TES 2

	£		58
	$		77

Welcome friend

LONG LIVE VINYL

Very warm welcome to my online record sale

I am old and have no one to leave my record collection to. 

So I have decided to sell of my collection here for you.

I will slowly be getting through them all.

Regular pressings and collectables of all kinds.

New free poly sleeve & spare inner included.

You will get a full refund if not as described or faulty.

ARE YOU READY TO CHECK OUT THIS RECORD? (I go on a bit)

This vinyl has been visually and playback graded.

Postage Next day by 4pm (once posted) fully insured.

ALBUM 

LED ZEPPELIN

PHYSICAL GRAFFITI

Original first press vinyl with all the correct credentials. Gothic printers mention, wide crease folding insert, die cut card inner, Swan Song address and earliest matrix and stampers. We will take a look at the visual grades and I will be playing back both discs and writing up a running commentary on what I hear.  You can go with the quick grades, but if you want as much info as possible before committing to buy this true classic, then grab a cuppa and read the whole of my listing.  

LABEL: Swan song

YEAR RELEASED: 1976

CATALOGUE NUMBER: SKK 89400

MADE IN: UK

DEAD WAX INFO (matrix?)

A1 . B4 . C1 . D1

GRADES IN SHORT 

SLEEVE -EXCELLENT

PICTURE WINDOW INNER - VERY GOOD

CARD INSERT - VERY GOOD PLUS

PAPER INNER - BOTH ARE EXCELLENT

LABELS - ALL ARE NEAR MINT

VINYL - VG /VG / VG / VG

PLAYBACK GRADES - EX /VG / VG / VG

SEE the end of this listing for a epic playback commentary.

DESCRIPTION

DEEP DIVE

SLEEVE INFO

CONDITION 

& GRADE

TYPE: Wide spine, top loading, die-cut picture window sleeve.

MAKER: GOTHIC PRINTERS AND FINISHERS

STICKER OR STICKER MARKS: No

HANDWRITING: No

RIPS: None

SPLITS: No

RINGWEAR: nope

OPENING: Excellent 

CORNERS: Some rubbing to the tips

FRONT AND BACK - NO RIPS AROUND THE WINDOWS, SOME LIGHT SURFACE MARKS; NOTHING UNTOWARD, CREASE AT THE BACK BOTTOM LEFT CORNER. THERE IS NOT MUCH BAD TO SAY ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THIS WELL PRESERVED OUTER SLEEVE. TO ME IT GRADES EXCELLENT.

MY THOUGHTS: REALLY NICE LOOKING AND CARED FOR. EDGE ESPECIALLY ARE IN GREAT SHAPE WITH BARELY ANY CREASES OR COMPRESSION. 

GRADE

EXCELLENT

EXTRAS

WHITE GLOSSY PAPER

SONG TRACK INNER.

THIS HAS THE WIDER FOLD, RED TEXT, SWAN SONG ADDRESS AND GOTHIC PRINTERS CREDIT. NO RIPS OR TEARS. SOME AGE SPOTS ON THE BACK AND LIGHT MARKS ON THE PRINTED SIDE. NOTHING MAJOR AND I GRADE IT AS VERY GOOD PLUS. 

GRADE: VERY GOOD PLUS. 

INNER SLEEVES

TYPE: PRINTED CARD PICTURE INNERS. 

FEATURES:NOT APPLICABLE

SPLITS: YES, BOTH HAVE 1 - 1.5 INCH SPLITS TO THE EDGE OPPOSITE THE OPENING. 

HANDWRITING:None

ORIGINAL: OF COURSE

GRADE

VERY GOOD

I will provide a plain white inner sleeve for shipping purposes.

LABELS

TYPE: Paper Swan Song labels

SPECIAL: Perimeter text - NO WARNERS

SPINDLE MARKS: HARDLY

CENTRE HOLE: Very little wear

HANDWRITING: None

STICKERS: None

GRADES 

All labels grade near mint

VINYL 

VISUAL GRADE 

FLATNESS:Nice and flat all sides

SHEEN:Nice and glossy all sides

NOTE THIS: I wasn't quite old enough to be buying records when this first came out,  I got this from a collector who had it since release. It has been a well cared and played set. To save me bring this up for every side description I will mention once her now the following. This shop used some kind of record cleaning machine for his vinyl, this process has left fine marks on every side, all in wide circular motions.  They are superficial, I know all sellers give you that line, I cringe at it too, but it is the case here. So they will be the first thing you notice, once you get over that you will be fine. I've never heard them. So let us have a close look for any other marks. 

