ROLLING STONES Let it Bleed VERY RARE ORIG UK 69 MONO

	£		310
	$		411

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Artist or Band: THE ROLLING STONES

Album Title: Let it Bleed

Producer(s): Jimmy Miller.

Chief Engineer: Glyn Johns.

Assistant Engineers: Bruce Botnick, Jerry Hansen and George Chiantzalias.

Cat Number: LK 5025

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Gimme Shelter, Love in Vain; Country Honk; Live With Me; Let it Bleed.

Side 2:Midnight Rambler; You Got the Silver; Monkey Man; You Can’t Always Get What You Want.

Label/Format: Decca – rarer original unboxed mono format.

Label Conditions: Both very clean, fresh and attractive with any spindle marks being few, light and faint. Quite an unusual sight on this record that was so often played into submission.

Mode / Speed: Mono / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: The slightest hint of a gentle and very small wave only, it would not cause any issues to even the most basic of turntables.

Weight of this Record: 156 grams. This being the heaviest mono copy I have ever held.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Regarded by many collectors as the cornerstone of any Rolling Stones collection, this legendary title in mono is highly prized and elusive, especially so ones that have been played lightly. Genuinely rare now in terms of numbers made in mono and complete copies in very fine condition are difficult to find – but far from impossible. This was the last Stones album to be issued in mono and also the last to feature Brian Jones before his tragic and untimely death. As the 1960s drew to a close, the mono format was largely on it’s way out and the majority of new titles within this year were not even issued or made in the single channel mode. Most people who still wanted mono records purchased them very quickly on issue and far fewer were available in the shops, many had to be specially ordered from the small retailers. Those who did buy the mono version usually did so to play on mono equipment (obviously) which so often meant wear and damage from heavyweight, thick, and often worn mono stylus that were far more prone to inflict groovewear and terrible marks. So many of these get seen (when available, or even in collections) with large marks, deep scratches and a multitude of spindle marks and rarely will such copies play with enjoyable sound, especially on modern critically revealing equipment (for which they are not really designed for). This copy has suffered no arm drops or jolts and offers very fine sound with no pops or clicks – any surface sound is very gentle and infrequent – just enough in places to remind you what you are actually listening too – a 42-year-old mono record. It has all that warmth, grace and depth of sound only the original record can offer, not clinically cold and predictable. Not absolutely pristine but still very impressive, this too being played on a very revealing system, my LP12 takes no prisoners and even today, remains one of the most clinical turntables ever made. The cover is fantastic and is one of the very best I have seen bar none. Included also is an unmounted poster and it’s cover sticker and red mono inner that has no cover up of the choir text. A very fine package indeed, such copies are difficult and it will please many collectors but not quite the ultimate discerning audiophiles that only want their records to sound as unblemished and clean as a CD – that is a demand from this title that will rarely be accomplished.

Original Year of Release: 1969

Matrix Nos: XARL-9363.P-2A / XARL-9364.P-1A

Stamper Codes: 1 U U / 1 BG (the ‘B’ is unclear and my best guess).

Brief Artist & Album Info: One of the most in-demand mono albums ever issued, it proved to the last by the band in this format and arguably the last of the true classics to be so. Always a real pleasure offering a very clean copy with a lovely stickered cover, inner and ultra clean, unmounted poster. One of the greatest albums ever made by one of the world’s major acts - a truly essential album to any serious vinyl collector. By the end of the greatest decade in popular music, the stereo mode had largely replaced the ageing mono format and very few brand new albums were made available on it. The delivery of the sound is made different and this is not just for the connoisseur, no-one could fail to be captivated by this very special album and recording. The last Rolling Stones album to feature the presence of the band’s creator, Brian Jones. It was a brilliant culmination of all their musical influences throughout music’s greatest decade. The power of the opening track, ‘Gimme Shelter’, will haunt many forever with the memory of the Altamont murder, Jagger’s top hat and scarf and the death of the 60s. The repeated line, ‘It’s just a shot away’, complements the repetition of the naively profound lyric of the album’s last track: ‘You can’t always get what you want’. The filling in-between, like the layered cake on the cover, is equally delectable. This copy on offer is complete and all parts in very fine conditions. The sheer pleasure in hearing a mono copy of this record is not to be taken lightly. The playing surfaces are very clean indeed with any surface blemishes few and very light indeed – there are NO penetrating scratches at all – hence no pops or clicks were heard. Any surface sound or reduction in the audio is very gentle and light indeed – just enough to lightly remind of what you actually have on the turntable – and for many – just the way they prefer it. Total silence on an immensely popular mono record of this magnitude is a massive ask, and it can be achieved usually at massive cost. This record, without any doubt, has been played very little and I would suggest with more than reasonable due care and attention and the sound it offers (this on a very revealing system) is still very impressive. But may just be a fraction below the audiophile level for the absolute perfectionist. Maybe I am being too harsh on what many would consider to be a very strong copy, and it is just that. Any lessening of the sound is very slight indeed and most-all plays very well indeed with little unwanted. If any record like this played at immense volume on a very high-end system, a little surface sound will be present – the format dictates that. So if absolutely, clinical silence is mandatory, there is always the CD version – but miss out on one of rock’s greatest ever recordings that will never captured the same on any other format – and currently – not in mono.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: High: always prone to laminate blistering, dulling and the back, ringwear, rubbing and grubbiness.

