Spanish LP Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Large Logo Odeon Label

Although Tony Sheridan had released an EP (featuring the Beatles) as early as late 1962, the Spanish public had to wait until the following year before Beatles singles were released there. Near the end of the year, the group was popular enough that Spanish Odeon decided to release their first long play album.

These early albums were released in mono only, and the label was blue and silver, with a large Odeon logo along the top of the label.

Blue Label with Large "ODEON"

In mid-1964, Spanish Odeon changed to the label backdrop that would last them through most of the 1960's. This label was blue and silver like its predecessor, but the Odeon logo at the top was much smaller. Instead, the word "odeon" appears at the top in large print. The first albums were released in mono only, but when stereo records came along, the word "ESTEREOFONICO" was added to the label and "ESTEREO" stamped on the cover.

NOTE 1: Some numbered copies of The Beatles came in German-made covers, while others came in Spanish-made covers.

NOTE 2: All of the earlier LP's were released onto this label style and sell for about $75 each in NM condition.

Red Label with Large "ODEON"

This label style and catalog number seems to have been a special edition, released for the Sgt. Pepper album alone.

Red EMI Label

After the EEC was in full swing, Spanish Odeon changed to a label backdrop that promoted their participation in EMI. The old numbering system was dropped, sort of, in favor of the EEC system. The label on this LP was red with an Odeon logo and bars at the top and an EMI logo at the bottom.

NOTE: Apparently, the red label was considered a special issue for Yellow Submarine as well, for the Sgt. Pepper album was reissued onto this label style.

Blue EMI Label

After the EEC was in full swing, Spanish Odeon changed to a label backdrop that promoted their participation in EMI. The old numbering system was dropped, sort of, in favor of the EEC system. This label style was dark blue with an Odeon logo and bars at the top and an EMI logo at the bottom. Until 1978, the prefix chosen for Spain was "1J".

NOTE: The entire catalog was reissued onto this label and is generally not collected. Many of the albums originally released in mono remain in mono on the reissues; mono pressings are distinguished by an "M" after the catalog number. Also, on the early reissues the original catalog numbers are retained along with the new ones.

NOTE 2: Because of controversies surrounding the song, "The Ballad of John and Yoko" is absent from the Beatles Again album.

NOTE 3: In 1972, the label color was changed to light blue. In 1978, the prefix was changed to "10C".

Non-EMI Releases

A Word About Condition

The condition of a record is all-important as to determining its value. The values shown are drastically reduced for lesser condition copies, as shown below:

Near Mint, or NM, condition records are unscratched. If the label has stickers or tape, this must be noted. Essentially, they look like they just came from the store.

Very Good Plus, or VG+, condition records will have very few scratches. Without close inspection, they might pass for Near Mint copies. A VG+ record normally sells for half what a NM copy goes for. In Europe, this condition is known as Excellent, EX.

Very Good, or VG, condition records have a fair amount of scratches, but they by no means appear "beat up". A VG condition record normally sells for one fourth of the NM price. In Europe, this condition is known as Very Good Plus.

Very Good Minus, or VG-, condition records are starting to appear quite scratched. Still, when played, they play through, although the surface noise is becoming distracting. Many singles are commonly found in this condition. A VG- condition record normally sells for one sixth of the NM price. In Europe, this condition is known as Very Good.

Good, or G, condition records look scratched--basically all over, but they'll play through well enough to enjoy the song. A G condition record sells for one tenth of the NM price. [Some dealers also use a grade of G+, which sells for one eighth of the NM price.]

Fair, or fr, condition records are generally worthless unless the record is rare. They're scratched up and have distracting surface noise, but they're not completely ruined. No chips missing, and not cracked. They sell for one twentieth of the NM price or less.

Poor, or pr, condition records are basically ruined. They may be warped, cracked, chipped, or otherwise unsuitable for collecting. Most collectors only accept poor condition copies of something really rare until a better one comes along. They're virtually worthless.

Return to Across the Universe

This page © 2006, 2007 Frank Daniels