Uruguay LP Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Purple/Dark Blue Odeon Label

At the beginning of the Beatle period, Odeon Records of Uruguay was pressing LP's on a dark blue or purple label. The "Odeon" logo was at the top. A silver circle runs around the label, containing the record speed and the expressions IRROMPIBLE ("unbreakable"), LARGA DURACION ("long playing"), and MICROSURCO ("microgroove"). The manufacturing information is found inside a horizontal bar, underneath the Odeon logo.

NOTE: Para Ti is a unique compilation, consisting of From Me to You, Thank You Girl, You Can't Do That, She's a Woman, I Feel Fine, Long Tall Sally, She Loves You, I'll Get You, I Want to Hold Your Hand, This Boy, Slow Down, and Matchbox. These were all single/EP tracks, most of which had not appeared on an LP in Uruguay.

NOTE 2: Later covers to With the Beatles have the title and a star. Still later covers (c. 1968) have a large title and rectangle. The most recent covers feature a photo of the group.

NOTE 3: Some temporary covers for Ye Ye Ye have the Beatles' names where their photos ought to be.

NOTE 4: Some covers to Beatles For Sale feature a large title and four green triangles. Some (later) covers feature the title and various (red and blue) geometric shapes. Still later covers (c. 1970) feature the title and a star. The most recent covers have a photo of the group, or the traditional LP cover.

Blue Odeon Label

In 1965, the label color was changed to a lighter, or more medium, blue. The print remains in the same configuration as it did on the purple label. More often the catalog number appears on the right side instead of at the bottom.

Red Odeon Label With Crossbars

In 1968, Odeon phased out the blue label in favor of a red one. They also began pressing LP's in stereo, adding an "S" to the prefix. This new style features the odeon label in a box and two horizontal crossbars, one of which contains copyright information. Only one new Beatles album was pressed on this label before another style change.

NOTE: Earlier albums were reissued onto this label style, but this style reissue appears not to be as common as the two Odeon label styles that follow -- red label with unboxed logo, or blue label with unboxed logo.

Apple Label With "Apple"

In 1969, new Beatles releases in Uruguay began appearing on the Apple label. These new albums were all in stereo. Instead of remaining in the Odeon numbering series, Apple albums received their own prefixing and numbering (SAPL instead of URL). The first Apple label features the word "Apple" in script across the middle of the label.

Apple Label With Green Border

Possibly as early as 1970, the Apple label was redesigned. The word "Apple" was removed, and a wide green border was placed around the apple. This style continued well into the 1970's and appeared only on those records that were originally released on Apple.

Red Odeon Label Unboxed Odeon Logo

Possibly in 1970, Odeon removed the crossbars from the LP label. This label style lasted until sometime in the mid-1970's. Only one new Beatles album was pressed on this label.

Later reissues of the Uruguayan LP's appeared on a light blue (and white) Odeon label, a label style that is VERY common. It should also be noted that the covers changed somewhat from the 1960's to the 1970's, with "emergency" or "temporary" covers being used between batches of normal covers. Later Apple label reissues featured script print running around the rim of the label -- similar to the style found on British albums.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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