Cover Condition and Details: EXCELLENT(++): and this hardly does this lovely old cover justice – this is a real looker. A single format, the front is laminated with Clarifoil and has the original sticker on front (which is immaculate, pristine as made as can be seen in my close-up picture). With the peep hole on back to identify mono or stereo copy from the colour coded inner – mono being red, stereo blue (again see the close-up picture detail). It was printed in England and has the UK Patents Applications No 43212/68 number. One of most famous covers ever produced and this is up there with the best I have ever seen or had to offer since selling on Ebay. This will please most-all collectors.

Cover Lamination and Front: Firstly, can I make this clear, this cover is made from thin and delicate card making this sleeve very vulnerable to most forms of wear. This front looks fantastic and very fresh with a rich shine and super clarity, the famous cake will rarely look much better. The laminate has almost almost total adhesion – just one tiny lift on the top left corner from a fine hairline surface crease, they hardly get much better. Very unusually, the spine edge is practically lift and blister-free. This can never be taken for granted and although non-adhesion (often) has nothing to do with ‘wear’, it does not look pretty when present. So many Clarifoil laminated covers lift and blister especially on the spine edge and to find one that has avoided it I consider a massive bonus. This product naturally contracts and tightens over time and usually, something has to give – either lifting or bowing of the cover. The lack here enhances further this cover’s incredible looks. Not only that, this one has avoided any major creasing, any of the tiny few present are merely ultra fine edge types and these being as smal and faint as they ever get and hardly even show and just a couple of tiny ultra faint half moons that I only just detected with scrutiny under angled light. There is a very fine press line to the right of the record label graphic, this even likely to be been present via manufacture, it shows little either and to emphasise how superb this front is, is the more ‘major’ (minor) blemish on the entire front. Barely any traces of friction rubs or dulling, the surface remains clear and very smooth, any marks to the surface are very few and faint indeed and with normal viewing, this is almost as good as the fragile cover gets. The laminate wraps around the spine edge on to the back and the front right edge ends slightly short of full width, the exposed strip remains totally devoid of grime, darkening or damage. The hugely important sticker, so often removed by buyers at time of purchase, is immaculate and has not been picked at or ever removed or tampered with, that will be more than obvious from my close-up picture, it remains exactly as it did when purchased from new. A protective cover has meant this sticker has not aged one iota and these are incredibly hard to find like this, truly it’s like when first made. That famous old cake will rarely be found better especially with an unboxed mono record inside - now over 42-years-old - incredible, but true.

Cover Back: Not laminated but still looking incredible and it’s again very clean and attractive with any ageing minuscule. The peep-hole is very neat and nice to see a RED inner filling it denoting a mono copy inside (please see this detail in close-up). Any creasing is ultra fine and light, a mere hint near the bottom left corner and a small trace near the top right. Still very clean and avoiding grubbiness and any handling traces are equally faint. There is just one tiny mark just to the left of the fallen drum (just a fraction to the right of white white) that I almost missed, but that’s about it. Any record record impression or dulling around the shape is ultra faint indeed – this being a significant plus on card this thin – and with most of these mono records pressed quite thick, in this case very thick, this is rarely avoided. So a very impressive back to match the equally lovely front – both these vulnerable main faces will never prove easy to find better.

Top Edge: Practically unworn and straight with minimal hints of any bowing which is so common on this quite flimsy original sleeve.

Bottom Edge: Almost the same again, even better if anything.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, mostly sharp to very sharp with little wear and no feathering. Any burr traces tiny and few and likewise for any thickening. Record entered on this vulnerable wear prone side which is guaranteed untrimmed or enhanced in any way. A tiny press nick trace on the front being ultra critical.

Spine and Text: Almost wear-free, very solid and mainly straight with any compression few and very light indeed. All text is perfect and unworn under the very solid and uncracked laminate (and even this is shiny). This early cover has both mono and stereo numbers on it’s spine. Importantly, still pure white with no age toning or darkening and yes this can and does happen on laminated spines. Just the top tip has tiny traces or rubbing (this being quite critical).

Corners: Any tip rubs are tiny and faint, all retain very sharp and neat definition, the only small hint of a crease on the top left.

Cover Summary: In terms of classic vintage covers, this is a piece de resistance, and this will prove immensely difficult to find much better with an original mono record inside. Many are carelessly stored, roughly handled or simply used and abused. This one clearly far more sympathetically handled and stored with longevity in mind. It’s paid-off, it looks lovely, not quite pristine, but up there with the best for sure. It should please most-all collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(+): and given its delicate construction, this is a very fine example. Made with very thin paper it is unlined and was way under-strength for practicality and longevity, but this is clean and neat and with minimal ageing. It has some corner creasing which can be deemed as near moderate, but few will ever avoid some. This has NO black overprint on the ‘London Bach Choir’ text that was objected too and covered up later. Many seen are covered over with an overprint obscuring this text. Unusually, there are no edge splits or tears and devoid of marks or blemishes , there are NO repairs at all. General wear has been avoided and this thin inner is often seen with deep ringwear, but none is evident on this one. The top opening is recessed and has barely any hint of wear, burring or thickening. No damage or wear here is seldom seen. Given all the facts with so many seen ripped, torn and split, this is an exceptional example.

