Budgie : In For The Kill! 1st Press A1 / B1 1st Press 1974

This very collectable first pressing on MCA 'Rainbow' label plays to a sublime standard with no interference.  The clarity and depth of the recording is sensational and may well be the most impressive version I have ever heard.  It qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE first press i.e. no need to buy another as you won't find one with better audio!

The cover is also in lovely condition as is the original inner.

Please wait for the invoice before making payment as the item may have to sent via tracked shipping, conditions below.

MCA // MCF 2546 // A - 1 / B - 1 // RH 2 / AG 2

The audio on S1 is Mint-

The audio on S2 is Mint-

The cover is Near Mint+

The labels are Mint-

The inner sleeve is Near Mint-

Visual grading

At first glance this looks 'as new' it is in fantastic condition!  At second glance even!  It has a jet-black glossy sheen with no marks or scratches and I cannot detect any hairlines either.  This is such a well preserved vinyl and as stated there is still a little vinyl 'flecking' around the S1 spindle hole.  The run out grooves and labels are in superb condition also and there is very little spindle wear.

Play grading  

'In For The Kill' plays with incredible clarity and depth from the first note to the last.  The intro is stunning and there is no decrease in quality as it progresses.  You can tell it was produced by Sabbath's producer as the audio is just so deep and powerful!  A sublime version that grades as Mint the audio is outstanding, the finest version I have ever heard.

The classic 'Crash Course In Brain Surgery' is of the same immaculate standard.  With only a couple of dust ticks on the intro this is as close to audio perfection as is possible.  An absolutely stunning Mint version that 'rocks' out from start to finish.  It also has the depth and definition that only the first pressings have.  What a version!

For such a quiet track 'Wondering What Everyone Knows' plays with remarkable clarity.  There is no 'background' and Mint is again deserved.  This really is audio of the highest calibre.

The quiet intro on 'Zoom Club' plays with such impressive clarity and again has no 'background'.  Once the rhythm section join in the audio is fantastic!  It provides further evidence of a vinyl so well preserved and barely played down the years.  I am delighted to say the more it progresses the more you are impressed but it!  There is one faint tick but apart from that this classic plays with stunning precision and depth.  This may be an overused sentiment of mine but I cannot overstate how incredibly well this plays!  A Mint- version to end the side and what a side!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Hammer And Tongs' is just unbelievable from the word go!  Of course it has such quiet intro and yet it plays beautifully with no interference at all.  It continues to play with unrivalled sonic quality and even the next quieter section is superb with only a handful of barely audible dust ticks.  The audio is 'as new' to the very end and that includes the long fade out.  This is undoubtedly another Mint- track and I can't quite believe what I am hearing!

'Running From My Soul' is of the same impeccable standard.  You know the grade by now :-)

The classic 'Living On Your Own' is as good as you would want it to be!  Having played every second I can categorically say the audio is up there with the best I have ever heard.  It is absolutely STUNNING and it sounds as 'clean' and strong as it did when first released in '73!  The clarity is astonishing.  A Mint- track for certain.

In summary this very first pressing is a FINAL UPGRADE version I can confidently say.  The clarity and definition of the audio is just out of this world and together with a super clean vinyl this has only been played a handful of times.  The audio is outstanding!

The Gatefold

The laminated G&L cover is in superb condition with no obvious shelf wear.  The edges and thin spine are 'as new' with no rubbing and the corners are also in perfect shape.  The opening edge is pristine with no handling wear.  The front cover is so clean with no marking or scratching and the only wear, if you can call it that, are a few small creases next to the opening edge - a common thing anyway.  The back cover is just as clean with some faint creases next to the spine again.  Overall though you could not wish to find a better cover and it has obviously hardly ever been handled down the years.

Inner Sleeve

The original 'Importance Notice' inner has no side splits, barely any creasing and only one small faint mark near the top edge.

The Labels

The MCA 'rainbow' labels are stunning!  They have no marking or writing and very little spindle wear.  A little vinyl 'flecking' can still be seen on the S1 label.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

MCA // MCF 2546 // A - 1 / B - 1 // RH 2 / AG 2

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

Fabulous - like new. Fast dispatch, well packaged. 5* seller. Thank you

100% reliable seller. Fast shipping and great communication. A++++

Everything perfect as usual!! Item in pristine condition and quick delivery!

Top seller! Well packed record and great condition of item.

Fast, safe post, packing & comms. Ebay needs more sellers like this. Thank you.

Fantastic shipping, killer service, amazing seller, buy from him !!

Best seller! A++++ always great collectible items in perfect condition!

Postage & Packaging

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00.

WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.

FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY.  THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.75 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE (Standard)

LPs/12" singles : £9.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £5.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Standard)  

LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £1.95 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £6.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT.  THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!