From GENESIS to Revelation Rare Orig 69 UK Unboxed N/M

	£		200
	$		265

Hi, I am Mike, I am 46 and have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 33 years now. We all wish we could turn back the clock and buy those wonderful brand new records from the 60s and 70s, but alas, this is not possible; so I always try to offer the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. No vinyl/music lover really would choose to buy second-hand, but this is only way now to own these valuable, prized and ellusive items now. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirity, not just bits to guess a grade (on a Rega 3 deck with Ortofon cartridge) - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story - I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested reader – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get. The only thing I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching - this depends on the lighting at the time and that is out of my control, but I feel sure most items will be very close to the actual real item. Variation can sometimes occur too in colour of the label scans and labels taken next to the sleeve with a digital camera, the scanned full label pictures should be the most accurate. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic , and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps or sticks or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Please read all the information carefully - these adverts take an age to compile properly - so it’s well worth a few minutes of your time to read the details thoroughly. I really cannot take any responsibility if any bidder fails to read any facts that are clearly stated in the advert - Thankyou.

Artist or Band: GENESIS

Album Title: From Genesis to Revelation.

Track Listing: Where the Sour Turns to Sweet; In the Beginning; Fireside Song; The Serpent; Am I Very Wrong?; in the Wilderness; The Conqueror; In Hiding; One Day; Window; In Limbo; Silent Sun; A Place to Call My Own.

Label/Format: Decca – Original Blue Unboxed format (ffss, Full Frequency Stereophonic Sound).

Label Condition: Stunning deep rich blue and hardly a spindle mark to be found, I can maybe see a fine trace of one on side one and a single faint mark on side two – simply remarkable. This album the owner told me had been played just the once, it had been taped and stored since. With only any movement for a couple of house movings its only other ‘disturbances’ (Please see label scans for all information needed).

Cat Number: SKL 4990.

Mono or Stereo: Stereo (the mono version that does exist is a seriously major rarity and I for one have never seen one).

Country of Manufacture: England, UK

Rarity: Rare, yes even this stereo version on the original unboxed format is rare, being issued in 1969 only a few were pressed on this format before the second pressings followed on the more common boxed label version. Taking into account too the condition of this stunning record which includes a mint insert and the early cover with the peep-hole mono/stereo indicator (please see the close up of this as it includes text for the UK Patent applications numbers too) this is rarer still.

Original Year of Release: 1969

Matrix Nos: ZAL-5839.P-1W and ZAL-8840 P-2W

Stamper Codes: 1C / 1L

Brief Artist & Album Info: The legendary Decca debut is a tough find these days, and a complete original in this type of condition is very ellusive. Rather surprisingly it was produced by Jonathan King a man not normally associated with progressive bands but the connection was the same school. The early line up here was: Peter Gabriel, Anthony Philips, Anthony Banks; Michael Rutherford and John Silver – a class personnel that later developed into one of the most commercially successful prog bands ever. This is a delicate album, often very quiet so a lightly played and fine pressed copy is essential and I am delighted to say this record could possibly be one of the finest copies that will ever be offered for sale. A copy that should please most collectors, even the ultra fragile cover is strong EX and the insert and inner will be hard to ever find better as well – the insert is pristine mint. This is a fantastic opportunity to own what must easily rank as the rarest Genesis album ever made (the mono version excepted).

Cover Grade and Format: EX at least, ultra conservatively graded. Its a single format, laminated with Clarifoll on the front. It has the peep-hole mono/stereo indicator on the top right (the original blue inner included denotes this is a stereo copy). This cover also has the UK Patents Applications No 43212/68 text (again please see the close up of this detail). Sleeve printed in England by Robert Stace. This is a very strong cover, so prone to heavy unsightly creasing and ringwear but this one has only minimal amounts of any wear and remains very attractive generally.

Lamination: Very strong and very shiny indeed with minimal traces of dulling. Creasing is always the huge factor on this one and all very dark covers are the most unforgiving of anything heavy (or even moderate). This has two relatively small light+ creases at the top right corner and a light trace of one that has not ‘whitened’ the laminate near the bottom right edge, a couple of very tiny ones away from the edge that are really very minor and that’s about it. This is quite exceptional really and given the age finding an example of this with much less laminate creasing will prove very difficult. There is no peeling or dry areas, any laminate tightening or blistering would destroy visually this front cover and I am delighted to say there are none here. Surface marks are very minimal indeed and nothing can be seen unless scrutinized under angled lighting which also reveals no indentations at all. This fragile front has light blemishes but only a new perfect one will ever significantly improve on this one.

