Vinyl: BEATLES PLEASE PLEASE ME, ORIGINAL UK BLACK GOLD STEREO 1G/1R 1st ISSUE, 1963

BEATLES PLEASE PLEASE ME, ORIGINAL UK BLACK GOLD STEREO 1G/1R 1st ISSUE, 1963

PCS3042

The matrix numbers are as follows:

Side One YEX 94-1/R

Side Two YEX 95-1/G

THE BEATLES iconic Please Please Me, rare 1963 UK stereo 14-track vinyl LP on the legendary black & gold Parlophone label, with Dick James Music credit for Please Please Me, I Saw Her Standing There, Misery & Do You Want To Know A Secret, Ernest J Day front laminated flipback picture sleeve with 'Emitex' inner

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 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.

SLEEVE

All first issue 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. There are few visible spindle marks around the centre hole.

This pressing has Dick James Music Co credit for Please Please Me, Misery, I Saw Her Standing There, There's A Place & Do You Want To Know A Secret.

The machine stamped matrix numbers and stampers in the dead vinyl confirm that this was one of the first pressed as both sides end -1.

This copy has been well loved, plays through beautifully & has no flaws that would detract.

On close inspection, the heavyweight vinyl exhibits only very few faint cosmetic hairlines, none of which can be felt. The playing surfaces still retain a deep sheen. Upon playtesting, there is virtually no noise between tracks on side one with only the slightest hint toward the second half of side two in the quiet between tracks. The audio quality of this first pressing is superb. The vinyl plays with clear dynamic audio throughout and reproduces with rich tones at a very reasonable EX-/EX audio throughout. Most would say this is near mint. A testament to the quality of the vinyl used & the pressing quality.

The sleeve remains in excellent condition. The front has retained its rich colours. There is no writing to the rear panel. The spine still looks glorious with nothing that upsets the print. The corners have some unavoidable scuffing & the edges have a little shelf wear. The flipbacks are intact, and strong. The rear of the sleeve exhibits a little age discolouration. All text remains clearly legible & un-faded. The inner sleeve is an authentic first printing with 'Made In Great Britain' poly lined EMItex inner.

A n original complete EX example that rarely surfaces, as so few stereo copies were issued. This copy remains in highly respectable & very playable condition. It is a great investment item as is.

Tracklisting

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