SIDE A

INITIAL THOUGHTS: Looks good, no major marks to worry about. I can see one long finger nail scuff across tracks 1-3. On The Rover I see a thin fine scratch, doesn't look super hard and I'll keep an ear out for it during playback. A few fine scratches appear here and there, all short, medium. No signs of any track being over played , and I don't see any cuing marks.

FINE SUPERFICIAL MARKS: yes

MODERATE FINE SRATCHES: There are a couple of short more pronounced marks, but no deep scratches

HEAVY SCRATCHES: Nope, none

GRADES 

A = very good

SIDE B

INITIAL THOUGHTS: 

Looks good, no major marks to worry about that catch my eye.Most if not all that I see are those cleaning marks I told you about. 

FINE SUPERFICIAL MARKS:Yes

MODERATE FINE SRATCHES: Not really, maybe a few fine ones. I don't see anything of concern and no deep scratches

HEAVY SCRATCHES:Nope, none

GRADES 

B = VERY GOOD 

SIDE C

FLATNESS:Nice and flat

SHEEN:Nice and glossy 

INITIAL THOUGHTS: Again another well looked after and little played side. It is just these cleaning marks that stop this for being a much higher grade. Still it is a visual thing only. No there significant marks this side.

FINE SUPERFICIAL MARKS: yes

MODERATE FINE SCRATCHES: Not that I can see

HEAVY SCRATCHES: Nope, none

GRADES 

C = VERY GOOD

SIDE D

INITIAL THOUGHTS: 

Much as the other sides. But let's see.

FINE SUPERFICIAL MARKS:Yes. 

MODERATE FINE SRATCHES:There are a couple of short scratches, quiet fine and about 3/4 inch long. One one track one, and one the end of track one into he start of track two. We will listen out for these. Couple of other short fine marks but no deep scratches. On track four, dead centre is a scuff about 4mm long and 2mm wide, we will check this out too. 

HEAVY SCRATCHES:Nope, none

GRADES 

D = VERY GOOD 

AUDIO GRADES

I am going to be making notes here as I listen through both sides. I aim to be as accurate as possible. Focusing mostly on sounds that aren't supposed to be there. So I'm going to make a brew and settle myself down for some musical indulgence of the highest order, from one of the world's greatest bands.

SIDE A

Right just about set. Going to be listening on this through headphones and played on a Thorens 165 turntable, not that that makes that much of a difference, probably means I hear more surface noise than a regular deck. I do mention crackle when it becomes more apparent. It is s given that any album this age will have crackle of some level, but it can vary from quiet to full on, so I will let you know. It is a running commentary as I listen. 

Normal low dust in the silent lead in. Here we go, is that a Clavinet behind the guitar intro? sound tasty. It is a medium volume mix not too boomy, nice reverb ginning a roomy sound. Just heard a one low pop, could be dust. The kick drums sound amazing and are leading the group on this one. Harmonica sounds fine, no breaking up of frequencies or unwanted distortion. TK Grades - Very good Plus

Bit dusty between tracks. And off we start with big drums again. You can feel the bass in the speakers, lovely warm full sound has been captured here. Guitars are clear and sit back in the mix. It is really a drum and bass track at it's core, vocals sit nicely on top, good and clear. It is super heavy in the turn around, descending notes backed by this fat bass, boom!  Grades Excellent But the song itself is awesommmmmme! Such a classic. Plant really goes for it near the end as the track peaks, then fades out on his yeah, yeah, yeahs and Jimmy riffing; great distortion tone, phased and flangetastic.

Crackle between and going on into the start of the songs intro; the effects laden slide. Song pauses for breath , then bang! but where are the drums; Boom! here we go. The kick drum sound big and dirty. Not the loudest sounding mix. It does have that close mic, long mic mix in the recording so hard to place what kind of room you are in. There's been some moderate to low crackle throughout this, think I'll clean off the stylus looks a bit fluffy. Sorted. I think that was the issue. Track sounds louder now too haha, sorry. Aggressive drumming, I'm surprised the snare drum is still in one piece. What a unique drummer. Makes you want to air drum. I'm going to grade this as very good due to crackle hear and there. A great sounding track though.

