kentgirl22 is pleased to offer for sale the following VERY RARE original 1971 UK 1st PRESS vinyl LP:

KING CRIMSON

"ISLANDS"

ORIGINAL 1971 UK 1st PRESS VINYL LP COMPLETE WITH RARE GATEFOLD INNER SLEEVE!

CAT.NO. ILPS 9175

MATRIX NOS: ILPS 9175 A-1U / ILPS 9175 B-1U

(The Earliest Matrix Numbers Possible On This 1st Pressing)

VINYL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION - COVER IN EX CONDITION - GATEFOLD INNER SLEEVE IN EX CONDITION

ORIGINAL UK 1ST PRESSING ISLAND 'PINK RIM' LABEL COPY OF THIS EXTREMELY RARE KING CRIMSON LP.

THIS IS THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE UK 1st PRESSING ISLAND RECORDS 'PINK RIM' LABEL LP.

COMES WITH FIRST PRESS FLIPBACK SLEEVE AND 1ST PRESS GATEFOLD PICTURE SLEEVE INNER!!

THIS ALBUM WAS PURCHASED WHEN IT WAS FIRST RELEASED AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

VERY RARE ORIGINAL 1971 UK 'PINK RIM' ISLAND RECORDS 1st PRESS VINYL LP

COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL INTERNAL GATEFOLD INNER LYRIC SLEEVE THAT ONLY CAME WITH THE VERY EARLY COPIES!!

Here’s an ORIGINAL UK 1st PRESS ISLAND 'PINK RIM' LABEL VINYL LP release of the WONDEROUS fourth studio album "ISLANDS" released in 1971 by the LEGENDARY British progressive art-rock group KING CRIMSON. Original UK 1st press LP from one of the great groups of the late sixties and early 70's.

Whereas Lizard was King Crimson's jazziest album, Islands is arguably King Crimson's most classically influenced album, utilizing cellos, flutes, and other instruments of that sort. The music on this album is actually very lush and atmospheric, especially the openening song "Formentera Lady", and "Song of the Gulls" is entirely a classical composition. Also noticeable on this album is a profound folk influence which comes through greatly and combines fluidly with the classical influences. This album is regarded by long time KC fans as the groups' most underated album, if you don't already have this great progressive masterpiece, well you definitely should! A very moving album, and the closing chapter of the first King Crimson saga. Islands is one of the most satisfying and beautiful mellow prog rock albums ever released, true art in music, and comes to you very highly recommended indeed!!

The album sleeve is in excellent condition, has only a few tiny creases near the edges, and a little shelf wear rubbing on the spine and top / bottom seams, otherwise the cover is superbly clean and solid with no splits, no writing or any other serious issues. The vinyl is in lovely condition plays excellently with only some occasional surface crackle and 2 or 3 little clicks can be heard on side two. The very rarely seen original printed gatefold inner sleeve, featuring lyrics to three of the songs, is in near excellent condition. It has some slight yellowing, a few age related brown spots and two VERY small splits on each spine.

ABSOLUTE 1ST PRESS UK ORIGINAL copy for your KING CRIMSON or progressive rock collection!

UK ISLAND RECORDS 'PINK RIM' LABEL ORIGINAL FIRST PRESSING VINYL LP FROM 1971. ORIGINAL VERY 1ST PRESS NON-LAMINATED FLIPBACK MATT SLEEVE. RARELY SEEN ORIGINAL 1ST PRESS INTERNAL GATEFOLD INNER SLEEVE WITH PRINTED SONG LYRICS!!

1971 ORIGINAL UK ISLAND 'PINK RIM' LABEL ILPS 9175 STEREO. A-1U / B-1U STAMPED MATRIX - THICK VINYL

 This is a very scarce 1st pressing in flipback cover and with gatefold inner sleeve, pink rim labels and A1-U and B1-U matrix numbers.

This album sold pretty badly on it's release in 1971 and as a result there are very few true 1st pressings around.

