I can seed a tree with 5-10 copies. I'd like to trade to get a copy if the MFSL UHQR Beatles "Abbey Road" needle drop someone on the last board discussed doing (if it was ever done) or a clone of the first Japanese CD of same. Let me know if there if there is an interset.

[Uncle Al]

I am fairly sure my copy is original and it mirrors yours EXCEPT:

1. The jewel case comes in a cardboard slipcover that mirrors the front and back covers you describe, except for a white border around the cover shot, a paragraph describing the contents (including the booklet - see #2 below), a statement saying "Full Fidelity Compact Disc - All rights reseved, you know the rest" added to the back.

2. The purpose for this cardboard cover is to hold a 32 page booklet which contains session photos, photos of lyric sheets and tape boxes, with an essay credited to Malcolm Neil June 1999. This booklet is printed on glossy stock and contains color and black and white photos. There is also a humourous Vigotone ad which shows a painting of a Rubenesque (sp?) nude woman with the logo "What you've heard is true! Vigotone product is put together by our dedicated staff of naked ladies. Nudity is the quality ingredient.

3. The jewel case is all clear plastic. There is a photo beneath the CD spindle of Ringo at the drums, with the album title to the left.
4. The disc appears to silver - however examination of the "play side" reveals that it is indeed a CD-R.