The Beatles U.K. LP / The Beatles' First (236.201)

POLYDOR RECORDS
01. The Beatles' First (STEREO) (236.201)
(Updated: 19th October 2026)

Polydor 1st Sleeve

INDEX

#1-1 MONO Label with MCPS credit / Has "THE BEATLES" credit on the sleeve
#1-2 MONO Label with M.C.P.S. credit / NO "THE BEATLES" credit on the sleeve
#1-3 MONO Label with STEREO text / Has "THE BEATLES" credit on the sleeve
#1-4 STEREO Label / Has "THE BEATLES" credit on the sleeve
#1-5 STEREO Label / NO "THE BEATLES" credit / Expanded mono playback note below the Polydor SPECIAL logo

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#1-1 The Beatles' First (1st Press: "MONO Label with MCPS credit / Has BEATLES credit on the sleeve": 236.201)
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TITLE		The Beatles' First (Recorded In Hamburg 1961 with Tony Sheridan & Guests)
CATALOG NUMBER		236.201
RELEASE DATE		4th August 1967 / First Press
TRACK LISTING		SIDE 1		SIDE 2
		Ain't She Sweet / The Beatles		Sweet Georgia Brown / The Beatles With Tony Sheridan
		Cry For A Shadow / The Beatles		The Saints / The Beatles With Tony Sheridan
		Let's Dance / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ruby Baby / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
		My Bonnie / The Beatles With Tony Sheridan		Why (Can't You Love Me Again) / The Beatles With Tony Sheridan
		Take Out Some Insurance On Me, Baby / The Beatles With Tony Sheridan		Nobody's Child / The Beatles With Tony Sheridan
		What'd I Say / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ya Ya / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISC

INNER SLEEVE		FRONT COVER CLOSE UP
			Polydor SPECIAL logo was printed at the upper right of the front cover.		Artwork designer's credit: Barry Zaid cf. "Barry Zaid.com"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP

			Sleeve has "Stereo also playable mono" in small print below the Polydor Special logo. The back of the album sleeve features liner notes by Tony Sheridan.
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					This copy has “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform.
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					The album outer sleeves were manufactured by Ernest J. Day & Co Ltd.
LABEL CLOSE UP
				Red label with black half-circle logo. The first pressings of the album have “M” for mono at the top of the "33" record speed triangle located to the right of the center hole. Matrix numbers: Side-1: 5G6 ♢ V 8 236201 237632-2 A-1 2 Side-2: 5G6 ♢ V 8 236201 237632-2 B 2
LABEL CLOSE UP
SIDE 1			SIDE 2		First label variation has "MCPS" (*) without periods in the box to the left of the center. 2nd label variation has “M.C.P.S.” with periods in the box to the left of the center.

LABEL CLOSE UP
					The Beatles' First was released in 1964 by German Polydor and was available in the U.K. as an import. On 4th August 1967, Polydor officially released the album in the U.K., but with a different sleeve and catalog number (236.201).
OTHER ITEM
-

