The Rolling Stones : Exile On Main St A1/B2/C2/D2 Very Early Press inc all Postcards

This early pressing plays to a superb standard with not one click or pop and no underlying static either.  The clarity, depth and warmth of the audio across all four sides is so impressive and only S3 has a minimal (and I do mean minimal!) amount of 'background' for a few seconds.  The records have hardly been played judging by the quality of the audio and the lack of spindle wear and you could hardly wish to find a better playing early pressing.

The cover is in great condition with only a little wear on a couple of corners and the 12 original postcards are near perfect also.  The picture inners are 'as new' and the plain inner sleeves have no side splits also.  Overall a stunning example of this classic album.

COC 69100 // A1 / B2 / C2 / D2

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The audio on S3 is Mint(-) (T4 & T5 Near Mint)

The audio on S4 is Mint(-)

The cover is Ex

The 12 postcards are Near Mint

The picture inners are Mint-

The inner sleeves are Ex+

The labels are Mint-

Visual grading

Both records still have a lovely glossy sheen and look hardly played with barely any spindle wear.  S1 is near perfect with only a couple of very minor The first record is visually stunning and vinyl is in excellent condition and still has a very strong glossy sheen.  S1 is in beautiful condition with only a couple of very small faint hairlines and S2 is almost as good with only one very small faint mark which has no affect on the audio.  S3 does have a faint mark/smudge type area but this has no obvious affect on the audio I am pleased to say.  There are also a small number of insignificant 'specks' also and S4 just has a few faint 'specks' and a small number of faint hairlines.  I have listed a few 'minor' imperfections but I just detail what I see but the records are without question some of the 'cleanest' I have seen.  The run out grooves are in superb condition and the yellow labels are almost brand new with no obvious spindle wear.

Play grading

There is no need to describe each track on S1 in detail as they all play with the same breathtaking quality!  Aside from one light tick on the first groove the clarity and definition on 'Rocks Off' is STUNNING in every way.  For once the raucous 'Rip This Joint' plays perfectly with no distortion and 'Shake Your Hips' is a prime example of the clarity on offer here.  It does make you think has this side ever been played!  'Casino Boogie' is equally as good with not even a single dust tick and that includes the long fade out.  'Tumbling Dice' ends the side with incredible audio and with hardly any of the inner groove distortion that is so often prevalent.  The sonic quality on this side cannot be underestimated and is undoubtedly a Mint- start to the album.  This is probably the finest S1 of this classic album that I have ever listened to!

S2 begins with a near perfect rendition of 'Sweet Virginia' and again the clarity is outstanding.  I detected only a couple of mega light ticks and there is no underlying static at all.  Mint- is more than deserved here.  The other three tracks also play to the same 'high end' standard and as always I have listened to every track in full.  There are no clicks or pops, no static or crackle and only a couple of barely audible ticks.  I will single out 'Loving Cup' as a particular highlight as final tracks are often susceptible to some 'background' but that is not the case here and the clarity and warmth of the audio is out of this world.  The playback is just so strong and deep and if you are lucky enough to win this LP just 'turn up' the end section and you will know exactly what I mean!  Another Mint- side although I'm not sure the minus is required!

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'Happy' kicks off S3 in fine style with no interference, no distortion, just pure Mint audio from start to finish.  I don't like repeating myself but 'Turd On The Run' has to be heard to be believed!  The clarity and power of the recording is astonishing and 'as new' is no exaggeration.  The same applies to 'Ventilator Blues' and 'I Just Wanna See His Face' is near perfect with only a couple of very light ticks and then 'Let It Loose' ends the side with very impressive audio also.  The vast majority is Mint although around the one minute mark there are a small number of mega light static sounds but they are totally non-intrusive.  If you were 'casually' listening you would not even notice them and is still worthy of a Near Mint grade.

'All Down The Line' plays with stunning power and clarity from start to finish and again there is no distortion.  'Stop Breaking Down' is equally as good with no ticks, clicks, pops etc and the quiet intro on 'Shine A Light' plays beautifully as does the remainder.  The audio on this side cannot be faulted and 'Soul Survivor' then ends this classic album with imperious quality also.  There is barely any inner groove distortion and you could not wish for a stronger version.  I am confident in grading this side as Mint- such is the quality on offer here.    

In summary this very early plays with sublime quality across all four sides and may well the most impressive version I have ever heard.  The clarity is quite simply exceptional and incredibly there is not one click or pops!  This really is sonic quality of the highest standard and it is clear the vinyls have hardly been played.  It may take some time play every track in full but it certainly wasn't a chore!  I believe that's what the 'buyer' deserves and doing this enables me to provide a 'complete' grading of course.  Any collector would not be disappointed with this album.

The Cover, Picture Inners, Inner Sleeves & Postcards

The fold-out cover is in excellent condition with only minimal shelf wear.  The edges and thick spines are very clean and it's only the corners of the left spine that has some wear - a little more at the top and the bottom has a very small tear but this is not very noticeable.  The right hand spine is in superb shape and remains 100% legible with no wear on the corners.  The front cover is unmarked and has just one faint crease near on the left leading up to the top corner, it is only minor.  The back cover is in fantastic 'as new' condition and the inside is almost as good with only a little wear at the top of the inner spine as stated.  A very strong example overall.

The card picture inners are in superb condition with no side splits or tears and no creasing.  The plain white die-cut inner sleeves also have no side splits or tears and no marking either, just a little creasing.  The sought after postcards are practically 'as new' with only a couple of minor 'spots' on the reverse side and are in 'groups' of 8 and 4.

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

COC 69100 // A1 / B2 / C2 / D2

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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