Beatles Butcher Cover Yesterday & Today, 2nd State.

Capitol Records ST 2553 Un-peeled slick

You are bidding on a very rare album, a second state stereo album of the Beatles "Yesterday and Today." Originally released in June 1966, this album is in very good condition. The Album cover is in good condition with a minor tear at the very bottom of the edge of the cover and a horizontal scuff (wear) across front center. There is an orange inner sleeve, its edges have been taped.

What makes this album, or actually the album cover, so rare is that this is an original cover that was recalled and re-released with a slick, or top cover. Under this slick is the famous Beatles "Butcher" cover. All photos in this description are of the item being bid on.

Identifying signs of a 2nd state "Butcher" cover.

The way to identify a beatles 2nd state butcher cover is by looking at the album close up. You will notice the partial, or hidden manufactures identifier (ST 2553) covered up by the slick. Also the left edge of the album, where the the title resides, the top of "The beatles" letters are touching the slick.

The second item to look at for proper identification is the number which identifies the pressing plant, where the album cover was manufactured. This number is found behind the cover on the lower right side, next to the RIAA seal. The number on this album is 2, which means that the cover was pressed in Jacksonville, IL.

The next step is looking for Ringo's elusive "V" neck on the front of the album. No matter how hard some people try, some see it and some don't (let alone through a computer screen). But by using some computer software you can now view it by adjusting the photos contrast as view below in the first and second photos. The image bleeds through the white slick. For a better view, click on the right image.

The last step, which unfortunatly some people take to make sure it is a butcher cover, is to peel off the slick. What people do not realize is that the album is more valuable unpeeled than peeled, which is why this one has been left as is. By removing the slick, the album can be worth substantially less to beatles collectors! Believe me, this is a second state butcher.

The next item which makes this album worth more is that it is a stereo, as opposed to a mono, pressing. Mono pressings of the Beatles Yesterday and Today, were more frequent than their stereo counterparts, specially for 1966. This is what was called a full demensional stereo album and is identified by wording at the top and the "S" in the ST 2553.

A small added bonus

Included in the bid is a photocopy of the Capitol Records Distributing Corp. recall letter explaining why the original Butcher cover was recalled. Mind you it is only a copy, but adds reasoning to Capitols desission on the matter.

The Music

In 1966 I was 6 years old when my step-father gave me my very first album. That album was the Beatles "Yesterday"...and Today. Not this one mind you, but one just like it. The music is as good today as it was back then.

The titles on this album include:

Side One
• Drive my car
• I'm only sleeping
• Nowhere man
• Dr. Robert
• Yesterday
• Act Naturally

Side Two
• And your bird can sing
• If I needed someone
• We can work it out
• What goes on?
• Day tripper

A part of Beatles history

Why would you want to bid on this item? What makes it so special? You are bidding on what was once a Capitol's Executive's mistake in judgement, which was later frozen in time for over 37 years. The music had not changed, we all share that, but you can have something more tangible, and unforgettable. The value of this item is priceless, and cannot be measured in dollars. The old cliche of "Be the first one on your block to own one," well you can become the only one on your block as well as your City to have one! You can truly own a piece of Beatles history for so little, with greater returns.

Payment method, shipping and handling

Payment method preferred is Pay Pal, to be received within 10 business days after the end of the auction. Please email me if you have any question concerning payment.

I have arrange various methods of deliver through USPS in which you can use the shipping calculator. Insurance will be provided as an option. I will include Canada and overseas bidders, just use the international shipping calculator below (item subject to U.S. customs paperwork). If item is not paid for by highest bidder, seller has the discretion of placing the item up for bid again.

Special note

Feel free to place this item on your watch list for easy retrival and viewing.

Good Luck and happy bidding