ROLLING STONES, STICKY FINGERS, 1971 UK COC ORIGINAL

	£		106
	$		140

By the time The Rolling Stones released Sticky Fingers in 1971, there had been a two year gap since their previous studio album. This was the first LP released on the Rolling Stones Label, and expectations were high that Sticky Fingers would be a big seller. Consequently the 1971 album was produced in large numbers. Many of the pressings during that year were of poor quality, the result of over-use of worn mother stampers, which produced sub-standard records badly affected by crackle and pops. The matrix numbers of the 1971 pressings were quite random and can not be relied upon to date the order of the pressing, or indeed the quality of the pressing. I have owned several copies of Sticky Fingers over the years, at least three of which appeared to be in mint condition, with only a handful of plays on quality decks – but were virtually unlistenable due to excessive crackle and pops!!

The copy for auction here is a top quality pressing, pressed with barely any surface sound at all.

Here for auction is a truly exceptional example of the brilliant blues/rock album by THE ROLLING STONES titled “STICKY FINGERS”, Catalogue Number COC 59100. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK PRESSING on the ROLLING STONES RECORDS LABEL, with A4/B4 Matrix Numbers and “T.M.L. Rolling Stones Records” etched in the run-outs of each side. With the ANDY WARHOL DESIGNED ZIP SLEEVE and complete with the PHOTO/CREDITS INSERT.

The single un-laminated zip sleeve, printed and made in England by Gothic Print Finishers, London, is in EX condition (strictly graded) with only the lightest signs of wear and barely any age discoloration. There is only very minor creasing to the flap above the belt buckle and a few impression marks on the back cover caused by the zip on the neighbouring sleeve during the original packaging. The spine (crimped ends) is near perfect with all text clearly legible. You can see from the photos that this is a beautiful example of this iconic sleeve which should please even the most discerning collector.

The record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is visually in EX+/MINT- condition with only a few very light sleeve removal type surface marks evident under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems whatsoever. The yellow RSR labels are unmarked with no obvious spindle traces and barely any wear around the spindle hole. I am confident that the record has not been played very many times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

If you are looking for that elusive top quality pressing of Sticky Fingers with perfect playback – look no further! Both sides play without fault. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. Lead-in and linking grooves play with near silence. The quiet introductions and passages in ‘Wild Horses’, ‘You Gotta Move’, ‘I Got The Blues’, ‘Sister Morphine’ and ‘Moonlight Mile’ all play perfectly. There are no pops or loud clicks, and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). You simply will not find a significantly better-playing original copy of this seminal album - I guarantee it!

The 1st issue card Photo/Credits Insert is unmarked apart from a little foxing.

Complete with the original plain white inner sleeve, with ‘UK PATENT NO. 1,125,555’ printed at the bottom. This is also in EX condition with no splits or tears.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance   

Europe up to £39 value - £9.95

Europe over £39 value - £12.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £39 value - £14.65

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs.

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £39. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.