The Beatles - HELP * RARE SLEEVE VARIANT * SUPERB EX+ CONDITION * UK 1st PRESS

	£		255
	$		338

The Beatles - Help

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb UK stereo 1st pressing of The Beatles fifth studio album, Help!.

Album Background:

Help! was released as the soundtrack album of the film with the same name. The film is great, and if you haven't seen it you should! Whilst all seven songs on side 1 appeared in the film, all of side 2 was new material. Of note on side 2 is McCartney's "Yesterday", officially the most covered song ever, the first track to feature a single member of the band. The two singles released from the album, "Help!" and "Ticket to Ride" were the first indications that the band was looking for a 'heavier sound' whilst "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" demonstrated the influence of American artists such as Bob Dylan.

As well as being in fantastic condition, this particular record comes with the extremely rare 2nd variant sleeve, identifiable by the solid small stereo aural indicator present to the top right-hand corner of the front of the sleeve. The sleeve was produced for only a very short period during the autumn of 1969 and is consequently extremely scarce. Finding a clean copy today is virtually impossible - there hasn't been a copy sold on eBay since 2020!

Album Details:

Serial number: PCS 3071

Matrix number: YEX 168 - 1 / YEX 169 - 1

Stamper codes: 2 OP / 2 AP

Tax Codes: KT

Vinyl Weight: 165g

The -1/-1 matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was produced early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The black labels with yellow Parlophone logo and silver text are the first variant as is evident from the large 'STEREO' aural indicator text present to both labels. 

This copy comes with the second variant front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve with rare solid 'STEREO' aural indicator text printed to the front side and a square spine with pinched ends. 

(Although it may seem strange that a record with first variant labels should be housed within a second variant sleeve, the process of producing and distributing Beatles records was not quite as precise as one may expect and although not common albums such as this are regularly seen). 

The album is complete with the original polythene lined die-cut Emitex 'protect your records' inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: EXCELLENT +

Labels: EXCELLENT -

The labels are clean retain rich, vibrant colours.  A number of dull spindle trails can be seen around each centre hole in addition to light rubbing of the paper.

Visual: EXCELLENT +

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the recordings, this is a copy that has been seldom played on good quality equipment. The lead ins are quiet. During the dead-wax between tracks only the sound of a rotating stylus can be heard. There is great channel separation, the bass is punchy, the vocals are clear. A truly superb listening experience - you won't need to look for another copy. 

Sleeve: EXCELLENT 

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more Beatles vinyl rarities.

Bidders with less than ten feedback please get in touch before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.