BID WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE . YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED: COMPLETE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING AND A 100% TRACK RECORD OF OFFERING GREAT PRODUCTS, SERVICE, COMMUNICATION AND DELIVERY – GUARANTEED!!

 

THE WHO: "Who's Next" - Classic UK TRACK 1st Press in STUNNING Condition throughout. 

RARE Original PRESSING  VINYL ALBUM - TOP AUDIO throughout - One of the rarest audio reproductions available - this rare press plays with outstanding, huge dynamic audio.

Original and COMPLETE and ULTRA Rare A1 B2 1st Pressing, Great Vinyl - Rare COVER! - FANTASTIC Sound Quality throughout!!!

This is an unbelievably rare opportunity to own an original Track pressing of the Who's classic album, from my own personal collection, in truly stunning condition with stunning AUDIO THROUGHOUT! Simply amazing sound, I cannot stress enough how clean the sound on this pressing is.

THIS IS A SERIOUSLY RARE LP and ESPECIALLY HARD TO FIND IN GREAT CONDITION, LET ALONE WITH THIS TYPE OF AUDIO PRODUCTION.  

Who's Next has become one of the most successful albums of the early 1970’s. It has been named one of the best albums of all time by VH1 (#13) and Rolling Stone, and in 2007 it was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" value. In 1999 it was the subject of a Classic Albums documentary produced by Eagle Rock Entertainment which has aired on VH1 and BBC among others entitled Classic Albums: The Who - Who's Next.

CAT NO:....

TRACK LABEL: 2408 102 

LABEL PRESS DETAILS:

Track labels came sequentially in Matt, Eggshell and Gloss finish with the MATT pressing labels being extremely rare. This classic A1 pressing with the 1st ever matt label variant. This 1974 vinyl came long before the extremely thin pressed later variety found with the gloss labels, coming with heavy 1st press vinyl and most importantly having sensational audio mastering!

Early 1971 pressings came with a variety of non sequential mixings, varying massively in sound quality.  Certain mixes were used during the manufacturing of the huge selling "Who's Next," with variable results when transferring the Master Tapes. This is clear to hear when you compare numerous 1st and early pressings, ranging from A1 to B4. Crucially a small selection of pressings came with far clearer mastering than later pressings.

The 1971 first UK issue being a No.1 album produced multiple pressings prior to the September release. The rest of the 1970's decade, saw a constant demand for "Who's Next", and it was produced in large quantities. Numerous re-pressings were made, including the budget Polydor labels and 'limited editions' etc. between 1971 /1975. 1st and early pressings have the name Bilbo, etched in the run out area, and some have MG 12888. The 1st press covers have many distinguishing features but the audio variability can only really be classed by comparative study of the sound quality. In my opinion every press must be scrupulously judged on its own audio merit.

MATRIX NOs. ON RUN-OUT GROOVE

Side 1. '2408 102   A // 1 '. 

Side 2.  '2408102   B // 2'

MOTHER STAMPERS:

Side 1.   1 1   3   0  

(ULTRA RARE VARIANT with M G 1 2 8 8 8 hand etched in the run-out grooves)

Side 2.    4 20    1  2   1   3 

TRACK LISTING…

SIDE 1
Baba O'Riley - Bargain - Love Ain't for Keeping - My Wife - The Song Is Over"

SIDE 2
Getting In Tune - Going Mobile - Behind Blue Eyes - Won't Get Fooled Again"

An exceptional 1st pressing of  WHO'S NEXT, in SUPERB condition, with Ultra Rare MATT Labels, 1st press cover and outstanding TOP AUDIO from start to finish!

Who's Next is the fifth studio album by The Who, released in August 1971. The album has origins in a rock opera called Lifehouse conceived by Pete Townshend. The ambitious, complex project did not come to fruition and instead, many of the songs written for the project were compiled onto Who's Next as a collection of unrelated songs. Who's Next was a critical and commercial success when it was released, and has been certified 3 times platinum by the RIAA.

After giving up on recording some of the Lifehouse tracks in New York, The Who went back into the studio with new producer Glyn Johns. Although the Lifehouse concept was abandoned, key elements of the project remained present in the final album. The introductory line to "Pure and Easy", which Townshend has described as "the central pivot of Lifehouse", shows up in the closing bars of "The Song Is Over." An early concept for Lifehouse featured the feeding of personal data from audience members into the controller of an early analogue synthesiser to create musical tracks. It was widely believed that inputting the vital statistics of Meher Baba into a synthesiser generated the backing track on "Baba O'Riley", but in actuality it was Townshend playing a Lowrey organ.

A primary result of the abandonment of the original project, however, was a new found freedom; the very absence of an overriding musical theme or story line (which had been the basis of several previous Who projects) allowed the band to concentrate on maximising the impact of individual tracks.

The album was immediately recognised for its dynamic and unique sound. The album fortuitously fell at a time when great advances had been made in sound engineering over the previous decade, and also shortly after the widespread availability of synthesisers. Townshend used the early synthesisers and modified keyboard sounds in several modes: as a drone effect on several songs, notably "Baba O'Riley" and "Won't Get Fooled Again", and as a playful noisemaker, sounding almost like a tea kettle whistle on "The Song Is Over". Townshend also used an envelope follower to modulate the spectrum of his guitar on "Going Mobile", giving it a distinctive squawking sound that degenerates into a bubbling noise at the end of the song.

The album opened with "Baba O'Riley", featuring piano by Townshend and a violin solo by Dave Arbus. The violin solo was drummer Keith Moon's idea. The song's title pays homage to Townshend's guru Meher Baba and influential minimalist composer Terry Riley (and is informally known by the line "Teenage Wasteland"). Other signature tracks include the rock ballad "Behind Blue Eyes", and the album's epic closing song, "Won't Get Fooled Again".

