It was fifty years ago today...

[JimN]

I've been arguing this point for years with my family, 'Please please me' made number 2 NOT number 1 as them and everyone else seems to think. Wasn't there 2 charts published at that time?

There were at least three charts that I could name - there were probably more than that.

Please Please Me attained the number one slot in every chart except the Record Retailer..

Given that every chart compiler adjusted the figures to an extent, I find it difficult to give credence to the odd man out rather than to the majority.

Please Please Me was certainly played out as the number one on Radio Luxembourg's Sunday night programme "Top Twenty" (they used the NME charts).

JN

[Alan Taylor]

I'm totally with Jim on this!

[JimN]

Getting back on topic for 4th January (rather than 11th January) 1963:



JN

[JimN]

And let's not forget (since B-sides were almost as important as A-sides to those of us who bought our records in single figures per annum):



JN

[anniv 63]

No offence to Jet's memory but he seemed to believe that Diamonds was No1 for 6 weeks and
used to quote this at his stage shows. (none of yer boy bands etc)
Most charts of the time stated 2-3 weeks maximum so probably he was rather thinking of
either Apache or Wonderful Land with their extended runs at NO1 ?

Mike

[JimN]

My recent research indicates a three-week stay at Number One for Diamonds.

Even the Beatles played it live on stage, apparently (according to the Lewissohn Chronology). And if they did, they must have done so after Please Please Me was on its way to being a hit.

JN

[GoldenStreet]

And let's not forget (since B-sides were almost as important as A-sides to those of us who bought our records in single figures per annum):



JN

... complete with that great, growling tenor sax solo and driving bass mid section - one of the best B sides!

Bill

[MikeAB]

I seem to recall PPMe didn't make No 1 in the NME? And neither did Kon Tiki?