8018 - Beatles 78 RPM Parlophone Record for ‘Love Me Do’ / ‘It Won’t Be Long’ (Philippines, ca. 1964)

Beatles 78 RPM Parlophone Record for ‘Love Me Do’ / ‘It Won’t Be Long’ (Philippines, ca. 1964) Philippine Parlophone 78 RPM shellac record featuring the Beatles’ ‘Love Me Do’ and ‘It Won’t Be Long,’ catalogue number PAL-60263. The orange Parlophone labels identify ‘Love Me Do’ as PAL-60263-A, running 2:17, and ‘It Won’t Be Long’ as PAL-60263-B, running 2:09, with both sides credited to Lennon-McCartney and marked “Made in the Philippines by Dyna Products, Inc.” The labels also state “Selection from Album PCS-3045.” Includes a paper Parlophone sleeve. In very good to fine condition, with scattered marks, scuffs, and hairlines, and wear around the spindle hole on both sides. Manufactured by Dyna Products, which began producing Parlophone records under license in the Philippines in late 1963, this issue belongs to a series of Beatles singles pressed there in the 78 RPM format. The Philippines was one of a handful of countries still producing 78s when the Beatles arrived, and Philippine Parlophone continued issuing records in the format into 1965. Its catalogue number places it among the last singles issued with the orange label style, which remained in use until near the end of 1964. ‘Love Me Do’ had first appeared in the UK in October 1962 backed with ‘P.S. I Love You,’ while ‘It Won’t Be Long,’ recorded on July 30, 1963, opened the group’s second UK album, With the Beatles.