The Beatles - Lady Madonna / The Inner Light (Japan) –...

A very desirable and VERY RARE Japanese red-vinyl pressing of The Beatles’ Lady Madonna / The Inner Light, issued on the Apple label under catalogue number AR-1902. This is the scarce H ¥400 Apple pressing on RED VINYL, an early Japanese reissue of a single originally released in Japan on Odeon in 1968. When Toshiba moved the Beatles catalogue from Odeon to Apple, the catalogue prefix changed from OR-1902 to AR-1902, creating a distinctive series of Japanese Apple-label variants. This particular version is especially collectible because it combines the early Toshiba Musical Industries Apple label, the H ¥400 price designation and the much more eye-catching translucent red vinyl. The same title also exists on black vinyl, making the red-vinyl configuration an important variation for specialist Japanese Beatles collectors. The record retains the fantastic Japanese picture/lyric sleeve featuring the band photographed beneath bright stage lights, surrounded by the distinctive oversized Japanese typography. This locally designed sleeve gives the issue a completely different visual identity from its British counterpart. The pairing itself is historically important. “Lady Madonna” was recorded during the period immediately preceding the Beatles’ trip to India, driven by Paul McCartney’s pounding piano arrangement and a strong rhythm-and-blues influence. The B-side, “The Inner Light,” is one of George Harrison’s most distinctive Beatles compositions and became the first Harrison-written song to appear on a Beatles single. Its Indian instrumentation and philosophical lyrics make it a fascinating counterpart to the hard-driving A-side. Pressing details: * Apple Records AR-1902 * Japan * Early Apple reissue, circa 1970 * H ¥400 variant * RED VINYL * Early Toshiba Musical Industries Apple labels * Mono * Lady Madonna b/w The Inner Light * Original Japanese fold-out picture / lyric sleeve Vinyl: NM The beautiful red vinyl is preserved in outstanding Near Mint condition. It retains a superb deep gloss with extremely little evidence of previous play or handling. A particularly impressive example of a Japanese Beatles single that is increasingly difficult to find this clean. Sleeve: VG+ The original Japanese picture/lyric sleeve remains a solid and attractive VG+ example. There are normal light signs of age and handling, but the colourful artwork still presents very strongly and the sleeve remains an excellent companion to the exceptional vinyl.

估價:$4.48

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