PUBLIC IMAGE LTD - PIL Metal Box SCARCE 79 N/M Records.

	£		124
	$		164

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Artist or Band: PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED (PIL)

Album Title: Metal Box

Producer: PIL.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Albatross.

Side 2: Memories; Swanlake.

Side 3: Poptones; Careering.

Side 4: No Birds; Graveyard.

Side 5: The Suit; Bad Baby.

Side 6: Socialist; Chant; Radio 4.

Label/Format: Virgin - Custom PIL format (Please see my label scan - three are red and white, three are black and white).

Label Conditions: All six are immaculate: ultra clean and attractive with only two or three light and faint spindle traces on the entire six labels - yes some have none at all and the original told me he could even be sure if all six sides had even been played. These three records are as close to ‘unplayed’ as you will ever find.

Cat Number: Metal 1.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 45 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 these Records: 116 / 115 / 111 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity & Details: Now getting scarce and elusive and truly hard to find with immaculate records and all the inserts included. Reputedly 60,000 copies were issued in the metal can format and then only available as a standard double album. This initially came with three 45 rpm records, a two piece metal container, four circular paper dividers and a track list/personal insert - this insert is the most elusive part of this set and often tatty, torn or often missing altogether. All pieces in this set are guaranteed ORIGINAL, including the METAL 1 label on the underside of the can tray (visible on my picture). The metal box (or ‘can’) was initially silver when issued but this non-lasting surface sheen was doomed not to last (unless kept in cotton wool) and all tarnish and darken and this is no different. Many get dented and rust badly, this one has NO dents and pretty much avoided rusting apart from some light traces on the lid rims. Some look a total mess these days as oxidation takes a real grip on the surfaces - I guess galvanisation would have cost a fortune, but would have protected this landmark packing far better. Apparently the can did not cost a great deal to produce so metal quality is hardly high and it was never really made to last looking immaculate for too long and just all that surface are well aged.

Original Year of Release: 1979. Reissued as a standard double set in 1980.

Matrix Nos: METAL 1 A 1, B 2, C 1, D 1, E 1, F 2

Brief Artist & Album Info: After the demise of the Sex Pistols, John (Rotton) Lydon formed PIL, more alternative rock than punk - it remains one of the most challenging albums from this era. PIL, a five piece band who were: Lydon; Keith Levene; Jah Wobble; Jeannette Lee and Dave Crowe. This was their second album and what a masterful one it is too. This one came in two formats: a standard double album playing at 33.3 rpm, but the original version was pressed as three 12 inch 45 rpm records and was presented in a real steel tin can, similar to an the old cine film storage box. Apart from the playing speed of the records, the biggest difference lays in the actual sound quality. Having the same tracks spaced out over more sides and playing faster, the six sides have huge groove width which always means massive dynamic range, volume and detail. And little could be further from the truth than on this set, because the sounds embedded in these grooves are truly awesome in the true sense of the word. The grooves are very wide with jagged patterns, this is almost a trackability test and some cheap decks could possibly fail. Jah Wobble plays bass on this line-up and boy does he PLAY bass. The dynamics and sonic power of this recording are earth-shattering, this could easily remove glass from windows or loosen the foundations if played at sufficient volume, I kid you not. Forget artificial bass creating machines and electronic percussion - this is real drum n bass and its subsonic, this can actually hit the lowest depths possible for the human ear to hear. The resonance and power is jaw-dropping good and it will sort out the average stereo system from the real hi-fi systems. Musically at times, this borders on the avant garde and has indie dub rhythms that are captivating, and of course Lydon sings, and he rarely sounded more menacing and convincing - this album is truly brilliant. At times it reminds of the Krautrock bands of the early 70s - Can and Faust spring to mind - and that should be recommendation enough. As stated this came out on the standard LP format as well and it too sounds great, but lacks the real depths of bass and overall sound quality that only the broad-width 45 rpm grooves can offer. This set is getting pretty hard to find now, these records are in fantastic condition. This tin can has aged with some tarnishing and relatively minor oxidising on the lid rim, but is nicely shaped and unbent with a nice snug fitting top. The original sticker is still firmly attached to the underside (please see picture). The four round dividers are included as well as the original small paper insert (again pictured). The records are in superb condition and play to absolute perfection - yes all SIX sides have pristine sound and by far the best and most consistent sound I have ever heard. A few ultra light surface trace marks or hairlines but of NO consequence whatsoever. Incredible massive sound and mix, this is truly a hi-fi workout with stunning sounds and entertainment. With no inherent distortion, if you hear any it might just be your speakers trying to surrender, this could actually remove the cloth or even damage the bass drivers on small units. After playing this set it just makes you wish John back for more of this type of music - he is too much of an entertainer not to be recording - this Metal Box set has to be regarded at one of his greatest ever albums.

