JETHRO TULL STAND UP UK ISLAND FIRST COMPLETE CLASSIC

	£		94
	$		125

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), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, 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 clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is 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.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: STAND UP

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE VARIANT – This album is a rare treat for me because I consider it to be, in its entirety, one of the best albums of the genre ever made. From the unique cover concept through the superb lyrics, musical accomplishment, production and engineering expertise it flirts with progressive rock perfection; perhaps only challenged in the overall sense by their fifth album ‘Thick As A Brick’. Most examples of this now 40 year old album turn up in relatively poor condition, played to submission on blunt styli in the 60’s and 70’s and invariably with damaged or repaired stand up feature in a dirty, ‘dog-eared’ gatefold – which is anyway vulnerable due to the non-laminated, light base colour – BUT THIS IS A PRESENTABLE, ENJOYABLE AND WOTHWHILE EXAMPLE. It’s not perfect in the technical sense but the gatefold, highly collectable in its own right, is one of the best I have seen for a long time – and the audio, which grades very good plus and better, is totally enjoyable. As I have said it is a superb album but there is also the variant factor; it would be quite feasible to make a considerable collection of the many variants of just this album. This was, after all, one of the most popular progressive rock albums of the late sixties / early seventies, pressed, issued, re-pressed, re-issued to meet enormous demand arising from their rapidly growing, and well deserved, popularity. Consequently there are range of versions with differing matrices, labels and in the case of the earliest first pressings there are even differences in the track times which can seen, as well as heard, by the reduced distance in the vinyl ‘run off’ areas to the extent that the matrices are covered by the labels. This first press of 1969 was on the Island pink label with black & orange ‘eye’ logo, followed in early 1970 by the ‘black block’ logo, then very soon after still in 1970 the pink textured white ‘i’ label variant and next c1971/2, the green Chrysalis label. There were even later variants but these early pressings were issued in gatefolds with the novelty ‘Stand Up’ feature made by E J Day and the earliest examples of the first three had their ‘makers name’ credit in white on the right hand side front / foot of the ‘Stand Up’ section (please see photographs below) the later variants did not have this feature and had a darker brown / yellow tone to the overall ‘waxy’ finish.

COLLECTORS will know that the whole catalogue of early original Island ‘eye’ label albums have earned iconic status over the years and are becoming increasingly hard to find, which adds significantly to the rarity factor in this case.

This is one of the EARLIEST FIRST UK ORIGINAL ISLAND PRESSINGS OF THIS CLASSIC ALBUM HAVING TEXTURED PINK ISLAND LABELS WITH BLACK / ORANGE ‘EYE’ LOGO ON A SUPER-HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL BEARING FIRST MATRICES WHICH  DELIVERS GREAT AUDIO AND IS ALL HOUSED IN A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE UNIQUE ‘E J DAY’ NOVELTY GATEFOLD.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE
• FIRST MATRICES & NO OTHER CODE – CHARACTERISTIC OF FIRST
• SUPER-HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN VERY GOOD PLUS  CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL ISLAND PINK TEXTURED BLACK/ORANGE ‘EYE’ LABELS
• ORIGINAL UK E J DAY ‘STAND UP’ GATEFOLD SIGNED ON FOOT
• ORIGINAL ‘PATENT APPLIED FOR’ FULL PAPER INNER SLEEVE
• A REALLY NICE CLEAN EXAMPLE OF A COLLECTABLE CLASSIC

Artiste(s): JETHRO TULL, who were - Ian Anderson, Martin Lancelot Barre, Glenn Cornick, Clive Bunker

Producers: Ian Anderson & Terry Ellis

Disc Format / Playing Speed: 12” LP & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record labels: ORIGINAL ISLAND PINK TEXTURED LABEL WITH BLACK / ORANGE ‘EYE’ LOGO AND BLACK TEXT.

Catalogue Number: ILPS-9103

Country of manufacture and first published date:    ENGLAND 1969

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     ILPS 9103 A

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     ILPS 9103 B

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper codes side 1:    none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper codes side 2:    none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 1:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 2:  none visible

The absence of mother / stamper codes or any other markings in the vinyl ‘run-off’ is a characteristic of the earliest first pressings of this vinyl.

N.B. Please note that all matrices, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method next to them.

