KING CRIMSON In the Court… RARE TEXTURED ISLAND PINK RIM

	£		147
	$		195

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Postage: UK £4.25. Europe £12. Rest of World £16. ALL signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes.

NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment. I try to keep my P&P prices as low as possible after the very significant Royal Mail price increases and will never compromise on solid, safe packing.

Artist or Band: KING CRIMSON

Album Title: In the Court of the Crimson King

Producer(s): King Crimson.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: 21st Century Schizoid Man; I Talk to the Wind; Epitaph.

Side 2: Moonchild; In the Court of the Crimson King.

Cat Number: ILPS 9111

Label Format: Island – pink rim format with rough textured surfaces and deep inner ring ridge.

Label Conditions & Info: Both look fantastic: ultra clean, fresh and retaining that rich, very deep colour that makes this one of the most attractive of labels. This is another strange variant of this classic prog album. Most standard pink rim pressings have smooth labels and with the A-4U / B-4U matrixes. Most of the heavy pressed textured label pink rim copies I have seen before have had the ILPS+9111+A3 / ILPS 9111+B3 matrixes. This heavyweight copy was neither pressed by Pye or EMI, but Polydor with the A 2 and B 2 like the prized first issues on the pink label. A copy that includes all those very special fine details and extra pronounced Mellotron sounds on the title song that seem muted on the later EMI pressings. Few copies were pressed at all on this textured pink rim format and I have seen few by Polydor at this time. And for good measure, it looks and plays superbly. The cover is simply magnificent and as most will know, it’s equally prone to all forms of wear – this has to be seen for reall to be fully appreciated. Okay, not a first issue, but over time I have found the pink rims were more reliable for better, cleaner sound. The initial runs were not well pressed, that is well-known and so many were played to destruction on old, heavy-tracking, often mono record players. With such complex and intense sound and so many passages of extreme volume and then near silence – these were often written-off very quickly. Personally, I would be more than happy with a still very early pink rim pressing and this one offers very clean sound with little unwanted. A massive ask on one of rock’s most challenging and greatest-ever recordings. Never dismiss a copy like this, the sound totally blew me away with no pressing faults or issues other than the usual odd sporadic tick or gentle crackle trace here or there. ‘Moonchild’ is so quiet and delicate with minimal instrumentation, will any standard copy ever play it totallydevoid of the odd reminder of what you are listening too – an over 40-year-old record? I truly believe this pressing to be one of the rarest ever made and buying one of these initially a pure lottery. This survives closely to as made and will potentially give pleasure indefinitely to any buyer who looks after it with the due care it merits. The pictures do not lie, just look at that incredible cover.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 145 grams. A very impressive weight for this pressing, but these textured pink rims were always special and considerably heavier than the smooth ones that followed.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Original Year of Release: 1969 on the pink i label. This a copy from 1971 or thereabouts.

Matrix Nos: ILPS 9111 A 2 1 4 and ILPS 9111 B // 2 1 5

Musicians: Robert Fripp – guitar; Ian McDonald – reeds, woodwinds, vibes, keyboards, mellotron and vocals; Greg Lake – bass and lead vocals; Michael Giles – drums and percussion. Words written by Pete Sinfield.

Brief Artist & Album Info: Subtitled: ‘Observation by King Crimson’, this was arguably the birth of ‘real’ British progressive rock and rarely, if ever, was this pioneering album ever matched or bettered. Issued back in 1969, this actually charted at 5 in the UK and it’s rarity on the pink label is so often overblown. I truly believe these early textured label pink rim label variants are rarer. An album of musical brilliance, nothing had been heard quite like this before. Even the cover design and artwork was quite radical and visually stunning, it can hardly go unnoticed can it? It was designed and created by Barry Godber, and long overdue I know, I checked out this artist via the Net. A somewhat sad story, it was his only record cover and the man died at the tender age of just 24. His legacy to the world of rock is one of the most famous and visually stunning covers of all-time. It just makes you what other amazing covers he could have produced?

The excellence of the music lay within the band personnel with highly skilled and talented musicians as seen above. Comprising of just five songs, this groundbreaking, and at times ear shattering, rock masterpiece - an album that more than justifies this word - still sounds fresh and is still eagerly searched for as ever. As far as vinyl goes this has to be one of the hardest albums to ever find that plays well throughout, for me, far more significant than ‘rarity’. A record I have had several times on different label variations and most all had varying degrees of surface sound and sometimes even minor pressing flaws – these are far from unusual, especially on the pink pressings that are a minefield. This very early, heavier pressed pink rim copy with the rough surfaces plays through in it’s entirety without any tracking problems or hidden pressing noises of distortions. A roller-coaster ride of extremes, the manically powerful and electrifying opener ‘21st Century Schizoid Man’ – arguably the greatest progressive track ever written – is as loud and thrilling as rock ever gets, and then to the other end of the extreme comes the lengthy ‘Moonchild’ that occupies a large proportion of side two. This is a fragile and delicate track that plays very quietly to almost near silence in places with very sparse instrumentation. All very challenging for any vinyl recording with nowhere to hide even minor blemishes. Delicate acoustics and percussion interplay with gentle clarity and fine stereo imagery, but so testing for pressing and groove-wear quality. Finding an example that plays the loud passages distortion-free and ‘Moonchild’ anything like quiet and noise-free is always a challenge bearing in mind what early copies of this album were likely to have been played on. This copy plays the fragile ‘Moonchild’ beautifully with little unwanted, any crackle traces are very light and modest. The odd mild sporadic tick or crackle trace at the very least has to be expected but here minimal. A very clean record, it retains lovely shine and the lustre of a little handled copy and the cover is simply outstanding with intense colour and genuine freshness.

