The Rolling Stones : Through The Past Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) 1A/3A 1st Press Mono unboxed red Decca label

This first mono pressing on the unboxed red Decca label plays to a superb standard with barely any intrusion.  There are no clicks or pops and S2 in particular is incredible!  The clarity on both sides is very impressive but on S2 it is quite simply on another level!  The vinyl is visually in great condition and has only a small number of faint hairlines and has clearly not been played very much judging by the minimal spindle wear and the quality of the audio.

The famous octagonal cover is one of the finest examples I have ever seen with hardly any shelf wear, certainly none that is obvious.  It is so clean and has always been very carefully handled and has retained its shape and strength incredibly well.  The red 'mono' inner is also practically 'as new'.

I am happy to call this a first pressing as there were only two label variations and they were produced at the same time anyway.  This one is known as the second label variation.  As you can see it only has a single stamper on each side also making it one of the earlier ones of the 'printing press'.

With international shipping (including Europe) I will declare a lower amount so as to decrease/avoid any Customs' fees.

LK 5019 // XARL-9067-P-1A / XARL-9068.P-3A // H 1 / M 1

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (T1 Near Mint- / T2 Ex+ / T3 intro & end section Ex+ / T6 Ex) 

The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T3 & T5 Near Mint) 

The octagonal cover is Ex++

The labels are Near Mint

The original 'mono' inner is Near Mint

Visual grading

The vinyl is in lovely condition and still retains a very healthy glossy sheen.  There are no marks or scratches and only a small number of faint hairlines, perhaps a couple more on S2 but it is actually this side that plays better.  As they are hairlines they are superficial and have no affect on the stunning audio.  The run out grooves are super clean and the matrix info and JT tax stamp can easily be seen on both sides.  The labels are also in great condition with no marking and only minimal spindle wear.

Play grading

The classic intro on 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' plays very clearly with barely any static and from then on plays loud and true with that unmistakable raw Stones sound.  There are no clicks or pops and the clarity is very impressive.  There is only the bare minimum of mega light static here and there but so quiet you could easily miss it.  This is a superb version and even the long fade out has hardly any 'background', just one tick right at the end.  A Near Mint- is fully deserved.

'Mother's Little Helper' plays in a very similar way from the start.  The first vocal has a couple of mega light ticks but thereafter plays with very strong audio and again there are no clicks or pops.  Perhaps the clarity is not quite as good as the previous track but Ex+ is still a fair assessment of the audio.

The intro on '2,000 Light Years From Home' has only minimal light static and as the track 'gets going' the playback is stunning.  It proceeds in the same exact way and the quiet section plays so well with only a couple of minor static ticks.  The remainder is of the same 'high end' standard with only a little static towards the end.  This is Ex+ on the intro and end section and Near Mint in between!

The intro on 'Let's Spend The Night Together' is nigh on perfect and then plays with genuine quality for the remainder.  The audio is so strong and dynamic and the original sonic quality is still there I am pleased to say.  Each note is so clean and precise and this infinitely deserves a Near Mint grade if not better.  A stunning version.

'You Better Move On' has that familiar deep intro and from then on plays very clearly with only very minimal vocal distortion here and there.  This is a mono record being played through a stereo system so this may well be eradicated when played 'correctly'.  The more I listen to it the more I think it hardly needs a mention as it is so minor!  This track has a real sense of depth and Near Mint is again about right.

The intro on 'We Love You' has a little static but is certainly not intrusive.  As it progresses you do notice a little more inner groove distortion but that is common.  Perhaps I should not downgrade it because of this but I will grade as Ex just to be cautious.  However, there are no ticks, clicks or pops and it remains an excellent listen.

----------------------------------------------------------

The totally classic 'Street Fighting Man' is superb!  From the very first groove the raw power radiates through and the strength and clarity of the audio is stunning throughout.  Admittedly this is being played as 'stereo' but it is often said that mono records play with a greater depth and warmth and that is certainly true here.  There is barely any distortion and I cannot overstate just how good this version is!  There is no interference and the sonic quality has lost none of its original quality over the last 52 years and Mint- is well deserved.  The fade out plays perfectly also.

The piano intro on 'She's A Rainbow' has a clarity that is second to none and the opening vocal is just as impressive.  So far this side is playing rather well!  It continues in much the same way with only a small number of insignificant dust ticks - the playback is again superb!  The instrumental section plays so clearly and the remainder is exceptional.  I know I can get somewhat enthusiastic when I hear quality such as this but I can be forgiven!  Each note is just so sharp and precise and it would be nigh on impossible to find a better version.  Mint- every day of the week.

