Here is an early UK 1st MONO pressing of their debut album dating from initial March 1963 release on Parlophone PMC 1202
Both sides have 1st-type black/gold labels with Dick James publishing credits for tracks: 1,2,6 7 on side 1 and 4 6 on side 2.
An early ZMT purchase-tax code is present in the centre of the side 1 label.
Matrix numbers: XEX 421-1N XEX 422-1N
Stamper codes: 1/GG 1/P
Vinyl weight: 150g
Housed in a correct/earliest-type cover with the Angus McBean credit in the extreme lower right corner, beginning beneath the last s of Songs .
The front laminated, tri-flipback cover was printed by Ernest J Day and comes complete with original poly-lined inner-sleeve.
CONDITION
Disc
Labels: EXCELLENT
A clean bright pair a few small scuffs/hairlines but no damage or wear to any of the delicate gold print.
Visual: VERY GOOD
Both playing surfaces are clean retain a good deal of their deep-gloss shine. There is a hint of groove-whitening to the innermost tracks along with a couple of light marks and hairlines on both sides, but nothing major. Both sides of this respectable disc lie 100 flat on the turntable when playing.
Sound Quality: VERY GOOD
It always a treat to listen to these early copies and the energy and presence of them is without compare. This cherished copy has received a moderate amount of play and whilst the early tracks on both sides sound superb, some groovewear is present on the last two tracks on side 1 and the final four on side 2. Low-level vinyl background is also present between tracks long with a couple of clicks at the end of Love Me Do , but there are certainly no jumps, repeats or any other major faults throughout. It s a good honest original copy which would fit nicely into any collection.
Cover: VERY GOOD
Unlike many copies seen for sale, this example is the original and correct type for this pressing. It retains a clean, high-gloss front panel laminate with light storagwear rubbing but no thumbnails or any other significant issues. There is wear to the left corner tips but no major wear to either of the opening edges. The rear panel has some areas of foxing but is otherwise free form any writing or missing paper. Unusually for these covers, all flipbacks are still in-place and are fully intact. There is some shelfwear rubbing to the lower seam towards the left corner but neither this or the upper seam has split or shows any signs of stress. The spine is totally unworn and fully worded.
