The Beatles 1962-1966 SKBO-3403 1976 Reissue Near Mint

The Beatles 1962-1966 SKBO-3403 1976 Reissue

Cover: Near Mint
Inner Sleeve: Near Mint
Record: Near Mint
SKBO-3403
We conservatively grade our records.

Experience the early years of The Beatles with this 1976 reissue of 1962-1966 (The Red Album). Featuring timeless hits like "Love Me Do," "A Hard Day’s Night," and "Yesterday," this double LP captures their rise to global fame. The vinyl and cover are in great condition, making it a perfect addition for any Beatles fan or vinyl collector!

The 1976 pressing of The Beatles 1962-1966 (SKBO-3403) is a reissue of the original 1973 compilation, known as "The Red Album," which features some of the most iconic songs from the early phase of The Beatles’ career. This double LP spans the years 1962 to 1966, showcasing their meteoric rise from their beginnings in Liverpool to their global domination as the biggest band in the world. The album contains tracks that capture the energy of Beatlemania as well as their artistic development leading up to Revolver.

Overview:

• Artist: The Beatles
• Album Title: 1962-1966 (The Red Album)
• Release Year (Reissue): 1976
• Original Release Year: 1973
• Label: Apple Records (Catalog #: SKBO-3403)
• Genre: Rock, Pop Rock

Notable Tracks:

1. "Love Me Do" – Their debut single, representing their simple but charming early sound.
2. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" – The song that helped The Beatles break into the U.S. market, sparking Beatlemania.
3. "A Hard Day’s Night" – Showcasing their growing songwriting sophistication.
4. "Yesterday" – One of their most covered songs, featuring a melancholic string arrangement and Paul McCartney’s reflective lyrics.
5. "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" – A signal of their transition into more experimental and sophisticated music.

Significance of the 1976 Pressing:

This 1976 reissue follows the same track listing and packaging as the original 1973 release. While it doesn’t differ in content, it was issued during a time when The Beatles’ catalog was undergoing reissues in the U.S., making it one of the more accessible versions for collectors who missed out on the earlier release. Pressed by Capitol Records under the Apple label, this version maintained the iconic red gatefold cover and included the same collection of early Beatles hits.

Packaging:

The 1976 reissue still comes in a gatefold sleeve with the distinctive red cover, featuring the famous image of The Beatles looking down from the stairwell at EMI House, taken from the same spot as a photo used for their first album Please Please Me. Inside the gatefold, fans can enjoy photos of the band through their early years, providing a visual timeline to accompany their evolving sound.

Legacy:

While 1962-1966 (The Red Album) and its companion 1967-1970 (The Blue Album) are both compilations, they hold a special place in the hearts of Beatles fans. These collections remain popular, often serving as entry points for new listeners and providing a well-rounded summary of The Beatles’ greatest songs from each era.

Collectability:

Though not as rare as the 1973 first pressing, the 1976 version is still valued by collectors for its high-quality sound and completeness as a reissue. It is a fantastic option for those seeking to own a piece of Beatles history without paying a premium for an original pressing.

This 1976 pressing offers an affordable way to enjoy one of the greatest compilations of The Beatles’ early hits, perfect for both casual fans and dedicated vinyl collectors.

Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading:

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.