The intro on 'Ruby Tuesday' plays so clearly with barely any intrusion - just a couple of minor static ticks.  The first chorus is 'as new' and from then on it plays with great quality.  Once again it's the clarity of sound that is outstanding - this is clearly a side that has only been lightly played.  I will grade as Near Mint but is so close to Mint- it has to be said.

So many classics on this side.  'Dandelion' plays with stunning quality from start to finish with no 'background' at all.  Again I cannot believe what I am hearing!  This is Mint no need for a minus here, what a version!

The acoustic intro on 'Sittin' On The Fence' can also be described 'as new' and it continues to impress.  There is just a minimal amount of vocal distortion but I only mention it to be 'complete' in my grading.  It is minor and not intrusive in any way.  There are no ticks, clicks or pops and no static either and the clarity could not be any better.  Near Mint

'Honky Tonk Women' plays with great quality from the very first note and there is no let up during the first vocal.  The first chorus is of the same 'high end' standard and the rest of this classic plays with breathtaking quality also.  For a final track to play as clearly as this is a rarity and that is exemplified by there being hardly any inner groove distortion.  A sublime Mint- finish to the side and wow what a side!!

In summary this collectable first pressing plays to a wonderful standard with very little intrusion.  The clarity, depth and power on both sides is very impressive but S2 in particular is absolutely stunning!  It plays like it has hardly ever been played!  S1 has no clicks or pops and it's only on a couple of tracks where the clarity of sound is not as 'high end' as the others.  Still damn good though!

The Octagonal Cover & Inner Sleeve

The G & L laminated 'mono' cover is in fantastic condition and rarely seen as good as this.  The edges are near perfect with barely any rubbing and for once the spine is very clean also and remains 100% legible.  So often it is found worn/damaged and yet this one only has a minor 'rise' in the centre, perhaps a small repair but you hardly notice it.  All of the corners are in superb order and with hardly any wear and the front cover is stunning!  It has no marking and no laminate damage and the back cover is just as impressive.  As you can see the mono/stereo indicator hole is in perfect condition.  The inside of this octagonal cover is immaculate and that is a genuine rarity!  The inner spine is pristine and the inner opening edge has no handling wear either.  The two flipbacks are also in fantastic shape and remain firmly in place.  This is without doubt one of the finest examples of this iconic cover that I ever seen - not bad at nearly 52 years old!

The original octagonal mono inner is also in superb condition with no side splits or tears, no marking and hardly any creasing.  Near perfect in fact.

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

LK 5019 // XARL-9067-P-1A / XARL-9068.P-3A // H 1 / M 1

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.

Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I NOW ONLY SEND ITEMS WORLDWIDE VIA TRACKED SHIPPING. THIS PROVIDES 'PEACE OF MIND' IN CASE OF LOSS OR DAMAGE. ALL COSTS ARE SHOWN BELOW AND COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED. ANY OVER-PAYMENT WILL ALWAYS BE REFUNDED BACK TO THE BUYER.

THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE ITEMS UP TO THE VALUE OF £250 SO IF AN ITEM SELLS FOR MORE A COURIER SERVICE WILL BE USED (e.g. Parcelforce, DPD).  AN EXTRA INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL BE REQUIRED BUT I WILL NOT KNOW THE EXACT AMOUNT UNTIL THE FINAL SALE PRICE IS KNOWN.  HOWEVER, SOMETIMES I WILL ESTIMATE A COST AND THIS WILL BE STATED IN THE LISTING.  PLEASE WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUCH.  MANY THANKS.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PUT IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE OF THE COVER SO AS TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS. THEY ARE ALSO PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

I ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY MAILERS AND THESE COST ME £1.00 EACH. I WILL OFTEN USE 3 OR 4 CARDBOARD STIFFENERS AND THESE COST AT LEAST £0.15 EACH AND THEN THERE IS THE COST OF THE POLY-LINED INNER AND PVC SLEEVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. IT ALL ADDS UP! NOT FORGETTING EBAY TAKING 10% OF THE SHIPPING FEE ALSO!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £5.75 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £17.45 then £1.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £23.95 then £2.00 per extra

I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AFTER PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE, NONE OF THIS WAITING BEFORE I RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM YOU - I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY LISTINGS!  IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO SEND THE ITEM BACK I WILL OF COURSE OF COURSE PAY THE RETURN SHIPPING COST IF I AM AT FAULT.  I AM ONLY HUMAN AFTER ALL!