Description "JUMPING JACK FLASH" (Jagger/Richards, 1968.) "Watcha!" I was born in a cross-fire hurricane, And I howled at my ma in the driving rain, But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas! But it's all right. I'm jumpin Jack Flash, It's a gas! gas! gas! I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag, I was schooled with a strap right across my back, But it's all right now, in fact, its a gas! But it's all right. I'm jumpin Jack Flash, It's a gas! gas! gas! I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead, I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled, I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread. Yeah, yeah, yeah! I was crowned with a spike right through my head. But it's all right now, in fact, its' a gas! But it's all right. I'm jumpin Jack Flash, It's a gas! gas! gas! Jumping Jack Flash, it's a gas, Jumping Jack Flash, it's a gas, Jumping Jack Flash, it's a gas, Jumping Jack Flash, it's a gas, Jumping Jack Flash, it's a gas, ROLLING STONES: "Jumpin' Jack Flash"/"Child Of The Moon" MONO 45, FIRST UK PRESSING, 1st JUNE 1968. AUTHENTIC 1968 DECCA LABEL: FDR. 12782. Identifying boxed logo first pressings from the late 60's can be tricky because there is no documentation to refer to, this has multiple identification pointers if you know where to look.   My labels pictures are spectacularly clear due to today's dazzlingly bright sunshine (at last!) and the fact the labels are in pristine condition, they can be referred to for these details; 1.) The most obvious thing to look for is the maitrix numbers on the labels, located on the right hand side of the centre holes, above the catalogue number; 'FDR. 12782.'  Unlike that, 'XDR- 42592' on the A-side and 'XDR- 42593' on the B-side, is printed upside down to the catalogue number, a common enough 1960's custom was to invert the label's maitrix.  Unless a printer error occurred, variations to that did not appear until near the end of 1969, so by combining the following information with this, it will positively authenticate a 1968 first pressing of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." 2.) On the left hand side of the centre holes, above 'Mirage Music ' is 'J.T.'   In 1968 only, the UK Tax Code was briefly changed from 'KT' to 'JT'  and then straight back to 'KT', it never even lasted to the end of 1968, so 'JT' printed on "Jumpin' Jack Flash" labels becomes definitive to genuine first issues.  The same applies to the Tax Code machine stamped at 12 o'clock in the run-out grooves, where the brief appearance of 'JT' can also be located. 3.) Decca also stamped the Tax Code in the run-out grooves, once again 'JT' is only found on first issues, this record has many unique features, I cannot give reasons for them, just that they exist!   4.)  Unlike any other previous Decca single I know of, both sides contained other unique stamping's and a major rarity for any 1960's Decca single, two hand scribed sets of numbers.   I am unable to decipher their meaning or purpose, just document their   exclusive presence on a UK first pressing of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." a.) A-Side: 6942 M.  (Hand scribed directly after  'XDR- 42592 - 2X.') a.) B-side: 6943 M.  (Hand scribed directly after  'XDR- 42593 - 2X.') b.) SM A  (Machine stamped on both sides at approximately 7 o'clock in the run-out grooves.)   MAITRIX: XDR - 42592 - 2X /  XDR - 42593 - 2X By 1968 Decca's maitrixes were gradually changing and evolving, the above was unique to first pressings of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and indicates a very first pressing.   The machine and hand scribed maitrixes can be seen in close up pictures, the most likely explanaition for two different maitrixes is the scribed numbers & letter were for another country. ORIGINAL 1968 DECCA SLEEVE, WITH A DISTINCTIVE LATE 1960's ONLY, WAVY TOP OPENING AND MADE FROM   TEXTURED PAPER. I only mentioned that to expose counterfeit sleeve sellers who spread fake items like a plague on ebay, but a genuine late 1960's   sleeve in this superb unfaded and virtually unaged condition, has an unbelievably vivid turquoise colour.  Hardly used and very carefully stored since 1968 in a plastic outer sleeve, with only an expected record impression and a few related gentle ripples. THE DECCA SLEEVE IN NEAR MINT CONDITION. THE IMMACULATE TEXTURED LABELS SHOW SPINDLE ALIGNMENTS OF ONLY ONE PLAY, SO FAINT IT MIGHT EVEN BE NATURAL TO THE 60's PAPER.  THE RECORD IS GLEAMING LIKE NEW WITHOUT ANY SCRATCHES OR MARKS, JUST THE FAINTEST, FEATHER LIGHT WISPS OF HANDLING AND THEY ARE NEAR INVISIBLE.  