Cover Front: All very plain and simple, but its super clean with a fine freshness and it looks pleasing to the eye.

Cover Back: A very wear prone back and this has stood up well again. The dark brown unlaminated ink will rarely, if ever, be found devoid of some minor rubbing at very best and that’s what’s seen here. Mild rubbing along the top edge and the faintest of faint traces of a ring arc mostly near the left edge. The potential for ringwear is horrendous on this cover given the fact the record is so thick and heavy too and its simply remarkable this back has suffered so little. This back is very clean but does have traces of handling as the dark ink is equally unforgiving of any finger marks as well. The spy hole is perfect with no damage or wear with a very clear cut and unfrayed circle, the delicate gold ink text is all unrubbed and very sharp indeed. The laminate folds around for approx 1/2 inch and this is clean and unworn too. This back I feel is way, way above the average and normal found (if your lucky) and again remains quite attractive in a simply kind of way.

Top Edge: Unworn.

Bottom Edge: Unworn.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with no wear or feathering. Record entered on right outside edge.

Spine and Text: Solid and square with barely a trace of any wear, text is perfect and unworn under the uncracked and very solid, clean laminate. This early example has the dual mono and stereo numbers printed on the spine edge, the peep-hole told the buyer which version it was. (Blue for stereo, red for mono)

Corners: All four show little wear as such but the top right may have taken a small knock which has a left a laminate crease right near tip area. All still nicely shaped.

Cover Summary: A lovely all round example of this fragile late 60’s cover, one that could prove hard to find significantly better. This strong item should please most collectors.

The Inner and Insert: Insert first, its pure mint, super clean and unworn, all edges are razor sharp and there is no creasing whatsoever. The blue polylined inner also is superb with no splits, tears or major creasing. The window and inner are pristine and very secure.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: Very tempted to put Mint on this which for a 60s original like this would be a brave but justifiable grading. Let’s say possibly undergraded at Mint(-) because if any one can find a much better record and copy than this they are very lucky indeed but I hardly think its possible to be quite honest. A superb visual copy that’s super clean, shiny, jet black and very solidly pressed. Barely a mark to be seen at all, this looks really quite breathtaking and what a joy to see such a scarce record looking at its very best. A copy with now two plays after my mandatory play-grading. Visually a real beauty that should please most collectors again.

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This super record plays up to its high visual grading with little to fault and never forget this is a fragile and delicate recording in places. Strong, undistorted sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is astonishing with a massive dynamic range and very full sound. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and nothing of any significance was noted including pops or clicks – few copies will play better than this. Both channels are clean and sharp and this has been generally well stored and looked after, almost certainly in a non-smoking environment as the inner and insert are so white and unsoiled. Little, if anything spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this gem. This copy could prove near impossible to find significantly better.

Mono vs Stereo, an overview: Always a matter of opinion which is better or more important. For any serious collector where there is a choice e.g. Beatles, Stones, Hendrix etc. both are essential. True Stereo albums give great imagery and presence whereas mono albums usually are more dynamic, louder and present the detail more clearly. Mono albums are far harder to find in genuinely top playing condition. Most were heavily played, particularly the truly great bands and artists, often covered in mark and scratches, many severe and labels that were a mass of spindle marks. The majority were played on vintage and unsubtle decks with heavy tonearms and thick styli (often sapphire, not diamond, that chipped more easily) that rendered heavy wear in a very short time to many a fine classic record. Wear to the delicate groove walls, particularly the innermost tracks to the labels were most vulnerable where the tracking angle became more severe and the backdrag actually stripped the delicate groove walls. This resulted in surface noise and mild/moderate distortion or worse. These old decks tracked by sheer weight and little of any refined engineering. Next time you see such a deck at a local record fayre, feel the weight of the arm, it almost makes you wonder how any records survived at all. The point of this paragraph is emphasise that when a truly clean, lightly played and great sounding 60s mono album (or stereo come to that) is offered, treasure it, because for sure they are truly getting vary rare and precious - beware - demand only play-graded records. As a general guide to rarity, mono was the far more common format from 61–65; Around 66–67 the balance was roughly equal, then from 68-69 the balance swung more to stereo, making monos from these dates far scarcer, even rare - this guide is important and effects values greatly.

Album Played For Grading: Yes.

