A.L.Lloyd England and her Folk Songs RARE 60s UK Collector EP Penguin Books EX

	£		15
	$		20

RARE, Original U.K. 1962(?) Collector Records E.P. pressing of Bert Lloyd’s (i.e. A.L.Lloyd’s) ‘England and her Folk Songs - A Selection from the Penguin Book’ containing the tracks ‘The Outlandish Knight’, ‘The Broomfield Hill’, ‘Geordie’ and ‘The Whale-Catchers’ (Catalogue Reference: Collector Records JEB 8).  Bert Lloyd is accompanied by Alf Edwards.  I’m guessing this is from 1962 or 1963 as the sleeve indicates that the recordings were first published in November 1962.  This consists of a relatively thick vinyl pressing (for a British pressing of the period) contained with the original paper inner sleeve which is then contained within a front-laminated, flip-back sleeve (flip-backs top and bottom).  I would guess the vinyl was pressed in the U.K. by an independent press and while it is thick it isn’t of the highest quality (this is often an issue with these Collector pressings).  This actually came from unsold shop stock but I would guess it has been played a couple of times.  I have played-graded sections of this item for the purposes of listing and I would guess that I was the first person to play this item since the mid-60s.

CONDITION: EX+ (VINYL VISUAL) / EX (VINYL PLAYBACK) / EX (SLEEVE): As noted above - This clearly hadn’t been played in decades when I first withdrew it from the sleeve.  While a little dirty and certainly dusty the surfaces really shine and tell you that this obviously hasn’t seen heavy play.  The vinyl has two grades because there are minor pressing flaws which impact playback and visually these flaws aren’t obvious but they are there.  In my experience these are quite common flaws on these Collector EPs which weren’t the highest quality pressings.  There are very minor ‘pin-prick’ marks on the track ‘Geordie’ which can occasionally be heard in the background.  There is a concentration of such ‘pin-prick’ marks near the beginning of the track ‘The Outlandish Knight’ which can be heard in the background for about 25-30 seconds.  These marks aren’t obvious and clearly haven’t been caused by handling and play and have been there since this was pressed.  Generally-speaking the playback here is strong.  Other than the aforementioned pressing flaws there really aren’t any other marks here.  This has really just sat in it’s paper inner sleeve for decades.  I would advise a light clean before play and I would guess this will only improve play-back quality further.  The flip-back sleeve is in fine condition.  The lamination displays a little wear but still retains a certain ‘fresh’ appearance.  The bottom left-hand corner has received a knock which has resulted in creasing in the very corner on the rear.  Each corner displays very minor wear.  The rear has yellowed and displays a dark central ring (which can be seen in the attached images).  This is a fine example for an item which is more than 50 years old now.

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

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