David Bowie, The Man Who Sold The World * DRESS COVER * EX+ * UK 1st PRESS *

	£		1,867
	$		2,228

David Bowie - The Man Who Sold The World

I am pleased to present for sale this exceptional copy of David Bowie's third studio album, titled: 'The man Who Sold The World' with the extremely rare and desirable  'Dress Cover'. 

Background:

The Man Who Sold The World was released first in November of 1970 in the US with a cartoon image of a cowboy, supposedly a depiction of John Wayne, on the front cover. Bowie was unhappy with the image and asked for an alternative cover for the UK issue. Posing in what he called a 'man's dress', the image featured Bowie reclining on a chaise longue. Given that the UK only legalised same sex relationships in 1971, the image of an androgynous Bowie was controversial. 

Much like his previous two albums, the initial release by Mercury was not a commercial success in the UK. Some suggest that Mercury did not promote the album as several executives were not happy with the cover image. As a result when the option came for Mercury to renew Bowie's contract they declined. RCA then signed Bowie and subsequently rereleased the album with the much better known, 'Ziggy Stardust' portrait as the front cover. As a result, 

This particular copy is a superb example of a true UK first pressing and would make a fantastic condition to any record collection. 

Album Details:

Serial number: 6338 041

Matrix number: 1Y // 1 420 / 2Y // 1 420

Mother & stamper codes: 1 1 4 / 1 1 1

The matrix numbers inform us that the vinyl is a true UK first pressing. In addition, the vinyl was produced from the first production mother and stamper plates suggesting that the vinyl was one of the very first off the production line. Consequently, the audio reproduction is simply fantastic. Take a listen yourself below. 

The black and white Mercury labels are the second variant in which 'Tony Visconti' is correctly spelt.

As discussed above, the non-laminated sleeve is the first variant manufactured. 

Completing the album is the original 'plastic bags can be dangerous' polythene lined, die-cut inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Vinyl: EXCELLENT +

Labels: EXCELLENT

The labels are bright, clean and without writing. A handful of spindle marks are visible.

Visual: EXCELLENT +

The record retains immaculate deep-gloss playing surfaces which are blemish free in bright daylight. Under the glare of a halogen desk lamp wispy paper hairline marks can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow sheen. Truly fantastic.

Sound Quality: EXCELLENT +

Please use the eBay internet site to enjoy the audio clips. The eBay app does not facilitate playback.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the audio clips, the vinyl sounds stunning. Both lead-ins are quiet. Minimal static can be heard in between tracks. There is great channel separation, superb clarity and exceptional dynamism. Fantastic.

Sleeve: EXCELLENT 

The original sleeve looks superb! Both the front and rear are bright and clean without discolouration. The cover art is vibrant. The spine and all three edges show minor storage wear. The corners are strong but are softened. It would be very difficult to find one in better condition than this.

Inner Sleeves: EXCELLENT 

The original inner sleeve is in great condition.

Additional Details:

Before the audio test was performed the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner (using L'art du Son cleaning solution) and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl is housed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for another extremely rare Bowie record.

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