George Harrison – The Best Of George Harrison LP 1981 UK EMI MFP 50523 NM/VG+

DEFINITIVE BRITISH ANALOG COMPILATION: George Harrison – The Best Of George Harrison (1981 UK EMI / Music For Pleasure Pressing — "H+M" Vault Master)

Discover one of the finest "sleeper" audiophile pressings in British rock history with this pristine November 25, 1981 UK vinyl release of The Best of George Harrison (Music For Pleasure – MFP 50523).

Split right down the middle, this definitive 13-track retrospective features Harrison’s legendary songwriting output with The Beatles across Side 1 (including "Something," "Here Comes the Sun," and "Taxman"), transitioning into his towering early solo masterpieces on Side 2 (such as "My Sweet Lord," "What Is Life," and "Bangla Desh").

Manufactured in the United Kingdom directly at the historic EMI Records Pressing Plant in Hayes, Middlesex, this release utilized EMI's original first-generation analog master tape reels (YEX 961 / YEX 962) rather than degraded secondary copies. Featuring the documented "H+M" engineering dead wax etching from EMI’s Hayes cutting rooms—associated with collaborative mastering overseen by cutting legend Harry Moss—this pressing delivers astonishing dynamic range, spacious acoustic warmth, and tight bass punch on physical vinyl.

The Technical & Pressing Profile

• Artist: George Harrison

• Title: The Best Of George Harrison

• Label & Catalog Number: Music For Pleasure (MFP) – MFP 50523 / EMI Records (UK Reissue)

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

• Release Date: November 25, 1981

• Country of Origin: United Kingdom

• Genre / Style: Rock, Beat, Pop Rock, Psychedelic Rock

• Pressing Plant: EMI Records Pressing Plant, Hayes, Middlesex, England

• Master Tape Heritage: Direct-from-vault EMI analog masters (YEX 961-3 / YEX 962-2)

• Mastering Signature: Hand-etched H+M on Side A (EMI Hayes studio / Harry Moss collaborative cut)

• Matrix / Runout (Side A): YEX 961-3 23 H+M 1 (Stamped, except etched H+M)

• Matrix / Runout (Side B): YEX 962-2 31 3 (Stamped)

• Packaging: Single-pocket glossy sleeve with iconic red Music For Pleasure center labels

Condition & Grading

Graded conservatively using standard Goldmine parameters:

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

  The vinyl surface retains deep, brilliant factory gloss and plays with virtually silent backgrounds. EMI’s Hayes pressing delivers punchy rhythm bass on "Taxman," rich acoustic guitars on "Here Comes the Sun," and lush slide guitar harmonics on "What Is Life" with wide analog separation and zero inner-groove distortion.

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

  The original UK single-pocket sleeve is clean, crisp, and structurally sound, showing bright colors, strong edges, solid seams, and only light, superficial shelf wear.

Why This 12" Single Belongs in Your Collection

While budget-label releases from other manufacturers often suffered from compressed, thin audio, EMI treated their 1981 Music For Pleasure pressings to direct-from-vault analog master reels and expert lacquer cuts at Hayes. The presence of the H+M dead wax inscription confirms an uncompressed cut that preserves the full transient punch of George Harrison's Beatles catalog alongside his landmark Phil Spector-produced solo work. In Near Mint playing condition, this is the ultimate high-fidelity player's copy for any serious vinyl enthusiast.

Professional Shopify Shipping & Business Policy

• Collector-Grade Packaging: We pack every record with exceptional care. Please note that the LP will not be removed from the jacket prior to shipping. Your record will be housed within a protective archival outer sleeve and packed tightly between rigid cardboard stiffeners inside a heavy-duty, reinforced record mailer to prevent corner dings or seam damage in transit.

• Fast & Reliable Fulfillment: Orders are securely prepared and dispatched promptly with tracking information provided immediately upon shipment.

• Customer Appreciation: I truly appreciate positive feedback—it helps my small business grow and gives buyers confidence. After your purchase, you’ll also receive exclusive discounts on more items in store.

Add this premier 1981 UK EMI pressing of The Best of George Harrison to your turntable rotation today!