FREE, SELF TITLED 2nd ALBUM, V.RARE 1969 UK PINK ISLAND
£
103
$
136
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Description
betsy50 Store
From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional example of the brilliant second studio album by FREE simply titled “FREE”, Catalogue Number ILPS 9104. This is an ORIGINAL 1969 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PINK ISLAND RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st issue un-laminated E. J. DAY gatefold sleeve. [The matrix numbers are the earliest 1A/1B and "Bell Sound sf" is etched in the run-outs of both sides].
The sleeve is in EX condition with only light wear and a few minor creases. The un-laminated back cover is still nice and bright with only minimal age discoloration marks. The spine is solid with perfect text.
The top quality Island record is in EX condition. It’s a solid and inflexible pressing which sits nice and flat on the turntable. Both sides retain a lovely deep mirror-like shine and it is clear that the record has not been played very many times. There is just one noticeable sleeve-removal type rub/hairline on each side, in addition to a couple of tiny stylus marks. The Pink Island labels are unmarked with only a few spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole. This is my favourite Free album – it’s just so accomplished and effortless. The sound quality of these Island 1st pressings is truly incredible. The bass is very much at the forefront of the mix and it combines with Kossoff’s silky smooth guitar to create something very special indeed. Both sides play EX+ throughout. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. Even the quiet acoustic "Mourning Sad Morning" plays completely free of distortion and with virtually no residual surface sound. With the exception of half a dozen ticks during a quiet passage in "Free Me" the record really does play essentially as new. I think that it will be almost impossible to find another copy of this standard.
Overall this is a beautiful 1st pressed copy of Free's rarest album which should grace any record collection.
GRADINGS
The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega P5 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:
· MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.
· EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.
· VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.
PACKAGING
LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.
INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE
LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:
Europe - £9.95
Worldwide - £13.30
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