REM Automatic for the People Hard-to-Find ORIG European Warners LP + Inner EX

	£		42
	$		56

RARE, Original European 1992 Warner Bros. Records L.P. pressing of REM’s ‘Automatic for the People’ (Catalogue Reference: Warner Bros. Records WX 488 / 9362-45055-1).  Like virtually all early 90s Warner Bros LPs this was pressed in Germany and then exported into other European markets.  Both the sleeve and the record clearly state they were manufactured in Germany but this copy was clearly for the U.K. market featuring a U.K. catalogue reference in ‘WX 488’.  I’ve never felt these early-to-mid-90s German pressings were of that great a quality.  The sleeves are very thin and flimsy and feature a very thin lamination.  The inners were no thicker than a standard paper inner sleeve and in reality they were just a plain paper sleeve onto which images and tracklisting details were printed.  The only consolation here is that the vinyl pressing is relatively weighty.  This was my personal copy and is going because I never bothered playing it.  While it had clearly seen some play prior to coming into my possession it remains in very solid condition and is a fine example of this desirable, hard-to-find L.P.

CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / EX (PRINTED INNER SLEEVE) / EX- (SLEEVE): This copy has seen play but has been well looked after.  While a little dusty and displaying a limited volume of encrusted dirt the surfaces still really shine.  There are no glaringly obvious marks although a relative volume of ultra-fine hairline marks are visible under an intense light which are a by-product of the thin inner sleeve clinging to the vinyl as it was withdrawn.  Under an intense light I also note a tiny amount of groove-wear in places on side Two.  I would say the inner sleeve has survived in remarkable condition considering just how thin and flimsy it is.  What is perhaps most surprising is that the vinyl has broken through.  There is a little pronounced bending evident around the opening edge but no creasing as such.  There is a very small tear in the opening edge which I have attempted to capture in the attached images.  It is really quite minor and measures a couple of millimetres.  The sleeve is graded EX- due to a very small tear in the opening edge on the front which isn’t particularly obvious (please see attached images).  There is also a much smaller tear in the corresponding position on the rear of the sleeve.  Otherwise the sleeve really doesn’t look 25 years old.  There is limited wear evident to each corner and some light impressions in the soft cardboard on the rear in the bottom right-hand corner but otherwise there is very little to say.  This is a very solid example of a rare LP!

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

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