ANGRY YOUNG THEM Van Morrison 1st UK unboxed Mono Lp M-

$

333

Them (featuring Van Morrison):

“Angry Young Them”

Original UK 1st pressing (1965), unboxed Decca Mono Lp

Decca Label: LK-4700

Matrix Side 1:  ARL-6819-4A

Matrix Side 2:  ARL-6820-4A

Decca Stamper Codes Side 1:  1 C

Decca Stamper Codes Side 2:  1 C

Low opening bid, NO RESERVE!

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One of the greatest R ‘n B albums ever, this is one of the most elusive and difficult original UK Decca Mono 60s albums to locate.  Similar in many respects to the early Rolling Stones and the Animals, but for reasons unknown to me, this album sold very poorly on its initial release.  Regarded by many as an R ‘n B masterpiece, this is one of the most sought after albums of the 1960’s.  An original unboxed Decca mono copy in this kind of condition is high on most collectors’ ‘Want List’, but the nice ones are very few and far between.

(please see condition details below)

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Inner Sleeve Condition

Original 1st issue “HANDLING/PLAYING” poly-lined inner sleeve in fantastic condition with hardly any of the dark yellowing usually seen on these early Decca inner sleeves.  Just one tiny seam split on the left hand side, and NO writing, a “crisp” example.  “Made in England”, “British patent No. 800513” and “Foreign patents pending” wording across the bottom.  Very nice Ex+  (record is stored separately in a new MFSL-type inner sleeve, to protect both the original poly-lined paper inner sleeve and to protect the vinyl)

Cover Condition

This 1st issue “James Upton” laminated cover is in amazing Ex++ to NM condition.  NO seam splits, NO writing, NO edge wear and NO spine wear, the best example of this cover that I have seen.  There is only the lightest impression of a record to be seen when the cover is held at an angle to the light.  The laminate has full gloss, it almost appears “wet” with shine.  Even the corners are straight.  Creasing and “grazing” of the laminate is so common to these covers, but it is almost completely absent here, I can find only 3 short “hairline” creases less than a quarter inch in length near the top and one light “hairline” crease near the spine that is about a half-inch in length, that’s it, nothing more.  The “mouth” or opening is straight and clean with no feathering.  

Even the un-laminated back is in remarkable condition with NO writing, NO yellowing, NO fading, and only a very light beginning of a “ring” mark at the very top and bottom center.  A finer original 1965 example than this one will be a long, long time coming.  Nicer than my 1970 boxed Decca reissue, but those who have seen both covers in person know that the picture used for the reissue is dull and lifeless compared to the photo-quality image on the original 1965 release.  Outstanding condition.

Condition of Record Labels

Side 1 label is bright and clean, no spindle hole wear and only 4 or 5 (hard to tell, one may be overlapping another) very light and short (1 cm or less) spindle marks right near the spindle hole, only visible when the record is held at a particular angle to the light.  Side 2’s label is the same, no spindle hole wear, and only 4 spindle marks, one of which is a longish “loop”.  Beautiful M- deep groove red unboxed Decca mono labels.

Record Condition

This rare Lp plays a strong M- (see details below, this is an extraordinary player).  There are a very few ultra-light and completely non-sounding hairlines on Side 1, and the same for Side 2.  I took one careful play all the way through this evening (7-25-06), it is a real pleasure to offer such a rare and desirable record that plays so well.  There is one small mark on Side 2 that played with a barely perceptible “click” for just 2 revolutions, and that’s it as far as any “clicks” or “pops” are concerned… for the entire record! 

This beautiful record completely retains its mirror-like glossy shine.  It plays superbly with clean intros and outros, silence between tracks (which is practically unheard of for this record), just a remarkable example of this fantastic original UK mono Lp.  Definitely a keeper, the winning bidder will be very happy with this one.  I took the time to individually grade each track below, please see the track listing for details.

Album was stored in a heavy outer plastic protective cover when I purchased it, and has most certainly been stored the same way ever since.

41 years old now…

…and a required album for any fan of Van Morrison and “Them”, a superb and complete example!       

Note:  While not mentioned from song to song in my description below, there is hardly any “surface sound” even between tracks, the vinyl is remarkably “quiet”, a superb player!

Track Listing Side 1

1.  Mystic Eyes  (Morrison)

Clean intro, razor sharp harmonica, clean outro (M-)

2.  If You and I Could Be as Two  (Morrison)

Clean intro, clear and strong all the way through, clean outro (M-)

3.  Little Girl  (Morrison) 

Silent (i.e. “clean”) intro, strong and clear, clean outro (M-)

4.  Just a Little Bit  (Gordon)

Another clean intro, clean outro, nothing but good in between… (M-)

5.  I Gave My Love a Diamond  (Berns, Farrell)

Quiet intro, Van is in the room, clean outro (M-)

6.  Gloria  (Morrison)

Clean intro, crystal clear audio, to hear “Gloria” on original UK vinyl is a treat, another clean outro (M-)

7.  You Just Can't Win  (Morrison)

Superb intro, amazing clarity on the cymbals, strong to the finish line with a clean outro! (M-)

Track Listing Side 2

1.  Go on Home Baby  (Berns, Farrell)

Remarkably quiet into, strong and clear beginning to end, clean outro (M-)

