A long-lost tape of Beatles recordings that contains not only the lyrics but also the jokes and giggles in the studio sold for 9,800 pounds (19,600 dollars) at auction in Britain Tuesday, dpa reported.
An internet bidder snapped up the tape which had been hidden in an attic for 40 years, Cameo Auctioneers in Midgham, in the southern county of Berkshire, said. It had been expected to fetch up to 12,000 pounds. The buyer remained anonymous.
The half-hour tape, believed to have been recorded in 1964, contains John Lennon and Paul McCartney-composed songs as well as versions of other artists' compositions.
A track which starts on the first side of the tape and goes into the second called I'll Follow The Sun is broken by false starts, conversation and banter.
Lennon and Sir Paul are clearly audible on a number of occasions during their attempt to record this track, the auction house said.
Lennon can be heard saying: "I'm not looking at you," and Sir Paul replies: "You were." Lennon goes on: "It's just going to get funnier and funnier as the evening goes on," and "It's 11 o'clock you know."
They they start the track again before more laughter and chat, continuing along the same unsuccessful lines for further attempts.
The second side was recorded without interruption and contains such classics as I Feel Fine, She's A Woman and I'll Follow The Sun.