FREE Tons of Sobs V. RARE Island Pink 1st Press N/M LP

	£		546
	$		723

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Artist or Band: FREE

Album Title: Tons of Sobs.

Producer(s): Guy Evans.

Engineer(s): Andrew Johns.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Over the Green Hills Pt I; Worry; Walk in My Shadow; Wild Indian Woman; Goin’ Down Slow.

Side 2: I’m a Mover; The Hunter; Moonshine; Sweet Tooth; Over the Green Hills Pt II.

Label & Format: Island – Original first-press pink format with orange and black ‘eye’ logo. Both surfaces deeply textured and with deep ridge near the hole.

Label Conditions: I am almost having to pinch myself to believe this pair. Both are in jaw-drop, truly amazing conditions and that is the honest truth. This incredible record could easily pass for new and has, maybe, been played once. Both have the most astonishing pink colour with sublime freshness and stunning good looks. I am struggling to find a spindle mark at all, there may just be the odd trace with the utmost scrutiny but so light as to be of no consequence. The hole rims are pristine mint and this is still a very tight fit on my Linn spindle. A record time has overlooked and forgotten about and this will prove the ultimate upgrade for any any serious collector needing this masterpiece as a first issue. Phew!!!

Cat Number: ILPS 9089.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 151 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Rare as a first pressing and that is again using the word in its true context. Even second or third pressings are scarce enough in their own right but a practically mint copy of this legendary album as a first pressing is a very rare indeed. The Crown Jewels for Free collectors, this quite magnificent record is unlikely to ever be found better than this and on that bold statement, I lay my reputation.

Original Year of Release: 1969.

Matrix Nos: ILPS-9089+A2 / ILPS-9089+B2.

Musicians: Paul Rodgers - vocals; Paul Kossoff - lead guitar; Andy Fraser - bass guitar; Simon Kirk - drums.

Brief Info: The debut album from one of the UK’s most respected rock bands. This is probably the only album in their catalogue that can truly be classed as ‘blues-rock’, with quite a few of the songs being slow tempo and fairly dark and even sombre. All the four members were under 20 when this classic set was recorded and although highly rated this failed to chart in the UK and only just scraping into the top 200 in the US. With such few sales, all the pink Island pressings are elusive, but the very first format pressings are incredibly rare especially in barely played condition. Few survive in decent playing conditions with even respectable covers that are highly wear-prone. Although it has a fairly raw, not particularly polished production, it still has immense power and detail and this copy sounds fantastic and plays with nothing unwanted. As stated above, this record is in astonishing condition. Barely even run-in in vinyl terms and I am certain it has not seen light-of-day for decades. The very challenging cover which was never laminated in the UK, has the least wear I have yet seen, however it has a few blemishes. A smallish price sticker mark has been carefully tipped-in being the most noteworthy. The construction in manufacture is not the most ‘careful’ or precise I have ever seen either with the fold the trim being slightly off-centre, hence the spine text (which for a change is all present), drops from left to right so some is seen on the back. Unusual and clearly as made, this is out-of-my-control and is simply the way is was made. But believe me, any cover issues are massively overshadowed by the stunning record which is unlikely to ever be found better or like this again in a hurry. The ultimate upgrade or keeper copy even for the most discerning collector. This record goes beyond beautiful – in vinyl terms, this is the Holy Grail for Free fans.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High+, nigh-on impossible to find even EX.

Cover Grade and Format: NOT taking into account of the fairly minor manufacture blemish and sticker mark, I happily grade this original cover as EX+ and that is a high grade for one of rock’s most intolerant and unforgiving covers. YOU, the collector decide how much a small sticker mark degrades this very fine example because there is no set rules for this. An unlaminated gatefold cover that was printed and made in England by Ernest J. Day & Co Ltd. Later printings were made by Robor and please be aware of substitutions. This is the genuine guaranteed original.

Cover Front: The sticker pull mark which has been carefully and well tipped-in is the most noteworthy blemish on this still very attractive cover. It’s near the top right corner area but now has only very modest visibility. These cover types were always highly susceptible to sticker damage and often it’s far more apparent and worse than this. This apart, this ruthless, take-no-prisoners cover has little else to fault and will blow most others away. No other significant marks or creasing, clean and fresh and certainly attractive. Devoid of rubbing and ringmarks and even surface marks are ultra light and very few. All considered, this is a very nice example but if the sticker mark is an issue, do not bid.