Final thought for this side. 

I can't complain really at all. No repeating clicks or pops, no jumps. The audio held together throughout and top and bottom end frequencies all remained clear and not breaking up in any way. There is a crackle throughout as can only be expected. But there was only a handful of short sections were is stood out a little more than being in the background. Taking into consideration it's age and how many copies of this are worn out .I'd grade this excellent.

SIDE B

What a classic riff. I can only image  what it was like when folk heard this for the first time, heads exploding, so good. This sound loud and full. Most of the instruments sound close mic'd and working together within that. There are at least two vocal tracks going on and some backing vocals mixed way way back, at the same level as some hand percussion. It's all clear to hear. A little bit of very low crackle. Grades excellent.

What is the keyboard he is using. I keep thinking it is a Clavinova, i think I'm wrong. This is a great marching track, marching of to pillage and loot.Thisi track you would often find over played. This has a little bit of crackle but no signs of being thrashed, thank goodness. Now is he playing a Hammond B3 organ? There is some really interesting stuff going on in the arrangement at this point, all sorts of things going on between guitars and vocals. These guys were too good for their own good hahah. Unsurprising since their band leader was a premo session guy. Bit of crackle more noticed at the end on the last chord as it hangs

Grades Very Good Plus

The legend that is Kashmir, we are not worthy. Here is another track often found suffering from being overplayed. This is sounding large in the headphones. Top end hangs in without breaking up when pushed. Bass end sounds full, not quiet as punchy as in other tracks, just because of the reverb on it really. Even the bass as full as it sounds is taking a little bit of a back seat in the mix, I guess sin order to leave some space for the strings. I'm about mid way through and any crackle that was more at the start has settled down. You can tell the difference between the tracks recorded at by Ron Nevison at Headly Grange to those done by Eddie Kramer. Didn't John Bonham has his drums set up in the great hall with mis at both ends of the room to get that big sound? Some crakle on le outro folks. Grades Very good plus

Thoughts: An enjoyable listen with no significant issues. No skipping or repeating clicks. The audio remained clear and strong through out and I could clearly hear what was going on out front, and in back of the mixes. No unwanted distortion when things get loud. Only the good type of distortion that makes you want to take on the world! There is crackle, it is not a major issue I would not think for most of us. Now if you are really an audiophile and seek cd clarity this is not the copy for you ok. But for the rest foo us regular fans and collectors this is a very decent playing couple of sides. I'm going to grade it as very good plus.

SIDE C

Another brew I feel, Hang on.Ok here we go. A Headly Grange recorded track- In the Light. Slow strings, or synth strings or Theramin? Building slowly, getting a bit too close to sounding like bagpipes for my liking accompanied by some crackle I have to say. Nice double tracked vocals, very loosely synced. Boom! descending heavy riff in your face loud mixed groove. Good clear mix no top or bottom end break up, very punchy. Is that a Hammond? Is that a Theramin? Or just early synths? Sounds like he has changed mic, really warm sounding vocals in this section. It's a Rhodes? You can tell I'm no keyboard player sorry. Keys are sounding great. The bass in this is clear and wide. To my ear it sounds like a mix of a heady Grange , and Kramer recording in it's sensibilities and over all production sound, mixing the best of both worlds perhaps. Grading this as Very good

Crackle in between and noticeable for the first couple of bars as the acoustic guitar fades in, then it goes to the background. Tasty bit of guitar playing, quite simple and dressed with some crystalline sounding effects. All frequencies across the board sounding good. I think I heard a very low muffled pop, not sure. That sounded fine and transports you to the little cottage in Wales this song is named after. Grades excellent minus

Can any song with seaside in it's title ever be any good. I think the dice are just immediately cast with such a decision. To be fair this wouldn't be must most favourite track. Sonically here the recording sounds brilliant especially in the parts where they go at it. Just sounds like a filler track to me. It has its moments though. Sorry Im starting to argue with myself like the old guys on The Muppets. 

