8019 - Beatles ‘Rubber Soul’ Capitol Records Mono Master Reel for King Features (1966)

Beatles ‘Rubber Soul’ Capitol Records Mono Master Reel for King Features (1966) Original 1966 Capitol Records mono master reel-to-reel tape of the Beatles’ U.S. album Rubber Soul (Capitol T-2442), prepared for King Features Syndicate for use in The Beatles animated television series. The tape is housed in its original Scotch box, which bears an affixed Capitol “Master Reel Control File” dated “1-20-66” and filled out in hand for client “King Features 57444” and artist “Beatles,” with the title “Album T-2442 ‘Rubber Soul.’” A typed track list with running times is affixed below, covering all 12 songs of the U.S. album: “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” “Norwegian Wood (The [sic] Bird Has Flown),” “You Won’t See Me,” “Think for Yourself,” “The Word,” “Michelle,” “It’s Only Love,” “Girls” [sic], “I’m Looking Through You,” “In My Life,” “Wait,” and “Run for Your Life.” The library filing section is marked “Shipped” and “Monaural.” A printed notice states that the recordings are the property of Capitol Records and may only be used for the limited purposes set forth in a July 16, 1965, letter from Capitol vice president F. M. Scott III to King Features Syndicate. The spine is labeled in marker on masking tape, “Beatles (Song’s) Reel #8.” Accompanied by a high-fidelity digital transfer (.wav file) of the tape’s contents on a USB stick labeled “#8 Rubber Soul.” The Beatles cartoon series, produced by King Features under Al Brodax, debuted on ABC on September 25, 1965, pairing short animated adventures with sing-along segments that displayed the lyrics on screen. Rather than supply its standard masters, Capitol prepared custom tapes for King Features, with five-second gaps between songs and a spoken ‘voice slate’ introduction by the mastering engineer before each track, so individual songs could be pulled cleanly for each episode. This reel was prepared about six weeks after Capitol released Rubber Soul in the U.S. on December 6, 1965. Condition: The box shows wear, with tape repairs, tears, and toning. The tape appears clean and intact.