BLACK SABBATH "MASTER OF REALITY" MISPRINT LABEL (VG++/EX play) with POSTER

$

125

True original issue - the very 1st of 3 variations of the green WB label releases for this classic Sabbath album from 1971 with LP labels sporting a misprint album title and listing additional non-existent tracks (supposedly a joke played on Warner Bros Record Company execs by the band - WB issued two additional green labels to finally get it correct).

PLAYTESTED!!!!! NO RELIANCE ON VISUAL APPEARANCE TO GUESS HOW IT SOUNDS - This LP offers a near EXCELLENT LISTENING EXPERIENCE - plays LOUD.  VIRTUALLY HISS FREE/CRACKLE FREE SOUNDSTAGE ON THIS - ALL RUN-OFFS FROM ONE TRACK TO NEXT ARE SILENT.  The only thing keeping this from a near PERFECT play are a couple random and mostly insignificant (low audible) pops/ticks on each side with exception of "Solitude" that suffers in a couple sections (not all the way thru) from repeating clicks from a scratch.  Track by track play quality is detailed below.

This LP has been cleaned using a special process to remove the dust and debris that has nestled deep in grooves over the decades.  Vinyl surface reflects normal mars (scuffs) and hairlines on both sides given age - probably VG to VG+ in appearance, while the labels appear very fine to near mint in condition.

Album jacket (VG) is the correct embossed version (high relief) with fair amount of sheen.   No real discernable album ring impression and no scuffing to finish, particularly to embossed album title.  No significant edge stress lines/creases present.  No seam splits along either the top or bottom edges.  Spine is tight and square with limited wear/color breaks - pretty nice overall with band name and album title completely readable.   Comes with original and correct WB inner sleeve in near mint condition - no splits or tears.

Poster is original vintage and is in absolutely MINT condition - I would say it has never been displayed.  Bright colors - no fading.  Fold lines have no color breaks, corners are sharp and edges are perfect with no creases, rips, pin holes or tape residue.

This quality package is clearly a collector's item.


Side 1:

Sweet Leaf:  plays EXC.  Begins nicely - quiet soundstage before coughing is heard.  Random pop that is mostly obscured by music is heard about a minute in (3 on scale of 10).  Couple repeating pops at conclusion leading into next track - nothing serious.

After Forever:  plays EXC, couple very minor snaps at beginning otherwise plays with no issues.  Break in middle where OZZIE's vocals take center stage plays perfectly.  Lead break plays perfectly as well.  Finishes nicely with a couple pops before sound completely fades.

Embryo:  plays EXC with quiet soundstage throughout - lead in is quiet, one pop heard as it concludes drifting into "Children"

Children of the Grave:  plays EXC throughout, LOUD!  Concludes very nicely with a virtually silent soundstage so you hear nothing but howling wind and Ozzie's voice over - there's just a very slight and short lived crackle heard as howling of wind begins.

Side 2:

Orchid: plays VG++ to EXC with nice quiet soundstage, a couple slightly audible ticks are heard early during 1st minute of play and then again during last half .  The track finishes off quietly as it leads into following track

Lord of this World:  plays near EXC, no hiss on soundstage, may have heard a couple pops - hard to discern due to loudness of music on track.  Finishes in complete silence as Solitude starts.

Solitude:  plays VG-, starting off in near perfect silence, the 1st third of track plays fairly nice with a few random ticks (some repeaters) that are lower on audible scale.  The last two-thirds of the song plays with a couple spots where you encounter repeating pops/ticks (due nicks and/or scratches) that persist about 4 rotations and are somewhat detracting from music (4 to 6 on scale of 10).  These pops/ticks are not constant, but intermittent in nature with portions of track sounding perfectly fine (EXC).  Track finishes off with some repeating lower audible pops/ticks.

Into the Void:  starts cleanly and plays EXC overall.