CARPENTERS OFFERING MONARCH PRESS Rare First Cover - Karen and Richard Carpenter

$

60

Carpenters Offering Vinyl (Monarch Pressing). Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS Media Mail.

This record was the debut album of the then-unknown duo, the Carpenters. It was initially released in 1969 with this very rare and slightly unusual cover. The only single that reached the charts was their rendition of Lennon-McCartney’s ‘Ticket to Ride’ which peaked at only #54 on the Charts. The album was deemed a commercial flop and the title was changed to ‘Ticket to Ride’ in 1970 after the success of their album ‘Close to You.’ The cover art was also replaced with an updated photo. The first cover was taken on Highland Avenue North in California. The second cover photo was taken on a boat in Lake Tahoe. Both covers were taken by A&M Record’s lead photographer, Jim McCrary, who also photographed countless other 60s and 70s artists in Hollywood— most notably Carole King for the cover of her album ‘Tapestry.’ He apparently created over 300 album covers under A&M.

This record is highly collectible and valuable, and I hope it goes to a big Carpenters fan and collector that will cherish it.

The record is in good condition for its age and rarity. This particular copy is especially rare because it has the symbol ‘MR’ with a circle around it in the runout (see picture). This symbol is indicative of a Monarch Pressing. Monarch pressings are typically higher quality and sound much better overall than traditional pressings. Monarchs are pressed in a different pressing plant than regular albums. This makes them more rare and more collectible.

There are superficial scratches and scuffs on the record itself, however upon listening, it does not affect the play besides for a slight overall crackle. There are no skips. The cardboard cover has a rip through the bottom, but the plastic sleeve holds the record in place. There is writing in sharpie on the front and back. This record would be good for anybody looking for a collectible Carpenters record, but also someone who just wants to enjoy the music.

I am not a professional grader, but with my experience of this specific record, I have concluded that the cover is in between ‘Fair’ and ‘Worn’ because of the details mentioned, and I would say the vinyl itself is ‘Very Good.’ The cardboard sleeve, again, is fairly beat up but still houses the record, is still readable, and still clearly shows both photos of Karen and Richard.

*Comes cleaned and in a plastic sleeve!

RUNOUT:

Side A: A+M SP4309(RE-1)-15

Side B: A+M SP4310(RE-1)-15

Note: All copies of ‘Offering’ have ‘RE,’ which usually insinuates a reissue, but it is, in fact, a first pressing. This is a Monarch Pressing.

I tried to post as many photos as possible, feel free to email if you need clarification about this record or want to see more pictures.