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Tracklisting & More Information
This was the Beatles' first official LP release. For the one and only time, the mono version was issued six weeks prior to the stereo version, with the stereo version available by special order only. Music shops were only shipped mono copies by default as this was then the far more common format in the UK, with stereo being the province of classical, Jazz & Hi-Fi buffs with very little penetration into the mass market.
This album contained the A and B sides of their first two singles, plus ten new songs, all recorded in one incredible session at Abbey Road. The session cost just £400 and lasted sixteen hours.
The album took exactly six months to pass the sales figure of 250,000, and went on to sell over half a million in the U.K. with world sales of almost two million. It still holds the record for the longest continuous stay at number one.
The cover photo was taken at EMI's Manchester Sq. headquarters by Angus McBean, and the sleeve notes are by Tony Barrow.
Whilst trying to think of catchy names for their first album release, George Martin offered the title, "Off The Beatle Track", but this was bypassed. Mr. Martin clearly liked the name, and used it himself in 1964.
MAIN MONO/STEREO DIFFERENCES
For all the single release tracks, indeed the entire album, an alternate stereo mix was created. As the singles were often composites of several takes, this led to the stereo version of the album being different to the mono. For the mono LP, the single mixes were used.
This is most notable in the stereo version of Please Please Me, where John makes a mistake in the words of the final verse, which causes him to chuckle in the final chorus. This is not heard in the mono version.
One for the Anoraks: The stereo version, unlike the mono, was mastered at the correct speed. All the mono presses were slightly fast.
SLEEVE
All first sleeves were made by Ernest J. Day & Co Ltd, with large block 'stereo' on the front. The initial printing of sleeves, such as this one, had the 'Photo: Angus McBean' credit to the right of the 's' in 'songs'. The subsequent printings moved this across to a point under the 'g'.
CONDITION
The all important black and gold Parlophone labels are in superb condition. There's no writing or other blemishes, the gold text is striking and clearly legible. There are few visible spindle marks around the centre hole.
This pressing has Dick James Music Co credit for Please Please Me, Misery, I Saw Her Standing There, There's A Place & Do You Want To Know A Secret.
The machine stamped matrix numbers and stampers in the dead vinyl confirm that this was one of the first pressed as both sides end -1.
The matrix numbers are as follows:
Side One YEX 94-1/R
Side Two YEX 95-1/G
Many copies of this album, when released, were taken to parties and played endlessly, often scratched until they were unplayable. This copy, although well loved, plays through beautifully & has no flaws that would cause any skips.
On close inspection, the heavyweight vinyl exhibits a number of paper scuffs & faint cosmetic blemishes, none of which can be felt. The grooves still retain a deep sheen. Upon playtesting, noise between tracks was at a minimum and the audio quality of this first pressing is nothing short of astonishing. Twist & Shout does not distort the way it can on most worn copies, & just a few faint clicks are audible at the beginning of Baby It's You, & that's it. Overall the disc plays a great deal better than a visual scan would appear to indicate and reproduces at a very reasonable EX-/EX sonic level. An incredible testament to the quality of the vinyl used & the pressing quality.
The sleeve shows its fifty plus years, but remains in better condition than most copies of this album found. Where some kept the vinyl as well as they could, it was rare for the sleeve to benefit from the same tender care.
The front has retained its rich colours. A few song annotations & some very minor scribbles in places can be seen on close inspection. Nobody knew at the time this record would be seen as the holy grail.
The spine still looks glorious with nothing that upsets the print. The corners have some unavoidable scuffing & the bottom edge has chipped away considerably.
The flipbacks are intact, although there is a 1" area missing from the far right top flipback. The rear of the sleeve exhibits a little discolouration evident in places from handling. All text remains clearly legible & unfaded & the sleeve is an authentic first printing with 'Made In Great Britain' poly lined EMItex inner.
A healthy VG-/VG example that plays far better than it looks, thanks to the quality of vinyl in the sixties, this legendary album rarely surfaces, as so few stereo copies were issued. This copy remains in highly respectable & very playable condition, certainly in the upper percentage as regards the vinyl. It is a great investment item as is.
01. I Saw Her Standing There
02. Misery
03. Anna (Go To Him)
04. Chains
05. Boys
06. Ask Me Why
07. Please Please Me
08. Love Me Do
09. PS I Love You
10. Baby It's You
11. Do You Want To Know A Secret
12. A Taste Of Honey
13. There's A Place
14. Twist & Shout
LP RECORD
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