The Who It's Hard SRC Quiex II Pressing Visual NrMint & Plays Near Mint Plus

$

23

The Who  

- It's Hard  

 Warner Bros 9 1-23731

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• Barcode (Text): 0 7599-23731-1
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• Matrix / Runout (Side A runout): 1-23731-A SR2 9P TML-X 1-4
• Matrix / Runout (Side B runout): 1-23731-B SR3 TML-M SRC 1-2 SM1-1

This is a unique version of the Warner Bros 1982 release. 

It, according to Discogs and the Matrix sequence in the runout wax, is the Limited Edition Specialty Records pressing,with "Quiex II" vinyl and also, the lacquer was cut at The Mastering Lab with TML's Master lathe ("M") and its sister "X" lathe (side A).

At the same time, the album's back cover states that it is "Manufactured By Columbia House Under License".  While it is possible that it was a Columbia House issue, it is certain that the vinyl itself was not pressed by them.  

What is more likely, is that the LP was packaged by Columbia House or received an album cover intended for Columbia House. 

My rule of thumb, is whenever there is a discrepancy between the LP cover and the details revealed by the Matrix numbers etched in the runout wax, the Matrix etch sequence is the controlling factor in the question of which edition of the release you are looking at.   

The Columbia House edition, unlike this one, was pressed at Columbia's Pitman, NJ pressing plant and indicates that with a "P" engraved in the Matrix number sequence. That is not the case here.

LP: (Graded) Near Mint, according to Goldmine record grading definitions. This record grades as an LP that appears to have been handled and played only in the most cautious manner possible, but acquired one or two very small and visually insignificant surface sleeve scuffs, having zero effect on tracking or playback (please see Play Grading notes below). The plating surface retains its as new glossiness. There are no spindle trails on the labels. The LP is exceptionally clean and turntable ready. 

Play Grade: Near Mint Plus / Mint Minus   

- this pressing is spectacular sounding - detail, imaging, dynamics and stereo separation. The quietness of digital and the richness of analog. The absence of surface noise both during and between tracks, approaches Compact Disc quietness, which is particularly important with a recording such as this with various passages that are acoustic and sparsely accompanied. Rates a 9.8 minimum during the musical selections on the below scale and a minimum 9.7 in the intervals between them: 

Cover: (Graded) Near Mint Plus - no indications of shelfwear. All solid seams and fully legible spine printing. Retains original issue innersleeve.   

Tracklist: