Beatles For Sale (Parlophone PMC1240 mono)

 Beatles For Sale (Parlophone PMC1240 mono)

Released in the UK - 4th December 1964

Side One Matrix Number XEX503-4N  Mother Stamper 1  Sub-stamper 233

Side Two Matrix Number XEX504-4N  Mother Stamper 21  Sub-stamper 263


The first of the Beatles' original albums not from the family archive. I actually do have Mum's (or Dad's) original, but of all these discs, it's the one in the worst condition. It is contained in an EMI era-appropriate sleeve.


The family original didn't have the cover either, which was also the case for some later 7" singles I have too, but that's another story. In a way, it's not that surprising that this record's sleeve is missing, of all the earlier discs it was the most elaborate, yet flimsiest and easiest to damage.


The right hand side of this inner cover was an indicator to a later and much celebrated front cover of 1967????


I got this copy from a long-established record fair at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool, next to Lime Street railway station. At the time it was called the Crest. The record fair was good for a few years, then got spoiled by the popularity of CDs, and the fall from grace of vinyl - a situation that has reversed today. I stopped going to be honest. It was full of bootleg CDs (some of which were the "Unsurpassed Masters" series of Beatles studio out-takes) and live cassettes, most of which were awful. The record fair is back on at this venue today, but I haven't been to it yet.


This copy plays really well, it's been looked after and it's my go-to version if I fancy a spin on the turntable.


This record shows a growing maturity in both Lennon and McCartney's song-writing prowess, but suffers through a multitude of cover songs - the band didn't have the time to put together something as satisfying as their previous album. Top track? The introspective genius of "I'm A Loser". 

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