LABEL		Red Polydor label with a black half-circle logo, marked “M” for mono.
MIX		STEREO
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	5G6 ♢ V 8 236201 237632-2 A-1 2
	SIDE 2	5G6 ♢ V 8 236201 237632-2 B 2
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		Polydor Records Ltd.
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K."		-
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		℗ 1962
COVER FORM		Single type. laminated cover.
PRINTER CREDIT		Printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, W.11. Patent Pending.
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Artwork (Front Sleeve) / Barry Zaid Sleeve Notes / Tony Sheridan
INNER SLEEVE		Plain white paper inner sleeve
PRODUCER		Bert Kaempfert
COMMENTS		The album features eight Hamburg recordings involving The Beatles and four songs recorded by Tony Sheridan without The Beatles. While it appears that Polydor in the U.K. initially planned on releasing The Beatles' First in mono, the company ultimately decided to press the LP exclusively in stereo. This album is a reissue of the eponymous German album which was released in April 1964 and imported to England. Germany's “The Beatles' First”, HI-FI 46432, was released in mono (LPHM 46 432) and stereo (SLPHM 237 432) versions. The album has a purple / black sleeve with “PRINTED IN GERMANY” below a black line on the back cover. Only the mono version was imported to England. Although some copies have labels marked “M” for mono, all U.K. copies described here play in stereo. The sleeve of this copy was made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. and carries liner notes by Tony Sheridan. “Stereo also playable mono” was printed in small type below the Polydor Special logo. This copy has “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform. Sleeve variants exist with and without these credits, and with and without lamination on the back cover. Red labels with black half-circle logos. The first pressings of the album have "MONO" label: “M” for mono at the top of the “33” record speed triangle located to the right of the center hole. 1st pressing / 4th August 1967: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "MCPS" without periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 2nd pressing / 1968?: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "M.C.P.S." with periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 3rd pressing / 1969?: Label Type-1 Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. (MONO Label only) Label Type-2 Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve Type-1 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. Sleeve Type-2 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. 4th pressing? Label Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Manufactured by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." NO "The Beatles" credit printed under each song on which they play. An expanded note on mono playback compatibility was printed below the Polydor SPECIAL logo. It states “This stereo record can be played on mono reproducers” and advises “If in doubt, consult your dealer”. This edition does not have a laminated back. (*) MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) represents songwriters, composers and music publishers – representing their mechanical rights, and collects royalties whenever their music is reproduced as a physical product.

#1-2 The Beatles' First (2nd Press: "MONO Label with "M.C.P.S." credit / NO Beatles credit on the sleeve": 236.201)
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TITLE		The Beatles' First (Recorded In Hamburg 1961 with Tony Sheridan & Guests)
CATALOG NUMBER		236.201
RELEASE DATE		1968? / Second Press
TRACK LISTING		SIDE 1		SIDE 2
		Ain't She Sweet		Sweet Georgia Brown / with Tony Sheridan
		Cry For A Shadow		The Saints / with Tony Sheridan
		Let's Dance / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ruby Baby / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
		My Bonnie / with Tony Sheridan		Why (Can't You Love Me Again) / with Tony Sheridan
		Take Out Some Insurance On Me, Baby / with Tony Sheridan		Nobody's Child / with Tony Sheridan
		What'd I Say / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ya Ya / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISC

INNER SLEEVE		FRONT COVER CLOSE UP
			Polydor SPECIAL logo was printed at the upper right of the front cover.		Artwork designer's credit: Barry Zaid cf. "Barry Zaid.com"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP

			Sleeve has "Stereo also playable mono" in small print below the Polydor Special logo. The back of the album sleeve features liner notes by Tony Sheridan.
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					2nd pressing / 1968?: Second sleeve variation do not has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play.
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					The album outer sleeves were manufactured by Ernest J. Day & Co Ltd.
LABEL CLOSE UP
				Red label with black half-circle logo. The first pressings of the album have “M” for mono at the top of the "33" record speed triangle located to the right of the center hole. Matrix numbers: Side-1: 5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 A-1 5 Side-2: 5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
LABEL CLOSE UP
SIDE 1			SIDE 2		First label variation has "MCPS" (*) without periods in the box to the left of the center. 2nd label variation has "M.C.P.S." with periods in the box to the left of the center.

LABEL CLOSE UP
					The Beatles' First was released in 1964 by German Polydor and was available in the U.K. as an import. On 4th August 1967, Polydor officially released the album in the U.K., but with a different sleeve and catalog number (236.201).
OTHER ITEM
-

