Bob Dylan – John Wesley Harding Stereo LP Columbia CS 9604 (1967, 360 Sound)

Original U.S. stereo first pressing of John Wesley Harding by Bob Dylan (Columbia Records, CS 9604), released December 27, 1967. Pressed on Columbia’s red “360 Sound STEREO” label with white arrows and “Printed in U.S.A.” notation—definitive identifiers of early 1968 issues from Columbia’s first production run. Matrices: XSM 135311 / XSM 135312.

Produced by Bob Johnston and recorded in Nashville, this album marked Dylan’s quiet creative reinvention following his 1966 motorcycle accident. Featuring All Along the Watchtower, I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight, and Dear Landlord, the record blends folk minimalism and country influence, laying the foundation for the Americana sound of the late 1960s. The back cover lists musicians Charlie McCoy, Kenny Buttrey, and Pete Drake, with Dylan’s fable-like prose printed below—an unmistakable hallmark of first-issue jackets.

A pivotal work in Dylan’s canon, John Wesley Harding topped the UK charts, reached No. 2 in the U.S., and remains a cornerstone of his transition from protest poet to country-folk visionary.

Condition

Vinyl is in very good + (VG+) condition, showing only faint sleeve marks under bright light and playing with clean, dynamic sound throughout. Labels are crisp and unfaded with no spindle wear. Jacket is very good (VG), showing moderate ring and edge wear, light corner rubbing, and minimal discoloration; all seams remain intact and spine text legible. Includes original Columbia advertising inner sleeve.

Details / Specifications

• Format: 12-inch vinyl LP (Stereo 360 Sound)
• Catalog No.: CS 9604
• Matrices: XSM 135311 / XSM 135312
• Label: Red Columbia “360 Sound STEREO” w/ white arrows
• Producer: Bob Johnston
• Recorded: Nashville, Tennessee, 1967
• Released: December 27, 1967 (U.S.)
• Musicians: Bob Dylan (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Charlie McCoy (bass), Kenny Buttrey (drums), Pete Drake (steel guitar on select tracks)

An authentic early stereo pressing of Bob Dylan’s John Wesley Harding—his contemplative return to folk and roots traditions and the source of All Along the Watchtower. Highly desirable in this original “360 Sound” stereo format, this LP stands as one of Dylan’s most influential and enduring studio works. A must-have for collectors of vintage Columbia Dylan pressings.