Solo guitar strums a melancholic and slightly dystopian pattern. Vocals come in , sound like someone singing under a street lamp on a dark windy night. This isi quite a theatrical styled track  to me. Oh, their was just a tiny guitar section that sounds like it was lifted off Band on the Run. Good clear sounding audio, no break up in the heavy sections. Bass is sounding amazing with added overdrive. They were certainly a special collection of musicians and credit to Jimmy Page and his production skills. That sounded fine, bit of mild crackle grades VERY GOOD PLUS

SIDE D

Last side. Upbeat summer is coming kind of vibe with a good groove. Is John Bonham actually playing disco? Very nearly. This track was done by Andrew Johns, you can tell the difference in technique and taste. This is almost sounding like a transition track, seeing littles bits of the soundscape that would define the band in the coming years. Grades very good

But in case you were thinking they had sold out they remind you with a track reminiscent of their earliest rockers. But alas it is not really the Zep of their youth, they are playing at being that here. I think they are wanting to give their fans what they like, mixed with a bit of the new middle-aged direction. Sonically all is sounding great here. No issues really. Bonham is doing some fine beats. Grades Excellent

Anyone fancy a pint? Why make a two record set with just over one albums worth of great songs? It is sounding like a big loud mix. The raunchy heavy handed piano sounds grand, no breaking up in the audio. Really guys did you need to put this on an album, could've been saved for a family BBQ or lock in down the boozer. Just my opinion, it does have it's moments; like the ending. Grades as excellent. 

"Shall we roll it Jimmy?" Nice acoustic jam. Bit off crackle at the start and in the back as the track rolls out. Sound like mandolin, 6 string guitar, 12 string guitar and now a big imposing kick drum. Did someone order a drummer? The beat sounds like  My Sharona on valium and Guinness. I hear some crackle a couple of bars from the end and during the final part of the outro. Not crazy just a bit more there. Grades Very good

Finishing up with a medium to loud mix. This track although not outstanding in their catalogue, it does contain all the ingredients of the typical Zeppelin sound. A sound that is interchangeable between many their songs. They've taken their standard tricks and techniques and lumped them all together here without really forming them into that something special that the band often provides, and has done more than a few times on this reocord, which is without question a classic. Grades as Excellent

Final thoughts for this side. 

A good listen, no repeating clicks , no jumps, two low pops at different places. Blink and you'd miss them. No loss in the audio quality in the top, middle and low end ranges. A decent side grading Very good plus

Final thoughts

If you have made it this far than I salute you and thank you for your patience in taking the time to read my listing. As the Mighty Zep once said "Ramble on", so I do from time to time. 

This copy turns out to be a pretty decent example. The vinyl sound pretty good after all this time. It is not CD quality or a final upgrade, but for a fan or collector who wants this first pressing to play and enjoy this would be perfect. 

Visually it has marks, but as we found out, none proved to be an issue. If you want pristine vinyl, this copy is not for you. Certainly far from being filler though. 

The cover looks great in spite of its age. No damage to the windows is amazing as they are easy to break. With only minor wear this covers does stand the test of time.

The song track inner and the two original picture inner are great to be coming with this copy intact and in very good condition. 

This copy has those first pressing credentials  that some of you have been looking for. I assume less of these were made but I'm not going to state that as fact because I don't know. 

This is a very collectable album and grading do vary from seller to seller, and it does cost you some good hard cash so you need to get as much info as possible.  I have listened to it and given you the most honest description of what I heard regards unwanted sounds. I wouldn't be comfortable spending my money on an album that hadn't been played and tested. Systems and ears vary so bare that in mind too.

Thanks you very much for stopping by. Take care

GRADING YOUR VINYL

I use the classic U.K Rare Record Guide grading system. Detailed below are their guidelines.

MINT

The LP or single is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items are in perfect condition.

EXCELLENT 

The LP or single shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. Very light marks may be present.The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing but very little.

VERY GOOD

The LP or single has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and an occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover and contents without any major defects.

GOOD

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild to hard scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

POSTING

U.K POSTAGE ONLY

NEXT DAY BY 4PM WILL COST ME 11.15 BUT I CAN ONLY CHARGE £9.50 HERE. THAT'S OK. 

SO A NEXT DAT SERVICE AFTER I POST IT. I AIM TO POST WITHIN A THREE DAY WINDOW AFTER PURCHASE. THE ALBUM WILL BE FULLY INSURED, TRACKED AND SIGNED FOR.