The Beatles Please Please Me & Ask Me Why Parlophone 45 1964-65 UK Press
$
65
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Description
SHIPPING RESUMES 23 JULY 2025 THANK YOU FOR ALL THOSE WHO WERE PATIENT!.
“Please Please Me” / “Ask Me Why”
Artist:
The Beatles
Label & Catalog Number:
Parlophone R 4983 (UK issue)
Red label with silver print (first introduced mid-1963)
Sleeve:
• Full picture sleeve with swan armchair photo (mimicking the 1964 Dezo Hoffmann session).
• Rear sleeve lists both tracks, “THE BEATLES” at top, and includes Parlophone and EMI logos.
• Moderate wear visible, but intact. Folds and edge creasing visible.
Vinyl Details:
• Format: 7-inch, 45 RPM mono
• Label: Red Parlophone with large silver “PARLOPHONE” logo
• Matrix numbers:
• A-side: 7XCE 17217-3
• B-side: 7XCE 17218-3
• Pressing plant: EMI, UK
• Year of original release: 1963
• This particular pressing appears to be not the very first issue (which used -1N or -2N suffixes) but still a very early 1960s red label reissue likely from 1964–1965.
Condition Assessment:
• Sleeve: VG (Very Good) – noticeable creases, edge wear, but no tears. Strong spine and graphics remain legible.
• Vinyl: VG+ visually – retains gloss, light surface scuffs, no deep scratches noted.
• Labels: Red with light spindle wear around center, but no writing or stickers.
Historical Notes:
• This is the second UK single by The Beatles, originally released on 11 January 1963.
• It marked their first UK #1 hit on several charts, and the song’s success cemented George Martin’s confidence in the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership.
• The B-side, “Ask Me Why,” was recorded during the same session that produced “Please Please Me,” and highlights their early Merseybeat and doo-wop vocal influences.
• Parlophone’s red label variant was issued briefly during the label design transition period (roughly 1963–1965), making this an appealing collectible for completists—especially with the picture sleeve.
Collectibility Notes:
• The -3/-3 matrix combo is less sought-after than the original -1N first press, but still valuable, particularly with the full picture sleeve.
• Red label reissues were produced in smaller numbers compared to black/silver styles.
• The pairing of an original early-60s reissue vinyl with a first-issue picture sleeve increases appeal.
• This copy is not the first pressing (-1N) but still vintage 1964–65 with transitional red label and original 1963-style sleeve.
• Condition is decent: VG+ vinyl and VG sleeve are attractive to collectors, especially with both items present and clean.
• Picture sleeves from this early period are especially valued, and the red Parlophone label adds interest.
price rating
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