PRETTY THINGS: S. F. SORROW (SUPERB UK COLUMBIA STEREO)
£
95
$
126
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Description
This is a gorgeous well cared for little played UK copy of S. F. Sorrow by Pretty Things on Columbia (SCX 6306) in a beautiful laminated gatefold sleeve. Both disc and cover have clearly been treasured over the years.
It is in such lovely condition that you could probably count the number of plays on one hand, though of course I cannot be sure of this. Certainly these fine black and silver one-box Columbia labels show little evidence of any spindle activity and definitely no sign of any spindle 'wear' whatsoever (please check out my photos to substantiate this). Here is a superbly performing and under-used 165g slab of early vinyl.
The stereo sound and separation from this perfectly flat heavyweight disc is just incredible - vibrant, explosive and dynamic, right from the opening angular twang of S. F. Sorrow is Born. I doubt there is a more satisfying way of appreciating this most imaginative album than on little played early heavyweight vinyl such as this. On my system it is as though you are there in the studio with the band.
And this true second pressing one-box Columbia copy with YAX 3738-1/YAX 3739-1 matrices and 1/1 stampers is probably as rare if not rarer than any blue and black pressing of S. F. Sorrow, since the single box variant was swiftly deleted and superceded by the flimsier two-box (and various subsequent) re-pressings. In fact this is such an early second pressing that the laminated 'Made and printed in Gt. Britain' Ernest J. Day sleeve even states serial numbers for both mono and stereo copies ('SX 6306 and SCX 6306').
The laminated outer gatefold sleeve remains glossy and bright, retaining all its original colour and shine, while the unlaminated inner with its vulnerable white background is exceptionally clean and bright, with very little sign of handling. The edges are straight and true, the opening edge is strong and unfeathered, the spine is straight, wide and true, and the spinal text is all perfectly readable. There is no unwanted writing anywhere, inside or outside, and no rips, tears or significant 'dings'. There are just two or three smallish creases to be found on the outer rear of the sleeve, and a few areas of laminate lift, though this is perfectly normal for this sleeve and certainly not the result of any abuse or mishandling. In summary therefore this is a lovely desirable example of a rare early laminated gatefold sleeve which grades EX quite comfortably. Forty years old? Incredible!
The thick slab of quality Columbia vinyl has also been well cared for. Both sides of the vinyl show up very few marks indeed, even when examined closely under harsh halogen lighting. This record, one of the most creative and intelligent psychedelic albums of the 1960s, plays as well as it looks with brightness and clarity. Easily attaining a grade of EX, this is an obvious item for the connoisseur.
This copy also comes with its original and short-lived 'EMI advertising' inner sleeve promoting The Beatles' 'presentation box with book' copies of Let It Be (PXS 1).
With original blue and black pressings achieving several hundred pounds, this quality true second pressing could be your preferred route to acquiring the unique warm sound of an early S. F. Sorrow on vinyl, though please note that I have placed what I consider to be a reasonable reserve price on this lovely item as I would prefer it to go to an appreciative collector.
Good luck then if you are bidding (if bidding from outside of the UK please contact me to request postage costs etc).
Swift payment required at end of auction.
PLEASE CHECK OUT MY OTHER ITEMS (I am currently listing some lovely '60s and '70s albums including a similar condition true second pressing of The Piper at The Gates of Dawn by The Pink Floyd on one-box Columbia which you may also be interested in).
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