Pennyroyal Tea
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t y p e   Single
l a b e l   Geffen
c a t a l o g  #   GED 21907
f o r m a t   CD / Slimline Case
l e n g t h   11:13
m a d e  i n   Germany
r e l e a s e d  i n   Europe
d a t e   1994.05.??

q u a n t i t y
  The exact number of copies sold prior to the recall is unknown.  This is just a guess, but I think it's in the low to mid thousands.
 
a v a i l a b i l i t y
  Recalled after Cobain's death.  Out of print.

t r a c k l i s t   /   c r e d i t s
  1. Pennyroyal Tea
  • (Remix)

2. I Hate Myself And Want To Die
  • (LP Version)
    (Kurt Cobain) EMI Virgin Songs, Inc./The End Of Music BMI

3. Where Did You Sleep Last Night (In The Pines)
  • (MTV Unplugged Version)
    (Huddie Ledbetter) Folkways Music Publishers, Inc. BMI

1 & 2 Recorded by Steve Albini
1 Remixed by Scott Litt
3 Mixed by Scott Litt

Original version of "Pennyroyal Tea" from the Geffen album IN UTERO.
Available on LP, Cassette and Compact Disc (GEF/GEC/GED-24536).
"I Hate Myself And Want To Die" from the Geffen album THE BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD EXPERIENCE.
Available on LP, Cassette and Compact Disc (GEF/GEC/GED-24613).

Cover photo: John Skalicky.  Design: Robert Fisher, Greg Stata

n o t e s
  Track 1 was also released on the "clean" version of In Utero (cassette and CD).

The disc was made in Germany and available in Europe for a short time.  It's been reported that the release date was in early May.  Geffen decided against releasing the single following Cobain's death, so most of the copies that had been distributed were then recalled.  Whatever discs weren't returned to Geffen became an instant collectible and target for counterfeiters.  (See also Real or Fake?.)

To keep things simple, I think it's best to say there are two versions: 1) Copies with the Sonopress matrix, and 2) Copies with the Sonopress matrix and an IFPI code stamped into the plastic inner ring.  (Some people may want to list each IFPI variation as a separate version.)  Additionally, some discs may have an extra ring in the center.

While there may be some counterfeit Sonopress discs (anyone?), the most common counterfeit is the so-called "plus" version.  These discs only have GED 21907 on the matrix surrounded by dozens of + symbols.

There is only one known promo.  Other supposed releases lack enough detail for me to say much with any certainty.  The info I do have is here.

t h e   g o l d r u s h
  In 1999 there was a sudden surge in the number of these singles at eBay.  Here's why:

  • "...Korea has large import companies, and one of these companies imported a 200 count of Ptea singles.  There is/was a record store that was 'overstocked' with these singles.  A Korean seller on eBay discovered that the single was worth some money and began selling them on eBay...soon to be followed by other Korean sellers.  The number of Ptea singles on eBay was increased by counterfeits floating around too."

That last bit about the counterfeits being auctioned at the same time the official copies resurfaced was a shame.  It led to a lot of unnecessary confusion.  Anyway, the source of that info will remain anonymous by request.  But I can assure you based on reputation and his direct involvement with those "lost" CDs, that what came out of South Korea and appeared at eBay, at least initially, were the real deal.  That was confirmed by other buyers.  (NOTE: All 200 of the discs were not sold on eBay.)

m a t r i x   ( v a r i a t i o n   # 1 )
 
  • SONOPRESS I-2211/GED21907 A      2

m a t r i x   ( v a r i a t i o n   # 2 )
  Some CDs have the code, as well as an IFPI code stamped into the inner plastic ring.

  • SONOPRESS I-2211/GED21907 A      2
    IFPI 0738

m a t r i x   ( v a r i a t i o n   # 3 )
  Some CDs have the code, as well as an IFPI code stamped into the inner plastic ring.

  • SONOPRESS I-2211/GED21907 A      2
    IFPI 0793

s o u r c e s
  Cory Brookshire, Duncan Eyers, Anders "Andy" Leirvik, NFC, Nirvana FAQ, Damien Rockwell, Shawn Turner, Mitch Vassar, Shane Virone

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