LABEL		Red Polydor label with a black half-circle logo, marked “M” for mono.
MIX		STEREO
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 A-1 5
	SIDE 2	5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		Polydor Records Ltd.
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K."		-
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		℗ 1962
COVER FORM		Single type. laminated cover.
PRINTER CREDIT		Printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, W.11. Patent Pending.
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Artwork (Front Sleeve) / Barry Zaid Sleeve Notes / Tony Sheridan
INNER SLEEVE		Plain white paper inner sleeve
PRODUCER		Bert Kaempfert
COMMENTS		The album features eight Hamburg recordings involving The Beatles and four songs recorded by Tony Sheridan without The Beatles. While it appears that Polydor in the U.K. initially planned on releasing The Beatles' First in mono, the company ultimately decided to press the LP exclusively in stereo. This album is a reissue of the eponymous German album which was released in April 1964 and imported to England. Germany's “The Beatles' First”, HI-FI 46432, was released in mono (LPHM 46 432) and stereo (SLPHM 237 432) versions. The album has a purple / black sleeve with “PRINTED IN GERMANY” below a black line on the back cover. Only the mono version was imported to England. Although some copies have labels marked “M” for mono, all U.K. copies described here play in stereo. The sleeve of this copy was made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. and carries liner notes by Tony Sheridan. “Stereo also playable mono” was printed in small type below the Polydor Special logo. This copy does not have “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform. Sleeve variants exist with and without these credits, and with and without lamination on the back cover. Red labels with black half-circle logos. The first pressings of the album have "MONO" label: “M” for mono at the top of the “33” record speed triangle located to the right of the center hole. 1st pressing / 4th August 1967: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "MCPS" without periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 2nd pressing / 1968?: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "M.C.P.S." with periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 3rd pressing / 1969?: Label Type-1 Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. (MONO Label only) Label Type-2 Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve Type-1 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. Sleeve Type-2 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. 4th pressing? Label Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Manufactured by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." NO "The Beatles" credit printed under each song on which they play. An expanded note on mono playback compatibility was printed below the Polydor SPECIAL logo. It states “This stereo record can be played on mono reproducers” and advises “If in doubt, consult your dealer”. This edition does not have a laminated back. (*) MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) represents songwriters, composers and music publishers – representing their mechanical rights, and collects royalties whenever their music is reproduced as a physical product.

#1-3 The Beatles' First (3rd Press?: "MONO Label with "STEREO" text / Has BEATLES credit on the sleeve" 236.201)
Back to top of page.

TITLE		The Beatles' First (Recorded In Hamburg 1961 with Tony Sheridan & Guests)
CATALOG NUMBER		236.201
RELEASE DATE		1969? / 3rd Press?
TRACK LISTING		SIDE 1		SIDE 2
		Ain't She Sweet		Sweet Georgia Brown / with Tony Sheridan
		Cry For A Shadow		The Saints / with Tony Sheridan
		Let's Dance / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ruby Baby / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
		My Bonnie / with Tony Sheridan		Why (Can't You Love Me Again) / with Tony Sheridan
		Take Out Some Insurance On Me, Baby / with Tony Sheridan		Nobody's Child / with Tony Sheridan
		What'd I Say / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ya Ya / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISC

INNER SLEEVE			FRONT COVER CLOSE UP
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!
					Polydor SPECIAL logo was printed at the upper right of the front cover. Artwork designer's credit: Barry Zaid cf. "Barry Zaid.com"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP

			Sleeve has "Stereo also playable mono" in small print below the Polydor Special logo.The back of the album sleeve features liner notes by Tony Sheridan. On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					This copy has “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform.
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					The album outer sleeves were manufactured by Ernest J. Day & Co Ltd.
LABEL CLOSE UP
					Red label with black half-circle logo. This copy uses mono-design labels. “STEREO” was added on the right side of the label.
LABEL CLOSE UP
SIDE 1			SIDE 2		This issue has "MCPS" (*) without periods in the box to the left of the center.

