The Decca Tapes
 
Cover
Label:
  
Catalogue No.:
  
LK4438-1
Format :
  
12" Black Vinyl + Sleeve
Speed:
  
33 ⅓ rpm
Origin:
  
USA
Availability :
  
Sept Dec 1979
Duration:
  
Etched Matrix:
  
See Below
More Information:
  
Belmo's Beatleg News logo  
 #1 - v
910 Logo
V?N?

Cover
Disc
Sleeve Rear

Disc

Rear

Comments:

Whilst the 'Decca Tape' was first released two tracks at a time, on coloured 7" singles, by an American Fanzine, this release albeit from an alternate source is what most people would identify as the first release. This may be in part be because of the quality or because of the deluxe cover and detailed (bogus) sleeve notes. It is not surprising that this title was copied and pirated, by other producers.

To totally confuse matters it appears that Ken D. under a new partnership released many repackaged reissues in the 1980's after a further change of partners.

Unfortunately the recordings run too fast and have additional reverb, compared to Joe Popes source on the Deccagone singles and LP, which he rushed out after this Audifon release, which is a great shame looking at the quality of the Deccagone singles. Would it have been so iconic with out the 'Decca Fantasy' story on the back of this release we will never know.

Track Listing:

Side 1

Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens, London
Decca Audition - 1 Jan 1962

Song Version Comments
1
2:29
Like Dreamers Do
DEC-013-w
2
2:18
Money (That's What I Want)
DEC-001-w
3
2:53
Till There Was You
DEC-008-w
4
1:38
The Sheik Of Araby
DEC-002-w
5
2:30
To Know Her Is To Love Her
DEC-010-w
Listed as To Know Him Is To Love Him
6
2:22
Take Good Care Of My Baby
DEC-007-w
7
2:15
Memphis, Tennessee
DEC-003-w
8
1:59
Sure To Fall
DEC-005-w

Side 1 Green 2 Label Side 2 Green 2 Label
Matrix A : LK  4438    - A
Matrix: LK  4438    - B

Side 2

Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens, London
Decca Audition - 1 Jan 1962

Song Version Comments
1
1:35
Hello Little Girl
DEC-014-w
2
2:20
Three Cool Cats
DEC-004-w
3
1:58
Crying Waiting Hoping
DEC-009-w
4
1:47
Love Of The Loved
DEC-015-w
5
1:50
September In The Rain
DEC-006-w
6
2:33
Besame Mucho
DEC-011-w
7
2:57
Searchin'
DEC-012-w

Side 1 & 2 LP Banding

1

 Side 1 Banding
 

2

 Side 2 Banding

Alternate Pressings

Large Stamper Ring

Stamper Ring Ø xx mm
  
     
Pod Stickered Sleeve + Blue Label
  
Pod Stickered Sleeve + Blue Label

Red Label no

  

no Red Label (FAKE)

Matrix A : LK 4438    -A

Matrix B: LK 4438    -B

 
Alternate Producer +Mastering
   
Wide Dead Wax , Printed marks
 

Matrix : LK- 4438-A

Matrix: LK-  4438-B

     
Side 2 Green Label
Pod Stickered Sleeve + Blue Label
  
 

Green Label no

  
Matrix B: TBC'd 4438    

Matrix A : LK  4438    - A

Matrix B: LK  4438    - B

 
 
 
     
Blue Pod Side A/1 Label
White Pod Side A/1 Label

Audifön Side A/1 Label

Blue POD Label
(1981)

White POD Label
(1981)

Audifön
(1982)

 
Library Image
Library Image
 
 
 
 
     

Side 1 white Label

  
Great Seal Side A/1 Label

Plain LP Labels

 

ANNUIT CŒPTIS
(1985)

     
 
 
     

Medium Stamper Ring

Stamper Ring Ø xx mm
  
     
Pod Stickered Sleeve + Blue Label
Side 1 White Label
Side 1 Recycled Label

Green Label no

White LP Labels

Recycled LP Labels

Matrix A : LK  4438    - A

Matrix B: LK  4438    - B

   

 

Artwork

 
Cover Art
Gatefold Cover
Slick
Inner Sleeve
Comment
Y
N
N
Plain white

The Beatles photo Session 1961

Albert Marrion Photography, Studio, Wallasey
(17 Dec 1961)
 

Unused Cover Sticker
 Pod Sticker

Unused Sticker #2 no
90 x 45 mm

POD Sticker

Alternate Covers

Stamped Cover
Original Stickered Sleeve
Cover

Stamped Cover

Stickered Cover

Printed Sleeve

Unconfirmed
    
 
 
Stamped Cover Edition
 Picture Disc Edition Reissued Picture Disc Edition

Stamped Cover Sealed
+ Picture Disc

Original Picture Disc

Reissued Picture Disc

Artwork Variations

The differences are subtle and have been observed by overlaying and comparing placement, 'tapes' texture and sharpness.
After a working theory of content was calculated this was then put to the test and passed.

Cover Back
Letter

Card : Glossy

Printing :Jet Black & Sharp

Cover: no crop drum base,
Paul's Guitar complete with gap

Rear Logo + Text: Raised above baseline
   


Letter

Card : Semi Glossy , feels rough

Printing : Black & slightly fuzzy

Cover: Cropped drum base + Paul's Guitar

Rear Logo + Text: Baseline
POD Cover POD Rear

POD Cover

 

Cover: Cropped drum base + Paul's Guitar

Rear Logo + Text: Baseline

 

Alternate Releases

Japanese Rem(F)ake Pod Stickered Sleeve + Blue Label Black Label Rem(F)ake

no ZAP (Japan)
(1980)

no Blue POD Label
(1981)

no Boxtop  
(1986)

or Circuit Sleeve
Numerous Variations
     
 
 
     
Picture Disc Edition Photocopy Edition Disco label

Colour Picture Disc
(1980)

White label - Photocopy

BITS & PIECES I

Matrices : DECCAGONE SIDE 1 / 2
 
 
 
Broadcasts - 2LP
 

noBroadcasts - 2LP Stamped

no 'Film Strip'

Broadcasts - Verzyl 2LP
Record 2
 
Record 2
Matrices : DECCAGONE SIDE 1 / 2
 
 
     
Rem(F)ake Black Label Rem(F)ake Black Label Rem(F)ake

no Circuit [Japan]
(1985)

no Circuit (European)
(1985)

no TMQ[2] Archive Series
(~1996/2006)

 
Matrices : LK 4438 RR A
LK 4438 RR B
 

 

ALL Information, Data and Images are for REFERENCE PURPOSE ONLY.

The collated information is from hundreds of sources, I am unable to verify the accuracy of any information implied or provided .

I neither own these discs or know how to obtain them , so any Corrections or New material is always appreciated.

This page is a working document, last updated on the 04-Aug-2026

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Copyright © C Johnson 1998-2014