The Beatles U.K. Singles/Parlophone original#3

Parlophone Original Released
12. Paperback Writer / Rain (R 5452)
(Update: 29th. June 2023)

Black Parlophone Label

INDEX

#12-1 Demonstration Record/ matrix 2/2
#12-2 THE GRAMOPHONE rim/ Factory Sample/ matrix 2/2
#12-3 THE GRAMOPHONE rim/ "Small Ⓟ1966"/ matrix 2/2
#12-4 THE GRAMOPHONE rim/ "Large Ⓟ1966"/ matrix 2/2
#12-5 THE GRAMOPHONE rim/ "Large Ⓟ1966"/ Solid Center/ matrix 2/2
#12-6 THE GRAMOPHONE rim/ without SOLD IN U.K./ Polo ring/ matrix 2/2
#12-7 EMI RECORDS rim/ 1EMI logo/ matrix 4/2

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Notice* Click the disk of each single, so you can see the large picture image.

#12 Paperback Writer / Rain (R 5452)
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Released: 10 June 1966 (UK), 30 May 1966 (US)
AD --> Click "Disc And Music Echo" 4th June 1966	Paperback Writer
	Written by: Lennon-McCartney Recorded: 13, 14 April 1966 Producer: George Martin Engineer: Geoff Emerick	Paul McCartney: vocals, lead guitar, bass John Lennon: backing vocals, tambourine George Harrison: backing vocals, rhythm guitar Ringo Starr: drums
	Rain
	Written by: Lennon-McCartney Recorded: 14, 16 April 1966 Producer: George Martin Engineer: Geoff Emerick	John Lennon: vocals, guitar Paul McCartney: backing vocals, bass George Harrison: backing vocals, guitar Ringo Starr: drums, tambourine

The Beatles' 12th Parlophone single was their lowest-seller since Love Me Do. Paperback Writer single - United KingdomPaperback Writer was The Beatles' first single not to be a love song, and although the subject matter may not have been a significant hit with the public, it showcased their growing maturity as songwriters. Paul McCartney created the fictional tale of an aspiring writer, and with the rest of the group created a bluesy, bass-driven sound that was quite unlike any of their previous singles. Its b-side, Rain was perhaps even more ambitious. Written by John Lennon, it was inspired by LSD and the feelings of introspection it inspired, and boasted a coda featuring - for the first time on a Beatles record - backwards vocals. The single was released as Parlophone R5452, and entered the UK singles charts on 16 June 1966. One week later it reached the number one spot, where it remained for a second week. In all it spent 11 weeks on the charts. (from "The Beatles Bible")

#12-1 Paperback Writer / Rain (Demonstration Record: R 5452)
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TRACK LISTING	SIDE 1	Paperback Writer (Lennon-McCartney)
	SIDE 2	Rain (Lennon-McCartney)
RELEASE DATE		Demonstration Record (First Press: 10th June. 1966)
SLEEVE:FRONT		SLEEVE:BACK	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISK --> Click!

LABEL CLOSE UP
SIDE 1			SIDE 2		White label with black ink and, on the A-side, a large red "A" over the face of the label.

LABEL CLOSE UP
			"The Gramophone Co. Ltd. (small letter)" was printed at the perimeter. The "(P)-1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.	SIDE 1	SIDE 2

				This label contains the running times.
LABEL CLOSE UP
			Displayed the intended release date "27th May 1966" at the center of the label. Push-out center, tax code is "K,T"	SIDE 1	SIDE 2

				Matrix suffixed with "2" on both side.
LABEL CLOSE UP
					Composer's name "Lennon-McCartney" was printed on the label.
OTHER ITEM
With a "FACTORY SAMPLE" sticker