LABEL CLOSE UP
					Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole.
LABEL CLOSE UP
				Matrix numbers: Side 1: 5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 A-1 7 5 Side 2: 5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
OTHER ITEM
-

LABEL		Red Polydor label with a black half-circle logo, marked “M” for mono.
MIX		STEREO
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 A-1 7 5
	SIDE 2	5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		Polydor Records Ltd.
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K."		-
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		℗ 1962
COVER FORM		Single type. Half laminated cover.
PRINTER CREDIT		Printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, W.11. Patent Pending.
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Artwork (Front Sleeve) / Barry Zaid Sleeve Notes / Tony Sheridan
INNER SLEEVE		Polythene-lined sleeve
PRODUCER		Bert Kaempfert
COMMENTS		The album features eight Hamburg recordings involving The Beatles and four songs recorded by Tony Sheridan without The Beatles. While it appears that Polydor in the U.K. initially planned on releasing The Beatles' First in mono, the company ultimately decided to press the LP exclusively in stereo. This album is a reissue of the eponymous German album which was released in April 1964 and imported to England. Germany's “The Beatles' First”, HI-FI 46432, was released in mono (LPHM 46 432) and stereo (SLPHM 237 432) versions. The album has a purple / black sleeve with “PRINTED IN GERMANY” below a black line on the back cover. Only the mono version was imported to England. Although some copies have labels marked “M” for mono, all U.K. copies described here play in stereo. The sleeve of this copy was made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. and carries liner notes by Tony Sheridan. “Stereo also playable mono” was printed in small type below the Polydor Special logo. This copy has “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform. Sleeve variants exist with and without these credits, and with and without lamination on the back cover. Red labels with black half-circle logos. The first pressings of the album have "MONO" label: “M” for mono at the top of the “33” record speed triangle located to the right of the center hole. This copy uses mono-design labels with “STEREO” added on the right. 1st pressing / 4th August 1967: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "MCPS" without periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 2nd pressing / 1968?: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "M.C.P.S." with periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 3rd pressing / 1969?: Label Type-1 Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. (MONO Label only) Label Type-2 Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve Type-1 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. Sleeve Type-2 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. 4th pressing? Label Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Manufactured by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." NO "The Beatles" credit printed under each song on which they play. An expanded note on mono playback compatibility was printed below the Polydor SPECIAL logo. It states “This stereo record can be played on mono reproducers” and advises “If in doubt, consult your dealer”. This edition does not have a laminated back. (*) MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) represents songwriters, composers and music publishers – representing their mechanical rights, and collects royalties whenever their music is reproduced as a physical product.

#1-4 The Beatles' First (3rd Press?: "STEREO Label / Has BEATLES credit on the sleeve": 236.201)
Back to top of page.

TITLE		The Beatles' First (Recorded In Hamburg 1961 with Tony Sheridan & Guests)
CATALOG NUMBER		236.201
RELEASE DATE		1969? / Third Press?
TRACK LISTING		SIDE 1		SIDE 2
		Ain't She Sweet		Sweet Georgia Brown / with Tony Sheridan
		Cry For A Shadow		The Saints / with Tony Sheridan
		Let's Dance / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ruby Baby / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
		My Bonnie / with Tony Sheridan		Why (Can't You Love Me Again) / with Tony Sheridan
		Take Out Some Insurance On Me, Baby / with Tony Sheridan		Nobody's Child / with Tony Sheridan
		What'd I Say / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ya Ya / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISC

INNER SLEEVE			FRONT COVER CLOSE UP
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!
					Polydor SPECIAL logo was printed at the upper right of the front cover. Artwork designer's credit: Barry Zaid cf. "Barry Zaid.com"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP

			Sleeve has "Stereo also playable mono" in small print below the Polydor Special logo.The back of the album sleeve features liner notes by Tony Sheridan. On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					This copy has “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform.
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					Printer's credit: "Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, W.11."
LABEL CLOSE UP
				Red labels with black half-circle logos. Labels have “STEREO SPECIAL” text and “ST” for stereo in a circle located next to the “33” circle. Matrix numbers: Side 1: 5G6 ♢ V 236201- 237632-2 A-1 5 Side 2: 5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
LABEL CLOSE UP
SIDE 1			SIDE 2		This copy has "MCPS" (*) without periods in the box to the left of the center.

