The Canadian "Butcher" cover

In July, 1966, Capitol Records of Canada were preparing for the release of  Yesterday and Today.  The records were being pressed and the covers and slicks were being prepared. However, after negative feedback on the cover from U.S. radio station personnel, reviewers and capitol executives the decision was made to withdraw the cover in both the U.S. and Canada.

While the initial directive in the United States was to destroy the covers it was decided that using a new "paste over" slick would save time and money and allow the new album to be in retail stores sooner.  Many butcher covers were destroyed, but a sizeable number received the "paste over" treatment.

Capitol of Canada received the same directive and followed through with the destruction of the covers.  There was no attempt in Canada to use a "paste over" as unlike the US version Canada's butcher used a laminated paper and for this reason a "paste over" may not have worked.  There are no known Canadian mono or stereo "paste overs".

The Canadian cover was manufactured by Modern Album, the mono and stereo slicks were produced by Parrs and Compo pressed the vinyl.

There are many "mysteries" around the Canadian Butcher cover. Some believe that some 1st state copies made it into retail stores. Others support the idea that the Canadian covers were not disposed of in Canada, but shipped to the U.S. and buried in a landfill near Needham, Massachusetts. 

At this point in time it is believed only three Canadian mono Butcher covers have survived. There are no known stereo covers, although a salesman's example of the slick does exist. Also, the June 23, 1966, issue of the Toronto Telegram's "After Four" magazine displayed the image of a Canadian stereo cover confirming they were produced.

In recent years a number of fantasy Canadian Butcher covers have appeared. Below is a fantasy  promotional copy below complete with the Parrs logo. 

In 2020 a Canadian mono butcher, one of three known, was auctioned by Heritage Auctions. However, a sale was not made as the reserve price was not met.