CATALOG NUMBER		R 5452
LABEL		Parlophone Demonstration Label
MIX		Mono
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	7XCE 18380 - 2
	SIDE 2	7XCE 18381 - 2
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		The Gramophone Co. Ltd. (small letter)
CENTER		Push-out center
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K..."		-
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		Ⓟ 1966 (Small Ⓟ)
PUBLISHER'S NAME	SIDE 1	NORTHERN SONGS
	SIDE 2	NORTHERN SONGS
PRODUCER		George Martin
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Green sleeve type-5B :Wavy cut at top. "TRADE MARK OF THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD." below the Parlophone logo on front. "6'- to 50'-" tokens on front. "Morphy-Rechards Offer" advert on back. Glued left and right.
COMMENTS		White label with black ink and, on the A-side, a large red "A" over the face of the label. "The Gramophone Co. Ltd. (small letter)" on its outer rim. Have a (P) symbol under the publisher's name. Displayed the intended release date at the center of the label. The first 12 Beatles singles, from "Love Me Do" trough "Paperback Writer"() all had promo's on white-label disks with black ink and, on the Aside, a large red "A" over the face of the label. Records like "Day tripper/We Can Work It Out", issued as double-A-sided disks, had the red "A" on both sides of the record label. excepted for "She Loves You, Can't Buy Me Love, I Feel Fine, and Help!" EMI did not prepare a demonstration record for these records. Beginning with "All You Need Is Love ()", Promo's were made with a lime-green background and a White "A" on the intended Aside. These lime -green promo's had slightly-smaller labels, so the labels fit within the circle of ridges surrounding the label area, instead of overlapping onto them, as the previous promo's did. EMI did not prepare a demonstration record for "Strawberry Fields Forever" "Paperback Writer" is marked by the boosted bass guitar sound throughout. McCartney achieved this effect by "using a loudspeaker as a microphone and positioning it in front of the bass speaker."

#12-2 Paperback Writer / Rain (Factory Sample: R5452)
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TRACK LISTING	SIDE 1	Paperback Writer (Lennon-McCartney)
	SIDE 2	Rain (Lennon-McCartney)
RELEASE DATE		Factory Sample (First Press: 10th June. 1966)
SLEEVE:FRONT		SLEEVE:BACK	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISK --> Click!

LABEL CLOSE UP
					It has the central remark "SOLD IN UK..." Push-out center, tax code is "K,T"
With a "FACTORY SAMPLE" sticker on the label of side-1.
LABEL CLOSE UP
			"THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)" was printed at the perimeter. The "(P)-1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.	SIDE 1	SIDE 2

				Matrix suffixed with "2" on both side.
OTHER ITEM
With a "FACTORY SAMPLE" sticker

CATALOG NUMBER		R 5452
LABEL		Silver Parlophone (logo: small type)
MIX		Mono
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	7XCE 18380 - 2
	SIDE 2	7XCE 18381 - 2
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)
CENTER		Push-out center
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K..."		YES
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		Ⓟ 1966 (Large Ⓟ)
PUBLISHER'S NAME	SIDE 1	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
	SIDE 2	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
PRODUCER		George Martin
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Green sleeve type-5B :Wavy cut at top. "TRADE MARK OF THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD." below the Parlophone logo on front. "6'- to 50'-" tokens on front. "Morphy-Rechards Offer" advert on back. Glued left and right.
COMMENTS		After the test pressings were approved, and copies were run with the promo labels on them, the printer then loaded the machines with the proper labels for the disk's standard release. Then samples were taken from possibly each press machine making the records, and affixed with a sticker (red ink on white) and checked for quality. Except for the sticker, the disk is exactly as it will be when it is released. The label was with capitalized printing of "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD." at the perimeter, and a smaller Parlophone logo. It has the central remark "SOLD IN UK...", and the "(P) 1966" statement. Has the "NORTHERN SONGS, NCB" credits on the label.

#12-3 Paperback Writer / Rain (1st. Press "Black Parlophone Label / THE GRAMOPHONE rim / different typeface type-1/ Small Ⓟ1966": R 5452)
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TRACK LISTING	SIDE 1	Paperback Writer (Lennon-McCartney)
	SIDE 2	Rain (Lennon-McCartney)
RELEASE DATE		10th June. 1966/First Press
SLEEVE:FRONT		SLEEVE:BACK	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISK --> Click!