LABEL CLOSE UP
					Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole.
OTHER ITEM
-

LABEL		Polydor Stereo Red label with black half-circle logo.
MIX		STEREO
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	5G6 ♢ V 236201- 237632-2 A-1 5
	SIDE 2	5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		Polydor Records Ltd.
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K."		-
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		℗ 1962
COVER FORM		Single type. Half laminated cover.
PRINTER CREDIT		Printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, W.11. Patent Pending.
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Artwork (Front Sleeve) / Barry Zaid Sleeve Notes / Tony Sheridan
INNER SLEEVE		Polythene-lined sleeve
PRODUCER		Bert Kaempfert
COMMENTS		The album features eight Hamburg recordings involving The Beatles and four songs recorded by Tony Sheridan without The Beatles. While it appears that Polydor in the U.K. initially planned on releasing The Beatles' First in mono, the company ultimately decided to press the LP exclusively in stereo. This album is a reissue of the eponymous German album which was released in April 1964 and imported to England. Germany's “The Beatles' First”, HI-FI 46432, was released in mono (LPHM 46 432) and stereo (SLPHM 237 432) versions. The album has a purple / black sleeve with “PRINTED IN GERMANY” below a black line on the back cover. Only the mono version was imported to England. Although some copies have labels marked “M” for mono, all U.K. copies described here play in stereo. The sleeve of this copy was made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd. and carries liner notes by Tony Sheridan. “Stereo also playable mono” was printed in small type below the Polydor Special logo. This copy has “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform. Sleeve variants exist with and without these credits, and with and without lamination on the back cover. Red labels with black half-circle logos. The first pressings of the album have "MONO" label: “M” for mono at the top of the “33” record speed triangle located to the right of the center hole. This copy has stereo labels with “STEREO SPECIAL” text and “ST” for stereo in a circle located next to the "33" circle. 1st pressing / 4th August 1967: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "MCPS" without periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 2nd pressing / 1968?: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "M.C.P.S." with periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 3rd pressing / 1969?: Label Type-1 Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. (MONO Label only) Label Type-2 Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve Type-1 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. Sleeve Type-2 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. 4th pressing? Label Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Manufactured by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." NO "The Beatles" credit printed under each song on which they play. An expanded note on mono playback compatibility was printed below the Polydor SPECIAL logo. It states “This stereo record can be played on mono reproducers” and advises “If in doubt, consult your dealer”. This edition does not have a laminated back. (*) MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) represents songwriters, composers and music publishers – representing their mechanical rights, and collects royalties whenever their music is reproduced as a physical product.

#1-5 The Beatles' First (4th Press?: "STEREO Label / NO BEATLES credit on the sleeve / Expanded mono playback note below the Polydor SPECIAL logo": 236 201)
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TITLE		The Beatles' First (Recorded In Hamburg 1961 with Tony Sheridan & Guests)
CATALOG NUMBER		236 201
RELEASE DATE		1969? / 4th Press?
TRACK LISTING		SIDE 1		SIDE 2
		Ain't She Sweet		Sweet Georgia Brown / with Tony Sheridan
		Cry For A Shadow		The Saints / with Tony Sheridan
		Let's Dance / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ruby Baby / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
		My Bonnie / with Tony Sheridan		Why (Can't You Love Me Again) / with Tony Sheridan
		Take Out Some Insurance On Me, Baby / with Tony Sheridan		Nobody's Child / with Tony Sheridan
		What'd I Say / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers		Ya Ya / Tony Sheridan And The Beat Brothers
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISC

INNER SLEEVE			FRONT COVER CLOSE UP
FRONT --> Click!		BACK --> Click!
					Polydor SPECIAL logo was printed at the upper right of the front cover. Artwork designer's credit: Barry Zaid cf. "Barry Zaid.com"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP

			Has expanded language to provide comfort to purchasers that the "This stereo record can be played on mono reproducers" and advisers consumers that "If in doubt, consult your dealer" under the Polydor SPECIAL logo. On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Manufactured by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON"
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					Sleeve has NO "The Beatles" credit printed under each song on which they play.
BACK COVER CLOSE UP
					Printer's credit: "Printed and made by Ernest J. Day, London. Patent Pending."
LABEL CLOSE UP
				Red labels with black half-circle logos. Labels have “STEREO SPECIAL” text and “ST” for stereo in a circle located next to the “33” circle. Matrix numbers: Side 1: 5G6 ♢ V 236201- 237632-2 A-1 5 Side 2: 5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
LABEL CLOSE UP
SIDE 1			SIDE 2		This copy has "MCPS" (*) without periods in the box to the left of the center.

