The Beatles - Yellow Submarine

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, Factory Sample copy of The Beatles final film soundtrack, Yellow Submarine.

*Please note: this record has been re-listed due to non-payment. It is important for me to state that the audio files have been rerecorded. The audio in the original listing of this item was of a single channel only due to an error with my audio interface. *

To fulfil their contractual obligations with United Artists, the Beatles had to produce three films. Yellow Submarine, the animation, was to be their third and final. As the band were not enamoured by either the concept nor the requirement to fulfil contractual obligations, they spent very little effort producing the sound track. Consequently, only four of the thirteen songs are Beatles originals. Whilst the four tracks are excellent in their own right, for me the making of the album is side 2: George Martin's orchestral interpretation of the Beatles sound. 

Yellow Submarine was not a massive commercial success. In fact, it was the only Beatles album not to reach a number 1 UK album chart position. Therefore, finding a virtually untouched example of the album, such as the copy being offered for sale in this auction, is extremely difficult.

In addition to being in super, near mint condition, this record is an extremely rare 'Factory Sample'. EMI produced 'Factory Sample' records for promotional purposes and were generally sent to a journalist for review. Genuine factory samples can be discerned due to the presence of a sticker on one of the labels which reads: "FACTORY SAMPLE NOT FOR RESALE". Early stickers, such as that seen on this record, are rectangular with triangular ends.
This particular record, along with all others listed for sale in this set of listings, were part of the collection of one of the best known Beatles critics, William Mann. Mann was the music critic for the Times newspaper and was perhaps the first to critically review the Beatles as musicians rather than as a social phenomenon. 

Album Details:

Serial number: PCS 7070 

Matrix number: YEX 715 - 1 / YEX 716 - 1

Stamper codes: 1 T / 1 G

Tax Codes: N/A

Vinyl Weight: 140g

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 extremely early in the production run. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The labels are the first variant as is evident from the position of the "Sold in U.K. ..." text present on both labels. This was removed from later variants.

This copy comes with the second variant front side laminated Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve with 'STEREO' aural indicator text as well as a manufacturers credit on the reverse.

The album is complete with the original apple die-cut black 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: MINT -

Labels: MINT -

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. The sticker shows no damage. A single dull spindle mark can be seen surrounding the otherwise perfect centre holes.

Visual: EXCELLENT 

The vinyl retains superb deep gloss playing surfaces which are blemish free in bright daylight. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of wispy paper hairlines (usually present due to the record going in and out of the rough paper inner sleeve) can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

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. Side 2, which is notoriously difficult to find a quiet copy of, sounds superb! There is great channel separation, the bass is punchy, the vocals are clear. A truly first class listening experience - you won't need to look for another copy. 

Sleeve: MINT - 

The sleeve is in fantastic, as-new condition. Both sides are bright and clean. The laminate to the front side retains the original lustre. The cover art is vibrant. The spine is still square with a beautiful crisp edge and the pinched ends are well defined. The top, bottom and opening edges are all without wear. 

Inner Sleeve: MINT -

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean, is without any tears or rips, and displays only extremely minor 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 Factory Samply rarities.

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