LABEL CLOSE UP
					The Parlophone logo (small type) was printed at the top of the label. "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)" was printed at the perimeter.
LABEL CLOSE UP
				Has the "NORTHERN SONGS, NCB (2 lines)" credits on the label. The "small Ⓟ1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label. It has the central remark "SOLD IN UK..." Push-out center, tax code is "K,T"
LABEL CLOSE UP
#12-3 (=this record) "Small Ⓟ1966"
#12-4 "Large Ⓟ1966"
LABEL CLOSE UP
			Matrix No. Side-1: 7XCE 18380-2 Side-2: 7XCE 18381-2
LABEL CLOSE UP
					Composer's name "Lennon-McCartney" was printed on the label.
OTHER ITEM
-

CATALOG NUMBER		R 5452
LABEL		Silver Parlophone (logo: small type)
MIX		Mono
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	7XCE 18380 - 2
	SIDE 2	7XCE 18381 - 2
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)
CENTER		Push-out center
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K..."		YES
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		Ⓟ 1966 (Small Ⓟ)
PUBLISHER'S NAME	SIDE 1	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
	SIDE 2	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
PRODUCER		George Martin
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Green sleeve type-6A : Wavy cut at top. with green Parlophone logo and "Miners" advertisement on the back. The price for the EMI record tokens was "7'3- to 50'-" on this sleeve. Glued bottom and right.
COMMENTS		The first label was with capitalized printing of "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD." at the perimeter, and a smaller Parlophone logo. It has the central remark "SOLD IN UK...", and the "small (P) 1966" statement.

#12-4 Paperback Writer / Rain (1st. Press "Black Parlophone Label / THE GRAMOPHONE rim / different typeface type-2 / Large Ⓟ1966": R 5452)
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TRACK LISTING	SIDE 1	Paperback Writer (Lennon-McCartney)
	SIDE 2	Rain (Lennon-McCartney)
RELEASE DATE		10th June. 1966/First Press
SLEEVE:FRONT		SLEEVE:BACK	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISK --> Click!

LABEL CLOSE UP
			The Parlophone logo (small type) was printed at the top of the label.		"THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)" was printed at the perimeter. The "Large Ⓟ1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.
LABEL CLOSE UP
				Catalog No. "R 5452" was printed at the right side of the label. It has the central remark "SOLD IN UK..." Push-out center, tax code is "K,T"
LABEL CLOSE UP
			Matrix suffixed with "2" on both side.
LABEL CLOSE UP
		Has the "NORTHERN SONGS, NCB (2 lines)" credits on the label. The "Large Ⓟ1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.			Composer's name "Lennon-McCartney" was printed on the label. The "T" in "MADE IN GT. BRITAIN" text is capital letter.

OTHER ITEM
-

CATALOG NUMBER		R 5452
LABEL		Silver Parlophone (logo: small type)
MIX		Mono
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	7XCE 18380 - 2
	SIDE 2	7XCE 18381 - 2
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)
CENTER		Push-out center
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K..."		YES
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		Ⓟ 1966 (Large Ⓟ)
PUBLISHER'S NAME	SIDE 1	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
	SIDE 2	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
PRODUCER		George Martin
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Green sleeve type-5C : Wavy cut at top. "TRADE MARK OF THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD." below the Parlophone logo on front. "6'- to 50'-" tokens on front. "Fran The Fan, Dear Miss Brown" in her latest episode advert on back. Glued left and right.
COMMENTS		The first label was with capitalized printing of "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD." at the perimeter, and a smaller Parlophone logo. It has the central remark "SOLD IN UK...", and the "(P) 1966" statement.

#12-5 Paperback Writer / Rain (2nd. Press "Black Parlophone Label / THE GRAMOPHONE rim / different typeface type-2 / Solid Center / Large Ⓟ1966": R 5452)
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TRACK LISTING	SIDE 1	Paperback Writer (Lennon-McCartney)
	SIDE 2	Rain (Lennon-McCartney)
RELEASE DATE		1967 / Second Press
SLEEVE:FRONT		SLEEVE:BACK	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISK --> Click!

LABEL CLOSE UP
			The Parlophone logo (small type) was printed at the top of the label.		"THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)" was printed at the perimeter. The "Large Ⓟ1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.
LABEL CLOSE UP
		Catalog No. "R 5452" was printed at the right side of the label.			With the solid center and have the central remark "SOLD IN UK..." The embossed letter (tax code) is none.
LABEL CLOSE UP
			Matrix suffixed with "2" on both side.
LABEL CLOSE UP
		Has the "NORTHERN SONGS, NCB (2 lines)" credits on the label. The "Large Ⓟ1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.			Composer's name "Lennon-McCartney" was printed on the label. The "T" in "MADE IN GT. BRITAIN" text is capital letter.

OTHER ITEM
-

CATALOG NUMBER		R 5452
LABEL		Silver Parlophone (logo: small type)
MIX		Mono
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	7XCE 18380 - 2
	SIDE 2	7XCE 18381 - 2
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)
CENTER		Solid center
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K..."		YES
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		Ⓟ 1966 (Large Ⓟ)
PUBLISHER'S NAME	SIDE 1	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
	SIDE 2	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
PRODUCER		George Martin
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Green sleeve type-6B : Wavy cut at top. "TRADE MARK OF THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD." below the Parlophone logo on front. "Miners" advertisement on the back. The price for the EMI record tokens was "7'3- to 50'-" on this sleeve. Glued bottom and right.
COMMENTS		Second Press. This label is solid center type only. With capitalized printing of "THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD." at the perimeter, and a smaller Parlophone logo. It has the central remark "SOLD IN UK...", and the "(P) 1966" statement. Has the "NORTHERN SONGS, NCB" credits on the label.

#12-6 Paperback Writer / Rain (3rd. Press "Black Parlophone Label / THE GRAMOPHONE rim / without SOLD IN U.K. / Polo Ring": R 5452)
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TRACK LISTING	SIDE 1	Paperback Writer (Lennon-McCartney)
	SIDE 2	Rain (Lennon-McCartney)
RELEASE DATE		1972? / Third Press
SLEEVE:FRONT		SLEEVE:BACK	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISK --> Click!

LABEL CLOSE UP
			The Parlophone logo (small type) was printed at the top of the label.		"THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)" was printed at the perimeter. The "Large Ⓟ1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.
		Catalog No. "R 5452" was printed at the right side of the label.			With the push-out center and was removed the central remark "SOLD IN UK..." The embossed letter (tax code) is none. With Polo ring.
LABEL CLOSE UP
			Matrix suffixed with "2" on both side.
		Has the "NORTHERN SONGS, NCB (2 lines)" credits on the label. The "Large Ⓟ1966" statement was printed at the left part of the label.			Composer's name "Lennon-McCartney" was printed on the label. The "T" in "MADE IN GT. BRITAIN" text is capital letter.

OTHER ITEM
-

CATALOG NUMBER		R 5452
LABEL		Silver Parlophone (logo: small type) / Polo ring
MIX		Mono
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	7XCE 18380 - 2
	SIDE 2	7XCE 18381 - 2
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD. (capital letter)
CENTER		Push-out center
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K..."		-
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		Ⓟ 1966 (Large Ⓟ)
PUBLISHER'S NAME	SIDE 1	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
	SIDE 2	NORTHERN SONGS, NCB
PRODUCER		George Martin
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Green sleeve type-9B : Tab cut at top. Glued bottom and right. "TRADE MARK OF THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD." below the Parlophone logo on front. "EMI LPs" advert on back, issued in which advertised the latest EMI albums, including the Beatles own "SGT. Peppers".
COMMENTS		This label is with push-out center type. The "Sold in U.K." text has gone from the label. Has the "NORTHERN SONGS, NCB" credits on the label. Beginning in 1964, Parlophone (and all the other EMI companies) began printing a phrase in the centers of all their singles, EP's and LP's, which said: SOLD IN U.K. SUBJECT TO RESALE PRICE CONDITIONS, SEE PRICE LISTS. This notice appears on the labels of every UK market EMI product, from very early 1964, right through mid-1969. EMI installed new presses in 1972, known as the 1400. These were custom made at Hayes, beginning in 1971. These presses left the tell-tale polo ring impression.

