THE BEATLES Help (Odeon SMO 984008) RARE German Special Edition 1st Press EX+
€
1,016
$
1,103
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Description
THE BEATLES Help! (Odeon SMO 984008) RARE German Special Edition 1st Pressing EX+
Very RARE German first pressing of The Beatles` original soundtrack to "Help!", released on Odeon Records (August 1965). This specific German issue of "Help!" (German title: "Hi-Hi-Hilfe") with its alternative cover was produced specifically for export to Switzerland. Not too many of these pressings survive in such nice condition.
"While the album often credited with putting the Beatles foot in the door towards total musical maturity is 1965`s Rubber Soul, I firmly believe the first steps were taken on the Help! album, if not the entire route itself. There are obviously better and more consistent Beatles albums out there, but if you ever tire of all the fancy concepts and/or all of the drug-filled notions on such classics as Sgt. Pepper or Abbey Road, the joyous, fabulous four will be waiting with open arms; should you ever be in need of Help! " - sputnikmusic.com
GRADING:
VG+ COVER with a bit of allround wear. Please see photos for details.
- Original front-laminated sleeve that still retains all of its original shine and lustre.
- Minimal record imprint on the front cover, from storage.
- Spine of cover with a 2 ½ inch seam split (at center left).
- Top and bottom edges are perfect, except for a small chip of missing laminate (at bottom of John`s trousers).
- Unlaminated back cover with slightest general discolouring from age, as shown.
- Comes with the correct, original plastic-lined Odeon Records inner sleeve in perfect MINT condition.
EX RECORD with minimal signs of previous use.
- Lightly played vinyl on both sides, with very fine audio reproduction throughout.
- A few hairlines on both sides, predominantly from sleeve removal.
- Two or three lightest paper (or fingernail) scuffs, also from removing the record from the heavy plastic-lined inner.
- Superficial background crackle, as well as the odd light pop in between tracks.
- Two very fine hairline-type scratches (in "Act Naturally" and "Tell Me What You See") are visible. However, these are completely inaudible!
- Original yellow German ("Special Edition"") Odeon Records labels with no spindle wear at all.
- The matrix stamps in the run-off grooves read "SHZE 162 - A - 1" and "SHZE 162 - B - 1".
- This record is certified to be an original German special edition pressing of "Help!", produced for export to Switzerland in August 1965.