Beatles'65

Blue Spine J-card tapes with white shells and yellow paper labels were made at Capitol's own tape plant in the early to mid 1970s, after the Ampex years had ended (1971). This variation was issued with a USA artwork J-card with no white bars. Whether Beatles'65 was also issued earlier on the blue spine with white paper labels has not yet been confirmed, but the title was available on cassette in the USA since 1969, so an earlier Canadian white-label copy is likely to exist. Any information would be appreciated.

Availability

Yellow paper labels appeared in the early 1970s (used alongside white ones until about 1980), and the Malton address on the labels does not narrow its date (Beatles and Apple yellow labels kept the old Capitol Records (Canada) name and Malton address until about 1980, even after the company became Capitol Records-EMI of Canada in January 1974). The title then stayed on the blue spine J-card until the printed shells took over around 1980 (see variation K7.2228.1.2, on a black shell in the same J-card).

The Blue Spine design in Canada

Early cassettes had a blue spine and white paper labels on a white plastic shell. Blue Spine tapes are found with white or yellow paper labels (used side by side through the 1970s), and later with printed shells (white, then black with silver print). Early series of tapes most likely overlapped with the black spine series (see K7.2228.3A.1, 3A.2 and 3A.3) as some titles from up until 1982 were found on this variation.

It is not known what made a title be released on a blue or black spine J-card, but some titles remained on the blue spine and never switched to the black spine like other albums did (this title appeared on both). Generally speaking, the blue spine design made way for the black spine sometime in the 70s. Some titles were simultaneously released on both designs, while others seem to have been only found on either design. More information on this would be appreciated.

Early tapes prior to mid 1969 were imported from the USA (USA artwork with a USA shell). After this point, Canadian manufactured tapes were introduced with Canadian artwork J-card with three white bars on the spine. Collectors must be aware that although some early 1969 tapes still retain the "MADE IN USA" stamped in the shell, they were most likely made in Canada from US moulds.

Pressing Information

This copy has a bright white plastic shell, as moulded at Capitol's own tape plant, carrying yellow paper labels printed in black. Each label shows the Capitol target logo at the left, "BEATLES / BEATLES '65" across the top with the programme track listing beneath, and the side letter (A or B) over the catalogue number 4XT-2228 at the right. The lower third of the label carries the Capitol warranty text, addressed to the Quality Control Centre, Capitol Records (Canada) Limited, 3109 American Drive, Malton, Ontario (the old company name and address, still printed on Beatles yellow labels until about 1980) followed by the "FOR BEST RESULTS" care instructions.

Different types of shells were often used simultaneously and seemingly, also interchangeably. There is no clear timeline based on the types of shells that were used.

Note that the cassette programmes do not follow the album's running order: side 2 of the LP opens with Honey Don't, while the tape's programme 1 closes with Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby, so that both programmes run to a similar length.

Cover

The cover (or J-card) featured the USA "blue spine" design: a generic layout where the spine of the J-card is blue without the three white bars (it is not known if they were printed in Canada from US artwork or if they were imported). Some titles were released on a light blue J-card, but these were usually reserved for half price budget releases and compilations. This title has only been documented on the darker blue J-card format.

The front panel is red, with "BEATLES '65" in white over a short track teaser ("No Reply • I'm a Loser • Honey Don't • She's a Woman • I Feel Fine • others") and the umbrella photograph from the album cover. The blue spine carries the Capitol logo, the title, "STEREO CASSETTE" and the catalogue number 4XT 2228. The back panel is a lighter blue and carries USA text: "MANUFACTURED BY CAPITOL RECORDS, INC., A SUBSIDIARY OF CAPITOL INDUSTRIES, INC., HOLLYWOOD AND VINE STREETS, HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. - FACTORIES: SCRANTON, PA., LOS ANGELES, CALIF., JACKSONVILLE, ILL." over the PROGRAM 1 (13:47) and PROGRAM 2 (13:26) listings.

Packaging

Tapes were sold in a black back jewel case, and sealed in a firm wrap that was folded shut.