LED ZEPPELIN II A/B 1st PRESS UK ATLANTIC 'Lemon Song' Red/Plum EX+ AUDIO
£
125
$
166
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Description
LED ZEPPELIN II mega rare 1st PRESS A/B matrix Atlantic 58818 UK RED/PLUM Label
This now rare first pressing on the red/plum label has 'The Lemon Song' credit on the label. This is before later pressings replaced it with 'The Killing Floor' and for this reason this pressing is highly collectible. This also has the original 'light brown' gatefold.
Many are of the opinion that the A2/B2 matrix is the first UK pressing of this iconic LP but there are more who say that this A/B matrix (with no numbers) is the first. Both have the same label with the 'Copyright Control' credit and not 'Warner Bros/Jewel Music' and the 'Jimmy Page' production credit is in the plum section and not the red/orange section as on later pressings.
588198 // A
588198 // B
The audio on both sides is Ex+ (Ex in some sections)
The gatefold cover is VG++
The labels are Ex+
The inner sleeve is Ex
Visual grading
Whilst the vinyl has been played a number of times it is not heavily scratched and marked like so many. There are a number of fine hairlines, 3 or 4 are more obvious, but there are no deep scratches. As detailed below the audio plays with exceptional quality for the majority which is a rarity for an A/B first pressing.
Play grading
'Whole Lotta Love' starts with stunning audio with no interference at all and the bass just comes through with such power and strength, the sound is incredible. The remainder of the track continues to play with equal quality, what a version! These A/B pressings were pressed so well. There is just a hint of static but it is so much in the background as to be totally negligible. There are no clicks, pops or jumps whatsoever. This is spine tingling stuff! For a first pressing to sound as good as this is such a rarity and the lack of background noise is incredible. 'What is and What Should Never Be' plays superbly with just a hint of static hiss in the background but again the sound quality just knocks your socks off! I heard just one faint click during the playback and yes I played every second. The intro to 'The Lemon Song' has very faint static in the background but it does not intrude. It then plays with wonderful clarity and the bass again is sublime. Once more there are no intrusive sounds. Faint static hiss again perhaps but I only mention this to be complete in my grading. I have B&W 684 speakers which can 'pick up' anything. The clarity and depth is still jaw droppingly good! The prolonged bass section plays so cleanly and with such power it is hard to believe this vinyl is from 1969. I did hear two pops towards the end but that is the only interference of any note. 'Thank You' ends the side with excellent audio although the static hiss is a little more prevalent here but only intermittently. I would say it is a little more obvious on the quiet ending but for a genuine first pressing it still plays extremely well.
The classic 'Heart Breaker' on Side Two has fabulous audio that plays loud and clear with astonishing quality. Once more the depth and resonance of the sound is immense. With only a minimal amount of static in the guitar solo middle section this is a stunning version. 'Livin' Lovin Maid' just well..rocks out! Incredible sound with no interference and no distortion which is a rarity. 'Ramble On' continues with the quality and I am running out of superlatives for this album! Once again there are no clicks or pops. 'Moby Dick' has excellent clarity and the drum solo plays so well with only a couple of pops and some static in the background but again I don't believe it to be intrusive. 'Bring It On Home' ends this class LP with wonderful sound with only a little static hiss and some distortion on the top end. It didn't lessen the enjoyment for me though and it sounded great on my 'Pro-Ject III system'. The quiet ending played superbly well.
In summary for an A/B first pressing to play this well is a rarity to say the least. You expect some (or a lot!) of interference on vinyls of this age and whilst there is some faint static hiss here and there it is not intrusive in any way. This is quite possible my favourite Led Zepp album and rarely have I heard one playing so well. To find one with only a handful of clicks and no loud crackle is very rare today. No jumps or skips at all!
Gatefold cover
The E.J. Day 'light brown' gatefold is in very good condition for its age but with some obvious rubbing on the edges, spine and corners. In saying that it is very clean with no marking or writing. As can be seen the front cover is in great shape and except for the creasing on the corners it has retained its original 'look' extremely well since '69. The same goes for the back cover which only has a little ringwear. So yes the edges etc have suffered somewhat but the remainder is in excellent condition and the inside especially is very clean with only a little wear on the top of the spine. So often the 'light brown' of the gatefold lends itself to a lot of shelf wear but this one is more than acceptable.
Inner sleeve
This has a poly-lined 'Plastic Bags Can Be Dangerous' inner sleeve although I am not sure if it is an original. It has the patent numbers 800513 & 979939 and is in excellent condition with only one small tear on the centre hole and some creasing and light age related marking around the edges.
The Labels
The red/plum labels are in excellent condition with no writing or marks, just some spindle wear.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers
588198 // A
588198 // B
Any questions please feel free to ask
Please pay within 4 days of auction end
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