2.  Don't Look Back  (Hooker)

Silent intro, there’s an “airiness” to the high end that is comparatively absent from the mono boxed Decca reissue from 1970 (or the Japanese mono reissue from 1982).  A beautiful, slow track in brilliant crystal clear audio, topped off by a clean outro (M-)

3.  I Like It Like That  (Morrison)

Clean intro, sounded like Eric Burdon for a moment!... Crystal clear, clean outro (M-)

4.  I'm Gonna Dress in Black  (Gillon, Howe)

Clean intro for the organ, strong and clear (and what a song!), clean outro (M-)

5. Bright Lights, Big City  (Reed)

Silent intro, powerful clear audio, clean outro (M-)

6.  My Little Baby  (Berns, Farrell)

Clean, quiet intro, strong (I can’t think of a better word for it) audio, silent outro (M-)

7.  Route 66    

Clean intro, finishing strong, crystal clear and rocking, beautifully quiet outro to bring things to a close… what a listening experience, I can give this rare offering my highest recommendation, you will search long and far to find a better condition example visually of this classic and rare record in Mono on 1965 UK vinyl, and I can’t imagine that there’s a better sounding copy out there.  M-

Please see my OTHER AUCTIONS for more rare classic rock era Lp’s

(including the U.S. stereo release of “Them” on the London/Parrot label)

AMG Review - 4.5 Stars

The debut album by the group, also known as The Angry Young Them, and half its tracks make it a dead-on rival to the Stones' debut album. This reissue features the album's original British configuration ("Just a Little Bit," "I Gave My Love a Diamond," "Bright Lights, Big City," and "My Little Baby" are here; "One Two Brown Eyes" and "Here Comes the Night" are absent). "My Little Baby" was no huge loss, being a pale imitation of "Here Comes the Night," but the omitted "Just a Little Bit" features a Howlin' Wolf/"Spoonful"-style performance by Van Morrison that would have incinerated a lot of American teens. On the other hand, Morrison's soul-shouting performance on the deleted "I Gave My Love a Diamond," appropriated by Bert Berns from the public domain "Cherry Song," would have shocked any folkie familiar with the original. Morrison's "You Just Can't Win" isn't nearly as impressive, but even as a time-filler it isn't half bad. And then there's "Gloria," rock's ultimate '60s sex anthem, and one of the handful of white-authored songs that can just about hold its own against any blues standard you'd care to name.  - by Bruce Eder

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I am now using eBay's "Check Out" service.

Domestic (USA) Packaging:

You will see from my eBay feedback that I package very securely.  Records are removed from jackets to prevent seam-splits, records and covers are placed inside plastic outer protective covers, and "sandwiched" between two cardboard "stiffeners" before being placed inside a "Bags Unlimited" (or equivalent) cardboard record mailer box.  This box is then sealed and placed inside a larger box, and surrounded with crumpled newspaper to prevent movement and for shock absorption.  Double boxed, for your record's protection and safe delivery.  

I have not had any problems with damaged records as a result of my own packaging, but I do recommend Insurance on the more expensive items, I cannot be held responsible for what happens to the package after it leaves my possession.

Priority Shipping to the U.S.

I do not charge a "Handling" fee, Priority shipping calculations will be made using the USPS website  (http://postcalc.usps.gov/) based on your Zip code.

Payment for U.S. Buyers:

Money Orders are preferred (no checks).  Paypal is accepted.  I am trying out eBay's "Check Out" service, but I may contact you directly with a more detailed Invoice (eBay’s message system only allows 500 characters, including spaces).  Insurance is always offered as an option.

International Shipping:

I have made many friends and many new record buying contacts around the world through these auctions, it is my pleasure to make these records available to everyone who loves music and who is interested in purchasing quality record Lp's.  I have plenty of experience safely shipping record Lp's internationally.  Shipping options include Airmail Parcel Post (for those who desire Insurance), and Airmail Letter Post (for those who do not want Insurance).

Payment for International Buyers:

For Buyers from outside the U.S., please use Paypal, and please pay in U.S. dollars. 

From my previous international shipping experience, I understand that some people prefer to go without Insurance and have the package declared as a “gift”.  That's fine, but at your own risk, I cannot be responsible for what happens to the package after it leaves my possession.

Any winning bidder is welcome to combine multiple items to save on shipping.

Thanks very much for looking, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me, I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Scott

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I realize that a lot of people never really check feedback too carefully, but some of us work pretty hard at this.  I always check feedback, and kindly request you do the same… here is a brief sampling for your consideration:


Excellleeennnnt vinyl-expertise in field very helpful too. Thanks!
Buyer   emilg1955  (253)


LP Received as described - many thanks - Highly recommended seller -A++++
Buyer   elvislps  (995)


Excellent item-quality all the way-bid with confidence-Thanks!
Buyer   mcucka  (782)


What a great record! Thanks Scott!
Buyer   patrickjcarroll  (447)


Immediately shipped, proper product representation, total professional!!!!!!
Buyer   soupman219  (35)


really nice contact, superb item, love you, thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buyer   majestiesrequest  (92)


Another great LP from Scott. Smooth transaction. A+++++!!
Buyer   moriarty65  (236)