JERUSALEM - S/T 1972 UK 1st PRESS DERAM SDL 6, PROG CLASSIC BARELY PLAYED SUPERB

	£		337
	$		447

JERUSALEM - JERUSALEM

A highly sought after (especially in condition as wonderful as this) copy of this extremely rare 1972 original UK very first pressing prog rock classic, on the DERAM label, STEREO SDL 6

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1  XZAL - 11229.P - 1W  with stampers "1" and "G" at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock respectively

Side 2  XZAL - 11230.P - 2W  with stampers "1" and "1 1" at 10 o'clock and 4 o'clock respectively

The appearance of the vinyl is excellent plus (I'm sure that many would say "near mint"). Both sides of the vinyl (nicely solid and completely flat, by the way) have retained their original beautiful, jet black lacquered sheen and impressive luster - gorgeous! Under a bright light and with close scrutiny, a few very, very light paper scuffs come into view but these are purely superficial - there is nothing here that is "feelable" or below the surface and nothing to intrude upon the wonderful audio quality. I have no hesitation in grading the overall condition of this vinyl as excellent plus - a real "gleamer" in fact, and a record which has obviously not had many plays at all.

The labels are also excellent plus (EX+). Really nice labels with all brown and white text intact and clearly legible on the solid matt white and brown background. The only blemishes (and that's far too strong a word) are a single tiny black dot on the side 1 label and a couple of small and very faint spindle trails immediately adjacent to the centre hole on each label. Note the brown and off white label colouring which is unique to the very first pressing of this LP - the red and white labels signify the first reissue of this prog classic. 

The iconic Robert Stace fully laminated (front and back) outer sleeve is excellent (EX).  Such an iconic sleeve, and this one still looks so good with all of the artwork, photography and colouring remaining beautifully intact and still appearing rich, vibrant and clear. The edges remain firm with no scuffing at all; the corners remain nicely defined right angles with virtually no rubbing, and the opening edges remain firm with no fraying. The spine is also firm with all text clearly legible though there are x8 horizontal 1-2 cm laminate creases adjacent and perpendicular to the spine on the front side with one of the creases slightly impinging upon the spine itself. On the reverse side there are a further x5 very mild 1cm horizontal laminate creases again adjacent and perpendicular to the spine. There is also a very small area (smaller than the area of the nail on my little finger) right in the bottom left hand corner on the reverse side where the laminate is lifting slightly, and there are a further x3 vertically curved 1-2 cm very, very light laminate creases on the front side in the bottom right hand quadrant. The spine remains in great condition but has been manufactured in a slightly "offset" manner, resulting in the spine being slightly more white at one end than the other. I'm being really picky in mentioning this but want to point out every 70's quirk of this amazing LP cover! Apart from these very, very minor blemishes there are no other flaws at all - amazing, especially for a 47 year antiquity such as this. Great vibrancy and clarity in the colour, glossy lamination still, and open out the gatefold and the inside remains in perfect condition. Brilliant!

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent (EX+). Wonderful tone and clarity throughout, even at higher volume and on higher frequencies, which along with it's generally excellent appearance and condition suggests that this record has not had many plays at all. No clicks, no skips, no background interference, crackle or distortion - just brilliant stereo prog rock on beautiful vinyl. There really is some great guitar work on this prog gem, which sold in minimal quantities when first released way back in 1973 - hence it's rarity now. This really is one for the purists.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. FRUSTRATION

2. HOODED EAGLE

3. I SEE THE LIGHT

4. MURDERER'S LAMENT

5. WHEN THE WOLF SITS

Side 2 :

1. MIDNIGHT STEAMER

2. PRIMITIVE MAN

3. BEYOND THE GRAVE

4. SHE CAME LIKE A BAT FROM HELL

Comes with original poly-lined blue and white DERAM inner sleeve with "MADE IN ENGLAND" and "U.K. Patent No." text), with no splits, tears, creasing or age discolouration - amazing!! Note that I always post the record in a new plain white inner sleeve in order to protect the original.

In summary a truly beautiful condition copy of this monstrously rare and highly sought after 1972 UK very first press prog rock gem - worthy of gracing any serious vinyl collection and only continuing to gain in value. 

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 64 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl thick cardboard "crucifix" style mailer along with at least two thick cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be UK £5.00, Royal Mail 1st class, tracked and signed for; 

Continental Europe £11 and Rest of the World £15, both Royal Mail 1st class/Airmail, tracked and signed for.

 I DO discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding!

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler