UK Release Date | 3 December 1965 |
UK Catalogue Number | Parlophone R 5389 |
Weeks On UK Chart (to date) | 15 (All releases) |
Peak UK Chart Position | 1 (For 5 weeks) |
Lowest Matrix Numbers | 7XCE 18341-4 / 7XCE 18342-1 |
I’m never sure which way round to list these as it’s a double A side single but the picture disc, green sleeve and even the matrix numbers seem to suggest We Can Work It Out comes first. Released on 3 December 1965 it spent 5 weeks at number one in the UK charts. Although on the 1 July 1965 EMI changed the start of the label perimeter text from THE PARLOPHONE CO LTD… to THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD… first pressings of this single still have the former – some rarer copies have one of each on each side. I have 7 copies on 7″ single, the 5 listed below and 2 more in singles box sets.
First Press
The pictures below are of my first press copy which has the matrix numbers 7XCE 18341-4 and 7XCE 18342-1. You’ll see the label perimeter text starts THE PARLOPHONE CO LTD. Despite having light surface marks the record plays excellent throughout, just some feint crackle here and there. The sleeve has quite a bit of creasing and some ringwear.
Estimated Value : £3 – £5
Second Press
The pictures below are of my second press copy which has the matrix numbers 7XCE 18341-4 and 7XCE 18342-1. You’ll see the label perimeter text starts THE GRAMOPHONE CO LTD. Despite having light surface marks the record plays excellent throughout, just some feint crackle here and there. The sleeve would rate as very good, just some creasing and ringwear.
Estimated Value : £3 – £5
Fourth Press (Green Sleeve)
In March 1976 all the Beatles singles were re released in new picture sleeves. I believe there is no difference at all in any of these pressings but, for the record, mine has the matrix numbers 7XCE 18341-4 and 7XCE 18342-1.. Both the record, just some odd very feint crackle, and the sleeve, a small mark top right, are in excellent condition.
Estimated Value : £5
Picture Disc
Released on 2 December 1985 as part of the It Was Twenty Years Ago Today series. Being a picture disc I have never played it but it appears to be in excellent condition.
Estimated Value : £25 – £30
Capitol For Jukebox Only
In 1996 Capitol issued 15 Beatles singles on coloured vinyl in jukebox only style under their CEMA banner (they issued another 15 in 1994). Below is my copy of We Can Work It Out on pink vinyl. Being on coloured vinyl I have never played it but it appears to be in excellent condition. It comes in a plain white sleeve.
Estimated Value : £10
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