Pretty Thing SF Sorrow 1C 062-04 004 German EX+/VG+

	£		78
	$		103

Pretty Things SF Sorrow 

Columbia: 1C 062 04 004
1C062-04004-A-1  YAX 3738-1
1C062-04004-B-1  YAX 3739-1

German 1969 stereo press
ST33 indicator on labels at 6 'o' clock

Intro: Released in 1968, SF Sorrow is now known as one of the first rock operas ever released.  In September 1967, after the end of their contract with Fontana Records, the Pretty Things signed with EMI. Recording of S.F. Sorrow began at Abbey Road Studios two months later. Based on a short story by singer Phil May telling the story of "Sebastian F. Sorrow, from his birth, through love, war, tragedy, madness, and his disillusionment with old age.  A sixties classic.

Triva: Motown picked up the album as one of the first releases for their newly created Rare Earth label.

Summary: Nice copy of this 69 German Columbia EMI press. Gatefold sleeve retains a sheen. Clean clear stereo separation and clarity. Vinyl and audio graded EX+, sleeve VG+. While the early UK issues are well sought after, this German press continues to gain in popularity and offers good value especially in this condition.

Sleeve: Laminated gatefold sleeve, front retains a sheen, although there are scuffs/shelf wear on edges and spine, slight age-related discolouration. No rips, splits writing or stickers, overall nice condition for age, graded solid VG+ (see photos).

Labels: Columbia EMI Black and blue German labels, ST33 indicator on labels at 6 'o' clock. No issues, clean with minimum signs of play, no writing or sticker residue, graded EX (see photos)

Vinyl: Retains its natural sheen, closer inspection under bright light and a magnifying glass shows only the barest ultra-light hairlines only, and they are hard to both locate and see. See close up grove photos. Graded EX+

Audio: Plays through with no issues, clean, clear audio stereo separation and clarity (played on a Project carbon - blue Ortofon) no pips, pops, sticks or skips. Lovely copy, owned for many years, audio graded EX+ 

I have tried to be honest and transparent in my description, the photographs form part of the description. Questions are welcome, don't hesitate to ask. I've good feedback (and positive comments) as both a buyer and seller, so you can buy with confidence. I am a collector of 47+ years, the few records I sell are either the results of upgrades, duplicates or a bit of thinning every now and again. If anything is not as expected, please contact me straight away and I will do everything to resolve any problems without argument. 

I strictly adhere to the Record Collector Magazine's Grading Guide using one + or - for addition guidance:

MINT: The record 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.

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.