BLACK SABBATH PARANOID BIG BEAR 1st PRESS VERTIGO SWIRL
£
32
$
42
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Description
YOU ARE BIDDING ON A LOVELY, GENUINE FIRST PRESS COPY OF THE SEMINAL SECOND ALBUM BY BLACK SABBATH, PARANOID ON THE VERTIGO "SWIRL" RECORD LABEL, CATALOGUE NUMBER 6360 011. THE RECORD SLEEVE IS THE SUPERB FIRST ISSUE MATT FINISH, UNLAMINATED "KEEF" DESIGNED GATEFOLD SLEEVE WHICH HAS THE EARLIEST "MANAGEMENT BY JIM SIMPSON, BIG BEAR, BIRMINGHAM" CREDITS (ONLY THE VERY FIRST FEW SLEEVES FROM THE PRINTERS CARRIED THESE CREDITS AS THEY WERE HASTILY REMOVED DUE TO A CHANGE OF THE BAND’S MANAGEMENT). THE PACKAGE COMES COMPLETE WITH THE CORRECT FIRST ISSUE VERTIGO SWIRL INNER SLEEVE.
It is important to explain the differences between genuine first pressings of Paranoid and later pressings/re-issues. The following is a list of first press features:
· the matt finish gatefold sleeve has the “Management/Jim Simpson, Big Bear, Birmingham” credits inside the opening gatefold
· the 1st press vinyl tends to be heavier and more rigid than later pressings
· both sides have matrix numbers ending in 1
· the Side B label has a large Vertigo Swirl logo (42mm diameter) as opposed to the smaller 31mm diameter logo of later pressings
· the VERTIGO print on the Side B label is at the bottom of the label rather than under the Swirl logo as on later pressings
· the P1970 date text on the Side B label is above the 33rpm sign, rather than underneath as on later pressings
The LP for auction here has ALL of these features confirming that it is a true FIRST pressing of Paranoid and therefore a very important album indeed.
The matt finish gatefold sleeve is in VG condition with light wear and minor creasing. The front and back covers and opening gatefold spread are in similar VG condition, thought there are two laid over stickers to the top right of the front face which I would not want to move for fear of maybe causing some damage. The spine is square and solid with fully legible text though with some seam wear, though no splitting. This is a very good “Big Bear” credited sleeve.
The Vertigo record is very solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable.
The Matrix Numbers and Stampers are:
Side A – 6360011 1Y//1 v 420 1 2 5
Side B – 6360011 2Y//1 v 420 1 1 7
Both sides are visually in VG+ condition with beautiful clean playing surfaces. There are a few light sleeve removal type rub marks, and hairline/needle marks, or scuffs visible under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not seem to cause any audio problems whatsoever, I would conservatively visually grade as VG+. It has been well played, but VERY well looked after! The Vertigo Swirl labels are both unmarked apart from some very slight spindle traces near the centres, again, I would again conservatively grade as VG+.
PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:
This is a top quality Vertigo pressing with lovely sound quality. The record plays very well, with all frequencies lovely and clear on my very decent Technics system, the bass end literally makes the room shake when cranked right up - wonderful, if annoying for the neighbour! Generally there is hardly any discernable deterioration in sound quality and little unwanted noise (just the usual light pops and clicks associated with a record of this age, which are rarely intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). However, the opening to War Pigs does have slightly more discernable crackling, but soon goes away. I have cleaned both of the surfaces sympathetically with proper cleaning fluids but wouldn't want to go any further than that, I have no doubt though that a higher grade of cleanse would up the grading of the record considerably!
Complete with the correct poly-lined Vertigo Swirl inner sleeve which is in VG condition. This has some edge strengthening on it and just some slight age discoloration and a few creases, it is over 40 years old after all!
ACCORDING TO PAYPAL RULES ITEMS OVER £20.00GBP VALUE WILL ONLY BE SENT REGISTERED WHICH IS AN EXTRA £2.00GBP - IF YOU DON'T AGREE DON'T BID !!
POSTAGE IS AS FOLLOWS, NOT INCLUDING EXTRA INSURANCES, WHICH MAY WELL BE REQUIRED!
1st CLASS £2.75
EU POSTAGE £4.50, USA/CANADA £6.00, REST OF WORLD £7.50
A SHIPPING DISCOUNT WILL BE APPLIED FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES
PRICES QUOTED ARE FOR SINGLE LPs, NOT DOUBLES
ALL RECORDS POSTED IN A PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE MADE MAILER PLUS AT LEAST ONE STIFFENER, VINYL MAILED OUTSIDE OF SLEEVE TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN TRANSIT.
ALL GRADINGS, TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, AS PER THE UK RARE RECORD COLLECTORS GUIDE, BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME.
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