JOY DIVISION CLOSER EXCEPTIONAL MINT- 1980 UK FACTORY 1st PRESS A1/B1 OLD BLUE

JOY DIVISION CLOSER EXCEPTIONAL MINT- 1980 UK FACTORY 1st PRESS A1/B1 OLD BLUE

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During that time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet. 

On offer here is a superb MINT- copy of the second studio album by Joy Division titled "Closer", Catalogue Number FACT 25. It's a 1980 UK stereo 1st pressing on the Factory Records label, with a 1st issue Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. single sleeve. It comes complete with the correct credits inner sleeve which is made from thick card. [The record matrix numbers are FACT 25 A-1 and FACT 25 B-1. "OLD BLUE?" is etched in the run-out of Side A. The record is pressed on black vinyl].

The sleeve is in EX condition with just the lightest signs of wear, a few minor creases and a single more pronounced crease across the bottom spine corner. The front and back covers have a few foxing spots, which are caused by the presence of moisture in the air which reacts with traces of iron and copper present in the paper pulp during manufacture. Most of the outer and inner sleeves of Closer seem to be affected by this issue to some degree. The front cover also has a faint rectangular outline in the top right corner where a sticker was previously attached. This has not damaged the surface of the cover in any way. The spine is solid with all text legible. Overall it's a very presentable example. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The top quality mid-weight record is in MINT- condition. It retains its just-pressed shine and rotates evenly on the turntable. Visually there are just a few faint sleeve-removal type surface marks evident under bright light which are only superficial and do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The Factory labels are like new with only a few faint spindle traces each side. There is virtually no wear to the spindle hole. Both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. There are no loud pops, repeat clicks or anything else to spoil the listening pleasure. The sound quality is very dynamic and vibrant with exceptional bass. It's a while since I've listened to a first pressing of Closer and I had forgotten how great they can sound.

The thick card inner sleeve has a few minor foxing spots, but is otherwise in unmarked condition with no significant creases, splits or tears.  
 

Overall this is a lovely first pressing of Joy Division's second studio album which will make a fine addition to any record collection.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example with just a few very light surface marks and virtually no discernible deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50