Metal ‘Box’ Condition: A subjective EX(-) grading, a bit difficult to grade like a normal cover. As stated, some tarnishing and and small oxidising spots, mainly on the edge rim areas. Neat and clean and free of dents. I have rarely, if ever seen one that looks new these days, I would doubt if this item was ever designed to last forever in ‘as new’ looking shape - for sure if anyone has one like that it is mega rare. Maybe this should have been galvanised? The inside areas are more like the original, of course they were not exposed to the air, light and elements so their longevity was more guranteed. The lid fits beautifully and not all do. Easy fits on and easily lifts off. I would sum this one as saying its probably better than average, most appear looking pretty much like this - some a little better, many far inferior - this is not bad at all really, check out the pictures and judge for yourselves.

Dividers and Insert: The four dividers are neat and generally clean with no tears or crinkles. Minor set-off from the labels and one has two or three fingermarks but just nice to say all four are included. The insert is very clean and undamaged with no grubbiness, tears or significant creasing - a couple of corner semi-creases only. This insert is quite hard to even find now, some copies find this scarce insert missing altogether. I must reitterate again, this is ORIGINAL, not a copy. I consider this insert the rarest part of this set.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EX++ (side 2) to little short of Mint (the rest). Side two has a small surface scuff that has NO sound. Three fantastic records that have that ‘as new’ sheen and lustre. Any other surface trace marks are tiny and faint and given the fact it was stored in any inner sleeves, let alone polylined ones, these surfaces are in fantastic condition. Super clean and shiny, and intense black. Some sides could conceivably have been unplayed and viewing the actual playing surfaces is interesting. The grooves are super-wide and jagged looking more like an audiophile Test record - an abstacle course to test trackability. Such is the complexity of these grooves and their inbuilt sonic sounds, cheaper stylii on budget arms could actually skip and fail to track some songs. This legendary limited album will rarely be found better or like this again.

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 snippetts 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: AWESOME SOUND! - as described earlier - these six sides that will blow you away. My first experience of this album on an LP12 - Naim - B&W combination since the mid-80s. Watch that stylus closely to see it battle to track ‘The Suit’, the bass here plumbs the depths. I don’t think any CD could ever get close to matching the dynamics or definition of this astonishing recording. Even the 33.3 double version lacks the sonic quality of these 45 rpm records and this version is the choice of the audiophile listener. All six sides play to perfection and I noted no crackle, pops, clicks or any distortions or pressing sounds. If ever there was a test for analogue vs digital, it’s here and musically, one of the most exciting albums of its era. Fans of the ‘progressive’ or ‘Krautrock’ genre will revel in this hour’s-worth of audio pyrotechnics and I feel certain it will never be heard better - just hope the winning bidders system is up to the task.

End Piece: More than just a record for the sound connoisseur, this is supreme alternative entertainment. Lydon, Wobble and the rest were inspired on this album, the follow-up Flowers of Romance was sketchy in comparison, but had its moment. This is the first available copy I have had of this album for some considerable time and even now it never fails to amaze me - if you like bass that hits the pits of the stomach, this will truly thrill you, don’t lose this one - unreservedly recommended.

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 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon Samba Moving Coil cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

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 promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: I now offer the fastest possible posting, mostly the very next day after payment is received or within 48 hours maximum. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) 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 TWO thick stiffners for even extra protection. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used for clarity and well as sender label. 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. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but NOT surface mail abroad. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with the total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional extra insurance’ P&P – ALL UK and Russian packets go out non-negotiable Recorded Delivery. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 4,000+ items sold in over 7 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

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 will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & OPTIONS:

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

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: ALL EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (any part); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£39).

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. 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 minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

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 neccessarily 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’.