An original UK promotional sampler LP of The Beatles – Rarities, issued by EMI in 1978 exclusively for radio stations, reviewers, and industry use. This example carries the correct PSLP 261 catalogue number features the diagonal gold “Sampler album not for sale” wording printed directly onto the sleeve design, as issued.
The record features the highly regarded HTM mastering, with matrices SPSLP 261 A-2 / SPSLP 261 B-3 hand-etched in the dead wax. While the very earliest pressings from the contemporaneous Beatles box set run are known with A-1 / B-2 matrices, the A-2 / B-3 combination represents an early recut within the original 1978–1981 production run, still mastered by Harry T. Moss at EMI and fully contemporary with the initial issue.
Although generally listed as a stereo LP, it is important to note that the majority of tracks are presented in their original mono mixes. Only four of the seventeen tracks are in stereo, making this album a particularly authentic representation of the Beatles’ original single and EP configurations rather than a conventional stereo compilation.
Technical Details: Country: UK Year: 1978 Label: Parlophone / EMI Catalogue number: PSLP 261 Format: Stereo issue, predominantly mono content (only four tracks in stereo) Matrices: SPSLP 261 A-2 / SPSLP 261 B-3 (Earliest pressings are known with A-1 / B-2 matrices; A-2 / B-3 denotes a slightly later pressing from within the original 1978–1981 box set run, still featuring the desirable HTM mastering) Mastering engineer: HTM (Harry T. Moss) Sleeve printer: Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd
UK Beatles Rarities promotional sampler LP, PSLP 261, HTM-cut, predominantly mono mixes, with original “not for sale” sleeve.
Historical Note: Rarities was compiled as part of EMI’s late-1970s reissue programme to gather non-album tracks, B-sides, and mixes that had previously been scattered across singles, EPs, or overseas releases. In the UK, EMI issued this promotional sampler edition ahead of the commercial release, clearly marked “not for sale” and distributed in limited numbers to broadcasters and retailers.
Promotional copies such as this were pressed in comparatively small quantities and were never intended for public sale. The presence of HTM-cut matrices confirms this example as an early UK EMI mastering, distinct from later overseas pressings or recuts.
*Condition* Sleeve: VG. The original dark blue Garrod & Lofthouse sleeve shows noticeable edge and spine wear, with cracking and paper loss along the spine and corners, consistent with promotional handling. The diagonal gold “Sampler album not for sale” wording is printed as part of the original sleeve artwork and remains clear and legible. Vinyl: VG+ The record retains a good gloss with light sleeve scuffing visible under strong light. No deep scratches or feelable marks observed. Labels are clean with minimal spindle wear. A strong example for a promotional pressing. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
