Obscured By Clouds A2/B2

This very early second pressing is in immaculate condition and the audio is probably the best I have heard.

SHSP 4020 // A - 2 / B - 2 // RP 2 & OR 2

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (Mint in many sections)

The audio on S2 is Near Mint (Mint in many sections)

The cover is Ex+

The S1 label is Ex+ the S2 label is Near Mint

The inner sleeve is Near Mint-

Visually stunning with only a very small number of faint hairlines caused by sleeve removal this is the cleanest A2/B2 pressing I have seen.  It has a fantastic glossy sheen and there are certainly no scratches.  At first glance it looks as new and the audio does not disappoint either.  With hardly any spindle wear this record has hardly been played but has also been extremely well preserved down the years.

Play grading  

The title track from the first groove plays with sublime quality.  There is no 'background' to speak of and this clarity is rarely heard on these mega early pressings.  The only 'blip' on this side is a swish skip type sound into 'When You're In' but it is in the dead wax so does not interfere with the music whatsoever.  This track then plays as Mint such is the astounding quality.  The remainder of the side plays with a depth and power that is second to none.  I always say it but a well preserved early pressing plays with stunning quality as the production and mastering in my opinion is of a very high standard.  This side easily grades as Near Mint if not better!  There is no interference and the even the quieter tracks such as 'Burning Bridges' and 'Wot's...Uh The Deal' impress with stunning high end audio.

The quiet intro on 'Childhood's End' plays superbly with hardly any static and then continues to play with what can only be described as Mint audio.  The quality does not diminish as the side progresses.  If I'm being ultra harsh there are a handful of mega light dust ticks on the 'Stay' intro but to be honest it still plays practically as new which is exactly how the rest of the track sounds.  The quality here is just sublime for a vinyl that is now 45 years old.  The intro on 'Absolutely Curtains' is just stunning when you think how quiet it is.  A handful of mega light dust ticks but hardly worth mentioning really.  The rest of the track also plays in superb fashion with only the lightest of dust ticks here and there.

In summary this is probably the best A2/B2 pressing I have ever heard.  Yes there is the swish type sound on S1 in the dead wax but the quality of the sound is simply stunning.  No clicks, pops, crackle or jumps at all.

Cover

The G & L textured cover is very impressive in that it looks just so clean and without creasing.  In fact the only wear is a little 3cm area of rubbing on the bottom edge but it has not worn through.  All the other edging and thin pinched spine are in superlative condition.  The opening edge has no handling wear either.  Aside from the wear on the bottom edge this cover looks almost as new.

Inner sleeve

The white die-cut 'Important Notice' sleeve is in superb shape with no splits or tears although there is some light creasing.

The labels

The yellow/green Harvest labels have hardly any spindle wear.  There is a small green sticker on S1 so this may be hiding something beneath, who knows!

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

SHSP 4020 // A - 2 / B - 2 // RP 2 & OR 2

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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