web hosting short URLs photo sharing

Mexican Single Releases

Identification and Price Guide

Musart Singles

Since Mexico is part of North America, Capitol Records USA (whose role it was to oversee Beatles releases in North America) was able to dictate how their records were marketed in Mexico. However, prior to 1965, Capitol had no record company offices in Mexico and therefore licensed its releases to the Musart label, a prominent Mexican record label. All Mexican singles on the Musart label are somewhat scarce; consequently, this list is incomplete. The Beatles' Musart singles are particularly hard to find in VG+ or better condition.

NOTE 1: Musart promotional singles have orange backgrounds with the words "PROHIBIDA SU VENDA" and "PROMOCION" on the label. These sell for over $100 each.

Capitol Singles

Capitol Records established a factory and offices in Mexico in May, 1965. They did not repress the Musart singles onto their own label but began to issue new Beatles singles (below) on the Capitol swirl label. Copies pressed during 1965 and 1966 have the English word "RECORDS" under the Capitol logo.

NOTE 2: According to a Musart promotional flyer, the Beatles' first Musart single, "She Loves You," was also released as a ten-inch 78-RPM record. No copies of this 78 are currently known to exist.

NOTE 1: Capitol also issued white label promos on a swirl label with a white and silver (gray) background. These have a seal at right that contains the words "DISCO DE PROMOCION PROHIBIDA SU VENDA."

NOTE 2: Although numbered as an EP and identified with the words "Extended Play," the all-white label promo of "Got to Get You Into My Life" is a single. Apparently it was considered to be promoting the two EP's on which the songs appear (EPEM-10142 and EPEM-10189).

In late 1966, Capitol began to use the Spanish word "DISCOS" instead of the English word "records" in the Capitol logo on the swirl label singles. This label variety was used until 1969, when it was replaced by the orange/red target label (as in the USA).

NOTE 1: The three picture sleeves appear to have been shot directly from their US counterparts.

NOTE 2: Capitol also issued white label promos on a swirl label with a white and silver (gray) background. These have a seal at right that contains the words "DISCO DE PROMOCION PROHIBIDA SU VENDA."

Apple Singles:

In 1968, the Beatles switched to the Apple label. The singles on Capitol did not switch to Apple but remained on Capitol.

Non-EMI Singles:

A few singles were released in Mexico on the Polydor label (as in other countries). Those known to me are listed below.

NOTE: The "My Bonnie" single was probably issued in mid-1963. The A-side features the slow introduction in English.

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.