Final Summary: The first and only copy of this legendary band’s first album I have ever had to offer and it was well worth the frustrating wait because I doubt if a better copy of the actual record will I ever find again. This is true investment quality and will never need upgrading, connoisseur vinyl lovers should adore this beautful clean original stereo album. With a mint insert and more than highly respectable cover too, this is the icing on a the cake and I strongly recommend this fine item, good luck again – Mike.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance. Item wants are always welcome - email me with anything needed, you never know - I may just have a copy in stock. I by quality single items and collections also (Email me please if you have quality items for sale).

Debutant Bidders: Many sellers refuse first time buyers: I do not follow this practice (everybody has to start somewhere), but I would appreciate any first timer letting me know their intentions of their intended payment method and very prompt communication, preferably before any bid or soon after the auctions ends. This gives confidence that their intentions are honourable, and I in return guarantee extra special good feedbacks to get zero rated Ebayers off to a flying start to help them with future transactions. NOTE: I WILL NOT ACCEPT BIDS FROM UNREGISTERED USERS, I will cancel them immediately, and sorry, I cannot give valuations on people’s personal items just for their own curiosity, no item can be accurately valued blindly.

Having the Powerseller Logo: This is recognition from Ebay for the highest possible customer services, satisfaction and quality, it should reassure any potential bidder that all items are described, graded and shipped to the highest standards possible. Customer care of the highest order is a standard feature here and I am proud to have achieved this recognised standard of excellence from Ebay with help from collectors and buyers from all over the World - I thank you all.

Payment Details please read carefully - I know its boring but essential:

UK First Class: = £3.00; Recorded Delivery (Recommended) = £5.50 Special Delivery (Next day, insured up to £250), the best service available = £7.00

Europe Air Mail: = £4 Insured: £8.00

Overseas, non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Australia etc. Airmail:= £7; Insured with recorded delivery (where available) = £11.00

Singles: (Packed to the high standards of the LPs)

UK First class: = £2.00 Insured: £4

Europe Air Mail = £3.00 Insured: £5.50

Overseas, non-Europe (as above) Airmail £3.50 Insured: £6.00

Doubles add extra £1, triples add extra £2. Box sets add extra £3 (£4 overseas and Europe)

Any item that sells for over £85 will be sent Special Delivery in the UK at no extra cost. Items over £125 get the same service Overseas. This is gives peace of mind for the winning bidder and myself for valuable items. Reduced postage of course for multiple items.

The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£28). PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT use surface mail, its too slow, with a higher risk of loss and damage.

Mailing Details: Please note I do NOT profit on postage (my packing standards are high and the package weighs a little more and I often actually lose money on this part of service - I simply refuse to compromise with poor packing. All records are sent in plastic covers with the record taken OUT of the sleeve and sent in professional mailers with FOUR professional stiffners for extra protection (if space allows), I do NOT use old cardboard boxes or cereal packets for protection. More expensive items are also inserted into a de-luxe heavy duty padded bag AS WELL to give that extra protection. I truly want ALL my items to arrive to their destination in the same condition they leave me. I will also include in most cases a brand new lined inner, but will include the original inner if available and in a condition to be worthwhile.

I can accept cash for payments worldwide in UK Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars - but this at the senders OWN risk. Please send registered and insured if this method is chosen. I cannot accept responsibility if any cash payments do not turn up. This system is very reliable and rarely goes astray. The same goes for any shipped uninsured item, I can only try to claim for any undelivered or damaged article at basic insurance levels if no enhanced insurance is requested and paid for (unless the value threshold is high enough for me insure as standard, see above)

Overseas bidders please note conversion rates for Pounds to Dollars and Pounds to Euros will be charged at 1.7 to cover PayPal or cash conversion costs.

PLEASE NOTE: Any PayPal user can now pay me with UK Sterling if they wish with no need to convert to US dollars (although they still can if they wish to). Any instant PayPal transaction from anywhere in the world will mean the item will be sent immediately - it makes deals fast and very efficient.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. I now only accept PayPal, International money orders or cash from overseas bidders (UK Sterling, US dollars or Euros). Cash, cheques, postal orders and PayPal are fine from the UK. I allow maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if this does not happen I will relist the item and may send negative feedback unless an explanation is given. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask. Please keep watch on my Ebays, I have other interesting items coming very soon. Thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: As listening to every single record I offer all the way through is difficult timewise, can I make it clear if any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. I still endeavour to play all the items in their entirity for grading if at all possible and is usually the case.