The Beatles – Rarities LP 1st Cover Butcher Shot 1980 Capitol Jacksonville NM/VG+

ESSENTIAL FAB FOUR ARCHIVAL GRAIL: The Beatles – Rarities (Original 1980 US Capitol 1st Cover Pressing — Jacksonville Plant)

Upgrade your Beatles archive with this original 1980 US first pressing of The Beatles' essential compilation, Rarities (Capitol Records – SHAL-12060).

Compiled by Randall Davis with historical research by Ron Furmanek and Walter Podrazik, this 15-track anthology brought together alternate takes, B-sides, German-language singles, and rare mono/stereo mixes that had previously never appeared on standard North American Capitol LPs. The release is historically renowned for reproducing the infamous 1966 "Butcher" photograph inside the gatefold for the first time since Yesterday and Today.

This particular copy is the authentic #1 First Cover Variation, featuring the raised/embossed front photo, the absence of the George Martin producer credit on the rear lower-left corner, and the original uncorrected liner notes for "Helter Skelter" and "There's A Place". Pressed at Capitol's Jacksonville, Illinois plant (stamped "0" in the runouts), this release features precision lacquers cut by Gene Thompson (Side A) and Ed Sanders (Side B) at Capitol Mastering, complete with the custom photo-collage inner sleeve and the original 22" x 33" foldout lyric poster.

The Technical & Pressing Profile

• Artist: The Beatles

• Title: Rarities

• Label & Catalog Number: Capitol Records – SHAL-12060 (US Original)

• Format: 12" Vinyl LP, Compilation, Gatefold (Stereo & Mono)

• Release Date: March 24, 1980

• Genre / Style: Rock, Beat, Pop Rock, Psychedelic Rock

• Cover Variation (#1 First State): Raised/embossed front photo, no George Martin credit on back lower-left corner, and original uncorrected liner notes

• Pressing Plant: Capitol Records Pressing Plant, Jacksonville (Identified by "0" stamp in runouts)

• Mastering & Lacquer Cut: Mastered at Capitol Mastering; Side A cut by Gene Thompson (Gene), Side B cut by Ed Sanders (Ed)

• Packaging & Extras: Gatefold sleeve featuring the interior "Butcher" shot, custom photo-collage inner sleeve, and 22" x 33" lyric foldout poster

• Matrix / Runout (Side A): SHAL-1-12060-G5 #9 Gene MASTERED BY CAPITOL 0

• Matrix / Runout (Side B): SHAL-2-12060-G1 #1 Ed MASTERED BY CAPITOL 0

Condition & Grading

Graded conservatively using standard Goldmine parameters:

• Record Condition: Near Mint (NM / M-)

  The vinyl displays radiant factory gloss and plays with virtually silent backgrounds. Capitol's Jacksonville pressing delivers dynamic, analog punch across both vintage mono single cuts and wide stereo mixes with zero inner-groove distortion.

• Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus / Excellent (VG+ / E)

  The original 1st-state embossed gatefold jacket is clean, rigid, and well-preserved with bright colors, clean seams, and minor, light shelf/edge wear. The interior "Butcher" photo, custom inner sleeve, and 22" x 33" foldout poster remain in crisp condition.

Why This 12" Single Belongs in Your Collection

The 1980 US Rarities LP is a vital cornerstone for Fab Four archivists, presenting distinct alternate mixes—such as the true mono single edit of "Helter Skelter" and the charity album version of "Across the Universe"—that differ substantially from standard album masters. Preserved in high-grade Near Mint condition with its complete poster, custom inner sleeve, and rare #1 first-state embossed jacket, this pressing is a premier historical centerpiece for any serious vinyl collection.

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Add this essential 1st-cover 1980 Beatles Rarities pressing to your turntable rotation today!