Queen - Queen II Vinyl LP Elektra 1st Pressing Gatefold Lyrics 1974

$

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Queen Queen II Vinyl LP - Elektra EKS-75082 First Pressing with Gatefold Cover
Condition: Very Good Vinyl and Very Good Cover. Vinyl was play-tested on both sides and plays very well throughout with good fidelity and occasional light background noise. Original gatefold cover has light wear, no splits or writing.  Includes original inner sleeve with lyrics.
Queen II is the second studio album by Queen. It was released in 1974 by Elektra Records in the US. It was recorded at Trident Studios and Langham 1 Studios, London, in August 1973 with co-producers Roy Thomas Baker and Robin Geoffrey Cable. It is significant for being the first album to contain elements of the band's signature sound of multi-layered overdubs, vocal harmonies, and varied musical styles.
Described as "arguably the heaviest Queen album", Queen II marked the end of the first phase of the band's career. The album combines a heavy rock sound with art rock and progressive rock elements, and has been called "a pillar of grandiose, assaultive hard rock" by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 
The two sides of the original LP were labelled "Side White" and "Side Black" (instead of the conventional sides A and B), with corresponding photos of the band dressed in black on the front cover and white on the inner gatefold. The white side has songs with a more emotional theme and the black side is almost entirely about fantasy, often with quite dark themes. Mick Rock's cover photograph was frequently re-used by the band throughout its career, including the music videos for the songs "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975) and "One Vision" (1985).
Released to an initially mixed critical reception, Queen II has retained a cult following since its release, and garnered praise from critics, fans, and fellow musicians alike.
AllMusic awarded the album 4/5 stars and said, "Queen is coiled, tense, and vicious here, delivering on their inherent sense of drama, and that gives Queen II real power as music, as well as a true cohesion". The review observed the album's heaviness and stated "this never feels as fantastical as Genesis or Uriah Heep", concluding "Queen II is one of the favorites of their hardcore fans".

Track listing
Side White A1 Procession 1:12 A2 Father To Son 6:14 A3 White Queen (As It Began) 4:34 A4 Some Day One Day 4:23 A5 The Loser In The End 4:02
Side Black B1 Ogre Battle 4:10 B2 The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke 2:40 B3 Nevermore 1:15 B4 The March Of The Black Queen 6:08 B5 Funny How Love Is 3:17 B6 The Seven Seas Of Rhye 2:50
Queen Freddie Mercury – lead vocals (2, 3, 6–11), backing vocals (2–4, 6–11), piano (7–11), harpsichord (7) Brian May – electric guitar (all), backing vocals (2, 4, 6–11), acoustic guitar (2–5, 10), lead vocals (4), bells (9), piano (2) Roger Taylor – drums (all but 8), backing vocals (2, 4–11), lead vocals (5), additional vocals (9), gong (3, 6), percussion John Deacon – bass guitar, acoustic guitar (2)
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I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects.

MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint.

NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects. 

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear. 

VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits. 

GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage.

GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft.

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