R.E.M. – Imitation Of Life

Despite what the notes say above, while A1 and A2 are songs from the album, they're not really. These are VERY different mixes of these songs and B2 is a really interesting instrumental track. B2 sounds like something that was recorded for the album that Stipe didn't write lyrics or lay down vocals for. I got lucky with the PVC sleeve no leaching on my copy that I picked up from Princeton Record Exchange, lucky since I don't think it'd had been open or played since 2001.

Just like the other commenter said, get rid of the PVC sleeve if it already hasn’t destroyed your record. I’m not sure if it’s from the PVC sleeve or the pressing, but mine sounds a tiny tiny bit glitchy and robotic. Best way that I could describe it lol.

If it’s not already too late check your copy out to see if the PVC sleeve has off gassed and etched into the vinyl. Get rid of that sleeve asap!

Io dispongo di una versione con colore del CD più scuro, tuttavia non arancione, come nella prima versione, ma neanche giallo chiaro, come in questa.

Y'know, it's rare to listen to a demo and find it to be a much better listening experience than the final product (or at least it is for me). But the demo for "Beat A Drum" is far superior to the album version in my opinion (mind you, the album version is still pretty good). With just the piano (and a faint guitar in the background), it make for a very laid back and calm melody that I really enjoyed listening to.
Mind you, the rest of the single was pretty good (Imitation Of Life is a true classic). Except for the Lifting demo perhaps. There's just something... Off about it.