FREE Tons of Sobs RARER Textured Pink Rim Island UK LP

	£		47
	$		62

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options – NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment.

Artist or Band: FREE

Album Title: Tons of Sobs.

Producer(s): Guy Evans.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Over the Green Hills Pt I; Worry; Walk in My Shadow; Wild Indian Woman; Goin’ Down Slow.

Side 2: I’m a Mover; The Hunter; Moonshine; Sweet Tooth; Over the Green Hills Pt II.

Label, Format & Conditions: Island – Pink rim format with rough textured finish (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions & Info: Both very clean, fresh and attractive with spindle marks on the lighter side of moderate. These labels look superb and I regard them at least as rare as the three pink versions that preceeded it. An album that has made an appearance on just about every Island format as the constant change up to the pink rim version was regular. These super-heavyweight ultimate first pink rim pressings with the heavy textured labels and deeply punched matrixes are highly elusive, collectable and usually offer the best possible sound. They have matrixes very similar to the very first orange eyeball pressings and only a small number of these textured pink rims were even issued. Be aware, not all Island records that featured on the pink rim format were pressed textured or at this phenomenal weight. I consider these very special copies and Island connoisseurs seem to seek these ones out. Although this one has some surface marks and has been played a few times, it offers fantastic sound with very little unwanted, and unusually, offers a really clean, little worn cover too.

Cat Number: ILPS 9089.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 164 grams. Way above the average for a pink rim record, but more typical of the few textured originals that were issued in small numbers. A real heavyweight that will be immediately apparent when held.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: The first pressing with the orange eyeball logo on the pink label is rare, I consider this first pink rim with the textured labels and same style matrixes to be equally so. Being honest, I have seen and had far more first pressings than this rare heavyweight pink rim. Pressed in very small numbers before the more familiar, lighter smooth pink rim replaced it. With only relatively few albums ever issued on the textured pink rim label, these have now become highly sort-after and collectable to the specialist label and Island collector.

Original Year of Release: 1969. This would have been pressed in 1970

Matrix Nos: ILPS+9089+A2 / ILPS+9089+B2 [deeply punched, large Roman style].

Musicians: Paul Rodgers - vocals; Paul Kossoff - lead guitar; Andy Fraser - bass guitar; Simon Kirk - drums.

Brief Info: The debut album from one of the UK’s most respected rock bands. This is probably the only album in their catalogue that can truly be classed as ‘blues-rock’, with quite a few of the songs being slow tempo and fairly dark – even sombre. All the four members were under 20 when this classic set was recorded and although highly-rated this failed to chart in the UK and only just scraping into the top 200 in the US. With such few sales, all the pink Island pressings are elusive, even rare and few survive in decent playing conditions with even fewer with respectable covers that are highly prone to wear. Therefore I am always happy to offer any pressing that delivers quality sound and when included with a clean, little worn cover, that is real bonus. Although it has a fairly raw, not particularly polished production, it still has immense power and detail and this copy sounds fantastic and plays with very little unwanted. This copy is the very first pressing on the then new pink format, and briefly included textured labels and massive weight, thick vinyl. Even the cover was the same being printed by Ernest J. Day, the smooth label pink rims that followed within weeks than changed to Robor with the Island logo changed too. A record with surface marks, but superficial and non-sounding, this plays superbly with all the raw power of the very first pressing. If audio quality, and to a certain degree, rarity, is of more importance that stunning visuals, this more than fits the bill. A rare Island record and make no mistake.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High+, immensely difficult to find in top condition.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(-): a very dark unlaminated gatefold format with matt finish, highly vulnerable to friction rubs, storage damage and most of all, ringwear. This one has the ORIGINAL format and printed Ernest J. Day version. Just slightly later printed copies were printed by Robor.

Cover Front: In term of this unforgiving cover, this has little to fault and shows minimal wear. Most collectors will be more than aware of how difficult this cover is. A pressmark is seen just above right of centre, but only really under light and there are faint rub traces against the internal flipback construction that few will ever escape. A few light surface marks and a couple of tiny half moon type creases, these barely even register and overall, this front sets a high standard and is one of the least worn EJD examples I have seen for ages.

Cover Back: Given all the facts I consider this intolerant back exceptional, rarely have I seen one with such little overall wear or looking better. The odd minor rub trace or surface scuff but the lack of any real penetrating ringwear is very unusual and great news. A little rubbing to the corners is rarely avoided but overall, a very impressive back considering the vast weight of the record inside for over 40 years.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Very nice indeed and with barely anything of note to fault.

Top Edges: Light to light+ patchy rubbing.

Bottom Edges: Barely on the front edge, moderate on the back, folded a fraction off-square, so the bottom back edge is a little proud, hence the uneven wear.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean and sharp with barely any wear and guaranteed untrimmed. Record entered on the back edge.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight, uncompressed, folded a little off-square so the edges a fraction off being flush. A little quite modest rubbing to the ends and the off small rub patch or two. Importantly, all the text is present with any chips to the characters being tiny, few and faint and most all of the graphic is present too.

Corners: Moderate rubbing to all with fine shape retained.

Cover Summary: Most serious collectors will know this cover well enough to know just how intolerant to wear and abuse it is. Ask yourself, when was the last time you saw this at a record fair or even in anyone’s collection that had this little wear? – all the early examples wear badly and is one of the most intolerant Island covers ever issued. With a 164 gram record inside this first printed EJ Day version, it has survived in very fine condition – it has a little wear and a few blemishes – what 41-year-old cover this fragile won’t have? All considered, this is nice and it offers fine visual pleasure. It will please many collectors but not the perfectionist.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(+): aged very faintly with light edge darkening but little else to fault. This is the original plain white, solid unlined inner that pre-dated the blue ones that followed a few months later. A great example with barely any creasing, secure, unrepaired edges and few marks at all.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: VERY GOOD(++): this has some surface marks and mild scuffs but plays beautifully (more on that further down). Clearly played but tough enough with deeper grooves to withstand a few minor marks and abrasions, this has NO penetrating scratches. Clean with a fine sheen, intense black and massively pressed – these textured pink rims are probably the ultimate for pressing quality and even a near mint looker will not better this significantly for sound and detail. Like the cover, not for the visual purist, but those who want the rarer pressings that offer near top quality audio, welll this fits the bill perfectly.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This wonderful record plays a full grade above it’s still fine looks with very little to fault. Very Good, by definition means exactly what it states, ‘Very Good’, NOT trashed or deeply scratched and played into the ground. Based purely on sound, I would grade this EX++ to N/M. This rare pressing offers powerful, sound, with punchy dynamics, it gives a stunning account itself and was a real pleasure to listen to. Any surface sounds registered little, a brief gentle trace on the very delicate first short song, but little thereafter and no pops or clicks were noted and tracking was easy and effortless. The marks are surface only, they cannot be felt or heard and are merely superficial visual blemishes. A top quality Island pressing, and that could not always be taken for granted, this offers a near faultless display of this evergreen classic. Few of the pre-1970 copies will outperform this top-draw pink rim pressing I feel sure. Nothing of any real note spoilt my considerable pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record, the music does the business and the early qualities of this legendary band still shine through. Based on sound, this copy will prove difficult to find better, and a reminder I play-grade on an LP12, still one of the world’s most revealing turnables that many consider to be the best ever made. These massive textured pink rim pressings are special and this failed to disappoint.

End Piece: Be under no illusion about the rarity of this early pink rim copy, all the non-charting Island pinks are scarce this one is fast becoming one of THE most challenging to find – the out-of-touch Price Guides still undervalue such titles. With a highly respectable and still attractive cover and record that plays beautifully, this still very early copy is highly worthy of strong consideration and it merits my high recommendation – for those who simply want to listen to a quality record without the massive expensive of an original, this is it. And truly, I consider this pressing to be possibly the rarest of all.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or prompt payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied. If you cannot pay, DO NOT BID.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £10. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £14. Add £4 per extra LP. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.