Canadian Inside * Canadian Cover * USA 2nd Press
US 1st Press * Inside/ Inserts * Japanese Pressing w/obi
Hoping to capitalize upon the success of KISS Alive, Casablanca issued the limited-edition, specially release The Originals. This was a special repackaging of Kiss' first three records {1974's Kiss and Hotter Than Hell, and 1975's Dressed To Kill} The Originals has been out of print since the late '70s, but is still a much-sought-after collectible among Kiss fans/collectors.
The release has three major versions, US, Japanese & Canadian. All versions of “The Originals” include: a 16-page illustrated history of the band up to 1976, which is printed in sepia-style monochrome on 12”x12” paper with a glossy cover, a large color KISS Army sticker, and a sheet of 6 trading cards which originally had to be separated by the purchaser.
All three are similar, but they each have a few minor differences.
Canadian
The Canadian release is a sturdier traditional gatefold with the band logo emblazoned in Black & White on the inner cover. The three records feature different color labels with the Casablanca Script logo.
Japanese, USA 1st & 2nd Pressings
The Japanese & US versions feature a Folder like presentation with the albums & inserts tucked into a gatefold folder.
For the US & Japanese releases, each of the three records is housed in paper sleeves featuring the artwork of the respective album that they contain. The USA Cards were perforated, while the Japanese cards came a single sheet. Both US & Japanese releases also feature a White Label Promotional pressing of the set.
There were two printings in the US release. The cover of the second printing was labeled “Second Printing” in the top right corner. One main difference for the US versions can be found with the printed inner dust sleeves. On the original issue a matte (non-glossy, rough) stock was used for the sleeves, while the second printing used a glossy (smooth and shiny) stock. Both the front and rear covers of the original album covers were printed on these dust sleeves. The first pressing used the “Camels in the Desert” design while the second issue used the “Filmworks” label design,
The Japanese release includes a Japanese language, eight-page lyric booklet with biography of the band and, an obi strip that Folded over the top edge of the cover, rather than sliding on the left edge
Copies of the complete Japanese version of the album can sell for $150+, while complete regular US and Canadian versions sell for $75-$150 depending on pressing, condition, and degree of completeness. Promotional, or sealed versions sell for quite a bit more. The gatefold folder is notoriously flimsy & is prone to ringwear & edgewear. The sticker is prone to drying out and separating. As a KISS collector, this release is a must have….Next Post…KISS the Originals II
The release has three major versions, US, Japanese & Canadian. All versions of “The Originals” include: a 16-page illustrated history of the band up to 1976, which is printed in sepia-style monochrome on 12”x12” paper with a glossy cover, a large color KISS Army sticker, and a sheet of 6 trading cards which originally had to be separated by the purchaser.
All three are similar, but they each have a few minor differences.
Canadian
The Canadian release is a sturdier traditional gatefold with the band logo emblazoned in Black & White on the inner cover. The three records feature different color labels with the Casablanca Script logo.
Japanese, USA 1st & 2nd Pressings
The Japanese & US versions feature a Folder like presentation with the albums & inserts tucked into a gatefold folder.
For the US & Japanese releases, each of the three records is housed in paper sleeves featuring the artwork of the respective album that they contain. The USA Cards were perforated, while the Japanese cards came a single sheet. Both US & Japanese releases also feature a White Label Promotional pressing of the set.
There were two printings in the US release. The cover of the second printing was labeled “Second Printing” in the top right corner. One main difference for the US versions can be found with the printed inner dust sleeves. On the original issue a matte (non-glossy, rough) stock was used for the sleeves, while the second printing used a glossy (smooth and shiny) stock. Both the front and rear covers of the original album covers were printed on these dust sleeves. The first pressing used the “Camels in the Desert” design while the second issue used the “Filmworks” label design,
The Japanese release includes a Japanese language, eight-page lyric booklet with biography of the band and, an obi strip that Folded over the top edge of the cover, rather than sliding on the left edge
Copies of the complete Japanese version of the album can sell for $150+, while complete regular US and Canadian versions sell for $75-$150 depending on pressing, condition, and degree of completeness. Promotional, or sealed versions sell for quite a bit more. The gatefold folder is notoriously flimsy & is prone to ringwear & edgewear. The sticker is prone to drying out and separating. As a KISS collector, this release is a must have….Next Post…KISS the Originals II
Canadian version has a label variant for record 01, which sometimes comes in golden color.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen the Japanese white label version, not even in pictures. Does anyone have it? Or a picture??
I bought the canadian version a few months ago, it doesn't include the cards and the stickers but it rocks guys! this is one of the best things among my vinyls
ReplyDeleteI have it with a golden colored, light blue and dark blue first album. All 3 are Canadian releases.
ReplyDeleteI have the limited edition canadian release 100% complete! Had it for the last 25 years.
ReplyDeleteI found a copy of the Rock And Roll Ball booklet, but it is 7X7...? Anyone?
ReplyDelete