LED ZEPPELIN II 2, 1969 UK 'LEMON SONG' A2/B2 1st PRESS
£
84
$
111
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Description
Here for auction is a lovely example of the iconic second studio album by LED ZEPPELIN simply titled “LED ZEPPELIN II”, Catalogue Number 588198 on the PLUM & ORANGE ATLANTIC RECORD LABEL. This particular copy is a genuine UK *1st PRESSING* bought upon release in 1969. The Side One record label has the “THE LEMON SONG” credit, and the sleeve is the earliest possible light brown E. J. DAY gatefold with the incredibly rare “blue-green edge”, which on this sleeve is very pronounced.
There is a lot of confusion regarding the blue-green edged sleeves. Record Collector does not help by stating that “The Lemon Song” credited 1st pressings have a blue-green edge. This is not correct. Lemon Song credited 1st pressings do not have blue-green edged sleeves. The blue-green edge refers to the bottom half of the spine and sometimes the top and bottom edges, which are normally the same light brown colour as the rest of the sleeve. These sleeves are also much paler than the standard light brown version. Blue-green edged sleeves are very rare – much rarer than the Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck pressings, most of which came with standard light brown sleeves without the blue-green edge.
It is important to explain the differences between genuine 1st pressings of Led Zeppelin II and later plum & orange pressings. The following is a list of 1st press features:
· only the first batch of E. J. Day gatefold sleeves are very pale brown in colour and have a blue-green lower spine edge
· The Side One record label credits “The Lemon Song” rather than “The Killing Floor” as on later pressings
· the 1st press vinyl tends to be heavier and more rigid than later pressings
· the earliest matrix numbers are Av2/Bv2
The album for auction here has all of these features, confirming that it is a genuine 1st pressing of this very important album.
The un-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made by E. J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in VG condition (strictly graded). The front and back covers are unmarked with only a few tiny creases near the edges. [This sleeve is quite unusual in that the two halves of the gatefold have been stuck together the wrong way round during manufacture – so that when you open up the sleeve the gatefold spread is upside down]. The opening gatefold spread is perfect apart from a small name inscription to the bottom of the right half. There is some storage wear to the edges and corners. You can see from the photos that this is still a very presentable example of this rarest of sleeves!
The top quality Atlantic record is solidly pressed with a thick square-cut rim edge. It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable.
The Matrix Numbers are:
Side One – 588198 Av2
Side Two – 588198 Bv2
Visually both sides are in EX condition, with just a few very light sleeve removal type rub marks/hairlines evident under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The beautiful plum & orange labels are unmarked apart from some spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole.
PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:
These Atlantic 1st pressings are very special. The sound quality is particularly vibrant and the bass sounds amazing. Both sides play perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or loud clicks and barely any unwanted noise at all. You simply will not find a significantly better playing 1st press copy of Led Zeppelin’s masterpiece!
Complete with plain white inner sleeve which is in EX condition with no splits or tears, just a few light creases. “PATENT No…” and “MADE IN ENGLAND” is printed in blue text at the bottom.
GRADINGS
The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are 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 which do not sound, and barely any discernable 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. Still a very presentable sleeve
PACKAGING & POSTAGE
Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.
INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE
Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance
Europe up to £36 value - £8.95
Europe over £36 value - £11.15
Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45
Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65
Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)
The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.
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