NICK DRAKE Pink Moon Orig U.S. Island LP STILL IN SEAL

$

108

I am currently listing a multitude of classic UK rock, progressive and folk LPs...original pressings of classic albums from 1965 to 1972. Bookmark my current auctions page to keep track of this incredible collection. All these LPs have low opening bids and no reserves. Win more than one LP and save on shipping.

This is the U.S. pressing of Nick Drake’s third and final album “Pink Moon” on the Island Pink Rim label (SMAS 9318).

"Pink Moon", Nick Drake's third and final fully-realized album of songs, was recorded in just two evening at Sound Techniques studio in Chelea, London at the tail end of 1971. He worked alone with engineer John Wood who had engineered both of Nick's previous records. Nick was despondent at the lack of success his first two albums had attained and was taking anti-depressants to help stabilize his mood. "Pink Moon" is a stark, stripped-down affair, exactly how he wanted it. Many believe it to be his best work.

Island Records didn't even know the album had been recorded and finished until they were given the master tapes. Legend has it that Nick showed up one day at Island's London office and left the finished tapes with the receptionist. It was days before anyone realized his new album had been delivered.

The album was released on February 25th, 1972 with an astonishing advertisement in the music press dreamed up by Island's press officer David Sandison. You can read the whole press release "here." Not long after the release of "Pink Moon", Nick had a breakdown and was hospitalized. Aside from four other songs (see my "Time Of No Reply" auction), he didn't make any other recordings that survive today apart from various home recordings and some demos and out-takes.

Condition:

This is the first and last time I’m ever likely to see a Nick Drake album still in it’s seal. UK albums were shipped to record stores unsealed. Sealing records was a largely North American practice. Often when records were imported from the UK they would be re-sealed for sale, but only domestic U.S. pressings were sealed at the factory prior to shipping to stores. The seal of this record has been opened down the right-hand side to remove the record, but aside from that the seal is completely in tact, meaning that the gatefold of this LP has never been opened. An obvious detraction here is the neat cut-out hole to the top right-hand corner of the sleeve. There is no other wear to the sleeve at all.

The vinyl is virtually as new. The labels are spotless and perfect, and the only marks on the vinyl are very light swish marks from the record being taken in and out of the inner sleeve. The record plays like a brand new LP with one exception, a mysterious surface noise which affects the start of side two, namely all of “Know” and the first minute of “Parasite”. There is no visual cause for this surface noise so I have to imagine it is original to the pressing, although I may be wrong. Were it not for this problem the record would be mint-.

Track list:

Side One:
1. Pink Moon (Drake) - 2:06
2. Place to Be (Drake) - 2:44
3. Road (Drake) - 2:02
4. Which Will (Drake) - 2:59
5. Horn (Drake) - 1:23
6. Things Behind the Sun (Drake) - 3:56

Side Two:
7. Know (Drake) - 2:27
8. Parasite (Drake) - 3:36
9. Ride (Drake) - 3:05
10. Harvest Breed (Drake) - 1:38
11. From the Morning (Drake) - 2:31

I take record grading very seriously. Please consult my "me" page for further notes on how I grade records, and be sure to peruse my feedback for assurance of my professionalism and grading accuracy.

PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY:
High bidder pays $7 air mail shipping anywhere in North America. International will be slightly more, to be determined after auction, depending on location. I accept personal checks, well-concealed cash, or INTERNATIONAL money orders in U.S. OR Canadian funds. I also accept PAYPAL and recommend the use of BIDPAY for international bidders who aren’t set up with PAYPAL… Payment must be received within ten days of the close of the auction. Negative feedback will be left for, and bad karma will rain down upon bidders who see fit not to follow through on their bidding impulses. Similarly, feedback of the most resplendent and flattering variety will be left for all bidders who choose to join me in making our transaction a smooth and speedy experience.