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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. This pressing has Northern Songs credit for Misery, I Saw Her Standing There, There's A Place & Do You Want To Know A Secret.
The machine stamped matrix numbers are as follows:
Side One YEX 94-1
Side Two YEX 95-1
Many copies of this album, when released, were taken to parties and played endlessly, often scratched until they were unplayable. This copy, however, has been played very little and has been looked after.
There are no deep scratches or any significant blemishes to the vinyl & no flaws that would cause any major pops, clicks or any jumps. On close inspection, there are just a couple of faint paper scuffs to indicate handling. The audio is Excellent.
Upon playtesting, noise between tracks was at a minimum and the audio quality of this second pressing is nothing short of astonishing. There is no distortion or heavy 'burring' during 'Twist & Shout', which is often the give away that the album has been overplayed, but not this one. The vinyl is super clean & overall the disc plays superb & 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 odd 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 with just some scuffing to the edges and corners and a little light laminate creasing. The rear of the sleeve does show damage to both top and bottom flipbacks, which both evidence tears and some paper loss at the ends. There is also a little discolouration evident in places from handling. Despite these imperfections the sleeve is an authentic printing with 'Made In Great Britain' poly lined EMItex inner, not one replaced with a later issue as commonly happens.
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, but would also be a chance to upgrade your vinyl. This is a gorgeous example.
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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