SUCH CAREFUL HANDLING AND PLAYING FOR A MONO 1968 MAJOR SINGLE IS RARE, THE MONO SOUND IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING WITH   WITH PERFECT AUDIO CLARITY ON BOTH SIDES, THE RECORD IS IN MINT- CONDITION. I have sold many copies of the Rolling Stones 60's singles in top condition, but they were mostly from 1963 - early 1967, for the authentic later 60's singles from "We Love You"up to  first pressings of "Honky Tonk Women", the conditions are generally in the worst possible condition, heavily played, deeply scratched and plain worn out, or 'Ex' to many ebay sellers!  To me unlistenable and offensive to look at, I want nothing to do with them and although I understand why they were so heavily played because I did the same to my originals, they also number among the greatest records ever recorded.  Between 1967 and 1968 The Rolling Stones music embraced the full psychedelic sounds of the era, like so many other artists who recognised that avenue had been exhausted, The Stones reached the point of either continuing in the same vein or reverting back to the earthy blues that inspired them in the first place to become musicians, a cycle of evolving music was far from over but the leaders of the pack instinctively knew when it was time to avoid a ready made, commercially acceptable formula.  You could only be '2,000 light years from home' for so long and that was the very reason the 1960's decade is still the most unique decade of the all, you can actually name the month the Stones arrived back home, but not quite ready to leave psychedelia behind yet!   That point can be found in June 1968, when they came out with all guns blazing with the absolutely staggering 45, "Jumpin' Jack Flash", after the "We Love Love You" single we expected to hear another single full of Hippy sentiments, but the Stones had regained their most cutting rock edge and they came   back from 'flower power' with the heaviest guitar riff intro ever heard in 1968.  I remember first hearing "Jumpin' Jack Flash" on   the radio before it was released and hearing the astonishing energy being released, the Stones were indeed back but this was the   blues we heard in the previous years, not even "Paint it Black" prepared you for the sonic properties of the new single. I often   think that is lost today and accepted too easily, a drastic change of direction as they just strode into the next pair of Decca    albums, then into "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile."  Yes and No to that, but there had to be a missing link somewhere and it was not   found on the B-side, which was just as overtly psychedelic their 1967 "Their Satanic Majesties Request" had been. The A-side had   a very special ingredient that epitomised the Stones ability to cloak their music with that genuine dark menace and impact, first   revealed on "Paint It Back."  I'm not sure if it's still available officially, the 1968 promo video for "Jumpin' Jack Flash" was stunning to see at the time.  Throwing off all the gentle feel they showed in 1967, even when protesting about being busted for   drugs and imprisoned on "We Love You", they re-enacted the trial scene during that single's video, but "Jumpin' Jack Flash" was   all about the Stones performing, they not only  looked mean and menacing, they gave a hard edged performance of steel, their   guitars had a viscous bite and Mick Jagger was at his sneering best.  Not that I didn't love "Satanic" & "We Love You" but this is   electrifying to hear and see, two promo video's were made, the live performance is the one to seek out, if only for the amazing   soundtrack!  By December,1968, the release of "Beggar's Banquet" confirmed that the Stones had returned to their blues roots,   and how!  The route was this amazing single, in my humble opinion, the most important Rolling Stones singles since their 1963   debut, their version of "Come On " a Chuck Berry song, was tame in comparison, but that was the first step on the way to writing   performing and recording "Jumpin' Jack Flash." Without that, would Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath been given recording contracts   in the following year?   A psychedelic feel was still there on"Jumpin' Jack Flash", especially heard on the long instrumental end   section , then there was the staggering psychedelic "Child Of The Moon", a non album track that simply has to be heard from the original 1968 mono single! All pressing details were given and I am itching to play the record again, a fantastic condition first pressing and well worth a long wait to find, all the printing on the label is like new, the silver is untarnished and ultra bright.  