#12-7 Paperback Writer / Rain (Special Order circa 1974 Press? / EMI RECORDS rim "1 EMI Logo / Polo ring": R 5452)
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TRACK LISTING	SIDE 1	Paperback Writer (Lennon-McCartney)
	SIDE 2	Rain (Lennon-McCartney)
RELEASE DATE		1974? / Special Order
SLEEVE:FRONT		SLEEVE:BACK	SIDE 1 --> Click!	SIDE 2 --> Click!	DISK --> Click!

INNER SLEEVE CLOSE UP

			Tab cut at top. Glued bottom and right. "EMI LPs" advert on back, issued in which advertised the latest EMI albums, including the Beatles own "SGT. Peppers".
					"Made in Great Britain" was printed at the bottom.
LABEL CLOSE UP
			The Parlophone logo (small type) was printed at the top of the label.		"EMI RECORDS LTD (capital letter)" was printed at the perimeter. The "Ⓟ 1965" statement was printed at the left part of the label.
LABEL CLOSE UP
		Catalog number "R 5452" and the words "MADE IN GT. BRITAIN" were printed at the right side of the label.			Without "SOLD IN UK..." statement. Push-out center, With a knife edge. NO Polo ring on both sides.
LABEL CLOSE UP
			Has the "NORTHERN SONGS LTD. (2 lines)" credits on the label.
				Matrix suffixed with: Side1: -4 / Side2: -2
LABEL CLOSE UP
					1974 Press? with both one box EMI logo & Gramophone co. rim text
OTHER ITEM
-

CATALOG NUMBER		R 5015
LABEL		Silver Parlophone (One EMI box logo)
MIX		Mono
MATRIX No.	SIDE 1	7XCE 18380 - 4		MOTHER & STAMPER	1 / G
	SIDE 2	7XCE 18381 - 2			10 / GML
VINYL COLOR		BLACK
RECORD COMPANY'S NAME		EMI RECORDS LTD (capital letter)
CENTER		Push-out center / NO polo ring
CENTRAL REMARK "SOLD IN U.K..."		NO
RECORDING PUBLISHED CREDIT		Ⓟ 1965
PUBLISHER'S NAME	SIDE 1	NORTHERN SONGS LTD.
	SIDE 2	NORTHERN SONGS LTD.
PRODUCER		George Martin
COVER DESIGN/ PHOTO/ NOTES		Green sleeve type-9B : Tab cut at top. Glued bottom and right. "TRADE MARK OF THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD." below the Parlophone logo on front. "EMI LPs" advert on back, issued in which advertised the latest EMI albums, including the Beatles own "SGT. Peppers".
COMMENTS		Special Order, CIRCA 1974 (Knife Edge Pressing, NO Polo ring onboth sides) The Beatles records were never really deleted until the 1990s, they were not being continually pressed either. It stands to reason that EMI were unlikely to press a handful of copies to order. More likely, they would have run-off several hundred copies or more and held them in storage. Thus, it's likely that back orders at the beginning of the Seventies would have been filled with old stock before new pressings were required. Thus, polo rings cannot be found on every Beatles single from this time. However, is a mixture of old and new labels (with and without sold in U.k. on some polo ring pressings. Around this time there is a change in colour of the Parlophone labels from jet black to having a grey appearance. EMI installed new presses in 1972, known as the 1400. These were custom made at Hayes, beginning in 1971. These presses left the tell-tale polo ring impression. We can assume that some old presses were still in use in the 1970s, explaining the absence of the polo rings on some discs. In addition, we have seen those discs (predominantly) lacking polo rings along with knife edges circa 1974. It is certainly possible that batches were pressed in 1975 to meet demand. There was still considerable demand for their work. The 1976 singles, the vast majority of them are push outs with polo rings. This copy has no polo rings, which might suggest a date of 1974. However, already seen Paperback Writer appearing on a 1974 pressing without polo rings, but with a Gramophone rim-text label without either Sold in U.K. text or an EMI box. Having previously supposed that this was a rogue 1976 copy, would now suggest that this comes from a batch pressed between 1974 and 1976. The copies of Paperback Writer in the 1972 and 1974 pressings have matrices ending -2/-2. This disc has the matrices ending -4/-2, EMI rim-text and the earliest 1G mothers/stampers on side-1.