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The "variant" press?

There is a S#%tload of threads to  sift through, finding  an answer. Perhaps someone can provide a explanation to the my question.

Where in line does the "variant" stand from a "1st press"? I'm not clear on the lineage of the "variant."

Recent buy is this promo copy of Warren Zevon's "Excitable Boy". One of those artists I just never got  around to listening to. I've found a "stamper" level(at least one worthy of consideration, since I don't have 5 others to compare)
https://www.discogs.com/Warren-Zevon-Excitable-Boy/release/6684772

Was there an actual record pressing facility in Compton Ca? California long timers may have an answer to this. 
Interesting find, as I see the matrix ending with the "W" indicating a Compton, Ca issue. Compton is a neighboring city to my hometown Long Beach. I can't find definitive info indicating an actual LP pressing facility that was in Compton.

This album has an all star supporting cast
  • Karla Bonoff – harmony vocals on "Accidentally Like a Martyr"
  • Jackson Browne – guitar, harmony and backing vocals
  • Luis Damian – jarana on "Veracruz"
  • Kenny Edwards – bass guitar on "Veracruz", "Tenderness on the Block" and "Lawyers, Guns and Money"
  • John McVie - bass on "Werewolves of London"
  • Mick Fleetwood – drums on "Werewolves of London"
  • The Gentlemen Boys (Jackson Browne, Jorge Calderón, Kenny Edwards, J. D. Souther and Waddy Wachtel) – backing and harmony vocals
  • Arthur Gerst – Mexican harp
  • Bob Glaub – bass guitar on "Roland the Headless Gunner", "Excitable Boy" and "Nighttime in the Switching Yard"
  • Jim Horn – recorder on "Veracruz"; saxophone on "Excitable Boy"
  • Greg Ladanyi – bells on "Nighttime in the Switching Yard"
  • Rick Marotta – drums on "Veracruz" and "Lawyers, Guns and Money"
  • Jeff Porcaro – drums and percussion on "Nighttime in the Switching Yard"
  • Linda Ronstadt – backing and harmony vocals on "Excitable Boy"
  • Leland Sklar – bass guitar on "Johnny Strikes Up The Band" and "Accidentally Like a Martyr"
  • J.D. Souther – backing and harmony vocals
  • Manuel Vasquez – requinto on "Veracruz"
  • Waddy Wachtel – guitar, synthesizer, harmony and backing vocals
  • Jennifer Warnes – harmony vocals on "Excitable Boy"

Fantastic album, also audio rig show off worthy.
tablejockey
edcyn
1,876 posts
 
You got me squinting at my copy of Excitable Boy. Did I buy it the first day it came out?  I have no idea what the hand-scribbled, barely legible numbers/letters inscribed on the vinyl mean --  CE-118 PRE and GE-118 B-3 PRCW. Have I got something special? Should I put it on ebay????
whart's avatar
whart
3,047 posts
 
Great record. I think I have a couple early pressings including a promo. I’ll have to look.
As to your question of variants, I see this a fair amount with respect to small variations in credits and the like that otherwise don’t involve a different mastering. I think it shows that the notion of "first pressing" without more info, doesn’t tell us much especially for records that were widely distributed and manufactured at a lot of different plants in the US and elsewhere.
PS: this gent, who goes by the handle W.B. wrote a lot of information about old pressing plants and here's what he said in another forum about the one in Compton. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I've had this forever, it seems. Of all my older LPs, it's been played more than any other i my collecection. Been with from middle age to old age. About time I played it again.

Best,
Dan
tablejockey OP
3,916 posts
 
The lineup of musicians is most impressive. A handful of these guys are on practically every radio hit  during the 70's.
The only other superstar missing is David Lindley on slide or weird guitar thingy.

Whatever variant indicates, the SQ grabs your attention along with the music. Always fun to score albums like this.

"this gent, who goes by the handle W.B. wrote a lot of information about old pressing plants and here's what he said in another forum about the one in Compton."

Yes, that's about the depth of other stuff I've been able to pull up. Disappointing no in depth on this Compton facility. I guess Gangsta rap isn't the only thing straight outta Compton.

Anyone a Huell Howser PBS fan? This would have made a great episode topic.
whart's avatar
whart
3,047 posts
 
I’m not sure how much info you’d get with a deep dive into databases that have old Billboards, local news, etc. Could be researched, starting at your public library, I guess.
It is a good sounding record.
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