The only thing I failed to say,   in 1966 Decca redesigned their single's labels from open lettering  to a boxed design for their "Decca' logo on the top half of the labels. The vinyl is also gleaming like new, without any marks on either side,  beautiful looking, unblemished record with absolutely stunning sound quality. Near silent run-in grooves, that stunning guitar intro blasts out to "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in staggering power and perfect sharp mono sound, there is no surface sound during that incredible Keith Richards intro. Produced by Jimmy Miller, it was the beginning of a very productive relationship, a distorted fuzzy guitar supplimented by Brian Jones rhythmically shaken maracas, the impact of even the intro sounds magnificent from this pristine first pressing! A Master Tape sound I know very well and will not tolerate in substandard sound, my volume is set extra high to make sure there is no distortion, a common problem that affects nearly all the first pressings...but not this one!  I have waited for years since I last sold a 1968 "Jumpin' Jack Flash" on ebay, which is indicative of how rare an unworn first pressing has become, a track essentially heard in mono.  Bill's bass is so dominating and recorded extremely loudly on the original 45 mix, with Charlie's drums sounding crisp and just as powerful.   A fantastic Jimmy Miller production, mastered at colossal volume to vinyl, Mick comes in singing with"Watcha", another blast of the riff, then he's in tremendous vocal form. The lyrics were purpose made for his demonic menacing delivery over the incessant heavy guitar riff, this is one loud record!  Perfectly projecting a taut tension that hits you square between the eyes/ears from the first second of the intro,"Jumpin' Jack Flash" has the the dark qualities of "Paint It Black", then they took that into the swirling mists of the recent psychedelia, still with the Stones amazing 1967 sound heard in the performance, particularly the stunning long faded-out instrumental piece.  A truly amazing record to play for both sides, pure adrenalin pumping energy on this side and then the mind blowing psychedelia of "Child Of The Moon", 1968 left so many bands floundering in the wake of psychedelia, but Keith's killer of a guitar riff announced the Stones were heading in a new direction. The entire length of the track was without any form of static and certainly no surface sound, just pure exciting music.     No surface sound from the opening grooves,  only played the once in 1968 is unreal but welcome, meven vinyl's natural static is not worth discussing.  I hesitate out of a mixture of disbelief and pleasure, but I have to say there are silent run-in grooves before the music actually starts.  A perfectly clean and clear drone sound that builds before the guitar is played with slashing chords, some stoned yells, the drums and bass come in with tremendous  power, so this can only be the intro to the magnificent "Child Of The Moon".   A stunning and a very beautiful melody, if totally immersed in glorious psychedelic sounds of course, the guitars are incredibly sharp edged, Bill's bass is full and unbelievably loud in the original mix, Mick's vocal has that slightly slowed, dreamy feel of the previous year, it might not seem possible but the drums are even louder than "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and that is really is saying something.  The audio clarity here is nothing short of staggering!  A hard track to describe because   of a mind blowing listening experience you just want to lose yourself in, at least that's the effect it has on me! I love hearing the 1975 Decca label "No Stone Unturned" album version of "Child Of The Moon", but the 1968 45 RPM mix just overwhelms you because of the sheer power of the mastering embedded into a1968  mono single.  The audio clarity is perfect, so good to hear without any vinyl wear irritants, I discuss the run-in grooves because they are there but once the music kicks in they do become meaningless.  There is no surface or needle sound, playing from start to finish without any crackles or clicks, the atmospheric's are incredible, in this crystal clear sound, instruments such as a very quietly played organ is heard in all the original glory, a staggering sounding record on both sides! {Roy}   R & M RECORDS. My lifetime's love of music and records began at a very young age, the arrival of the Beatles and the 1960's decade   in general had a very profound effect. It was only natural to bring all my first hand experience of collecting vinyl   into becoming a professional record seller.  