Beatles' "1" top in 34 countries

LONDON, England -- The Beatles have re-written the record books again by holding number one spot for their album "1" in 34 countries.

The Liverpool-band has taken number one place in countries as far-a-field as Canada and Iceland with "1", a compilation of the group's 27 chart toppers.

The previous record had been held by U2, whose album "Pop" managed number ones in 32 countries in 1997.

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Apple Records said on Monday that the album's success stretched across the world -- three decades after the band split. "1" has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide since its release in mid-November.

In the UK it topped the charts for nine weeks, equalling the success of the Beatles' 1969 album, Abbey Road.

In the U.S. it managed eight weeks at number one.

Surviving members of the group -- Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison -- did not even have to enter a studio.

They simply gave EMI Records permission to collate the songs, which include "Love Me Do" and "Eight Days A Week."

Reuters contributed to this report.

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