 The rare gatefold insert was made for the LP to be slipped into, therefore often damaged! This copy is one of the better you will see.

Tracks

Side 1.

1. Formentera Lady (10:14)
2. Sailor's Tale (7:21)
3. The Letters (4:26)

Side 2.

1. Ladies Of The Road (5:29)
2. Prelude: Song Of The Gulls (4:14)
3. Islands (11:51)

Rare Original 1971 UK Island Records 'PINK RIM' LABEL 1st Pressing Vinyl LP Housed In Non-Laminated Matt Flipback Sleeve

Comes Complete With The Rarely Seen Original Internal Gatefold Picture Inner Sleeve!!

Record Label: Island Records

Catalogue No: ILPS 9175

Matrix Nos:

Side One: ILPS 9175 A-1U

Side Two: ILPS 9175 B-1U

(Signifies original UK very first pressing)

The Mother Stampers:

side 1. 1 GA (VERY EARLY!!)

side 2. 1 P (VERY EARLY!!) 

Year: 1971

Made In UK

CONDITION

Vinyl: EX

(Vinyl surfaces retain their original deep mirror shine and glossy lustre. The album has been played very little over these past 40 years. Under a bright light you can see a few faint wispy hairlines and very light marks. This original UK Island 'Pink Rim' 1st pressing has many quiet sections and when played you can hear some occasional faint audible crackle in places and 2 or 3 little 'ticks' can be heard near the end of side two. Speaking to friends who own this original 1st press album it does appear to be the normal for this record. This very rare album has been well looked after and is a genuine UK 1st press of this increasingly hard to locate LP)

Labels: EX

(Original first pressing Island Palm Tree 'PINK RIM' labels are in excellent condition with the ISLAND logo below the central holes on both labels to confirm that this is the very first issue of this great rarity. The labels are virtually mint except for a small circular stamp on side two (please see pics). On close inspection of the centre hole I could barely see any spindle marks!)

LP Sleeve: EX

( A single, unlaminated format, this has the original top and bottom flipbacks that were omitted on later examples that were still pressed on the Pink rim format. This includes the gatefold inner/lyric sheet (details on this below). That was printed and made in England by the E. J. Day Group so logic tells me the cover was too - but it has no credits or text on it anywhere so, sorry that is pure speculation. This original first issue flipback sleeve (1st press only) is showing only a few tiny creases and very minor signs of light wear at the edges and corners. The sleeve has No rips, tears and No graffitti whatsoever,and is a pleasure to view. The sleeve is in EX condition and is a fantastic collectors item. There is just a little shelfwear rubbing on the seams and near the top 2cms of the spine.  the spine is solid but thin, quite straight with minimal compression. There is no text printed on this spine and no text printed on the cover whatsoever! A great example of this very rare 1st press flipback sleeve. Please see pics)

Gatefold Picture Inner Sleeve: VG+ near EX

'Printed and Made by the E.J.Day Group, London and Bedford'

(This is one of the most fragile inners ever made and this one is in extremely nice condition with only a few minor flaws: The exceptionaly scarce original 1st press gatefold inner sleeve has some slight yellowing and a few age related brown spots. There are also couple of tiny splits on the two spines. One is 4cms and the other is 7mm. The top and bottom seams do not have any splits. There is just minimal light creasing and a tiny 4mm split on the top of spine. A great example of this rarely seen 1st press gatefold 'pocket' picture inner sleeve with printed song lyrics)

NOTES

KING CRIMSON 

"ISLANDS"

ISLAND RECORDS

ILPS 9175

A-1U/B-1U

Absolute 1st Pressing Matrices

Ultra Rare Original 1971 UK Island Records 'Pink Rim' Label 1st Press LP With Original Gatefold Inner Sleeve!!

