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German Beatles Singles

Odeon Singles

Typical Odeon "green label" Single

First Style Green Odeon

The Odeon green label singles appear in two slightly different styles. The first of these styles, shown above, features the following print around the rim of the label:

(Line breaks in my copy represent larger spaces in the original rim print.)

For the benefit of non-German-speaking people, I refer to this issue as the "Alle" issue. Records with "Alle" as the first word of the rim print were issued by German Odeon until 1967. Earlier singles are normally found without "GEMA" in a rectangle. Singles from 1964-1967 normally feature this. Also, earlier singles may be found WITH "Keep a/c" in a rectangle. Those singles which were originally issued on the "Alle" label are as follows:

NOTE 1: The earlier records were issued with a stock sleeve depicting the Beatles and showing the record label. In NM condition, these sleeves sell for up to $50.

NOTE 2: Most of the later singles were available with a picture sleeve. Some were even issued in a second sleeve later on. As a general tip, an original picture sleeve sells for about the same as the single it contained. However, there are several rare sleeves. These will be detailed at a later time.

Second Style Green Odeon

In early 1967, the rim print was changed on all Odeon releases to read:

Again for the benefit of those who do not read German, I will call this the "Urheber" issue. Singles made from 1967 to 1969 are of the "Urheber" variety. A list of all Beatles singles which were originally issued on the "Urheber" label follows:

NOTE: The song "Strawberry Fields Forever" is slightly longer than the usual mono mix.

Apple Singles

In early 1969, all new Beatles releases switched to the Apple label. By April, however, Germany had become part of the European Economic Community (EEC). From that point on, all records, new and rerelease, would be issued with the new EEC numbering system. All singles from "Get Back" on feature the new numbering. Here is a list of German Beatles singles on the Apple label.

As the reader will notice, Germany issued many singles which have neither a British nor an American counterpart. Those singles listed above which feature their normal (UK) b-sides are shown in quotation marks. From 1966 on, Germany stayed with the British issues for the most part, releasing only one "American" single (Long and Winding Road) and one unique single (Obladi Oblada) after that time.

Polydor Singles

Orange "Scroll Label" Polydor

It was the Polydor label in Germany that introduced the Beatles to the world, when, in June of 1961, the Beatles were given a now-famous break into the music industry. Tony Sheridan was a British singer whose Elvis-like style appealed to the German public. Singing songs with which his German listeners were already familiar, Tony often arranged them into rock and roll numbers. Tony's session with the Beatles produced eight released numbers and several alleged outtakes (which have not seen the light of day...yet). The eight released tracks were often coupled with Sheridan tunes that did not feature the Beatles.

Prior to about March, 1964, German singles on the Polydor label were issued on an orange label with "Polydor" in a scroll at the top and with stars above the Polydor logo.

NOTE 1: The "rock" version was released in October or November of 1961 and features the word "rock" underneath the title of "My Bonnie." The record itself sports a slow introduction in German. The "twist" version not only has the word "twist" on the label but also has the introduction in English. The "twist" version was released in January, 1962. The picture sleeve to the "twist" version is the same as that of the "rock" version, except that the "twist" version has an additional rectangular box containing the word "twist."

NOTE 2: When Tony Sheridan recorded the song, "Sweet Georgia Brown," with the Beatles, he sang the original lyrics to the song. That original version was released only on a few records around the world in 1962 and 1963. After the Beatles' rise to popularity, Tony returned to the studio in January, 1964, to re-record the lyrics. These new lyrics make Georgia out to be a very hip chick, musically, and mention the Beatles. The single was originally scheduled to be released on January 31st, and promotional copies exist on the orange label. The release was postponed, however.

Red Polydor Label

After February, 1964, Polydor modernized their label styles. All new releases in Germany came out on the new red label. The logo is also strikingly different on these releases. Since "My Bonnie" was still in print, it was re-released with a new number and (of course) the new label style.

NOTE: White label promotional copies exist for each of the above singles (except "Sweet Georgia Brown") on a label style resembling the new red label. These sell for $250 to $500 each.

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 called 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 called VG+.

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 called VG.

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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© 2001 Frank Daniels