The Beatles Please Please Me PMC1202 1st UK 1963 Rare DECCA DG Press w/Inner VG+
C$
150
$
105
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Description
'Please Please Me' was a major milestone in rock history both culturally and statistically. It was the first studio album by The Beatles and, in many ways, redefined the long-playing record. It remained at the top of the UK album chart for 30 consecutive weeks, an achievement that, over 54 years later, has rarely been equalled.
On February 11th, 1963, The Beatles went into Abbey Road studios and in just over 16 hours, recorded the 14 songs needed for this album. Though recorded using only 2 tracks, the immediacy, spirit, magic, and drive is captured in every song. A testament to the greatness of The Beatles, but also to their producer, George Martin.
The very first Mono pressings (PMC 1202) were on the "black & gold" Parlophone labels (March 1963) of which 2 variations are known to exist. Roughly 4 weeks later came the 'yellow & black' design, of which at least 6 variations are known to exist. The one offered in this listing is the 3rd variation or 4th pressing *; These appeared around July/August 1963. A few weeks later demand for this title reached levels which obliged EMI to have some pressed at the Decca Records pressing plant. These pressings are easily distinguished by the deep groove ridges (see photos) on the labels. While not as rare as the initial 'black/gold' Parlaphone design they are nevertheless not as common as the regular EMI 'yellow/black' pressings. The superb audio reproduction however, remained the same.
* For confirmation that this is indeed a 4th UK pressing of this album, go to the following website.... Beatles Collecting Guide .com (re: Please Please Me Lp)
Cover (Printed by Ernest J. Day): VG+....if not for some minor corner wear and some inoffensive aging and discoloration to the back, this jacket would grade much higher. The lamination to the front is still in wonderful condition; while the flipbacks at the back are slightly worn but still in good order...spine is solid and legible. All in all, this is a very nice example of one of the most famous album covers in popular music.
Original Inner-Sleeve: VG+....in wonderful condition with (an easily repairable) 2" seam split to one side.
Record: VG to VG+....at certain angles and under strong light, one can see hairlines, scuffs and other marks on the surface. However, because of the quality of these early UK pressings most have no significant impact on the audio apart from a touch of surface noise here and there. A very satisfying listen despite the less than perfect condition.
Matrix Numbers: Side 1 XEX 421-1N 1 11
Side 2 XEX 422-1N 1 4
I will always combine shipping to save you money.
European buyers....please conrtact me for shipping rates/options before paying invoice.
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