ELVIS COSTELLO RARE ORIG 'HYPE LEAFLET,' LAMINATED 'MY AIM IS TRUE' STIFF LP

	£		172
	$		228

For sale is an original 1977 Elvis Costello debut album, 'My Aim Is True'. This version is an original pressing that comes in the very limited 'Laminated Cover'. Bu, more importantly, this copy has the original 'HELP US HYPE ELVIS' leaflet that was enclosed in the first 1000 copies of the initial pressing.

Anyone who purchased the album at the time of release and found this leaflet inside could send it off to Stiff Records and nominate a friend to receive a free copy of the album. The nominated friend then received their copy. Now, the copy of the album that Stiff sent to the 'nominated' friend had a different 'Hype' leaflet and that leaflet was attached over the picture of Elvis on the front of the sleeve. But, that's another rarity for sale at a later date, so keep watching!!

Clearly, not all of the 'Help Us Hype Elvis' leaflets were completed and sent in to Stiff. So, what you have here is an unused copy! I doubt that there are any records as to how many of these leaflets were completed and returned to Stiff and therefore how many were not returned and may be still out there but, regardless of that, this is an item that rarely comes up for sale and a real treasure for serious collectors.

Both sides have hand etched matrix numbers as follows:

A side matrix:  SEEZ 3 A1  EG   A PORKY PRIME CUT    ELVIS IS KING    

B side matrix:  SEEZ 3 B1  EG   A PORKY PRIME CUT    ON THIS SIDE TOO

CONDITION

Please see extensive photos for more detail.

Record: I would grade the record as VG-. The record has retained its glossy sheen and looks in very good shape with only one more easily visible mark across the first three tracks on side B.(Hard to see in the photo due to reflection off the glossy surface)  On playing the album through, that mark does not interfere with play and there are no jumps or skips on any track on the record.  Apart from that, both sides have some other minor surface marks when viewed under a bright light as this has been played over the years. There is only minor crackle in between some of the tracks and only occasional crackle on the odd quieter section of the odd track. But, over all, it is a very nice play throughout.

Labels: Both labels have spindle mark but are in excellent condition with no tears or writing on them.

Main outer Sleeve:  I would grade the outer sleeve as being in VG- condition. As expected for this 41 year old album the sleeve does show some signs of wear. Eg, on some of the edges, although this is quite minimal. It does have a small tear on the rear of the sleeve near the bottom right corner where it looks like it was pressed against something that punctured it. There is also some minor creasing from handling on the front of the sleeve at the bottom left corner but due to the laminated sleeve is difficult to show in the photo as the lamination reflects the light. The spine has little wear and the Artist/Title etc are perfectly legible. Overall, the cover is in pretty good shape for it's 41 years of age.

Inner Sleeve: Is a black paper stock sleeve that Stiff used in some of their releases at the time. This has expected handling creasing but no splits.

'HELP US HYPE ELVIS' Leaflet: When I first got this album the leaflet was folded inside the sleeve.  I has since flattened it out under heavy books and the fold down the centre is only marginally visible and does not detract from the appearance of the leaflet and I would grade the leaflet as VG++.

The item will be packaged with the record outside of the main sleeve to avoid splitting of the sleeve during transit. Nice low starting price and no reserve to give everyone a shot.  Good luck.

UK POSTAGE & PACKING: Item will be sent 2nd class signed for unless winning bidder requests otherwise prior to making payment. Should you require another service, eg Special Delivery, please message me and wait for invoice before making payment.

2nd CLASS SIGNED FOR £3.95

1st CLASS SIGNED FOR £4.45

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY BY 1PM GUARANTEED £8.60

OVERSEAS BUYERS PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR SHIPPING COSTS TO YOUR COUNTRY.

Please make payment within 2 days of end of auction.  I post out the next working day where possible. Eg, if auction ends Saturday I would post the following Monday. If for some reason I am unable to post next working day I will inform you accordingly so you know when I will be able to post.  It is very rare that I cannot post next working day though. You can collect in person, just let me know if you wish to do this so we can make arrangements.

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Please check out my feedback and bid/buy with confidence.

**Please note that on the "Item Specifics" it states Artist as David Bowie. Apologies for this error, I used a template from a previous listing and forgot to change the artist name to Elvis Costello. Unfortunately, the item specifics are not something that can be revised now.**