THE KINKS Arthur VERY RARE ORIG UK 69 MONO LP + INSERT.

	£		355
	$		470

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Postage: UK £4.25. Europe (including Russia) £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: THE KINKS

Album Title: Arthur (or The Decline and Fall of the British Empire).

Producer(s): Ray Davies.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Victoria; Yes Sir, No Sir; Some Mother’s Son; Drivin’; Brainwashed; Australia.

Side 2: Shangri La; Mr Churchill Says; She’s Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina; Young and Innocent Days; Nothing to Say; Arthur.

Label/Format: Pye – Rare original black and blue MONO format.

Label Conditions: Both clean, fresh and attractive. Spndle marks are moderate and two or three quite long, but reasonably fine with modest visibility with normal viewing. Clearly this has been played a few times but spindle mark numbers are not definitive ways of knowing how many times a record has been played. One play can mean a dozen spindle marks if the owner uses the labels to try to locate the spindle on an old upright loading record player where the spindle was hidden. The more defintive evidence are very clean and little marked playing surfaces and even more so – clean sound – and this copy delivers both. So many classic mono albums seen today are trashed, played to destruction and rendered unlistenable – this lovely original copy is light years away from that – or I simply would not offer it.

Cat Number: NPL 18317.

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 143 grams. A very good solid weight for this, and any record.

Country of Manufacture: England

Rarity & Overview: Rare: using the term correctly. Firstly, this record did not sell well, which even today remains a total mystery. Also by 1969, the mono format had declined as the stereo mode had largely taken over. Most new titles were not even issued in mono, and if they were, they were almost ‘special orders’. Hence a first issue mono copy of this classic album is now a major and highly sort-after rarity. And one further thing: finding this record, in mono especially, that still offers really clean and enjoyable sound, is harder still. For those few who purchased this record from issue day in mono did so for two reasons. First, a mono record was in most-all cases chosen to be played on a mono record player, and the majority of collectors will know what that meant in terms of wear. Second, loyal fans of this legendary band usually played their records to near destruction, and on a mono record player, that usually meant this happened sooner rather than later. So many examples rendered unlistenabled with deep penetrating scratches and invisible groovewear and poor sound. All traits of the mono format I’m afraid. These old machines tracked at vast weights, 10 grams was deemed normal and even then, many added extra weight still so the arm could allow the stacking of singles. It hardly takes an Enstein to realise the horrendous wear inflicted on delicate and complex grooves that carried all that wonderful sound information. Badly aligned, worn inferior sapphire stylus, often chipped, simply stripped the groove walls and now render them unlistenable. So when the geniune rare classics in mono still look and play very impressively and clean, they are the exceptional rather than the rule. Finding this record largely intact with a reasonable cover and insert is difficult enough in it’s own right, let alone with a record that offers lovely sound. One that retains a lovely shine and freshness, forget the moderate spindle marks, simply enjoy the wonderful sound. Like most offered, the cover has issues, but at least is still intact. It is one of the most fragile, flimsy and under-strength cover ever issued. The same format as the classic previous album ‘ Village Green’. Usually when seen, it is in tatters, often with huge tears and often with the laminate peeling or peeled off. Spines shredded with no text at all. Put into context, this is very respectable, the main issue, a moderate diagonal crease on the front bottom right corner area. This is more fully described further down. The superb ‘Victoria’ luyric insert is included, this so often missing or badly damaged. As a considerable bonus for the more discerning collector, the Pull tab above the crown IS fully intact and still reasonably strong. Yes, some creasing to the base but no tears or repairs, and that is very unusual. This iconic insert is in super condition. So a very rare complete mono copy. I am not going to over-hype the cover, it is NOT for the purist or connoisseur collector. But compared to several I have seen (I do not get to see these very often), it is still a very decent one. The record and insert more than compensate however and this rare set still sets a high standard.

Original Year of Release: 1969.