Cover Back: Superb with little unwanted, but as stated, the spine text can be seen on the back as it has not been folded in manufacture quite squarely. The odd small corner rub just encroaches into view but the lack of creasing and especially ringwear is highly significant (and unusual). Any creases present are ultra fine and faint and barely even register. Both front and back will be hard to find with less overall wear (the sticker mark accepted).

Cover Inner Gatefold: Barely a trace of wear at all, just a small hint of the fold alignment on the bottom left edge near the centre hinge – a mere blemish of course.

Top Edges: A little very light patchy rubbing only.

Bottom Edges: As above but a fraction more. In terms of this one, this little wear is significant as most have considerably more.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with barely any wear and no feathering. Record entered on this right outside back edge, the front edge being totally sealed. The front edge towards the bottom again shows the slight fold blemish.

Spine and Text: Again the spine is exceptional and few will show less wear of which this has little. A very solid, straight, uncompressed spine, folded slightly out of square for the printing, not the card itself’ hence still parallel but the text slopes a fraction on to the cover’s back. Think I have mentioned this enough already. Any rubbing or chips being very few and light.

Corners: All have tip rubs but nothing major and most retain fine shape overall.

Cover Summary: Most serious collectors will know this cover well enough to know just how intolerant to wear and abuse it is. Ask yourself, when was the last time you saw this at a record fair or even in anyone’s collection that had little wear? – all the early examples wear badly and is one of the most intolerant Island covers ever issued. This is certainly one to view and enjoy and not hide away waiting for a better one to come along soon. Okay, it has a small sticker mark, but it’s not sufficiently large or significant to draw the eye’s attention, especially as it’s been carefully improved. With no many originals looking tatty, tired and badly worn, often with deep creasing and ringwear, this is an exceptional example AND original. Beware of Robor covers, that look very much the same, being substituted. Only Ernest J. Day printings are ‘original’. I feel most collectors will enjoy this one if not the absolute perfectionists. Again, if the slightly out-of-register fold or sticker mark is an issue, do not bid.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: Rarely ever been more tempted to grade an original Island album as full Mint. This is an incredible record time has overlooked, and I guess the original did too! With barely a spindle trace or mark to be seen on two immaculate playing surfaces, this grade would not be unjustified. But being hypercritical, I will again say undergraded at Mint(-). I am struggling to find a surface mark at all and with carefull scrutiny, I did just about see a couple of mega-fine hairlines but this is being critical almost beyond stupidity. This astonishing record could easily pass for new and on many occasions years ago I bought brand new records with far more marks than this. This is a stunning visual copy that is super clean, with lovely shine, intense black and heavily pressed. All evidence suggests a barely played record and the audio quality is outstanding with pristine sound. Visually a gorgeous old record that should please all collectors – even the discerning audiophile purists wanting this rare title.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippetts or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This wonderful record plays up to, and even beyond its high visual grading with nothing to fault. Powerful, sound, with punchy dynamics, this record gives perfect audio clarity and was a real pleasure to listen too. No surface sounds or pops or clicks were noted and tracking was easy and effortless. Few of the earliest copies will match or outperform this vintage pressing I feel sure. Finding another quite like this could prove a long wait. Nothing whatsoever spoiled my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record, the music does the business and the early qualities of this legendary band gleam through. Remember, this label format was only available for a few short months before being repressed – how many will survive in this state of non-use I can imagine will be very few indeed. Most that do will be locked away in valuable collections and will rarely be made available for sale. This copy will prove near impossible to find better, and a reminder I play-grade on an LP12–Naim system, still one of the world’s most revealing turntables and amps. Few others will mention what they play their records on.

End Piece: Be under no illusion about the rarity of this first pink format record, all the non-charting Island pinks are scarce this one is fast becoming one of THE most challenging to find – the out-of-touch Price Guides still undervalue such titles. With a still attractive cover and a practically as-made record that plays beautifully, this is a rare opportunity to own this elusive classic. The record especially clearly commands the highest possible recommendation and the cover only a short distance behind. This stunning record will last in my memory for some considerable time and I am as certain as I could ever be, I will never find another one quite like it.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon Samba Moving Coil cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, mostly the very next day after payment is received or within three days maximum (unless on holiday). All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with TWO VERY THICK stiffners for even extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 5,000+ items sold in over 8 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FOUR records per packet. I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included in the advert.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500).

Posting & Packing: ALL EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA including RUSSIA and nearby countries. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £8. (insurance optional extra £3).

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (any part); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £12. (insurance optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.