Even the manic nirvana of ‘Schizoid Man’, which can often sound muddled on less than worthy systems, can be enjoyed with all the instruments sounding individual, not just blended together. The keyboards can be heard separately from the rasping reeds, even on the wild climax, the clarity and detail remain in focus. Greg Lake’s vocals, usually so clear and precise and one of the best of his type ever, are now treated and distorted on ‘Schizoid’, it makes the neck hair stand on end – ‘Cat’s foot, iron claw, neuro surgeons scream for more, at paranoia’s poison door, 21st-Century Schizoid Man!’ – crazed lyrics sung in a totally bizarre voice, this is prog at its blistering best. Sound quality of the highest order and it’s not unique to just this track, all songs are clear and well-balanced with high definition and clarity. That stunning drum crash after the quiet flute passage on the title song (often where the pressing fault lies) is massively solid with terrific slam and when the Mellotron’s kick in soon after it gives the rare tingle factor that only the great recordings ever can. I cannot guarantee CD silence – and never will, if that is demanded, best stick to the digital format (but lose out on one of the truly great vinyl recordings ever made). The number of copies that will play this near impossible track to near silence will be few. I have heard many copies of this record via full pink and pink rim, virtually all have often considerable surface noise with loud clicks or pops, and often accompanied by distortion and pressing rasps that make me cringe - many simply sound awful and I will never offer such rubbish. Often repressings hold an advantage, as they more often avoid the heavy-tracking equipment of yesteryear and some early Island pressings are known to disappoint. This lightly played pink rim copy is totally devoid of distortion and that is hugely important too, Mellotrons and electric saxes and winds do not tolerate over-playing or abuse gladly and all play sharp and focused on this splendid example. As a massive bonus, the cover is in very impressive condition too – look at the pictures, they do not lie – a beautiful cover-protected example that has probably not seen light-of-day for decades. It has an original BIBA sticker on the back that I did not dare even consider removing and little marrs the beauty of the glorious piece of prog artwork. This sets a high standard and could represent the ultimate value-for-money copy in all departments.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(++): a remarkable example of this groundbreaking cover, a grading that simply does not do this amazing example justice. This is a mere whisker of my highest grading of Mint(-) and the temptation to grade as such was almost overwhelming. An unlaminated gatefold format with intense, rich and vibrant colour to the matt, smooth surfaces. Printed and made in England and uncredited, this early repress includes the white inner sleeve, slightly later ones then came with a blue inner. First printed covers had the E. J. Day imprint, this was later changed to Robor. Inbetween ones, as per this, saw the imprint credit removed altogether and are arguably the rarest of the lot.

Cover – Front & Back: Firstly, I almost question my judgement in even putting this up for sale. One of the most famous covers in rock music and this does it very high justice with barely even a hint of wear to either front or back. Any trace of wear are beyond minuscule and this looks almost off-the-press new. Retaining superb rich, almost pastel-like colour and freshness with no grubbiness and any rubbing so light it barely even registers. I have rarely seen one with such intense colour and even viewed with utmost scrutiny under light, there is barely even a hint of a blemish to the immaculate surfaces. Not only that, the ultimate piece-de-resistance, is the total lack of creasing – I am struggling to find anything even worthy of mention. An original BIBA sticker is on the back top right, clearly there from the original retailer and part of it’s history. I would not even consider removing it, but I am sure with skill and nerve, it could be – but I would leave well alone. This is a striking and clean example without even a hint of ring wear and any back rim impression faint beyond belief. This is a cover what will even thrill the most discerning connoisseur collector and quite why I did not grade near mint, I am hardly even sure myself.

Cover Gatefold Inner: WOW! – stunning artwork again – and put as simply as possible – it looks like new. Nothing else to add, just look at the close-up picture.

Top Edges: Both dead straight and virtually unworn, I am asking myself, have I actually ever seen better?

Bottom Edges: Any rub traces are minuscule faint with just one tiny surface chip. These are the normal storage edges, most will be seen heavily rubbed, threadbare and often split. These are little short of as made again.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Both edge are sharp with barely any traces of thickening or burring. These are guaranteed untrimmed and the records enters on the back.

