Black Sabbath : Headless Cross 2nd Press 1989

I think it is only fair to call this a second pressing due to the A2/B2 matrix although they may well have been pressed at the same time as the A1/B1 so first press / second press is arguable.  Regardless of that this LP plays with incredible quality and has only minimal interference on the first instrumental track.

The cover is in superb condition and the lyric inner is practically brand new.

Please wait for the invoice before making payment as the item may have to sent via tracked shipping, conditions below.

EIRSA 1002 // A - 2 / B - 2

The audio on S1 is Mint- (Track 1 Ex- / T4 intro Ex+)

The audio on S2 is Mint-

The cover is Near Mint-

The labels are Mint-

The lyric inner is Mint-

Visual grading

The vinyl is in excellent condition and has no marks or scratches.  There are a number of faint hairlines that have no doubt been caused by the coarse texture of the lyric inner.  However, they have no affect of the stunning quality of the audio.  There is not very much spindle wear so the record has definitely not been overplayed.  The run out grooves and labels are extremely clean with no marking.

Play grading  

As is common with late 80s vinyl the opening grooves on S1 do have some background.  'The Gates Of Hell' still plays very clearly but there is some light static and also one click.  In actual fact I have played it 4/5 times now and the audio has definitely improved.  I always clean the vinyls I sell but the stylus will also perform a self-cleaning action.  I would say Ex- is an honest assessment of the audio here.

'Headless Cross' is a different story and right from the start it plays with superb power and depth and no interference at all.  With only a couple of dust ticks this is Mint- with only a little static on the fade out.  A sublime version.

'Devil And Daughter' is equally as good with stunning power and clarity.  No minus is required here this is Mint from beginning to end.

The quiet intro on 'When Death Calls' has very little static and no clicks or pops.  The first verse is similar and as the volume increases the audio is flawless.  It continues in the same exact way and this truly is a 'high end' version of this 'modern' classic.  There is no interference and Brian May's solo is stunning!  Every note plays with perfect precision and aside from the intro which grades as Ex+ the remainder is Mint without a doubt.

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'Kill In The Spirit World' on S2 plays in stunning style from the word go and the only 'background' if you can call it that are 3/4 very light static ticks in the quieter mid section.  The following passage of music is absolutely stunning and you can turn it up to max with no distortion.  The rest is of the same standard and I can safely say the vast majority of this track is 'as new'.  Just a little static on the fade out but Mint- overall.

'Call Of The Wild' also plays with outstanding quality from the very first note.  This is Mint an easy grade to determine.

The next track 'Black Moon' is of the same immaculate standard I am pleased to say.  Another powerful track that just demands to be played loud with Martin's vocals soaring as per usual!  Again there is no distortion and you know the grade by now :-)

The slow build up on 'Nightwing' has barely any static and as the vocal begins the clarity remains equally as good.  The odd barely audible dust tick but 100% non-intrusive.  As it progresses the power and depth is again so evident and the audio has lost none of its original quality over the last 31 years.  Just pure power and no sign of any inner groove distortion.  A stunning Mint- version to end the album.

In summary this very early pressing play with stunning quality on both sides and has clearly only been lightly played.  The only obvious 'background' is on the brief first track and even then it is only minimal, just one light click and a little static.  All other tracks play with real dynamic power and clarity.  Superb!

The Cover

This cover is in superb condition with minimal shelf wear and is still very strong and robust like it hasn't been handled very much.  The top edge has only a couple of barely visible rubs and the bottom edge is perfect.  The spine has just 3/4 very minor crease lines and the four corners have only the bare minimum of wear.  The front cover is very clean with only minor ringwear visible in the centre caused by the label pressing against it and also a couple of white 'specks'.  The back cover is also in great shape with faint ringwear again in the centre.  This is a fine example and it would be difficult to find better.

The Lyric Inner

This is practically 'as new' with only one very faint crease but no side splits or marking at all.

The Labels

They are in superb order with no marking or writing and only a little spindle wear.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

EIRSA 1002 // A - 2 / B - 2

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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