Black Sabbath Paranoid Vinyl Record Album LP 1st Press Green Artisan Misprint NM

$

200

Item Description

Black Sabbath – Paranoid (Warner Bros. Records – WS 1887)

Pressing features: 1st Original US Press, 1971, Gatefold, Green Label, Stereo

* MISPRINT: Gatefold inner and outer track listings do not match album label track listings. 'Luke's Wall' and 'Jack the Stripper' omitted from the track listing on the back cover, yet these tracks appear on the label.

* Artisan Sound Recorders mastering (artisan logo visible in deadwax)

Notes: Released in 1970, Paranoid is the breakthrough album for Black Sabbath and a defining moment in the birth of heavy metal. Following their self-titled debut earlier that same year, the band refined their dark, riff-driven sound into something sharper and more immediate, with iconic tracks like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and the title track “Paranoid.” The song “Paranoid” was actually written in just a few minutes as filler to complete the album but became their biggest hit. The album title was intended to be War Pigs, but it was changed last-minute due to concerns about controversy during the Vietnam War. Despite its massive success, the album initially received negative reviews from critics before being recognized as a classic. The album is considered brilliant for combining heavy, ominous themes with unforgettable hooks, helping push metal into the mainstream and influencing generations of bands.

Vinyl Record grade: Near Mint minus (ultra conservative graders may grade at EX)

A beautifully preserved copy with outstanding visual appeal. The vinyl retains a rich, glossy sheen across both sides, with clean, reflective surfaces that present exceptionally well under light. Grooves look sharp and well cared for. Previous owner name on label. 

On close inspection under strong lighting, only the slightest evidence of careful handling can be seen, consistent with a properly maintained record. Nothing stands out visually in normal viewing, and the surfaces remain remarkably attractive and vibrant.

A very strong collector-grade copy that displays wonderfully, with that classic glossy shine and a remarkably fresh appearance.

Cover/Jacket grade: Very Good Plus (VG++), exhibits very slight ring wear (more notecable on back) and normal shelf wear with slightly rounded corners. Spine is strong. No seam splits. Overall, a clean and presentable jacket.

Other contents: missing poster / includes original inner sleeve

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Record will be packed in a plastic outer sleeve with the record placed outside of the album jacket to prevent seam splits and securely sent in a reinforced media mailer with fragile stickers displayed on outside.

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Record Grading Scale (Based on visual inspection)

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed items. 

The record remains unopened in its original shrink. Because the record has never been removed from the sleeve, the vinyl itself cannot be visually inspected. Minor corner dings or shrink wrap tears may be present but will be noted in the listing if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

A nearly perfect record.

The vinyl appears unplayed or played very few times and will show no visible scratches, scuffs, or marks. The surface retains full original gloss. This grade is reserved for exceptional copies from well-maintained collections that have been carefully handled and properly stored.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

An excellent copy with only the most minimal signs of handling. 

The record may show one or two extremely faint surface marks or light hairlines visible only under strong light. These marks are purely superficial and should not affect play. The vinyl still presents beautifully with strong gloss.

Very Good + (VG+)

A well-cared-for record that shows light signs of use.

The vinyl may display several light surface marks, hairlines, or superficial scuffs from handling or sleeve contact. These are generally light and difficult to see without careful inspection. Records in this grade typically play very well with minimal background noise.

Very Good (VG) 

A record that has been played and shows clear signs of use.

The vinyl will show noticeable surface marks, scratches, and general play wear. These marks are easily visible and result in some surface noise, but the record should still play through without skipping.

Good + (G+)

A heavily used but still playable record.

The vinyl will show numerous marks, scratches, and visible wear, including scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Surface noise, pops, and crackle should be expected. Despite cosmetic wear, the record should play through without repeating or skipping unless otherwise noted.

Cover/Jacket Grading Scale

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed albums in original shrink wrap.

Minor shrink tears, corner dings, or storage wear may be present and will be noted if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

An exceptional cover with virtually no visible wear.

The jacket appears almost new, with sharp corners, clean surfaces, and no ring wear, writing, stickers, or seam splits. This grade is used sparingly for outstanding examples.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

A very attractive cover with only minor cosmetic flaws.

The jacket may show very light ring wear, slightly softened corners, or minimal edge wear. A small sticker or faint writing may be present but does not detract from the overall presentation.

Very Good + (VG+)

A clean, solid cover with moderate signs of handling.

Possible flaws include light ring wear, minor edge wear, small creases, sleeve scuffs, or small stickers/writing. The cover remains structurally sound and displays well.

Very Good (VG)

A cover with clear wear but still fully intact.

The jacket may include more noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or creasing. It may also have a drill hole, cut corner, moderate sticker residue, or a small seam split (approximately 1-3 inches). Corners may be rounded from use.

Good + (G+)

A heavily worn cover with significant cosmetic issues.

Common flaws may include major ring wear, large seam splits, heavy edge wear, major sticker damage, writing or doodles, soft or worn spine, or full split seams. The cover remains complete but shows obvious age and wear.