General Information Artist: Jeff Beck Group Title: Rough and Ready Label: Epic / Columbia Catalog number: EAQ 30973 Format: Q8 (Quadraphonic 8-Track Tape Cartridge) Year: 1971 Country: USA Edition: Quadraphonic First Pressing Genre: Jazz Rock / Blues Rock Description Rough and Ready marks a pivotal transition for Jeff Beck, moving away from the heavy blues-rock of the Rod Stewart era toward a more sophisticated, jazz-fusion-leaning sound. This 1971 album introduced a new lineup featuring keyboardist Max Middleton, whose "soul-inflected" style became a cornerstone of Beck's sound throughout the mid-70s. Interestingly, Jeff Beck took on a much larger role in songwriting here than on previous efforts, composing or co-writing most of the tracks. This specific release is mixed in Quadraphonic sound, a high-fidelity 4-channel surround sound format that was the cutting edge of audio technology in the early 1970s. Condition Tape: Presumed MINT (unplayed) Sleeve: Factory-sealed, never opened (tear on spine, see pics) Notes for collectors This is a highly sought-after Quad 8-Track (Q8), specifically designed for four-channel playback systems. Q8 cartridges are significantly rarer than standard stereo 8-tracks, as the format was expensive and required specialized hardware. Finding a copy still in its original factory shrink-wrap with the vintage price sticker ($7.98) is exceptionally rare. The gold "Epic Quadraphonic" slipcase is a distinct hallmark of this era's premium releases. Collectors should note the discrete channel separation unique to this Q8 mix, which offers a completely different listening experience compared to the standard stereo version. Matrix/Labels Catalog Number: EAQ 30973 (Printed on spine and back label) Manufacturing: Manufactured by Epic Records, CBS, Inc., 51 W. 52 Street, New York City Markings: "EPIC," MARCA REG. T.M. PRINTED IN U.S.A. Logo: Features the distinct "Q8" Quadraphonic logo on the front, spine, and cartridge label.