IDLE RACE THE BIRTHDAY PARTY BLUE LIBERTY RARE ORIGINAL

	£		79
	$		105

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g) through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a comprehensive Returns Policy for added reassurance which is clearly detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

Album / Record Title: THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Rarity: The first of their two Liberty albums and PARTICULARLY RARE to find one with a VINYL in NEAR MINT CONDITION. The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK RECORDING & FIRST ISSUE
• FIRST PRESSING WITH FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS
• HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN NEAR MINT CONDITION
• ORIGINAL TWO TONE BLUE LIBERTY LABELS NEAR MINT
• ORIGINAL GATEFOLD COVER BY MacNeill Press
• NOT TOO MANY PRODUCED AND HARD TO FIND NOW

Artiste(s): IDLE RACE who are, Greg Masters, Jeff Lynne, Dave Pritchard, Roger Spencer

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL TWO TONE BLUE LIBERTY

Catalogue Number: LBS 83132

Country of manufacture and first published date: Made in Gt. BRITAIN 1968

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     LBL 83132  A//1

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     LBL 83132  B//1

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:    none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:    none visible

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: THE SKELETON AND THE ROUNDABOUT / HAPPY BIRTHDAY / THE BIRTHDAY / I LIKE MY TOYS / THE MORNING SUNSHINE / FOLLOW ME FOLLOW / SITTING IN MY TREE / SIDE 2: ON WITH THE SHOW / LUCKY MAN / (DON’T PUT YOUR BOYS IN THE ARMY) MRS. WARD / PIE IN THE SKY / THE LADY WHO SAID SHE COULD FLY / THE END OF THE ROAD

My opinion and summary of condition: May have been a few more of these sold when it was first released than the follow up album which I also have listed for sale, but this is still hard to get hold of especially with a vinyl like this. I’ve written similar on the other listing but just in case you don’t see it I’ll repeat. They were an exceptionally talented group of musicians and writers who were highly regarded within the industry and whose albums achieved wide critical acclaim. However, their professional popularity was not reflected by the broader music buying public and their original albums are consequently RARE. This is the best VINYL of this album I have ever seen or heard. A completely genuine FIRST ISSUE album with FIRST PRESS VINYL, the MATRICES and absence of STAMPER numbers are all significant. Opportunities to buy this album with such IMPRESSIVE CREDENTIALS and VINYL NEAR MINT condition are few and far between. The gatefold is very vulnerable to wear and this one has not escaped but although I am being cautious it probably grades much better than most you will see. An absolute must for any serious collector of IDLE RACE or Liberty issues alike, opportunities like this are very scarce.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual side 1: NEAR MINT, no marks or lines of any consequence, just some superficial, wispy movement lines which are hard to see; glossy black shine.

Vinyl Visual side 2: NEAR MINT, no marks or lines of any consequence, just some superficial, wispy movement lines which are hard to see; glossy black shine.

Label Visual side 1: NEAR MINT, no marks, no tears, no scuffs - almost as new.

Label Visual side 2: NEAR MINT, no marks, no tears, no scuffs - almost as new.

Outer Cover: VERY GOOD+ at least and quite possibly deserves better but surface rubbing, and a tiny tear front top left, make me cautious. A classic gatefold cover Printed and made by MacNeill Press Ltd., London. Slight light, short and superficial surface creases adjacent to the seam at the back edge of the front cover. A few tiny dents on the entry edge, and some light surface chafing where the front face folds into the spine. The gold has rubbed through to the black base in places both front and back which mimics the outer contour of the vinyl - it’s not bad but it is there. The short neat tear I mentioned is 1.5 centimetres and there is no paper missing - it could probably be ‘invisibly’ repaired. The centre spread is near perfect.  Despite the minor flaws this is a brilliant cover.

Spine: VERY GOOD+, square shoulders as they should be there is a fair amount of edge rub wear as you would expect, but the black print text is clean, clear and readable with the exception of the ‘T’ in LIBERTY.

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT, standard white paper with blue printed cautionary notes, antistatic poly-liner, slight age discolouration, some creases, physically excellent.

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 140 grammes (A handsome LIBERTY heavyweight)

Play Grade: NEAR MINT

Audio Performance: IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT TWO OTHER LIBERTY LABEL VINYLS I AM CURRENTLY SELLING IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO PRAISE THIS TOO HIGHLY - THIS COULD BE A NEW VINYL FROM 1969 MERELY TRANSPORTED TO TODAY. THIS IS BRILLIANT, SENSATIONAL AND ALONGSIDE THE AUDIO ELITE. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION, AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL, BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE THIS IS A GREAT VINYL DELIVERY SUPERB SOUND. FROM TIME TO TIME THERE’S LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM VINYL, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND SOME LIGHT CRACKLE BETWEEN TRACKS AND DURING THE QUIETER MOMENTS - BUT IT IS DELIGHTFUL - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL AS IT SHOULD BE - ABSOLUTELY CRYSTAL CLEAR AND BRILLIANT. YOU WILL BE EXTREMELY HARD PRESSED TO FIND ANOTHER ONE AS GOOD AS THIS.

Other: Highly collectible, a superb example - if you don’t buy this one you’ve probably missed the best one you will see or hear  for a long time.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset. there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use ‘Premium Quality 600 Micron Card Mailers’ with ‘Ultra Safe’ double 3.5 cm. wide latex strips across the whole of the mailer which provides excellent adhesion and protection. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.