KING CRIMSON ISLANDS MINT- 1971 UK ISLAND 1st PRESS C/W LYRIC INSERT, TOP AUDIO!

KING CRIMSON ISLANDS MINT- 1971 UK ISLAND 1st PRESS C/W LYRIC INSERT, TOP AUDIO!

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During that time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet. 

On offer here is an exceptional copy of the fourth studio album by King Crimson titled "Islands", Catalogue Number ILPS-9175. It's a 1971 UK stereo 1st pressing on the Island record label, with a 1st issue E. J. Day Group matt finish single flipback sleeve. It comes complete with with the original gatefold lyric insert which also houses the record. [The sleeve is the earliest possible design with flipbacks along the top and bottom edges of the back cover. The gatefold lyric insert is also the earliest design printed by E. J. Day Group, London and Bedford. The stamped record matrix numbers are the earliest ILPS 9175 A-1U and ILPS 9175 B-1U]. 

The sleeve is in EX condition with only very light signs of wear and no creases of any significance. The front and back covers are unmarked with no unsightly ringwear which is very unusual. The rear flipbacks are fully intact and undamaged. The slim spine is perfect. Overall it's an exceptional example of this notoriously wear-prone sleeve. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The solidly-pressed record is in MINT- condition. It retains its original shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal type surface marks evident when angled against bright light. These are only superficial and do not have any impact whatsoever upon the audio playback. The Island labels are like new with no obvious spindle traces. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The sound quality is particularly dynamic and powerful with great bass and lots of wonderful sound effects. It's a while since I've listened to a first pressing of Islands and had forgotten how incredible they can sound. The copy offered for sale here really is a top playing copy in every respect.

The fragile gatefold lyric insert has 2 short splits to the top and bottom of the spine fold and a short repaired split to the centre of the top edge of the record pocket. There are a few minor foxing spots to the rear of the record pocket. It is otherwise in great shape.

Overall this is a superb and complete first pressing of King Crimson's fourth studio album which is very difficult to find in such nice condition. It will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is 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 and virtually no discernible 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.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

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 - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50