BEATLES WHITE ALBUM NUMBERED “00231” AUSSIE FIRST ISSUE

	A$		55
	$		36

BEATLES WHITE ALBUM NUMBERED “00231” AUSSIE FIRST ISSUE

The Beatles – S/titled (aka “The White Album”) D/LP (orig. Australia STEREO Apple PCSO-7067—1968, TOP OPENING - gatefold cover)

Recorded between 30 May - 14 October 1968 ~ Australian release date: 21 December 1968 (UK release date: 22 November 1968).

On offer here is one of the CROWN JEWELS of any Australian BEATLES collection.  This ULTRA RARE LOW NUMBERED version “00231” of THE BEATLES “White Album”, is an ORIGINAL FIRST AUSTRALIAN STEREO ISSUE released on 21 December 1968.  The “Northern Songs” and “APPLE” publishing credits appear on each record label.  This was not the case with all subsequent pressings.

The Matrix Number that appears on each run-off groove can be seen below:

Side 1 <> SWBO-1-101-J41 (Stamper <> B1)

Side 2 <> SWBO-2-101-J41 (Stamper <> B1)

Side 3 <> SWBO-3-101-J41 (Stamper <> B1)

Side 4 <> SWBO-4-101-J41 (Stamper <> B1)

That is the good news!  Unfortunately, the cover and discs are not in the best of condition – see grading description below and digital photos.  BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR BIDDING!

SIDE 1

1.               Back in the U.S.S.R.                                   Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

2.              Dear Prudence                                           Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

3.              Glass Onion                                                Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

4.              Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da                                   Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

5.              Wild Honey Pie                                          Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

6.              The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill       Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

7.              While My Guitar Gently Weeps                  Writ: George Harrison

8.              Happiness is a Warm Gun                           Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

SIDE 2

9.              Martha My Dear                                        Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

10.           I’m so tired                                               Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

11.            Blackbird                                                  Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

12.           Piggies                                                      Writ: George Harrison

13.           Rocky Raccoon                                          Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

14.           Don’t Pass Me By                                       Writ: Richard Starkey

15.           Why don’t we do it in the road?                 Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

16.           I Will                                                        Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

17.           Julia                                                         Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

SIDE 3

18.           Birthday                                                    Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

19.           Yer Blues                                                   Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

20.          Mother Nature’s Son                                  Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

21.           Everybody’s Got Something to Hide

Except Me and My Monkey                         Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

22.          Sexy Sadie                                                Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

23.          Helter Skelter                                           Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

24.          Long, Long, Long                                        Writ: George Harrison

SIDE 4

25.          Revolution 1                                               Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

26.          Honey Pie                                                  Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

27.          Savoy Truffle                                           Writ: George Harrison

28.          Cry, Baby, Cry                                           Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

29.          Revolution 9                                               Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

30.          Good Night                                                 Writ: John Lennon/Paul McCartney

PERSONNEL

John Lennon        lead guitar (1,8,10,18,19,25,26); electric guitar (7); rhythm guitar (22,26); acoustic guitar (3,6,10,17,25,28); bass (1,13,23); keyboards (4,6,10,22,28); lead vocals (2,3,6,8,10,17-19,21,22,25,28,29); backing vocals

Paul McCartney  lead guitar (1,9,15,23); acoustic guitar (5,11,13,15,16,20); bass (1,2,4,6-10,12,14,15,19,21,22,24,25,27,28); keyboards (1,2,7,9,10,14,15,18,22,24-26); drums (1,2,5,9,20); lead vocals (1,4,5,9,11,13,15,16,18,20,23,26, 28); backing vocals

George Harrison  lead guitar (1-3,8,10,19,21,22,27,28); rhythm guitar (23,25); acoustic guitar (4,6,7,12,24,25); bass (1,18,26); organ (7); lead vocals (7,12,24,27,29); backing vocals

Ringo Starr          drums/percussion (3,4,6-8,10,13-16,18,19,21-28); electric piano (14); lead vocals (14,30); backing vocals (6)

    Eric Clapton       lead guitar (7)

    Chris Thomas      mellotron (6); harpsichord (12); piano (24,27)

    Mal Evans           backing vocals (2); trumpet (23)

    Jackie Lomax     backing vocals (2)

    Yoko Ono           backing vocals (6,18,30)

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios & Trident Studios in London, England—UK.

Produced by George Martin.

GRADING (also refer photos)

Cover:

FAIR to GOOD water damage near top seams and spine; spine wear, creasing and discolouration.  A thin strip of tape appears along the spine.  I have successfully removed the initials of the original owner “TK” from the front cover (top-left), although the pen impression still remains.

Regrettably, the four colour photographs (one of each Beatle), the double-sided poster and both black inner bags are MISSING.

Record:

FAIR to GOOD visual: numerous scuffs and scratches (nothing too deep), although it still looks UGLY! ; audible: although I haven’t played the discs, there are bound to be some problems; labels: significant spindle wear; writing on labels—side 1 & side 3.

NB: I do not normally list records in this condition.  However, owing to the EXTREME RARITY and HIGH DESIRABILITY of this item, I have decided to make an exception on this occasion.

GRADING DESCRIPTION

COVER

M: Absolutely NEW—perhaps still in shrink-wrap.

M-: Slightly less than MINT.

EX: Very light wear and/or creasing—defects will be noted.

VG++: Slightly less than EXCELLENT.

VG+: Slightly better than VERY GOOD.

VG: Some ring-wear and other signs of aging are apparent—defects will be noted.

VG-: Slightly less than VERY GOOD.

G: More obvious ring-wear, seam-splits, stains etc—defects will be noted.

M=MINT, EX=EXCELLENT, VG=VERY GOOD, G=GOOD

NB: Brackets indicate the cover is between one grade and another—eg. VG+(+).

RECORD

M: Absolutely NEW—perhaps still in shrink-wrap.

M-: Slightly less than MINT.

EX: Very light scuffs.  Record played infrequently, with little or no reduction in sound quality.

VG++: Slightly less than EXCELLENT.

VG+: Slightly better than VERY GOOD.

VG: Lightly scuffed/marked record, with acceptable sound quality—defects will be noted.

VG-: Slightly less than VERY GOOD.

G: More obvious scratches, with some deterioration in sound quality—defects will be noted.

M=MINT, EX=EXCELLENT, VG=VERY GOOD, G=GOOD

NB: Brackets indicate the record is between one grade and another—eg. VG+(+).

Shipping, payment details and returns policy

After close of Auction: (1) the total amount owing including postage and handling will be provided to the winning bidder; and (2) payment will be expected within a fortnight (14 days).

The minimum method of overseas postage that I use is STANDARD AIRMAIL PARCEL POST.  I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you insure your parcel.  This is your choice (of course), however, I take no responsibility for damaged or missing parcels if you choose not to.

PayPal is the preferred method of payment.  This ensures that you receive your item sooner.

For successful Australian bidders, I also accept: (1) direct deposit, (2) postal money order, or (3) personal/bank cheque—item/s will be sent after payment has cleared.

For successful overseas bidders, I also accept: (1) International Bank Draft drawn on an Australian bank, in Aussie dollars—ask your bank.

I offer a 100% money-back guarantee (excluding postage costs), if you are genuinely unhappy with the grading of an item.  The SAME item must be returned in the SAME condition, within one week of receipt.  Returns will not be accepted without prior consultation and approval.

Thanks for looking!  I am happy to answer any questions related to this item.

Feel free to send your WANTS LISTS, as I specialise in RARE and COLLECTABLE vinyl from all over the world.

Progressive; psychedelic; garage; r&b; beat; folk; jazz; blues; hippie rock; rural rock; hard rock; heavy rock; heavy metal

Australia; New Zealand; UK; USA; Canada; Latin America; Germany; Italy; Spain; France; Netherlands; Denmark; Sweden

Email correspondence to — matthew.gleeson@yahoo.com.au

I am now aware that the “A” prefix is NOT unique to Australian pressings of the “White Album”.  US issues also used this prefix.