Budgie : Never Turn Your Back On A Friend 1st Press 2L/1L 1973 (Silver / Black MCA label)

This very collectable first pressing on the original silver & black MCA label is a FINAL UPGRADE ARCHIVE album I am confident in saying.  As detailed below the audio is of a stunning 'high end' standard and I cannot emphasise enough just how well both sides play!

This record has only single stampers on each side (I & C) denoting it as one of the earliest of the first pressings issued.

The gatefold is also in lovely condition and the original inner is very clean with just one minor tear.

MCA // MDKS 8010 // 7-LNMG-277-2L / 7-LNMG-278-1L // I1 & C1

The audio on S1 is Mint-

The audio on S2 is Mint- (track 3 Near Mint but Mint- for the vast majority) 

The cover is Near Mint-

The labels are Mint-

The inner sleeve is Ex

Visual grading

This vinyl is a superb example of a first press.  It has an immaculate mirror-like glossy sheen and you would be forgiven for thinking that it was 'as new' at first glance!  You have to look very closely to find any sleeve removal hairlines and I could only detect a handful of mega faint ones.  There are no marks or scratches and it is patently obvious this record has only ben played a few times at most.  The run out grooves are also super clean and there is only a minimal amount of spindle wear.  What a stunning record!

Play grading  

The classic 'Breadfan' plays with stunning power and depth from the get go.  There is no interference at all and no distortion and it just 'rocks out' with sublime Mint quality audio.  This standard is maintained and even the quiet acoustic section plays with incredible precision - no clicks, pops, static or crackle, just 3/4 mega quiet dust ticks.  The final section brings the track to a close with perfect audio once more.  A fantastic start that easily deserves a Mint- grading.

'Baby Please Don't Go' plays to exactly the same standard.  It is difficult to describe the clarity and definition of the audio here, it is quite simply the strongest and most impressive version of this track I have ever heard and this is a first pressing!  Again there is no distortion on the top end and the 'sound' quality has not been affected in any way i.e. each note plays with perfect definition.  Mint- yet again.

The acoustic 'You Know I'll Always Love You' again plays with remarkable distinction and with no intrusion whatsoever.  A handful of barely audible dust ticks that are not even worthy of mention really!  It plays with stunning precision for such a quiet track.

The percussive intro on 'You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk' is without fault and as Bourge enters the scene there is no decrease in quality.  As if I need to say but every second of this track plays with superb precision.  There is no inner groove distortion which again pays testament to how infrequently this record has been played.  I cannot stress enough just how well this side plays.  It is Mint- from start to finish and minus is only there so as to adhere to RC guidelines!  The fade out is also stunning!  The guitar work on this track is so powerful here and my regular customers will know of my appreciation of a strong bass and Shelly's work here is sublime and provides a perfect accompaniment.  What a side!

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'In The Grip Of A Tyrefitter's Hand' on S2 I am delighted to say is of the same immaculate standard.  No clicks or pops...again!  And no static or crackle either, just stunning depth, power and clarity from beginning to end.

For the quieter tracks to play as well as the fast paced 'rockers' is a rarity on any record let alone one that is 46 years old!  And yet 'Riding My Nightmare' does just that.  It has 'high end' clarity and, you guessed it, no interference of any description.

The classic 'Parents' begins in fine style with incredibly strong guitar work and as the vocal comes the quality continues.  This may sound repetitive now but this track plays with a clarity that is second to none.  The only 'background' was one faint click at the midway point but aside from that this 10 minute epic plays with superlative audio throughout.  This truly is a spectacular end to this stunning first press.  The fade out section could hardly play any better, just a minimal amount of light static at the end.

  In summary this very collectable first pressing is of a standard that is so rarely found today and is unquestionably a FINAL UPGRADE ARCHIVE album.  Clarity is how any record should be judged and the clarity here is nigh on perfect and it is obvious this record has hardly been played during its lifetime.  This judgement is further enhanced by the minimal amount of spindle wear on the labels.  The definition of the sound is just unlike anything I have heard before on a first pressing and any die-hard collector would love to have this in their collection!

The Gatefold

This cover is in superb condition and has been incredibly well preserved since 1973.  The edges have no shelf wear and the wide spine has no wear either it is stunning!  Even the corners have no obvious wear and you have to look very closely to notice a very small crease top right.  There is just very minor rubbing on the bottom right corner on the back cover.  The opening edge has only minimal 'feathering' at the top and looks hardly handled.  The front cover is beautifully clean with only a couple of tiny spots and the back is just as good.  It really does look superb!  The inside of the gatefold is in wonderful condition with only a minor (very minor!) amount of spotting near the bottom edge.  Overall this is a fine example of this cover and the fine artwork has not suffered in any way over the last 46 years.

Inner Sleeve

The original 'Stereo' polylined inner has no side splits and only one small tear on the central 'window'.  There is very little creasing and no age related fading.

The Labels

The silver/black MCA labels are in fantastic condition with no marking and very little spindle wear.S2 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 // MDKS 8010 // 7-LNMG-277-2L / 7-LNMG-278-1L // I1 & C1

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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Postage & Packaging

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