Over twenty years ago now we entered into the wonderful atmosphere of record fairs with the highest possible standards set. When the Internet became the world's new market place for   vinyl, in 2001 it was time to join ebay. Those standards were rigidly adhered to as they will always continue to be, the basics of honesty and integrity were very much part of the era the music I love originated in, so here is our friendly and very efficient service we are proud to provide; EVERY RECORD IS FULLY PLAYED AND COMES WITH A 'NO ARGUMENT' MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.   I USE GOOD OLD COMMON SENSE AS WELL AS A GLOBALLY ACCEPTED GRADING TERMINOLOGY   FROM THE U.K. "RECORD COLLECTOR PRICE GUIDE" BOOK. THERE IT CLEARLY STATES "Sound Quality" AFFECTS EVERY GRADING LEVEL AND THAT IS THE ONE AND ONLY POSSIBLE WAY TO ACCURATELY GRADE RECORDS. i.e. COMBINING A STRICT VISUAL INSPECTION WITH VERY CLOSELY LISTENING TO EVERY SECOND, UNLESS PERHAPS IN THE CASE OF GENUINELY UNPLAYED VINYL.  EVEN THEN WE STILL TAKE FULL RESPONSIBITY FOR A RECORD WHEN A CUSTOMER RECEIVES EITHER A SEALED OR AN UNPLAYED RECORD.   MY DESCRIPTIONS WILL ALWAYS BE 100% HONEST AND TOTALLY ACCURATE ON ALL GRADINGS FROM 'V.G.' ( VERY GOOD), TO THE ULTIMATE 'MINT' CONDITION. ANY QUESTIONS ON OUR ITEMS ARE WELCOMED AND WILL BE PROMPTLY REPLIED TO.   WE ARE FULLY EXPERIENCED AT SHIPPING WORLDWIDE AND NO EFFORT IS SPARED TO PROTECT RECORDS AND COVERS ETC.  WE WELCOME BIDDERS FROM ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. ALL RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR SLEEVES AND PLACED INTO NEW PROTECTIVE CARD SLEEVES AND THEN PLACED INTO NEW, HEAVYWEIGHT PLASTIC OUTER SLEEVES. THE GREATEST ATTENTION IS PAID TO MAKING THE PACKAGING EXTREMELY STRONG & SECURE. EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE A SAFE DELIVERY AND WE ONLY USE THE VERY BEST QUALITY PACKAGING MATERIALS, THE COST OF THE ITEM IS IMMATERIAL, EVERY RECORD IS TREATED EXACTLY THE SAME. WE DO NOT TREAT POSTAGE AS A MONEY MAKING PROJECT, POSTAGE IS LESS THAN COST, USING ONLY PROFESSIONALLY PACKED BOXES WITH SUBSTANTIAL PROTECTIVE PACKAGING THAT DOES WEIGH A LITTLE EXTRA. UNDER PAYPAL & EBAY'S GUIDELINES, ALL RECORDS WILL BE SENT VIA A FULLY INSURED TRACKABLE SERVICE. We have kept all our charges at the same level for years now, but due to the Post Office's new price increases, regretfully we will have to increase the cost of LP's, however, singles will remain unchanged.  Ebay were aware of that happening and have   increased their minimum postal cost for LP's to £7.00, that figure has been enforced by the UK Post Office and it will become our UK First Class, Recorded Delivery cost for albums up to the value of £46.   For LP's valued above £46, the cost will be £9, we are unhappy about either increase but our high standard of packaging has meant in 12 years of ebay trading, there has not been one record damaged, we are determined to maintain that in the present and future. IN THE UK RECORDS UP TO THE VALUE OF £46 WILL BE SENT RECORDED DELIVERY, OVER £46 WILL BE SENT SPECIAL DELIVERY.   FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD ALL RECORDS WILL BE SENT VIA 'INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR.' POSTAGE  COST FOR LP's UK: UP TO VALUE OF £46, FIRST CLASS RECORDED DELIVERY  £7.00 UK: OVER VALUE OF £46, FULLY INSURED SPECIAL DELIVERY £9.00 EUROPE: FULLY INSURED VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR  £15.00 USA,JAPAN & REST OF THE WORLD FULLY INSURED VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR £20.00 POSTAGE COST FOR EP's & 7" UK: UP TO THE VALUE OF £46 FIRST CLASS RECORDED DELIVERY £3.00 UK: OVER THE VALUE OF £46 FULLY INSURED SPECIAL DELIVERY £6.00 EUROPE: AIR MAIL VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR £10.00 USA, JAPAN ETC. AIRMAIL VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR £12.00 PAYMENT DETAILS. WE WILL SEND ALL WINNING BIDDERS AN INVOICE WITH THE FULL PAYMENT AND POSTAL DETAILS, AS NEAR TO THE AUCTION ENDING AS POSSIBLE. OUR AIM IS TO MAKE YOUR PURCHASE SMOOTH AND TROUBLE FREE. FOR UK BUYERS; WE ACCEPT:  PAYPAL, CHEQUES, POSTAL ORDERS & BANK WIRES. FOR OVERSEAS BUYERS; WE ACCEPT:  PAYPAL, INTERNATIONAL MONEY ORDERS IN POUNDS STERLING ONLY. OR BANK TO BANK WIRE TRANSFERS. WE WILL NOT MAKE FALSE STATEMENTS ON CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORMS AND WILL ALWAYS CONDUCT ALL OF OUR BUSINESS WITH TOTAL HONESTY. AS MUCH AS WE SYMPATHISE WITH THE WAY SOME COUNTRIES CHARGE SUCH HEAVY IMPORT DUTIES, WE WILL NOT LIE.   Pay me with PayPal. I don't charge my buyers extra!