The Poster : EXCELLENT(++): with just two light and fine corner area creases. Very fresh and attractive, printed on one side only and on the thinnest of paper, no wonder so few survive like this. This has just two manufactured folds, no splits or weakening on them and no other really noteworthy creasing or ruffling – just the odd faint and small tip crease. This is as fresh and clean as manufacture day and the matt surfaces probably have seldom, if ever been touched. It’s the original flat matt version, proving how early this boxed copy is, reprinted posters had a more glossy finish – there is quite a difference visually. It is much sort-after and very important to any collector for this album. Importantly, this is unmounted with no tape or pin-hole damage and the back is clean, pure white and unbrowned with age - please see my poster pictures (front and back). Both sides unfaded or aged and appearing almost as new, and this unforgiving matt surface is prone to showing all handling marks – once fingermarks are applied to its surface, they are virtually impossible to remove. An impressive example of this elusive insert and it will please many collectors, these are incredibly difficult to find like this.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: .

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(+) / EXCELLENT: a super visual copy that is very clean, shiny, intense black and heavily pressed. A copy with minimal plays on all the evidence with any surface marks few, mainly light and faint. A couple on side two are more evident but are absolutely non-penetrating and have NO sound whatsoever. Few of thse will ever survive 41 years without a small few blemishes and in terms of this record – which I have seen several times totally trashed (but still with very large asking prices) – this is an exceptional copy. No heavy arm drops or jolts have spoilt what is an impressive copy and tracking is effortless and easy – the ultra mild wave on rotation, is hardly worthy of mention. Visually a super record that should please many collectors but not the absolute perfectionists.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This rare record with its unique to vinyl mono mix plays mostly above it’s very clean visual grading with little to fault. This has strong sound with no press noises or distortions. Sound quality remains impressive with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound and the mono mix presents the music differently to the more familiar stereo version. Any surface sounds are very gentle and infrequent – as stated above, just enough hints to remind what you actually listening too. No pops or clicks were noted and the sound still mainly sharp and focused. So many examples subjected to heavy needle abuse, badly marked and totally worn out. This copy has avoided such traumas and even on revealing stereo equipment, offers quality sound that should please most fans. Possibly just a whisker below audiophile standard – if that means pure silence and everything squeaky clean – but finding this vastly superior will almost certainly take a high degree of patience and potentially, a deep wallet. Both channels are clean and sharp with no ‘mono’ single channel noise. I am pretty certain this record has played lightly and has been generally well stored and carefully handled within a non-smoking environment. Nothing of any real note spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy will prove difficult to find better and is highly recommended to most collectors – but the highly discerning or those who want to play it on mega-systems at ear-shattering levels, will have to wait for the near impossible.

End Piece: How many copies of this one will truly still even exist in ‘perfect’ conditions? Even high grading Excellent copies are hard to find and few surface that will be offered on the open market. I am a critical listener and I would never personally buy a mono copy of this album that has not been play-graded, this is a minimum mandatory service for any potential buyer of this hugely important record. Groovewear or damage cannot be seen – the hidden enemy – and I have heard really disappointing copies of this and other mono gems that have even been unmarked, but play with unwanted groove sounds and substantial noise. This record has minimal traces of any frequency clipping and no horrible pressing noises or loud crackle. As said already, it is not silent for all, but any surface or usage sound is very gentle and indeed and quite honestly, the music so engaging, most of anything washed over me. Many regard it as the ultimate Stones albums and remains totally essential - in mono it’s the cornerstone of any serious collection – the cherry on the famous cake, but never underestimate the stereo original either. The mix and sound on this format is unique, and many seek it out on bootleg CDs – forget it – this is real thing and nothing comes close. This mono copy was never really designed to be played on high-end stereo turntables but my LP12 made this sound captivating. A ruthlessly revealing deck that brings out all the wonderful details and all what’s good about vinyl (unfortunately the bad too, if present, but little here really). It’s clear detailed sound takes you almost into the recording studio itself and this is the definitive copy to own. This no way undervalues the stereo version because both are essential, they just present the music in a different way. This mode is unique to vinyl and was not available for too long before being deleted. Let it Bleed charted at One in the UK and Three in the US, a big seller, but mono originals are a different matter. It’s a title that always features high in any all-time greats list whether compiled by critics or the record buying public. It’s classic stature and timeless brilliance is etched into these vintage mono grooves. With the correct care, this fine record will last indefinitely and give pleasure for many more years. I am more than happy to give this high recommendation with just the slightest reservation for the very discerning listener who only wants perfection at any cost – this is not quite that – but impressive nonetheless – you pays your money, you takes your choice.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please as me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £10. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £14. Add £4 per extra LP. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.