RARITIES (US)
Parlophone PCSO 7581
Released 19 May 1980
Original recommended retail price: $8.99
Australia followed the United States in May 1980 with Capitol’s substantially revised Rarities compilation, featuring a different track selection and sleeve from the earlier British album.
Labels & Related Material
AULP7581OC
May 1980
AULP7581SBA
April 1982
AULP7581SBB
July 1987
Tracks
Same tracks as US release
Pressing & Mastering

First Issued

Side 1

Side 2

Parts

19-May-80

SHAL 1 12060 MAXICUT

SHAL 2 12060 MAXICUT

AU
Sleeve Information

Code

Circulated

Comments

AU1

May-80

Replica US sleeve. Includes printed paper inner sleeve
Overview
Australia’s second Rarities album followed the American compilation, providing a separate release for buyers interested in that particular selection. It may have seemed an unlikely addition to the local catalogue, but public demand encouraged EMI (Australia) to issue it.

The local edition reproduced the rear-cover notes from the first American pressing, including two notable shortcomings. The cry “I’ve got blisters on my fingers” at the end of 'Helter Skelter' was attributed to John Lennon, and the wording “Produced by George Martin” was absent. Those details remained on all Australian issues. Click the sleeve image above to view the inner gatefold.

Paul Bryant mastered the album at Studios 301 using Maxicut. It spent nine weeks on the Australian charts and reached No. 27.