Nirvana : Local Anaesthetic 1Y1 / 2Y1 1st Press on Vertigo Label

This rare and very collectable first pressing on the Vertigo label is absolutely stunning!  The clarity and definition of the audio on both sides is equal to that of an un-played record and I can see it has only been played a handful of times as there is barely any spindle wear and even a little vinyl 'flecking' on the Side B label.

The only 'interference' is on the intro to both sides but even then it is very minimal.  The vinyl is visually is superb condition and has to be one of the finest Vertigo records I have ever seen!

The cover is also in fantastic order and hopefully the photos do it justice.  It has hardly any shelf wear and remains very strong and robust, hardly touched in my opinion.  The original swirl inner is also in great condition.

6360031  1Y // 1  1 1 4  // 2Y // 1  1 1 4

The audio on S1 is Mint- (Intro Ex+)

The audio on S2 is Mint- (Track 1 intro Ex)

The gatefold is Ex++

The labels are Mint-

The original inner is Ex+

The intro on 'Modus Operandi' is stunning with no underlying static and only a small number of static ticks.  The clarity is stunning for such a rare and collectable record and a good 20 seconds before the vocal begins the playback is 'as new' and that is no exaggeration.  There is just no 'background' of any kind and it continues to play with a clarity and definition that is unbelievable!  The quieter section around four minutes is a case in point - no static or crackle just pure Mint audio.  In fact there is no need to describe each section in detail as having played it in full I can confidently say the quality of the audio is perfect in every way.  As stated there is barely any spindle wear and as the vinyl is visually immaculate I suspected it would play well.  However, I wasn't expecting this!  This is very much like 'The Web' album I am selling - a clarity of sound that is impressive to say the least and I repeat there is just no interference...anywhere!  The depth and warmth of the audio cannot be replicated by any other medium.  The 'high octane' end section is incredible and much like the preceding audio has literally no interference and the fade out is 'as new' also.  This 'improvisational' track is STUNNING and whilst the intro is Ex+ due to the ticks the playback is still so strong and clear.  As for the remainder?  I have no hesitation in grading it as Mint the audio could not play with any greater precision.

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'Home' on S2 is of course separated into five 'parts' and the percussive intro on 'Salutation' begins perfectly but after 5 seconds there is rather strangely an obvious click.  I can only assume it is a pressing fault because there is nothing on the vinyl to suggest a reason.  Aside from that this opening section plays so well with only a couple of minor static sounds in the 'silent' section.  The following keyboard section plays beautifully with no 'background' and it continues to play to the same 'high end' standard.  Each verse and instrumental section has a clarity that cannot be faulted and the guitar solo also pays testament to the quality of the vinyl.  There is no distortion and the fade out has no interference either.  I think Ex is fair for the intro but Mint is deserved for the remainder.

The intro on 'Construction' is 'as new' and the first verse just has one light tick but otherwise plays with exceptional clarity...again.  I'm trying hard not to repeat myself but from that point on the audio is outstanding and I am again amazed at the clarity on offer!  There is no 'background', not even a dust tick, and of course there are many quiet sections here let's not forget.  The instrumental section followed by the 'vocal' ending could not play with any greater distinction and the fade out is so incredibly 'clean'!  This is Mint- an easy grade to give.

'Destruction' is another perfect example of a barely played record.  With only one barely audible tick on the intro the audio from start to finish is flawless and each note can be heard so clearly.  The audio has such warmth and depth and again there are no clicks or pops and no static or crackle either.  Mint-

The piano intro on 'Re-construction' is nigh on perfect and as the vocal begins there is no decrease in quality.  It continues to play with wonderful quality and again there is just no intrusion on the audio.  The clarity deserves a mention here - as you approach the end of any record you will often find inner groove distortion but that is not the case here.  This is a sublime version with another fade out that plays with stunning precision.  Mint-

The very brief 'Fanfare' ends this incredible with Mint- quality.  No interference...as if it needed to be said!

In summary this very collectable Vertigo first pressing could hardly play any better.  The sonic quality on both sides is so impressive and it would be very difficult to find one as good as this.  S1 is STUNNING with only very minimal static at the start and S2 is equally as good with only that one click at the beginning.  The silence in the dead wax between 'tracks' also gives a good indication of the clarity here.  You can sometimes find an 'un-played' vinyl from this era but to find that the cover has also been so well looked after is a rarity.  They are often damaged by house moves / shelf wear etc but this one is in fantastic condition and has clearly hardly ever been handled.  Any Nirvana collector would be hugely impressed by this album I am certain.

Visual grading

  This vinyl is a stunning example of a Vertigo first pressing and it still has an immaculate jet-black glossy sheen.  At first glance you think it was 'new' such is the visual quality and it is only on closer inspection that you can detect 3/4 very faint hairlines.  They are not easy to spot!  There are no marks or scratches and no spindle wear on the Side A label and only a very small amount on Side B.  In fact you can still see a little vinyl 'flecking' around the spindle hole which confirms it has hardly ever been on a turntable!  The run out grooves are also in superb condition.  A visually amazing first press!

The Gatefold

I have seen only 4/5 of these in my time but this is without doubt the the best cover I have ever seen.  It is so clean and remains so strong which can only mean it has hardly been handled down the years.  It has no bends or creasing and the top edges have barely any rubbing and bottom ones only a minimal amount, just a little more on the bottom edge of the back cover.  The wide spine is in superb order and maintains its original shape and only the bottom corner has some wear that is a little obvious.  The right hand corners are pristine (so rare!) as are the opening edges.  The front cover is in lovely condition with only one very minor mark top right, I certainly didn't notice it at first it is so small.  Aside from that it has no marking and the back cover is even better!  The inside of the gatefold is near perfect with only 3/4 minor 'dots' lower left and a minimal amount of creasing near the foot of the inner spine.  I mention everything minor 'fault' just to be complete in my grading but this is a stunning example of this cover and there cannot be many as good as this!

The Labels

The Vertigo labels are near perfect with only 2/3 faint spindle traces on the Side B label.  A little vinyl 'flecking' also.  They have no marking or writing and remain extremely clean.

The Inner Sleeve

The original poly-lined Vertigo swirl inner is in superb shape with no side splits and just one small tear on he central 'window'.  One thing that stands out is just how white/clean it looks, a superb example.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

6360031  1Y // 1  1 1 4  // 2Y // 1  1 1 4

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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