Sold Date: January 9, 2021
Start Date: January 8, 2021
Final Price: £12.50 (GBP)
Seller Feedback: 1113
Buyer Feedback: 3

The Beatles Ballads PCS 7214

Released: 14th October 1980

1st pressing

Matrix / Runout (Variation 2, side A, runout stamped): PCS 7214 A-2

Matrix / Runout (Variation 2, side B, runout stamped): PCS 7214 B-3

Mother Stampers: side 1- 52; side 2- 71

Original EMI Black Important Notice inner sleeve

Best played using spherical styli

This is a very good copy of the 1980 album released by EMI/Parlophone to commemorate the split of the Beatles 10 years previously. George Harrison was tasked to collate 20 of the ballads written throughout the Beatles career to put on one album. This was his choice and order.

The vinyl is not scratch free although the few that are, are surface marks rather than deep scratches and there is a little static between tracks and in the quieter songs. There is a slight jump at the beginning of Yesterday on side one and about a third of the way through Fool on the Hill on side two. However, I have discovered that these are picked up particularly with elliptical styli and usually play through with spherical styli such as my Stanton 500 gold blue spot. Despite these issues there is clear stereo audio throughout. The sleeve is in very good condition for it being 40 years of age and the original EMI inner sleeve has some marks but is solid and without any tears on the edges. 

I am a collector of 1960's and Punk records and all the albums have been regularly cleaned and played on a pioneer PL 12D and Rega turntable using both elliptical and spherical styli so that I can give you an honest evaluation of sound quality and not just a visual inspection. I value the records I sell appropriately and so can be a little higher than others. This album is not near mint by any means and has been played frequently since I bought it. However, it is an original first pressing and plays well apart from the issues highlighted. This LP will be sent in a proper record mailer.