Line Up / Musicians:

 Robert Fripp: guitar, mellotron, Peter's Pedal Harmonium and sundry implements
Mel Collins: flute, bass flute, saxes and vocals
Boz: bass guitar, lead vocals and choreography
Ian Wallace: drums, percussion and vocals
Peter Sinfield: words, sounds and visions

WITH:

Keith Tippet: piano
Paulina Lucas: soprano
Robin Miller: oboe
Mark Charig: cornet
Harry Miller: string bass

On offer here, from my own collection, is this very rare original 1971 UK Island Records 1st PRESS LP

On the original 1st PRESS UK Island 'PINK RIM' labels

Housed in original 1st PRESS non-laminated flipback sleeve

Complete with RARE original 1st PRESS 'Printed and Made by the E.J.Day Group, London and Bedford' Gatefold PICTURE Inner Sleeve with PRINTED LYRICS

Catalogue Number: ILPS 9175

Matrix numbers: ILPS 9175 A-1U & ILPS 9175 B-1U

On offer here, from my own collection, is a RARE ORIGINAL 1971 UK 1st PRESS of the brilliant 4th KING CRIMSON abum 'ISLANDS', issued on the UK original 1st press ISLAND 'PINK RIM' label.

KING CRIMSON ''ISLANDS'' ORIGINAL EARLY 1ST UK PRESSING LP. CAT NO. ILPS-9175 (ORIGINAL PINK RIMED ISLAND LABEL) MEGA RARE! EARLY FIRST PRESSING! MATRIX A-1U and B-1U (ONLY 1ST PRESSINGS) MOTHER STAMPERS 1 GA and 1 P VERY EARLY!! Comes complete with ORIGINAL 1st PRESS GATEFOLD INNER-PICTURE SLEEVE with PRINTED SONG LYRICS (only to be seen on original very 1st pressings)!

1ST UK 1971 PINK RIM ISLAND LP 

KING CRIMSON

"ISLANDS"

 A FIRST EDITION COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL GATEFOLD PICTURE INNER SLEEVE WITH PRINTED LYRICS!

THIS IS THE VERY FIRST ISSUE!

THICK VINYL ILPS 9175

A-1U + B-1U FIRST PRESS MATRIXES.

MOST THAT TURN UP HAVE NO LYRIC INNER SLEEVE!! 

 For all its break-ups, periods of non-existence and fluctuating methodology, King Crimson remains one of the interminably compelling bands playing within the domain of rock music to this day. Widely acknowledged as being the harbingers of the art-rock genre with their monumental 1969 album "In The Court Of The Crimson King", they paved the way for innovative art-rock/progressive rock bands such as Yes, ELP etc etc. in the early '70s as well as providing a stimulus for more recent neo-progressive bands like Tool and The Mars Volta through their post-progressive work in the early '80s and '90s.

ISLANDS is inded yet another KING CRIMSON MASTERPIECE!

Islands is without doubt another King Crimson masterpiece. A truly wonderous album. Creative songwriting and unparalleled musicianship are displayed here en masse. I would heartily recommend this album to any fan of progressive/experimental rock. I would especially point this album out to any open-minded music listener who is not yet familiar with avant-garde music;  This is a progressive rock classic of the HIGHEST ORDER and has never truly been replicated, and I don't think that it ever will be!

