LEAF HOUND "GROWERS OF MUSHROOM" UK DECCA EX/EX

$

4,300

ARTIST:   LEAF HOUND

TITLE:   GROWERS OF MUSHROOM

FORMAT:   LP 33 1/3

LABEL:   DECCA SKL-R.5094 STEREO (BLUE LABEL WITH SILVER PRINT); ONLY VERSION ISSUED - NO MONO.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:   UNITED KINGDOM

YEAR OF RELEASE: 1971

MATRIX CODE SIDE 1: XZAL-10643.P-1D (Stamped)

MATRIX CODE SIDE 2: XZAL-10644.P-1D (Stamped)

COVER: EXCELLENT - The front cover is laminated and the back cover has a matte finish. The front cover has a slight crease on the right side of the rainbow.  The back cover has some wear along the top and bottom portions.  The spine has a few worn spots in the upper section, at the band's name and at the approximate midpoint. Despite the noted few slight imperfections, this 40-year old LP is in very nice condition with a grade of Excellent.

VINYL: EXCELLENT - The vinyl record is better than Excellent, but is not MINT (I don't call anything MINT unless it is sealed). The vinyl does not have a single mark anywhere on the playing surface. The run-in grooves are as close to silent as they can be and the grooves between songs are silent.  Both sides played all the way through with nothing but the actual music being audible.  This LP looks as good as the day it was pressed and sounds almost as if it was just taken out of the wrapping. The 2010 Rare Record Price Guide grading system only lists Mint and Excellent; this record is somewhere between those two grades.

LABELS:  Both labels have some spindle marks, but nothing that really detracts from its appearance.  Both labels exhibit a strong deep blue color with no fading.

INNER SLEEVE:  Original paper and plastic lined inner sleeve that came with the record; Made in England by Decca. On the upper left corner of one side of the sleeve is blue ink writing which looks to be: 1697S/H. The sleeve also has some typical 40-year old yellowing along the edges and top, but the sleeve is complete and in very good shape.

GRADING:  The 2010 Rare Record Price Guide grading system only lists Mint and Excellent as the two highest grades with nothing in between. You will see many sellers list records with a grade of Excellent and add three or four plus signs (EX++++) and use terms such as "stunning," "amazing," "breathtaking," or "superb."  I was both stunned and had my breath taken away at the birth of my two daughters.  Those descriptive terms and plus signs are ridiculous only confusing people about a record's condition and should not be applied to record grading.

What is the difference between EX+++ and EX++++?  The definition of an Excellent record is:  "The record shoes some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing."  The main definition of a Mint record is that it is "sealed or unplayed."  This record is somewhere between Excellent and Mint, but because it has "been played" and it has had a "very little lessening in sound quality," it is graded as Excellent.

SUMMARY:  It is really quite unusual to find this RARE record in true "Excellent" grade. I assure you that it is accurately described (please check out the dozen or so photos posted on this listing and/or my eBay feedback).

I have come across one copy of this LP that has sold on eBay within the past 5-years. A copy rated EX / EX by the seller sold for $3,420 on Nov. 8, 2008; check it out on the Popsike website at:  http://www.popsike.com/PSYCH-ROCK-LEAFHOUND-UK-Monster-Original-LQQK-/230304809101.html   I looked all over for "for sale" copies of this LP and came up with one site selling a comparable version of this record for € 3600 (= $4,865.38 USD); check it out at:  http://www.discogs.com/sell/list?release_id=2625594&ev=rb.  Neither 991.com (991.com) or eil.com (eil.com), two on-line sellers of great 1960s and 1970s vinyl, have this record.
TERMS:  Payment can be made by PayPal and other banking methods (i.e., CC or MO).  I also will accept personal checks, but I will wait to ship the item until 2 to 3 weeks after your check has cleared.  I will ship anywhere, however, costs vary by location and if you require above the standard postage.  U.S. shipping is via USPS Priority Mail.   Please WAIT TO PAY UNTIL I HAVE SENT YOU AN INVOICE.  It is my opinion that eBay's postage calculating system does not properly calculate all true costs, but I promise, I will only charge you the exact cost of postage.  My two goals are that you are happy with the buying experience from me and that I make a fair trade (including price, customer satisfaction and accurate feedback, if given).

Buyer to pay within 7-days of auction's end or transaction is void and non-paying bidder report will be filed with eBay.  Bidders with very low or any negative feedback must contact me first prior to bidding.

Refunds:  If for some reason, you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact me within 7 days.  Unless I have grossly misrepresented the condition of this item, refunds are available and will be minus ALL costs of shipping, insurance, eBay and PayPal fees.

If you need more information or have questions, please feel free to contact me via the eBay messaging system or at fjoyce1959@sbcglobal.net.  I have a full time job and a very busy home life, so please be patient and I will get back with you as quickly as possible. Thanks for looking at my items.