The Who : Who's Next A1 / B2 1st Press on Track Record label

This first pressing on the Track Record label plays to a fantastic standard with hardly any interference.  In fact I don't like to call it interference!  There is just very minimal 'background' on S2 for 3/4 seconds and it is not intrusive.  S1 is absolutely stunning in every way with S2 not being too far behind!  The clarity and depth of the audio is so impressive and the classic 'Behind Blue Eyes' is maybe the strongest version I have heard and this is a first press!  This album has been so well looked after down the years and the vinyl itself is pristine, I have never seen a cleaner version.

The cover is also in excellent condition and has no obvious wear at all.  The original inner is near perfect - incidentally this is the original first press inner as it has 0871 printed on it.  The Headhunters inner is not the original one as is often stated - the LP is already listed as available on this inner!  This classic album was released in the UK in August '71 - 0871 as per the date stamp on this 'Plastic Bags...' inner.

Shipping costs to the US have increased recently so please wait for the invoice.  As an example I recently sent 3 LPs via tracked shipping and this cost just over £34.00 - packaging costs not included!

2408 102   A // 1   1 2 1 0   MG 12888 (etched)

2408 102   B // 2? 420   1 2 9

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Near Mint (T1 & T2 Near Mint- / T3 Mint-)

The cover is Ex+

The labels are Near Mint

The inner sleeve is Near Mint

This is one immaculate vinyl!  There is only minimal spindle wear but to be honest on first 'look' you would think this record was 'as new'.  It has a glorious jet-black glossy sheen and under a bright light there are no marks or scratches and I could not find any hairlines either!  It really is in magnificent condition for nearly 50 years of age!  It has been so well preserved and so carefully handled down the years thus maintaining its original quality.  The grooves are so clean, no groove wear at all, and the run out grooves and labels are also in superb order.

Play grading  

The iconic intro on 'Baba O'Riley' is stunning!  There is no actual interference just a minimal touch of barely audible static.  This record is 50 years old this summer and for the opening grooves to play with such incredible clarity on a genuine first press is a rarity.  As the piano comes in the only 'background' is a couple of gentle static ticks (not intrusive) and from that point on the playback is as close to perfect as is possible.  Daltrey's vocals are so powerful and have no distortion on the top end and even the quieter 'Don't cry...' section plays with impeccable precision.  Every section is so 'clean' and there are no clicks or pops at all.  The classic violin end section is phenomenal!  The audio has such depth and warmth and, you guessed it, no interference.  The final note just reverberates around the room and that shows just how good the clarity is here i.e. each note is kind of drawn out, the audio precision cannot be faulted.  This may well be the finest version I have ever heard and this is a first pressing!  Mint- is more than deserved.

The acoustic intro on 'Bargain' plays beautifully and this standard is maintained as the percussion and then the vocal begin.  It continues in the same manner with no intrusion and the quieter mid section is 'as new' with not so much as a dust tick.  I cannot overstate how well this plays - the depth and warmth of the audio is like being transported back to '71 (!) and I am delighted to say the quality does not diminish the further you get into the track.  The brief acoustic passage near the end is flawless and the same applies to the final 'louder' instrumental section also.  The acoustic end section is sublime and again the clarity can correctly be described as perfect.  I have no hesitation in grading this as Mint as the playback is exceptional in every regard.

'Love Ain't For Keeping' is of the same 'high end' standard and there are no negatives.  Just pure unadulterated audio perfection from start to finish!  The sonic quality is breathtaking.  Mint

Again there is complete silence in the dead wax and then 'My Wife' plays with outstanding precision throughout.  There is no interference and suffice to say the audio could hardly be any more impressive.  I will grade as Mint- as there is just one very light tick on the fade out!

The piano intro on 'Song Is Over' again shows off the wonderful clarity on offer here.  It has only a couple of barely audible dust ticks and the first vocal is equally as good.  This entire opening section is faultless and as the volume increases the quality remains.  There is none of the inner groove distortion that you often find on a final track and the quieter sections once more play with great precision.  There are only a couple of mega light ticks but to all intents and purposes this is another track that plays with age defying quality!  The percussive end section is faultless and the long final note has no 'background' either.  I will grade as Mint- and this is without doubt a superb end to a superb side!

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The quiet intro on 'Getting In Tune' plays with stunning clarity and the first vocal begins in fine style although after 25 seconds there are three light crackle sounds and a quiet tick but they are not loud and hardly intrusive.  The first interference on the album albeit minor!  From then on normal service is resumed and it plays with sublime clarity and power - just a couple of light ticks, the playback is near perfect.  The 'louder' end section is 'as new' and overall a Near Mint- grade is an honest assessment of the audio.

'Going Mobile' is so close to perfect.  So close!  It plays with wonderful clarity throughout with just one click in the middle section.  You could miss it if not listening out for it!  Aside from that this track is very impressive and again I will grade as Near Mint- due to that one minor aberration!

What follows is perhaps the most 'complete' version of the classic 'Behind Blue Eyes' that I have ever heard.  The acoustic intro and opening verses are STUNNING and play with a clarity that is second to none and it continues in the same precise way.  The two up tempo verses are of the same standard with no distortion - immense power and depth during this section.  The brief closing verse ends the track with wonderful clarity and this truly is a beautiful version.  Almost brought a tear to my eye!  Mint

Trying to be original here!  The intro on 'Won't Get Fooled Again' is faultless and as Moon joins in the playback continues to impress.  The opening vocal sections play with sublime precision and the instrumentals are so strong also.  Perhaps there is just a minimal amount of inner groove distortion although in my opinion it is hardly noticeable, insignificant it could be said.  The power and clarity from start to finish is superb and yes you can easily turn it up to 'loud' without it affecting the sound quality!  As the 'intro' returns the clarity is sensational - no 'background'!  The final percussive section and vocal end this classic with fantastic audio...and no interference.  I'm torn between Mint- and Near Mint here and maybe I am underselling it but I will grade as Near Mint just to play it safe.  Regardless of which grade I use it is still a stunning version and rounds off this classic album in fine style.

In summary this high quality first pressing is of a standard that you rarely find today.  Not only is the vinyl in spectacular condition but the audio has a clarity, depth and richness to it that is quite simply breathtaking.  S1 is indeed perfect and S2 has only a couple of seconds of minor 'background' I don't even like to call it interference!  A stunning album.

The Cover

The iconic 'MacNeill' cover is in great condition with hardly any wear, certainly nothing obvious.  The top edge is in superb shape and the bottom edge has only minimal rubbing.  The thin pinched spine is 100% legible and remains very clean with only minimal wear on the bottom corner.  The other corners are in superb shape with hardly any wear and the opening edge is also very near perfect.  The front cover has no marking or 'spotting' at all and the back cover is also in great shape.  This predominantly black cover is often marked/scuffed and yet this one is extremely clean with barely any fading and only just very light ringwear.  A fine example.

The Inner Sleeve

The original 'Plastic Bags...' inner sleeve (dated 0871) in in fantastic condition with no side splits or tears, hardly any age related fading and very little creasing.  I don't think it has had much fresh air!

The Labels

The Track Record labels are in lovely condition with marking or writing and only a little spindle wear.

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

2408 102   A // 1   1 2 1 0   MG 12888 (Etched)

2408 102   B // 2? 420   1 2 9

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

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00. THIS IS OFTEN 'BUILT' INTO THE SHIPPING CHARGE ALREADY.

WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.

FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY.  THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.

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ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN 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.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.75 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE (Standard)

LPs/12" singles : £10.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £6.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Standard)  

LPs/12" singles : £18.95 then £1.95 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £7.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT.  THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!