George Harrison – Somewhere In England LP 1981 US Map Cover SRC/EDP NM/VG+

HISTORIC 80s BEATLES ARTIFACT: George Harrison – Somewhere In England (Original May 1981 US First Pressing — Rare "Map" Cover / Specialty & Europadisk Hybrid)

Secure a genuine piece of Fab Four history with this authentic, Day-One May 27, 1981 US first pressing of George Harrison’s critically acclaimed album, Somewhere In England (Dark Horse Records – DHK 3492).

Following a well-documented confrontation where Warner Bros. rejected Harrison's original 1980 tracklist, George overhauled the album to include four brand-new songs—most notably his global hit and heartfelt tribute to John Lennon, "All Those Years Ago" (featuring Ringo Starr on drums alongside Paul and Linda McCartney on backing vocals). The vital -RE1 ("Revised Edition 1") dead wax runout confirms this as the official first commercial release of that revised lineup.

This particular copy is an extraordinary "Frankenstein" cross-plant manufacturing hybrid: Side A was pressed utilizing metal parts manufactured at the Specialty Records Corporation in Pennsylvania (machine-stamped [SRC logo]), while Side B utilized a metal mother grown at Europadisk in New York (machine-stamped [EDP logo]) and pressed at Specialty (SP). Complete with the original, controversial "Map Cover" artwork that was later withdrawn and replaced on subsequent reissues, this is the ultimate variation for serious vinyl enthusiasts and Harrison completists.

The Technical & Pressing Profile

• Artist: George Harrison

• Title: Somewhere In England

• Label & Catalog Number: Dark Horse Records – DHK 3492 (US Original First Pressing)

• Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo, 33 ⅓ RPM

• Release Date: May 27, 1981

• Country of Origin: United States

• Genre / Style: Rock, Pop Rock

• Cover Distinction: Original 1st-Issue "Map Cover" (Harrison's profile superimposed over a vintage Great Britain telecommunications map)

• Pressing & Plating Lineage: Cross-plant hybrid featuring Specialty Records Corporation ([SRC logo]) plating on Side A and Europadisk ([EDP logo]) plating on Side B, pressed at Specialty (SP)

• Mastering Distinction: Official -RE1 (Revised Edition 1) lacquer cut containing "All Those Years Ago"

• Matrix / Runout (Side A): DHK-1-3492-RE1 SR1 1-1 SM1-1 [SRC logo] (Etched / Stamped)

• Matrix / Runout (Side B): DHK-1-3492-RE1 SR2 0-1 SM1-1 [EDP logo] M1SF1SM1 SP (Etched / Stamped)

Condition & Grading

Graded conservatively using standard Goldmine parameters:

• Record Condition: Near Mint (NM / M-)

  The vinyl retains brilliant, like-new factory gloss with dead-quiet playback. The hot -RE1 lacquer cut delivers punchy mid-range dynamics, crisp slide guitar work, and lush acoustic intros like "Life Itself" with zero inner-groove distortion against a silent background.

• Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus / Excellent (VG+ / E)

  The original "Map Cover" jacket is clean, crisp, and beautifully preserved with vibrant color, rigid structure, solid seams, and only light, faint shelf/edge wear. No seam splits or major creasing.

Why This 12" Single Belongs in Your Collection

Original 1981 first pressings of Somewhere In England represent a fascinating study in vinyl manufacturing and album revision history. The combination of the withdrawn original Map Cover, the historic -RE1 runout provenance tied to the tribute "All Those Years Ago," and the rare SRC/Europadisk cross-plant matrix makes this Near Mint copy an essential, highly collectible centerpiece for any serious Beatles or solo-era vinyl archive.

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Add this rare 1981 US Map Cover hybrid pressing of George Harrison's Somewhere In England to your collection today!