The actual first UK release of this album was pressed in the USA by Atlantic Records at Speciality Records Corporation (only first pressings of this title have SRC's logo after the machine stamped matrix numbers, the large S with R and C in the loops) and must have -G stampers both sides. These discs were imported back into the UK and housed in the UK first edition sleeve with the catalogue number K53501 on rear and spine and Manticore Records logo distributed by WEA Records Ltd on rear (only UK issues were housed in this sleeve) This 1st pressing was released on November 19, 1973 in both the US and the UK at the same time, later issues were printed with a Manticore/WEA catalogue number and are pressed on thinner vinyl. Original pressing comes in a fold out jacket and a poster.
Matrix / Runout (Side A): ST-MC-732991-G (Large S with R and C in the loops) AT
Matrix / Runout (Side B): ST-MC-732992-G (Large S with R and C in the loops) AT
End of 1973 There was a shortage of paper pulp in the UK following was reported at the time December 1973
There is still a bulk pulp shortage causing delays in print produce such as LP jackets. Atlantic seem worst hit and the Emerson Lake and Palmer jackets have been imported from the USA..a special jacket had been agreed and impossible to make in the UK because of shortages of board of the right quality
Added scans of 1st press pressed in the USA by Atlantic Records at Speciality Records Corporation (only first pressings of this title have SRC's logo after the machine stamped matrix numbers, the large S with R and C in the loops) and must have -G stampers both sides and was purchased by me as soon as it came out.
Mine never came with a poster so there might have been limited numbers.