White Album was recorded from 30 May to 14 October 1968 in EMI and Trident studios, London. It was released 22 November 1968 and the last Beatles album to be released both as a mono and stereo album. Only 3 days later it was released in the USA. The iconic white cover was only printed with The Beatles and a number. It was designed by McCartney and pop artist Richard Hamilton. Ringo Starr’s personal copy numbered: 0000001 was sold for $790,000 at an auction in 2015. According to Discogs there are more than 500 versions of The White Album in circulation, and it can be difficult to find which of the many versions one hold in hand.

I have two copies in my private collection. One is the first release pressed in Sweden, numbered 003058. It is one of the few albums my uncle left me when he died in 2010 and in NM condition. Photos and poster included. Therefore also a precious album which I play very seldom. Instead I normally play a German reissue from 1973. It’s still a well preserved copy which have top opening but without any inlays.

The White Album is one of the few I tag as a Complete album. I always listen all 4 sides, from Back In The U.S.S.R. to Good Night. It’s so incredible well composed and the order of the songs is perfect. I only have a small issue with the start, I am not that big fan of Beatles oldish rock songs. I know Back In The U.S.S.R is not, but it has some associations for me, back to the screaming audience and rock’n’roll area. Its a very good rock song though, it’s not that. Also Revolution 9 is not a favorite on the album. I like when Beatles gets into the psychedelic parts, but it’s simply a bit too long I guess, it kind of drags the ending to something I would have avoided if I was the composer. Anyway – everybody should be happy I was not 🙂 

Never the less, it’s an top 5 album in my collection – and always will be I guess.

John Lennon – guitar, vocals, bass guitars, piano, hammond organ, harmonica, extra drums, assorted percussion

Paul McCartney – guitar, bass, acoustic and electric pianos, organ, percussion drums

George Harrison – guitar, vocals, bass guitars, hammond organ, extra drums, percussion

Ringo Starr – drums and assorted percussion, vocals

Guest musicians:
Yoko Ono – backing vocals, handclaps
Mal Evans – backing vocals, trumpet
Eric Clapton – lead guitar
Jack Fallon – violin
Pattie Harrison – backing vocals
Jackie Lomax – backing vocals
John McCartney – backing vocals
Maureen Starkey – backing vocals