Released on the Parlophone records label in 1967, catalogue number R 5570, this record is an original, UK first pressing of The Beatles hit single Strawberry Fields Forever coupled with Penny Lane on the B Side. As you can see from the photo in the listing, this is the solid centre pressing, rather than the push out 4 prong version, and the sleeve has the curved/swirly top opening. The record has the K T tax markings, shown in raised letters in the centre of the label on the B Side, and engrained within the inner grooves on both sides of the record. The matrix number for Side A is: 7XCE 18415 - 1 AR KT U and for the B Side: 7XCE 18416 - 2 MR KT and i believe 4 - it is very hard to make out the marking in the groove.
I cannot stress enough how good a condition the record is in. The vinyl looks like it has hardly been played, looking in excellent, fantastic condition. When the record is pivoted in the light there is hardly a surface mark to be seen with the vinyl still retaining it s original shiny, glossy clean finish. The record plays perfectly throughout on both sides without any skips, jumps, clicks or pops, still giving a great, punchy sound.
The sleeve is in very good condition, certainly when you consider it s age and given that it was produced in quite a thin paper, still retaining it s original strong, vibrant colours and without any splits/tears going down each of the side seams or along the bottom. As you would expect, there is some light ish creasing evident, mainly from where the sleeve has pressed/moulded itself around the record, but i must say this doesn t detract from the overall appearance of the sleeve which is an absolute joy to look at and hold. Because of the shadows cast from the light when taking the photos of the sleeve, i would say the sleeve looks better in reality than it does in the listing.
Original, first pressing, UK picture sleeve releases of this Beatles single are very highly sought after and command quite a lot of money and i can honestly say, anybody looking to own a copy of this record would struggle to find another copy in better condition.