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: A NEW DAY YESTERDAY / JEFFEREY GOES TO LEICESTER SQUARE / BOUREE / BACK TO THE FAMILY / LOOK INTO THE SUN / SIDE 2: NOTHING IS EASY / FAT MAN / WE USED TO KNOW / REASONS FOR WAITING / FOR A THOUSAND MOTHERS

My opinion & summary of condition: Their second album and for me their best, although I think it has to be said that they did not make a bad one and there are several in their body of work which figure prominently in my list of all time favourites. All of the contributors to Jethro Tull through the years are remarkable artists and musicians deserving of high accolade but none more so than the inimitable Ian Anderson - a consummate entertainer, a man with matchless flair, talent and ingenuity; and not least a ‘wicked’ and wonderful sense of humour. I had the pleasure to see the band in their early days performing tracks originally from This Was and later this album, and I have owned a copy from the day it was first released, it gives me a feeling of inspiration and great enjoyment every time I hear it. This particular example is highly desirable and collectable for the reasons I have listed in the leader paragraph, but principally the notable condition of the gatefold and an enjoyably honest audio performance – but not for the audiophile or little used collector. Very much worthwhile adding to any collection – even if you already have an abundance of variants

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side A: VERY GOOD PLUS, a fair amount of superficial surface movement lines and bag marks / rash - not tangible, no significant audio consequence. Slight dulling / haze on the vinyl surface (please read play-grade, below).

Vinyl Visual side B: VERY GOOD PLUS, a fair amount of superficial surface movement lines and bag marks / rash - not tangible, no significant audio consequence. Slight dulling / haze on the vinyl surface (please read play-grade, below).

Label Visual side A: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines and evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side B: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines and evidence of handling but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, misalignment, or slight shrinkage marks / lines on labels caused in original pressing; they are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, the original classic gatefold novelty cover of stiff mid-weight card construction, non-laminated, by E J Day with Stand Up feature fully intact and in excellent working order. The early first issues of the three main variants had the makers ‘signature’ discreetly marked in white on the bottom right corner of the ‘Stand Up’ feature, as this one does, please take a look at the close-up photograph for confirmation. Also, as a matter of interest, the front cover drawing shows Ian Anderson with eleven ‘digits’ on his hands - an extra finger - I’m not sure whether this is a subliminal error by the artist or an intentional tribute to his undoubted skill and dexterity with the flute. There is some minor edge and corner rubbing, but it is almost insignificant. The back is remarkable as this light coloured non-laminated soft paper cover is vulnerable but this one has the minimum of discolouration and marking. The inside spread of the gatefold with Stand Up feature is in almost as new condition. In my experience a comfortably better than excellent example of this 40 year old cover; but please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: EXCELLENT PLUS, and this is an outstanding condition spine for this album because they are usually found dirty, frayed and almost unreadable. THIS ONE IS IN FIRST RATE PHYSICAL SHAPE AS WELL AS BEING CLEAN, CLEAR AND FULLY READABLE (please see photographs).

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD PLUS original plain white paper ‘windowless’ with ‘Patent Applied For’ and ‘Made In England’ in the bottom front left and right corners in small grey printed text, slightly discoloured and lightly creased with age.

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

Vinyl Weight: 168 grammes (an impressive ISLAND super-heavyweight)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: NEAR EXCELLENT

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: VERY GOOD PLUS

Audio Performance: THIS VINYL HAS BEEN WELL PLAYED OVER THE YEARS, BUT IT STILL PLAYS VERY WELL. THERE IS UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND AND OCCASIONAL LIGHT CRACKLE WHERE YOU MIGHT EXPECT TO HEAR IT ON THE NON RECORDED SECTIONS AND QUIETER PASSAGES BUT IT DELIVERS THE AUDIO WITH GREAT CLARITY AND PRESENCE – AND I DID NOT FIND IT INTRUSIVE OR DISTRACTING IN ANY WAY. OVERALL THIS IS A SPLENDID VINYL TO LISTEN TO AND ENJOY. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS -  DYNAMIC AND  SENSATIONAL SOUND FROM A BRILLIANT ALBUM – BUT NOT FOR THE AUDIOPHILE OR THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING THE SELDOM PLAYED EXAMPLE.

Other: The first and one of the rarest variants of this timeless classic with great original features and the capacity to deliver an enjoyably honest audio performance.

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.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.