Matrix Nos: NPL 18317 A-1 *T / NPL 18317 B-1 *T. [typically deeply punched and very pronounced Roman type]

Stamper Codes: C 1 / A 1

Brief Artist & Album Info: By 1969 The Kinks had largely fallen from public grace in the UK, a bizarre fact made even more inexplicable as Ray Davies was at the height of creative brilliance. Still receiving high critical acclaim, this album, and the previous masterpiece Village Green Preservation Society failed to capture the imagination of record buyers. Still writing honest pop songs about everyday events no longer appealed to early Kinks fans and both albums flopped with minimal sales. Arthur is a brilliant concept album, it was up against The Who’s Tommy, but neither Davies or Townshend knew about each other’s works. The beautiful (but ultra flimsy) packaging did little to help sales either. Playing this album brings home that fact again of just how could this album fail to do well, every song is a classic, perfect songs performed – well – perfectly. Maybe the album should have been retitled: Arthur, the decline and fall of the one of the greatest popular bands of the 1960s [in sales terms, not quality, they were seldom much better than this]. Rarely ever has there been such an injustice of two albums failing to sell in the quantaties they clearly should have done. Now some 43 years after issue, there are hardly enough vinyl copies to go round for the collectors who ignored this all those years ago and new fans wanting them too. Finding a very clean mono original is a huge achievement these days. This is so elusive that offering examples with cover issues have to be made. The record is lovely with any of the very few light surface marks, offering barely any audio affect at all. The record itself is always of paramount importance, you cannot listen to a cover, and on that basis, this is a strong copy. I do consider the insert impotant, this is an iconic piece with the Queen Victoria graphic and so rare to find this clean with the Pull tab on the top still intact and reasonably strong too. Many fans missing this mini-masterpiece in mono will be happy with this copy if compromise is made to the cover – which in it’s own right, is still very respectable.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High+: just like ‘Village Green’, an immensely flimsy, fragile and delicate cover. Ultra thin, this sags in the middle when held and bends badly if held in one had, this best avoided of course. Many, from day one, were cellotaped for reinforcement of the edges and finding one simply intact is kind of an achievement alone. Many are torn, badly creased with vast laminate issues including peeling, creasing and massive lifts – often severe. Intact spines with all the text present are rare too. This one on offer is far from perfect, but still one of the better ones I have seen for some time.

Cover Grade and Format: VERY GOOD: not too easy putting a grade on this one, opinion can vary and consideration is taking into account of just how delicate this cover is. A gatefold format with front and back laminate. The inside is matt finished and smooth. Storage is via the centrefold, hence this very thin card is prone to all forms of damage and laminate issues. The spine fold always hugely vulnerable when the record is stored or removed. Printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse. Includes the rare original ‘Queen Victoria’ lyric insert and polylined inner sleeve.

Lamination & Front: I often use the term ‘wafer thin’, but in this case, a wafer would be thicker than this ultra thin flimsy card. Laminate has little chance of long-term adhesion on such a fragile foundation. But all considered, this one has survived well and this front still looks quite nice. It has issues, but hardly unusual. The most significant in terms of looks on the entire cover is a diagonal crease across the bottom right corner. Ironically, there are few other creases on the cover, one lesser one near the top left, any others few and very light. The second issue is laminate lifting – many deem it not to be an issue on this cover as it rarely escapes it. Some ‘neat’ lifting on the main crease and two sizeable blisters on the spine – will any not have them? A little crinkle on the top edge and the spine edge towards the bottom is seen quite flat – again no surprise – finding one of these with an erect spine is nigh-on impossible. But a large portion of this one actually still is. The laminate retains shiny and still fresh and clear, so the graphic looks impressive. I state again, this front is little thicker than paper, and given that fact, this front – the one major crease aside – has survived pretty well.

Lamination & Back: The back is really quite impressive, although double the thickness (two pieces of card of course) this is still very flimsy and delicate. The top of the spine has a rub and had a half inch split – again no surprise as inserting or removing the record puts huge stress of this understrength area. So I repaired this are to be best of my ability to stop it getting wider. The laminate again is clear, shiny and fresh and both sides have largely avoided any dulling. A moderately lift is seen (more under light) near the top right corner, normal viewing it shows little. Any marks few and light and hardly any creasing. Any rim impression mild especially given how thick and heavy the record is. So the back has faired generally well and looks nice bare the very top of the spine corner, that is at least now, solid.

Cover Inside: A very impressive inside, the only blemishes of note are the mirror-image creases as mentioned on the front. The small repair to the spine-hinge top went very well here and hardly even notices. Amazingly, the entrance area is undamaged, crisp and solid. The graphic retains superb colour and freshness and the creases apart, will take some beating.

Top Edges: No splits and still quite sharp with any thickening or burring gentle and small. .