Grotesquely underrated masterpiece from KING CRIMSON which in my opinion takes the best elements from their previous two albums mixing the lyrical style of "Poseidon", and the orchestration and improvization found on "Lizard". Islands is certainly one of my personal my favorite KC albums. I've read that some people didn't really care for Boz' vocals, I view them as the best from any KC album. "Sailor's Tale" is a searing freakout, cathartic instrumental, that really stands out for me. The seamless transition from "Formentera Lady" to "Sailor's Tale" is great. Boz' vocals really come out on "The Letters" which is a dramatic song about infidelity. The chorus in "Ladies of the Road" is really wonderful, with vocal participation from Ian Wallace and Mel Collins. Fripp's guitar playing is excellent throughout and his instrumental "Prelude: Song of the Gulls" is one of his most delicate and pastoral compositions. "Islands" is a very subtle ending to this album and is a continuation of sorts of the previous song. This album serves as a transitional album, from their earlier albums, to their next couple of amazing albums. If you can find this and you like KC, then buy it, I've only got it on record, but when it's back in print on cd, I'll definately pick up on that also. I have always been amazed at "Islands" profound musical extentions and emphasis on experimentation with its extended compositions. "Islands" emphasizes its creators brilliance (Robert Fripp & Peter Sinfield) who were a very creative and "progressive" duo as demonstrated here. KING CRIMSON here rely heavily on classical instrumentation without ever getting too dominant. Guest musicians bring a nice musical influence with piano, vocal soprano, oboe, cornet and string bass. This album also shows Fripp's Mellotron playing at it's very best, along with his arrangement and composition skills. The standout for me is Fripp's use of the Mellotron (not to mention his outstanding guitar work).

"Islands" is the fourth studio album from the continually disintegrating band headed by Robert Fripp. Given the fact that the personnel vary so frequently, it's remarkable that Fripp was able to get anything at all recorded, let alone something of such high quality. The album consists of six generally lengthy songs and maintains a somewhat more laid back atmosphere than King Crimson is known for, but the record is not without its intense moments. I find both the title and the cover art to be extremely appropriate; the theme of little spots of color surrounded by emptiness is embodied perfectly in the music here.

The opening track, "Formentera Lady", begins with brooding cellos which gradually give way to a rather pastoral song without much drama. This all changes with "A Sailor's Tal", an energetic and orginal piece recalling the bombast of "21st Century Schizoid Man". However, unlike King Crimson's second album, "In The Wake of Poseidon", "Islands" avoids simply rehashing earlier material and all of the songs have a personailty of their own. "The Letters" is extremely powerful both musically and lyrically and "Ladies of the Road",features some tasty Beatles-esque vocal harmonies in the chorus. Finally, we are treated to an orchestral piece and the expansive melancholy of the title track.

The musicianship is excellent all around, especially considering that Fripp, lacking a bass player, had to teach all the parts to the singer note for note. Fripp's banjo influenced solo on "A Sailor's Tale" is unlike anything you've ever heard on an electric guitar. The drumming is universally great.

Yes, this record is great. It brings an end to the groups' early period. The general feel is soft and tranquil this compliments the artwork greatly. In some ways, 'Islands' brings together all the best parts of the previous three albums, but just like those it could never be perfect. That would come later...

All in all this is a great recording and for me stands out as a great contribution to the wonderful world of progressive rock.

Very highly recommended and without doubt one of KING CRIMSON'S very FINEST albums and is indeed one of the BEST progressive rock albums released by ANYONE, ANYWHERE!!

THIS LP IS VERY HARD TO FIND AND SERIOUSLY RARE!!  IN FACT THIS IS ONE OF KING CRIMSONS RAREST LPs EVER!!  IT SOLD RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBERS ON INITIAL RELEASE AND TODAY IS VERY,VERY DIFFICULT  TO LOCATE IN ANY CONDITION ... THIS  IS A 100% GENIUNE 1ST PRESSING - WITH A FLIPBACK OUTER COVER (LATER ONES DONT HAVE THIS ), AND ULTRA RARE GATEFOLD INNER/INSERT!!  ONLY THE EARLIEST FIRST PRESSINGS WERE RELEASED  LIKE THIS, BEFORE THE PACKAGING WAS CHANGED.  IT WAS SO FRAGILE THAT MOST WERE EVEN SPLIT ON DELIVERY TO THE RECORD SHOP - ON MANY FIRST PRESSINGS OF THIS LP THE INSERT IS OFTEN COMPLETELY SPLIT FROM THE INNER SLEEVE - OFTEN MAKING PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THIS ALBUM ACTUALLY HAD A SEPARATE INSERT!!  IN  FACT ON ALL 100% GENIUNE 1ST PRESSINGS (LIKE THIS ONE!) THE INSERT WAS JOINED TO THE INNER SLEEVE (LATER ONES CHANGED) AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND A FIRST PRESSING OF THIS LP THESE DAYS IN THIS EX CONDITION -   WITHOUT ANY DOUBT THIS IS MOST LIKELY THE HARDEST KING CRIMSON LP TO FIND IN GREAT CONDITION. THIS IS THE ORIGINAL 1971 UK 1ST PRESSING ON THE FIRST PRESS ISLAND LABEL, FIRST PRESS A-1U/B-1U MATRIX ENDINGS, FIRST PRESS GATEFOLD INSERT/INNER SLEEVE, AND FIRST PRESS FLIPBACK OUTER COVER!! 