Spine and Text: Absolutely STUNNING with no wear or grubbiness whatsoever. Unlike so many, this has NOT faded, so no light exposure at all. In fact, I can hardly believe how dark and totally unaged or worn this spine surface is – it truly is like new. Solid, dead straight with no compression worthy of mention and folded very square so the edges meet up quite closely together and parallel. The artwork and text has avoided rubbing and even the very ends of the corners are neat and sharp with ALL text pristine perfect, sharp and clear. Again, this has to be seen to believed (please see my close-up pictures of the text that is pristine). And finally on this fragile area, BOTH the folds are totally devoid of wear and retain 100% ink cover – yes true, there is zero rubbing or wear to either top or bottom fold. This is almost unheard off and I guarantee there is NO tipping-in or any enhancement to this cover whatsoever.

Corners: Small tip rubs to the bottom right, but that is about it. All retain better than excellent shape and practically are little short of as made Mint.

Cover Summary: If you want the ultimate example of quite possibly rock’s most famous cover – you WILL want a really top example. LOOK NO FURTHER. This a supremely attractive example of prog’s greatest ever sleeve. With many seen tired, grubby, creased and rubbed and often rife with ring wear, this is one on the other end of the cover spectrum. A real looker and seldom seen with such little overall wear, Especially so to the vulnerable areas such as the back, edges, spine, corners and entrance – it’s these aspects that mean the difference between average to exceptional. This really IS exceptional, and that with what could possibly be one of the raret variant pressings inside as well, this is sure to please most-all collectors.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(++): again, just per the cover, this the merest whisker off my highest Mint(-) grading. Any surface traces are tiny, very few and faint as seen with almost point-blank scrutiny under bright angled light. A beautiful clean visual record with lovely shine, intense black and quite heavily pressed. A record with intricate patterns that indicate to ‘groove readers’, complex sound and varied volume – yes, this is a typical King Crimson record in every respect. As stated above, played little and looking very impressive with two magnificent textured Island labels. This copy should please most-all collectors.

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: The sound on this early-press pink rim is very impressive. My head was constantly turning towards the speakers as details came out that are simply not present on the CD versions. Subtle acoustic guitars over the Mellotrons on the title song, delicate pianos on ‘Epitaph’ and what sounds like harpsichord pieces too. The power on ‘Schizoid Man’ is breathtaking with the saxes really rasping in anger and the simple things like the percussion on ‘Moonchild’ simply rings ‘n’ tings with super clarity. The Mellotron whooshes and the cymbals zing with astonishing resolution. The delicate flute passage on the the title track is beautifully quiet, and quite honestly this copy will match most of the better ones around and better the vast majority. This is a vintage hi-fi masterclass with faultless production and at last a worthy pressing to present it almost majestically. As I always state, I feel no standard copy will ever play without the odd light tick and crackle trace, especially on ‘Moonchild’. This is the definitive vinyl sound and if you have not heard this album via the original format you simply have not heard it for real. This super record plays mostly up to it’s high visual grading and even beyond. Powerful, totally distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear and that’s not putting too finer a point on it - the type of sounds on this album often break up with unwanted echo type distortion. I have outlined pretty much what to expect here on ‘Moonchild’ already – silence is a near impossible ask, but this has little unwanted. Any surface sound is gentle and infrequent, easily tolerable for this sensitive listener, this too being played on ultra sensitive equipment. This example is still over 40 years old don’t forget - I think pure silence is unrealistic for this most difficult record - I am very fussy and nothing spoilt my enjoyment of this clean example. The benefits of the vinyl mix and blistering sound quality far outweigh any tiny extraneous sounds of which there are few. When virtually no sound is present on the record, the stylus has only to hit the tiniest piece of debris or fragment to induce an audible sound, on ‘Moonchild’ there is simply nowhere to hide. Thus my usual professional clean will always benefit, as it will on all records I offer. This copy will prove immensely difficult to find significantly better for audio playback and will match or better most of the first pinks, of that I am certain. This Polydor A2 / B2 pressing I am sure offers the earliest mix and the details present to my ears confirmed it. My LP12 bought an even higher dimension to this groundbreaking release with impressive detail and sonic delivery. I refuse to knock CDs, there is a time and place for both formats and when they are played on a top quality player and through dedicated digital equipment, they also offer impressive sound. But they do lack that ultimate dynamic range and fine details only the vinyl record can offer, again when played with a quality turntable, arm and cartridge. The vinyl record for this powerful, groundbreaking work will never be beaten by the digital format and this copy is hugely worthy.

End Piece: I cannot emphasise enough the beauty of this album and the cover especially is one to enjoy forever. It would look magnificent framed and more than up to the job if desired. These grooves are as clean and wear-free as the get – any copy played so sparingly will always be hard to find. It tracks easily and sounds amazing - even after all these years. I feel totally confident this copy will give any other a strong run for its money. With UK Pink copies variable to say the least and played on heaven knows what, this very pretty pink label copy simply offers great value for money and that cover is simply `STUNNING – seems like a sound choice to me.

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 Terrarium Black 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.

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 8,000+ items sold in over 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 2 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). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please as me first.

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.

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] = £4.25

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £8. (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 [£50 maximum]) = £12 (enhanced 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 [£50 maximum]) = £16 (£17 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced 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: 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’.