I often notice when I record my vinyl singles to the computer that the A-side is louder than the b-side.

In the case of the Small Bones, Small Bodies vinyl there's about a 3db difference.

Is this an effect of making the A-side groove heavier to allow for more playing or more likely that they pay more money and attention to mastering the A-Side of a single.

Maybe I just have a weird sound card that hates me.