LABEL CLOSE UP
					Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. The Beatles' First was released in 1964 by German Polydor and was available in the U.K. as an import. On 4th August 1967, Polydor officially released the album in the U.K., but with a different sleeve and catalog number (236 201).

OTHER ITEM
-

LABEL		Polydor Stereo Red label with black half-circle logo.
MIX		STEREO
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	5G6 ♢ V 236201- 237632-2 A-1 5
	SIDE 2	5G6 ♢ V 236201 237632-2 B 5
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		Polydor Records Ltd.
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K."		-
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		℗ 1962
COVER FORM		Single type. Half laminated cover.
PRINTER CREDIT		Printed and made by Ernest J. Day, London. Patent Pending.
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Artwork (Front Sleeve) / Barry Zaid Sleeve Notes / Tony Sheridan
INNER SLEEVE		Plain White Sleeve Type-2-2
PRODUCER		Bert Kaempfert
COMMENTS		The album features eight Hamburg recordings involving The Beatles and four songs recorded by Tony Sheridan without The Beatles. While it appears that Polydor in the U.K. initially planned on releasing The Beatles' First in mono, the company ultimately decided to press the LP exclusively in stereo. This album is a reissue of the eponymous German album which was released in April 1964 and imported to England. Germany's “The Beatles' First”, HI-FI 46432, was released in mono (LPHM 46 432) and stereo (SLPHM 237 432) versions. The album has a purple / black sleeve with “PRINTED IN GERMANY” below a black line on the back cover. Only the mono version was imported to England. Although some copies have labels marked “M” for mono, all U.K. copies described here play in stereo. The sleeve of this copy was made by Ernest J. Day and carries liner notes by Tony Sheridan. An expanded note on mono playback compatibility was printed below the Polydor SPECIAL logo. This copy does not have “The Beatles” printed beneath the titles of the songs on which they perform. Sleeve variants exist with and without these credits, and with and without lamination on the back cover. Red labels with black half-circle logos. The first pressings of the album have "MONO" label: “M” for mono at the top of the “33” record speed triangle located to the right of the center hole. This copy has stereo labels with “STEREO SPECIAL” text and “ST” for stereo in a circle located next to the "33" circle. 1st pressing / 4th August 1967: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "MCPS" without periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 2nd pressing / 1968?: Label Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. Has "M.C.P.S." with periods in the box to the left of the center. Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. Has a laminated back. 3rd pressing / 1969?: Label Type-1 Red Polydor Special label with two visible pressing rings around the center hole. (MONO Label only) Label Type-2 Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve Type-1 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Has "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. Sleeve Type-2 On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Distributed in Great Britain by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J Day & Co. Ltd., London, W. 11. Patent Pending." Does not have "The Beatles" printed under each song on which they play. This edition does not have a laminated back. 4th pressing? Label Red Polydor Special label with one visible pressing ring around the center hole. (both MONO and STEREO label) Sleeve On the back cover in the bottom left hand corner is the text "Manufactured by POLYDOR RECORDS LTD., LONDON", and in the right hand corner is the text "Printed and made by Ernest J. Day, London. Patent Pending." NO "The Beatles" credit printed under each song on which they play. An expanded note on mono playback compatibility was printed below the Polydor SPECIAL logo. It states “This stereo record can be played on mono reproducers” and advises “If in doubt, consult your dealer”. This edition does not have a laminated back. (*) MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) represents songwriters, composers and music publishers – representing their mechanical rights, and collects royalties whenever their music is reproduced as a physical product.