Fruupp : The Prince Of Heaven's Eyes A-1 / B-2 1st Press 1974 + 16 page Booklet

This first pressing plays with superb audio for the vast majority and S1 is 'as new' no exaggeration.  'Seaward Sunset' on S2 does have a little interference at the start but it doesn't last long and the rest of the side plays with stunning quality.  The record itself is very clean apart from a small scuff causing that interference and as per the first pressings it has that translucent deep red colour when held up to the light.

The cover is in superb condition with only very minimal wear and the 16 page booklet which is practically 'as new', never seen better.  Not all first pressings included it so it's good to have it here.  The original inner is also in excellent shape.

DNLH 2 // DNLH 2 A-1∆6 / DNLH'2 B-2∆6

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T2 Ex end section / T3 VG- opening section then Ex+)

The gatefold is Ex++

The 16 page booklet is Mint-

The labels are Near Mint-

The original inner sleeve is Ex+

Visual description

The vinyl is in excellent condition overall and still has a strong glossy sheen.  The vinyl does at first look black in colour but as stated it has a deep red translucent look when held it up to the light.  There are only a small number of faint hairlines and there is that small faint scuff mark on S2 causing the interference as described below.  The Dawn labels are unmarked and have a little spindle wear on S1 and some more on S2.

Play grading

The intro on 'It's All Up Now' starts very quietly and there is no background at all.  As the volume increases the audio is stunning and the quiet piano piece that concludes the intro plays so clearly with only a couple of very quiet statics.  The opening vocal section plays with perfect clarity and it continues to play without any background.  The instrumental towards the end is faultless and the final vocal is just as impressive.  This is definitely a Mint start to the album.

The intro on 'Prince Of Darkness' is 'as new' as is the opening vocal section.  This high end standard is kept up as it progresses with not one tick, click or pops and there is no underlying static either.  The playback is so clean and 'fresh' and I have no hesitation in grading this as Mint also.  The instrumental section just before the final vocal is superb!

'Jaunting Car' plays beautifully with no background of any kind not even a solitary dust tick.  Mint

The powerful intro on 'Annie Austere' is faultless and it continues to play with a sonic quality that is second to none.  The audio is so strong and clear and there is nothing to detract from the audio.  Great clarity and definition from start to finish and it could not play any better.  Mint

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The intro on 'Knowing You' has no intrusion and then the quiet opening vocal plays so clearly with only a hint of barely audible static in the background at the start, it really is so so quiet!  From then on it plays with outstanding clarity and the end instrumental is perfect.  A Mint- version.

'Crystal Brook' plays with stunning quality from the get go.  The powerful intro is flawless and the following quieter section is more or less perfect with only a 3/4 mega quiet statics, you really don't notice them.  The opening vocal has no background and the long instrumental section then plays with superb clarity, depth and warmth.  The next vocal is 'as new' and the end section plays very clearly but you can hear the odd light tick in the background due to that mark and a couple of crackle sounds on the fade out.  This is Mint- for the vast majority and then Ex towards the end.

There is some obvious crackle in the dead wax and then the intro on 'Seaward Sunset' has some crackle once per revolution, intrusive at first but it soon gets quieter.  The opening vocal has only minimal static at the start and then plays so well for the remainder with barely any background.  I will grade the intro as VG- and is Ex+ from that point on.

The entire intro on the epic 'The Perfect Wish' is 'as new' with no intrusion and Houston's opening vocal is equal to that.  It continues to play with imperious quality and you really have to admire the depth and clarity of the audio here.  As the volume decreases the brief silent section is exactly that, totally silent!  The next passage is perfect as is the next vocal and the rest of this 10 minute track plays with stunning precision also.  This is easily a Mint track the sonic quality is amazing!

In summary this first pressing plays to a very high standard with only the opening section on 'Seaward Sunset' having some obvious interference.  However, the rest of the album plays so well and S1 in particular is absolutely stunning.  Not forgetting the first and last track on S2 of course - 'The Perfect Wish' just could not play any better.  A fine example overall.

The Gatefold, 16 Page Booklet & Inner Sleeve

The cover is in superb condition with only minimal wear.  The edges are incredibly clean and the spine is still strong with only a small section of rubbing and hardly any wear on the corners.  The right hand corners are in excellent shape with just a little more rubbing bottom right and the opening edge has next to no handling wear.  The front cover is so clean with just one tiny rub next to the right edge and the back cover is just as clean with only minor creasing of the two left corners.  The inside of the gatefold is immaculate without any marking.  A very strong cover that has retained its original shape and structure also - many would perhaps grade as Near Mint- but I think Ex+ is closer to the mark.

The original booklet is in fantastic condition with only a couple of minor spots on the front and back cover, so close to brand new.  The original inner sleeve is unmarked with no side splits and only minimal creasing.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

The record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

DNLH 2 // DNLH 2 A-1∆6 / DNLH'2 B-2∆6

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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