Big Brother & The Holding Company - Cheap Thrills (1968) - SEALED VINYL
$
75
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Description
Exceptional copy of Big Brother & The Holding Company’s definitive psychedelic blues-rock milestone, Cheap Thrills (Columbia Records, KCS 9700, released August 1968).
This specific exemplar provides an ultra-rare hybrid benefit for serious audiophile collectors and variant archivists: the iconic Robert Crumb gatefold jacket is open, allowing for structural inspection, while the vinyl record itself remains 100% factory-sealed inside its original, period-correct clear plastic inner sleeve. The record has never been touched, pulled from its sleeve, or exposed to a turntable stylus since leaving the Columbia pressing plant 58 years ago.
Because the jacket is open, the record labels are fully visible through the transparent poly-sleeve, confirming the historic, unrevised first-state master lacquer matrix codes: XSM-137375 on Side 1 and XSM-137376 on Side 2.
Technical and Pressing Attributes: • First-State Master Lacquers: The XSM prefix designates a Columbia master matrix processed for stereo generation. These early stampers captured the raw, high-gain, uncompressed vocal peaks of Janis Joplin and the fuzzed-out dual-guitar assault of Sam Andrew and James Gurley before subsequent generation tapes softened the dynamics.
• Authentic 1960s Poly-Seal: The vinyl is encased in its original, thick-gauge, non-vented clear plastic inner sleeve. This is a definitive period-correct factory seal, distinct from standard paper sleeves used in later 1970s re-pressings.
• First-Issue Jacket Typography: The rear jacket displays the original structural layout with the correct catalog alignment. The front jacket proudly displays the legendary, uncensored underground comic panel art by Robert Crumb, showcasing dense, saturated ink-blacks and vibrant 1960s primary color gradients.
CONDITION GRADING:
Vinyl Condition: MINT (M). The disc is pristine and completely unplayed. Through the transparent factory sleeve, the vinyl displays its original high-gloss luster with zero dust contamination, paper scuffs, handling marks, or spindle trails. The paper labels are flawless with no foxing, fading, or center-hole wear.
Jacket Condition: Very Good (VG) . Solid, thick cardboard sleeve, structurally sound with crisp edges, moderate shelf wear on the spine, front edge and corners. Sturdy, heavyweight cardboard gatefold sleeve featuring extensive liner notes and vintage photos inside. Graphic print is bright with tight seams and no splitting.
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