It was released 49 years ago today, in Great Britain.

It contained 14 songs: 8 originals (including the hit singles “Love Me Do” and “Please Please Me”) and 6 covers (including “Chains” by Gerry Goffin & Carole King and “Twist And Shout” by The Isley Brothers.)

It was the result of several recording sessions, all held at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London, England. The first was a three hour session on Sept. 14, 1962 and the last was a marathon 585-minute long session on February 11, 1963 during which the final 10 songs for the album were recorded.

It was produced by George Martin and featured an eye-catching album cover photograph by Angus McBean.

It was Please Please Me, the first album by The Beatles