THE BEATLES/THE WORLD'S BEST -THE BEATLES 12 PAL 4159-SM (-67) GERMANY

One of many non-UK Beatles compilations issued through the world in the sixties. This German has a lot making it worth while even if you have access to all cuts on various medias before - the track choice, exclusive sleeve design, odd label, top audio and inclusion of the "hi-hat" cut of "All My Loving". First issued on the S*R International label apparently with a large number of minor variations on cover and label appearing already within the first year of release. Thought it would be nice to get some kind of time line so I jumped on the net to find out once and for all, but what I got was a mess. Not only totally conflicting messages from different sources at large, wherever I turn it seems this copy both fits as a first press and not. However comparing with former S*R issues it fits as early - label has record number above GEMA and rim text with capital fonts, sleeve has laminated front with "aus dem Repertoire Odeon..." under logo on front and cat. no. on top right rear. Still don't know if it's the very first, but positively somewhere near. Also as export presss for Austria and Holland (same sleeves and numbers). German 1981 reissue on EMI/Electrola (27 408-4) replaced "All My Loving" with "Don't Bother Me", though keeping the original tracklist on sleeve. (BÄ*) (GÖXÄ*) (LGÅ*)