The Pretty Things : The Pretty Things 1L1/2L1 1st Press Fontana

This first mono pressing is a FINAL UPGRADE time warp classic for sure.  it has hardly ever been played and has been so well preserved over the last 56 years which has resulted in breathtaking audio on both sides.  There are no clicks or pops, no underlying static and the clarity is just incredible.  In fact I would say the record has hardly even been removed from the cover as it does have some 'bag rash' on it.  This obviously has no affect on the audio which plays to the highest standard.

There cannot be many around like this today and it provides a fascinating insight into their early sound.  This is a must have for any genuine collector!

The cover is also in fantastic condition with barely any shelf wear and it remains so clean including the 'white' back cover.  The inner has some wear but you can't have everything I guess!

This first pressing from 1965 has a 1L1/2L1 matrix and the Fontana labels are also textured.

TL 5239 // 687341   1L // 1 ? 420  1 1 1 0

TL 5239 // 687341   2L // 1 ? 420  1 1 1 1 8

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio S2 is Mint(-) (T6 Near Mint)

The cover is Ex+

The labels are Mint-

The original inner is VG

Visual grading

The vinyl still has a lovely glossy sheen with not one single mark or scratch and I can only detect a couple of ultra faint hairlines on each side.  There is a fair amount of 'bag rash' on the surface caused by the poly-lined inner 'sticking' to the record.  This is relatively common and does not impact on the sound quality in any way.  There is not too much on S1 but there is more on S2 albeit faint.  I can safely say this record has hardly ever been played judging by the visual and audio quality and that there is only one tiny spindle trace on each label.  The textured Fontana labels are in fantastic condition with no marking or writing.  For its age this record is in exceptional condition provided you look past the superficial 'bag rash'.

Play grading  

S1 begins with a stunning rendition of 'Road Runner' that plays with a clarity and definition that is unbelievable for its age!  There is quite simply no interference - not on the intro or fade out and everything else in between!  I am confident in grading this as Mint such is the quality.

'Judgement Day' is of the same 'high end' standard with not one tick, click or pop and no underlying static either.  Another Mint track.  Well I did say the vinyl was pristine!

There is no need to describe each track in detail as they all play with the same remarkable sonic quality.  I have played them all in full (as I always do) and I can confirm the clarity cannot be faulted in any way.  'Unknown Blues' is a particular highlight being a sparse self-penned number and the playback is absolutely stunning and 'Mama, Keep Your Big Mouth Shut' ends the side with great quality once again.  You would think on a 56 year old mono record being played through a stereo system there would be some inner groove distortion but there is barely any!  The clarity is again so impressive and Mint- is very much deserved.  How often will you find this record with no ticks, clicks, pops, static or crackle?  S1 has none of that!

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The intro on 'Honey, I Need' plays with faultless precision and continues in the same way with literally no intrusion on the audio.  A Mint start to S2.  It doesn't get any better than this!

'Oh Baby Doll' again plays with a clarity that defies it age.  From start to finish there is no interference and it sounds as 'fresh' as it did back in '65, maybe better on my set up!  Mint

The intro on 'She's Fine She's Mine' has such a strong deep rich sound and has lost none of its original quality.  It continues to play with breathtaking accuracy and again Mint is deserved.

'Don't Lie To Me' and 'The Moon Is Rising' both play with a quality that could not be matched anywhere else!  Once again there is no interference and the clarity and depth is so impressive.

This debut album ends with 'Pretty Thing' and it could hardly play any better.  There is only one very light tick and only minimal inner groove distortion.  The fade out has no 'background' and again demonstrates just how clean the vinyl is.  I will grade as Near Mint although that could be regarded as a little harsh.

In summary this first pressing is easily a FINAL UPGRADE time warp classic.  There cannot be many records of this advanced age that are as pristine as this with audio to match.  There are no clicks or pops, no static or crackle and only one easily missed minor tick.  The clarity, definition and warmth of the audio on both sides was a genuine pleasure to listen to.  Not only that but the cover is also in fabulous condition - this truly has been incredibly well preserved down the decades.

The Cover & Inner Sleeve

The laminated cover is in superb condition with barely any shelf wear.  The edges are near perfect and thin pinched spine are in perfect order and there is no obvious corner wear either, how rare is that?!  The opening edge is also super clean with no real handling wear.  The front cover is in lovely condition with no bends or obvious marks and has only one very small laminate crease and a minor scuff line near the bottom edge.  The back cover is very impressive as it is not laminated and yet has kept its original look so well.  The 'paste on' sheet is still firmly attached and is extremely clean with only very minimal light marking.  Amazing to think it is 56 years old!  It has been incredibly well preserved down the decades and has also maintained its original shape so well with no bends or creases.

The original poly-lined inner has no side splits but does have a couple of tears on the central 'window' and also some creasing.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

TL 5239 // 687341   1L // 1 ? 420  1 1 1 0

TL 5239 // 687341   2L // 1 ? 420  1 1 1 1 8

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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Postage & Packaging

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