Hum - Downward Is Heavenward - SEALED Vinyl LP Failure

$

103

Thanks for looking at my listing, which is for one of my favorite albums of all time. It is truly a pleasure to be able to offer you a brand new, still sealed copy of Hum's 1998 masterpiece "Downward Is Heavenward" on vinyl. This is the black vinyl first pressing on Martians Go Home Records, and comes with  a poster insert. The details for the LP can be found here, courtesy of All Music Guide:

Having scored their fluke hit with "Stars," Hum hunkered down and created a follow-up album that went nowhere, leading to the band's splintering. An unfortunate result all around, because, arguably, Downward Is Heavenward isn't merely the group's best album, but a lost classic of '90s rock, period. Taking their sense of the epic and the equal but opposite sense of the tender and personal to striking new heights, the quartet finds a remarkable balance throughout between world-shaking arrangements and gentle connection. Opening track "Isle of the Cheetah" sets the tone, Matt Talbott's singing the still center of a just wonderful, huge rock-as-symphonic-burst song. Other individual highlights abound: "Ms. Lazarus," which turns from a tight little post-punk skip into a tempo-shift-arrested rock-out, "Afternoon with the Axolotls," and its amazing balance between Talbott's delivery and skyscrapers of feedback and drums, the squirrelly interaction between the watery guitars and Talbott on the verses of "Dreamboat" before another bomb blast. What's especially nice on Downward Is Heavenward is that, while sounding as detailed and precise as possible, even when completely letting go, there's none of the Brian Wilson fetish that ultimately overdetermined so much end of the millennium rock with indie leanings. No orchestral touches, horns, or the like -- keyboards, yes -- but otherwise the band relies on the traditional rock lineup to come up with its results. Ironically there are a couple of hints of bands inspired by the Beach Boys -- "If You Are to Bloom" has the same feel of 1992-era Boo Radleys -- while in turns pointing the way to the work of 12 Rods. But ultimately, this is Hum as Hum, catalyzing the calmest of singing and delivery via some of the biggest sounding music around. All this and no cheap attempt to rewrite "Stars" either -- Hum, clearly, had something special.

The LP is brand new, still sealed and mint with the exception of a tiny nick from the factory along the top right spine. This is less than a 1/4 " and barely noticeable. You will be thrilled with this excellent copy of this exceptionally rare LP. Please see below for a more detailed explanation of grading.

Please see my other auctions for more records. Win more than one for a combined shipping discount! There is an 8.99 opening bid and no reserve on this auction. Good luck! 

$5.50 in USA for media mail with delivery confirmation for up to 3 LPs.

$7.50 to Canada for this LP, $2 for each additional LP.

$15 to Rest of World for this LP, $3 for each additional LP.

Every LP I sell (unless sealed) is vacuumed on a VPI professional record vacuum, and the LP is placed in a new, poly-lined inner sleeve (all original inner sleeves remain with LP). The jacket is placed in a brand new, resealable poly outer sleeve.

I take great care to package LPs. I use thick cardboard mailers designed for mailing records, with adequate filler pads to keep them from shifting around. However, I cannot be responsible for items lost or damaged in the mail. I can insure your purchase in the US for an additional charge, but I have never heard of a successful claim from the postal service. I can also insure the LP shipping  to outside of the US, but I will have to declare the insurance value on the customs form, which might result in a duty when you receive the item depending on the insured value. All international items sent without insurance will be marked "Gift" with a value of $5-10.

PAYMENT INFO:

I prefer Paypal for immediate payment or within 7 days of the auction's end date, unless prior arrangements are made. I will also accept money orders from the Post Office, but please do not send a cashier's check or any other brand of money order without prior arrangements with me.

RECORD GRADING INFO:

Please keep in mind that all grading is subjective, and I have had many people compliment me that their LP was better than described, so maybe I am too harsh? I would just rather be safe than sorry. Your satisfaction is very important to me. If you see a minus (-) next to a grade, then feel safe knowing that it is just slightly off of that particular grade, but not enough to drop it further down the scale.

Still Sealed (SS)

A brand new, still sealed LP. Never played or opened. A record with this grade could have tiny, insignificant corner bumps or dings, and this will be disclosed in the listing.

Near Mint (NM)

This LP and jacket are like new, with barely any noticeable wear at all. An LP might have a couple of light surface marks on the disc that do not affect play. The jacket is either still in the shrinkwrap or outside, but close to perfect.

Very Good Plus Plus (VG++)

This LP and jacket have minor imperfections, but nothing too serious. There might be a few light creases around the spine (common for european and UK imports) or a small seam split. The corners might have light dings or dents, that could have been there since the LP left the factory (Not all brand new records are perfect).  The jacket could have very minor ringwear on the front or back. The LP itself may have several light sleeve marks, which may cause some audible surface noise during playback, but they're very minor and don't affect enjoyment of the LP. The LP may have a slight warp, which does not affect playback.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

This LP and jacket are in slightly more worn condition. The LP has been played quite a few times, and might have several noticeable sleeve marks or light scratches. It has a fair amount of surface noise during playback, but is still enjoyable and has plenty of life left. The jacket has more noticeable ringwear, creases or corner dings and dents. This LP is fine for the average record buyer, but someone who has to have a perfect copy will want to wait for one in better shape.