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE RARITY OF THIS ITEM!! 

 Low Start....No Reserve....Don't Miss Out!!

Please take a look at my other KING CRIMSON original UK 1st PRESS LPs listed this week

POST & PACKING:

UK: 1st Class: £4.00 (Recorded Delivery) each additional LP will cost £1.50
EUROPE: Airmail: £5.00 or £10.00 (International Signed For Delivery) each additional LP will cost £2.50 
INTERNATIONAL / REST OF WORLD: Airmail: £8.00 or £13.00 (International Signed For Delivery) each additional LP will cost £3.00

***Any record (or combination of records) which sells for more than £20 MUST be sent by a trackable method ie INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR outside of the UK. This is compulsory. Please do not bid above £20 on this item if you are not prepared to pay for this secure shipping service. I will email you when payment has been received to let you know when the item will be posted. Please leave feedback upon receipt of the item so that I know you have received it safely. Any problems please email me. Thanks.

ALL RECORDS ARE VERY WELL PACKAGED WITH THE VINYL OUTSIDE OF THE SLEEVE TO PREVENT ANY 'KNIFING' DURING TRANSIT. A PROTECTIVE POLY SLEEVE, CRUCIFORM (NOT ENVELOPE) MAILER AND STIFFENERS ARE ALWAYS USED TO ENSURE THAT YOUR RECORD ARRIVES SAFELY.

Note: The pictures provided are REAL images of the ACTUAL item you are bidding on. What you see is what you'll get!

Records / CDs Are Graded In The Following Way:

MINT (M): The record / cd displays barely any signs of use, if any, with no marks or deterioration in sound quality. Extra items and cover are near perfect.

EXCELLENT (EX): Shows only minor signs of being played with very little lessening in sound quality. The Cover and extras will have some light wear and or creasing

VERY GOOD (VG): Has been played many times but has no major deterioration in sound quality, despite some noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratches. Cover and extras will have normal wear and tear but no major defects

GOOD (G): Has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and any extras may suffer from folding, scuffing, split spine, discoloration etc.

FAIR (F): The record is still just playable and has considerable surface noise and may even jump. Cover and contents will be torn stained and/or defaced.

POOR (P): The record will not play properly. Covers badly damaged or partly missing

+ or - : Indicates slightly better (+) or slightly lesser (-) condition than main grade

All records / cd's are from my personal collection and have been carefully play graded before listing. In many cases I have owned them from new and all have been looked after very well. Please check out my other similar items currently listed on eBay.

Auction Conditions - Important : Please read before bidding

UK Bidders

Acceptable methods of payment :

• Cheques
• Postal Orders
• PAYPAL

Non-UK Bidders

Acceptable methods of payment :

• PAYPAL

All payment to be made within 7 days of end of auction.

At the end of the auction I will send you an invoice confirming your winning bid(s) with the total amount payable. Do not send any payment until you have received this invoice.

Paypal To: kentgirl22@gmail.com

Packaging Notes:

All records are securely and well packed to avoid any unnecessary damage during transit. I aim to dispatch all items within 48 hours of receiving payment. I always obtain a certificate proof of posting receipt for every item sent, which will complete our transaction. Thank you for taking the time to look at my listings, I hope you will be lucky if deciding to make a bid.