Bottom Edges: All very similar to above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: The back folded edge is in superb shape, straight and unsplit at all. The paper-thin front is still quite crisp with any thickening or burring small and few as seen viewed end-on. A little ‘curl’ to the ends as the laminate invariably tries to contract. So few of these will lie dead flat these days.

Spine and Text: Along with ‘Village Green’ contender for one of the most delicate spine ever, not helped by the thinness, the storage area and the weight of the record – all puts huge stress and strain on this single thickness card that is thinner than most made. Against the odds, this is quite nice. Okay, the top had around a half inch split which I have secured as best I could, the evidence is small and only seen from the back near the top corner. So this is now almost as solid as they get, still reasonably straight and mostly still retaining fine shape for most. Compression gently starts around half way down and progresses to the bottom, thus the text – of which most-all being intact and present – is seen from the front nearer the bottom. Just a couple of letter have small clips but so rare to find with so much intact and still quite solid. One of the few of these covers I have actualy seen that retains most-all of it’s laminate. Minus the smallish repair to the top, this is one of the best spines I have seen for one that is usually in shreds.

Corners: The back of the spine top has a repair which is evident, but the corner shape is still neat as are all the others that show surprisingly little wear – and this cover has NO trimming or other enhancements other than my small spine fold repair.

Cover Summary: With all considered, this is a reasonably impressive example – sometimes a little compromise has to be made on the rare ones (and this is a genuine first mono cover) that are not seen often. A near perfect one of these are almost as rare as any ever made, but at least has no major damage and is intact and still looks nice. Not for the perfectionist stating the obvious, but many collectors will enjoy it.

The ‘Victoria’ Lyric Insert: EXCELLENT(++): this is a beauty and in it’s own way, compensates for any cover issues. A large format, shaped lyric sheet that has one manufactured fold. This classic insert often missing altogether and rarely seen with the small Pull tab intact which this IS. Just above the crown has a moderate crease, but untorn with NO repairs. Still very clean, fresh and crisp, one side has the lyrics, the other the wonderful Queen Victoria graphic. This is quite possibly the best one of these I have ever seen and one of the very few with that small tab detail fully intact – very rare as such to say the least.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(–): a plain white polylined heavy-duty inner that had three window circle edge splits which I have repaired. The lining very clear and the circles now neat. A little darkening and crinkle, but all edges unsplit with no repairs needed here. This is UK patented with ‘Foreign Patents Pending’ text. This being the original which I always like to keep if at all possible.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: NEAR EXCELLENT: with just a small few light marks that have no sound. These thick heavyweight Pye records were tough – and they needed to be – and they could withstand the more gentle marks as well any any fine surface ones. There are barely any penetrating scratches here with the more visible marks being still on the surface, thus ignored by modern very fine stylus that get deeper into the grooves. Very clean and retaining an impressive shine with an intense black finish and heavily pressed. None of the usual dulled and grey looking vinyl that has clearly been played a vast number of times, this has survived the era and years far better than most. A lovely vintage record that should please many 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: This rare mono Pye record plays above it’s very fine visual grading with very little, if indeed any to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Minimal traces of any surface sounds, no pops or significant clicks and this is an exceptional clean pressing for a fairly difficult album. Few copies will match or outperform this very clean copy I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played quite modestly (again in context) and has been reasonably well handled. Devoid of those mono noises that often emit from one of the two channels when played on stereo equipment, all the music and vocals are sharp and focused with fine clarity and of course with that punchy and dynamic mono sound. No arm drops or jolts have been inflicted on this one – few mono surfaces will remain totally unscathed, but nothing at all serious here. This could indeed be a significant upgrade for many and will potentially offer this fantastic sound for many years to come if treated with the due respect it deserves. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy could prove difficult to find significantly better and merits strong recommendation.

End Piece: For some reason, Kinks albums when they do show up, are often more played into submission than even Beatles or Stones albums - the reason is obvious, the people who did buy them adored them and justifiably played them a lot, it’s what they were bought for let’s face it. This copy shows only relatively scant evidence of usage, but does have a few light marks. The reality of owning an original mono copy that has generally avoided the perils and abuse the mono era inflicted on less refined equipment is hugely difficult and uncertain. Even clean lookers can disappoint, groovewear and distortion the hidden dangers of the format. This record still sounds lovely with all that detail intact. Not for the perfectionist, but these do not come along often and many, if not most collectors will enjoy it.

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 ask 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’.