CHICAGO - CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY - 1st album - FACTORY SEALED - NO bar code

$

80

Chicago

Chicago Transit Authority

Columbia GP-8

FACTORY SEALED!  LIKE NEW!  (NO WRAP SEPARATION.)
ORIGINAL CATALOG ISSUE!  NO BAR CODE!  FINAL COLLECTION COPY!  
Original Columbia issue of Chicago's stunning debut.  NOTHING ever sounded like this before when Chicago's debut was released in late 1969.  Whatever you may think of whatever they would become, this is essential rock.  Hard driving progressive jazz rock with a killer horn section, a pounding rhythm section and 3 talented lead vocalists.  Progressive jams abound, but always within the structure of song without losing melody, a lost art in rock in the late 1960s.
Includes "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is," "Beginnings," "Question 67 and 68," and a cover of Traffic's "I'm A Man" that somehow finds melody in a song without any and makes you wish Steve WInwood had thought of horns.
From AllMusic:   Few debut albums can boast as consistently solid an effort as the self-titled Chicago Transit Authority(1969). Even fewer can claim to have enough material to fill out a double-disc affair. Although this long- player was ultimately the septet's first national exposure, the group was far from the proverbial "overnight sensation." Under the guise of the Big Thing, the group soon to be known as CTA had been honing its eclectic blend of jazz, classical, and straight-ahead rock & roll in and around the Windy City for several years. 

About Me: 
I am first and foremost a record collector and have been collecting since the early 1970s.   I only collect collection quality records (true VG+ to NM or Sealed).   I will not sell anything less than collection quality because I don't own anything less than collection quality.  Damaged records go in trash cans.   
I have no interest in selling you a record that you will not value and enjoy.   I don't want to be disappointed with what a buy and I don't want you to be disappointed with what I sell.
I have not sold records on ebay in over a year but had a solid 100% 5-star rating as recently as the spring.  Sells of over 1 year disappear from the ratings. 
I am planning to sell a large portion of my collection over the next few months so check back often.   I have over 20,000 pieces and it’s time to downsize.  All are desirable titles, mostly classic rock/pop from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.    
I disclose everything I know and will not sell any Record Club editions unless they are clearly noted.  Ditto recent reissues (180 gram, etc.).  All records are vintage stock pressings unless noted. 
PLEASE take a look at the front and back jacket pictures and labels before bidding.  I will happily answer any questions about items on auction. 

GRADING: 
Tired of having to make mental calculations and adjustments about grades based on previous assumptions and knowing a seller's "sales" pitch.  It's time to stop  We all deserve fair, honest, accurate grading.  Then we can stop the grade inflation and enjoy the music.  I know how to grade.  I grade in bright light.  I won't sell you anything without an honest grade.  If there is any question about a grade, the information will be revealed in parenthesis next to the grade.
I only sell COLLECTION QUALITY albums meaning Goldmine VG+ (Excellent), VG++ (Excellent +), Near Mint (NM), or FACTORY SEALED (NM to M Sealed).   These are albums that should all sound like new when properly cleaned.  PROPER CLEANING is your best and most affordable tweak.  

GOLDMINE GRADING: 
 NM = Record looks like it was just opened for the first time.  No marks other than possible faint marks that might be found on new albums (manufacturing marks or slight scuffs from moving around inside a sealed cover).   (Only 2 to 4% of records from the 1950s and 1960s are believed to be in NM condition. It’s a high standard.) 
 EX+ (VG++) = Except for a few very minor condition issues, these records would be NM. There may be a light scuff or two or a scratch so faint that it has absolutely no effect on playback. (Most serious collectors who want to listen to their music would be very satisfied with EX+). 
 EX (VG+) = Still a “but for …, this would be NM," but a few more obvious scuffs (from removing from paper sleeves) or light needle marks.  No marks on the drop in section of the records after the music starts.   Any marks or scuffs should not affect the playback of a properly cleaned record.   Absolutely no scratches that can be felt with a fingernail. 
  SATISFACTION GUARANTEED:
Bid with confidence.   I know how to grade.   All questions welcome. 
All sales are guaranteed and refunds will be given for any records that do not meet the descriptions given. 
Refunds will NOT be given for FACTORY SEALED albums unless they are returned in the condition in which they were shipped.   No refunds for opened FACTORY SEALED albums. 

SHIPPING:
All records packed in reinforced record mailers and shipped Media Mail to the US with tracking. 
I COMBINE SHIPPING!  $0.50 PER ADDITIONAL RECORD.
International Bidders, please inquire before bidding.