VAN MORRISON Astral Weeks A2/B2 2nd PRESS Great COVER & Incredible AUDIO
£
43
$
57
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Description
I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges. However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale. No shipping to Russia currently.
Van Morrison : Astral Weeks A-2 / B-2 2nd Press Green Label
This early second pressing on the green Warner Bros. label plays with stunning audio across both sides and with no interference. There are only a small number of very quiet statics which you expect with vinyl but obviously they are totally non-intrusive. The only 'obvious' background is a little static right at the end of the final track 'Cypress Avenue' on S1 but sonically this album could hardly be any stronger. The clarity, depth and power of the audio is phenomenal and Van Morrison's unique vocal is very much on display here with no distortion. The vinyl is visually stunning also and comes from that collection I purchased recently that was so carefully looked after by the previous owner. I hadn't heard this album for many years and I had forgotten just how good it was! And it's rare to find one as clean and 'fresh' as this.
The cover is in excellent condition with only a little laminate wear on the front but in a way it's the back that really stands out. Yes there is one small scuff but just look at how clean it is! It is stunning. The original inner sleeve is in great shape also with no real wear.
This is known as a second transitional press with the green Warner Bros. labels and has no 'Distributed by Pye Records...' in the second box on the back cover.
WS 1768 // A-2 *T STEREO K46024 A2T // B-2 *T K46024 B2T
The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T2 Near Mint / T4 end section Near Mint-)
The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T2 ranges between Near Mint & Mint-) The cover is a very strong Ex-
The green Warner labels are Mint
The original inner sleeve is Ex+
Visual description
The vinyl is in superb condition and still has a lovely glossy sheen with no marks or scratches. Under a strong bright light I can only find a very small number of faint hairlines and there is nothing that stands out. Under 'normal' lighting it looks brand new! There is no groove or surface wear and the green Warner Bros. labels are indeed 'as new' with no marking and no spindle wear.
Play grading
The lead in on S1 has no background so you are expecting good things of 'Astral Weeks' and it does not disappoint! The intro is perfect and Van Morrison's opening vocal section has no intrusion either, not even a dust tick. From then onwards it plays with a clarity and warmth that is second to none. It could not play with any greater precision and even the quieter end section plays beautifully with zero background. Morrison may not have liked the addition of strings but sonically this is superb from start to finish. Mint-
The gentle intro on 'Beside You' plays with sublime clarity, there are only a small number of very quiet statics, and the opening vocal is faultless. It proceeds in much the same way - no interference and only a handful of minor statics, no clicks or pops anywhere. His unique vocal style is very much in evidence here and on the higher register there is no distortion. I will say Near Mint although some would argue that is under-graded I'm sure.
'Sweet Thing' again defies the age of the album and plays with exceptional quality throughout. The clarity and warmth of the audio is so impressive and again there is no background. Another Mint- track.
The quiet intro on 'Cyprus Avenue' is stunning and the opening vocal section is more or less equal to that with only one very quiet static. It continues to impress - there are no clicks or pops, no interference at all. Morrison's vocal is raw and strong and the musical backing could not play any better. There is just a minimal amount of light static at the end so I will grade this section as Near Mint- but the preceding audio is definitely Mint-
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The acoustic intro on 'Young Lovers Do' is 'as new' and the opening vocal section is the same. There's a lot 'going on' with this track and yet the audio separation is hugely impressive, the original sonic quality is still very much in evidence. A powerful track also and there is no distortion on the top end. Mint- The very quiet intro on 'Madame George' plays beautifully with only a handful of barely audible statics. The first vocal has a small number of statics also but I am pains to point out they are very much in the background and totally non-intrusive. They are not ticks let alone clicks! The clarity of sound is stunning and as it progresses the playback is even cleaner i.e. with no background at all. In actual fact the more I play it the more I appreciate just how STUNNING this version is. A handful of minor statics prior to the quieter section towards the end and then this 'low key' passage plays with incredible clarity. The closing vocal section and fade out play with sublime quality and overall this classic ranges between Near Mint and Mint- it is a superb version.
Another long track in 'Ballerina' and it plays with sensational audio throughout, I just cannot fault it. As per the previous track the musical accompaniment is stunning but of course it's Morrison's vocal that leads the way. Powerful and raw here it is unique and again there is literally no distortion. Every vocal and instrumental play with such precision and again Mint- is richly deserved. Not sure about the minus truth be told!
'Slim Slow Slider' ends the fine with superlative audio once more. From start to finish there is no interference - a small number of insignificant statics but as always I only mention them to be 100% 'complete' with my grading. They are so so quiet and the actual clarity and warmth of the audio is phenomenal. The percussive end section and fade out have no intrusion either. Mint- is fair and wow what an album!
The Cover & Inner Sleeve
The cover is in excellent condition with only minimal wear. The edges have no marking and the thin pinched spine is near perfect with only very light wear on the corners. The right hand corners have barely any wear and the opening edge is so clean also. The laminated front cover has no marking but you can see a little laminate 'lift' and creasing in the two left corners and a laminate crease line next to the spine. One edge crease by the spine also. Aside from that though it is in lovely condition. The back cover at first glance is stunning - it isn't laminated of course and is so white and yet it remains so clean with no real marking. The only 'issue' is one small surface scuff near the top right corner. The flipbacks are in fantastic condition also with barely any staining on the edges and they remain 100% attached to the cover. A very strong example overall and you won't find many cleaner back covers than this!
The original plain white die-cut inner sleeve with hardly any marking and no side splits or tears. Very little creasing also.
Play tested on my Rega P2 Turntable / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers
This record has been professionally cleaned on my Pro-Ject VC-S machine
WS 1768 // A-2 *T STEREO K46024 A2T // B-2 *T K46024 B2T
I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.
Any questions please feel free to ask
Please pay within 4 days of auction end
Recent Feedback
THIS IS WHAT A SELLER SHOULD BE LIKE ON HIGH END VINYL! Exactly as described if not better ! I could not be a happier customer .. well packed for international flight .. and shipped and received very fast .. No worries here this guy is the topsGREAT AS DESCRIBED BEST SELLR OF ALL THE UK PEOPLE AND I HAVE BOUGHT FROM ALL OF THEM
Beautiful record as described, fast safe delivery, top seller. Cheers Steve.
Another fantastic LP from this seller - condition exactly as shown and the audio as described! Fast delivery, vinyl properly and carefully packed. Very highly recommended A++++
Another stunning LP from this very reliable and helpful seller.
Very quick delivery. Album exactly as described. Excellent packaging. Once again all perfect. Thanks!!!
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Fantastic! Record as Described! Excellent Packaging and Fast Overseas Shipping!
One of the best on Ebay!
Another amazing record from this exceptional seller. Absolutely delighted!
Great seller and great vinyl record, professionally packaged. I’m very satisfied with my purchase and will certainly buy again!
Postage & Packaging
I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping. This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage. The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered. Any over-payment will always be refunded.
The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD). An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known. Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing. Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Many thanks.
All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection. They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection. I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.
The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each. There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up! Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!
UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)
LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item
EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)
LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £2.00 per extra
USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)
LPs/12" singles : £22.95 then £2.50 per extra
REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)
LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra
If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed. If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!
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