This rare UK TRACK pressing gives an outstanding early press listening experience for this classic album.

TOP AUDIO 

ALBUM PLAYED FOR GRADING: Yes – Fantastic! 

Who's Next is a complex and varied collection of music, and is also a relatively sensitive piece of vinyl, and hard to find in clear audio condition. Early pressings were notoriously variable in their quality. As described in the label notes, there were so many mixes of the early pressings, and a great many of them had fairly average sound quality, and many just sounded awful.  

Often the vinyls were played on heavy equipment, taken to parties, listened to in smoky atmospheres and allowed to collect dust, which became embedded in the groves. Worn copies can have a lot of surface sound even on musically complex and busy tracks like 'Fooled Again.' Of course all vinyl, even unplayed or barely played pieces like this, have occasional static, but that is not the same as noise cased by scratches or deeply encrusted grooves. This pressing has strong undistorted audio, with amazingly clear sound. There is certainly no  interference, and NO loud pops or clicks. And certainly not a hint of Distortion anywhere. It really sounds great and plays with great sound separation and clarity! Wonderful TOP audio, there is NO distortion and virtual silence between the tracks. 

This vinyl is an absolute gem! It must be the clearest original pressings of 'Who's Next' I've heard. 

I will give a detailed account below:

Beginning with the iconic 'Baba O'Riley', the music bursts in with crystal clear audio, no pops or clicks and nice clean run ins. A few light tics only and a couple of light pops in the middle of the track, but I'd say they are in no way prominent, the music is so bright and clear. Moving into the wonderful 'Bargain', which demonstrates The Who's incredible subtle production layering, with notes and effects that are usually lost on most even relatively played vinyls. Here the audio sings out with amazing clarity.  'Love Ain't for Keeping'  sings out with very little static in the run ins and quiet areas. Great music with great clarity, and so hard to find with this type of sound. Still no loud pops or clicks during the music, and not a hint of distortion. In fact I may as well confirm now that there is not a hint of distortion anywhere on this great vinyl.  'My Wife' plays with crystal clear sound, and the instrumental section layered again, sounds great. Superb clear bright sound, amazing. Leading back into the quieter 'Song is Over' , the vinyl again plays with super clear sound. 

Side 2. smoothes in with the incredible 'Getting in Tune', following very clean run ins, and again in the the upbeat 'Going Mobile', the audio is just superb, with minimal static and incredibly clear vocal layering. The first press mix sounds so different to all other mixes of this great album. 'Behind Blue Eyes', the other delicate track and real test on this album, also sings out, with great clarity and an amazing lack of surface sound. This quiet track is nearly always blighted with loud pops, clicks, buzzing crackle and distortion, but not here. Just absolutely stunning clear audio. All the way through every track plays with incredible definition. A total lack of loud pops, clicks, interference, and certainly no distortion anywhere on this great pressing, makes this a truly incredible collectable press of this great record. 

Rounding off with the massive 'Wont Get Fooled Again', it play superbly, maintaining the high audio standard set by every other track on this lp.  The music jumps out, with incredible definition and clarity, the vocals come through with tremendous power. Its the same with the bass guitar and drums, whilst the guitars multi layers come through crisp and clear. The tonal quality make this a sensational pressing. 

With the clear and extra loud First cut engineering giving the audio a vibrant sound which cannot be beaten. The

 vocals which come through with tremendous power and 'Behind Blue Eyes' sounds absolutely amazing, being the quietest track on the album. Then again all the tracks on this rare press sound great. Huge bright clear sound that is so hard to find on any pressing of Who's Next. 

A great all round example of this classic vinyl. Staggering early Stereo mix. A fantastic all round example of this great vinyl. Easily grades at EXCELLENT to NEAR MINT.

THE RECORD – VISUAL GRADING 

This is a superb piece of glossy vinyl, and a really thick pressing. Deep clear grooves that can only be found on the original pressings, this vinyl has been little played. In daylight it looks largely unmarked. The record has great shine, with NO scratches, just a few ultra light hairlines. Inspected under a spot light, there are some faint paper removal marks, a couple of ultra light whispy lines. This is a stunning example. Easily grades at 

EXCELLENT PLUS.

VINYL TESTED FOR ANY SIGNS OF WARPING:

Yes, NONE visible what so ever when tested be sight and on a moving turntable.

THE COVER 

The album cover shows a photograph, taken at Easington Colliery, of the band apparently having just urinated on a large concrete piling protruding from a slag heap. According to photographer Ethan Russell, most of the members were unable to urinate, so rainwater was tipped from an empty film canister to achieve the desired effect. The photograph is often seen to be a reference to the monolith discovered on the moon in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, which had been released only about three years earlier.  An earlier cover design had featured photographs of obese nude women and has been published elsewhere, but never actually appeared on the album. An alternative cover featured drummer Keith Moon dressed in black lingerie, holding a rope whip, and wearing a brown wig. Some of the photographs taken during these sessions were later used as part of Decca's United States promotion of the album.

In 2003, the United States cable television channel VH1 named Who's Next's cover one of the greatest album covers of all time.

1st ISSUE COVERS:

Original 1st Press covers had an undocumented ‘invisible’ catalogue number. Located on the front top left hand of this UK 'McNeil Press Ltd.' printed cover. In the clouds, on the front cover near the top of the spine on the far right side, approximately 15 mm down from the top edge, there is a camouflaged number pre-faced by two letters. Similar to computer concealed digits and letters, the catalogue number 'DL 33789' is embedded into the print. locating the cover between 1971 and 1974, this catalogue number is often hard to see at all, especially on worn copies. 

Extremely rare, this 1st press cover is printed and made by "

McNeil Press Ltd

"  and is a stunning example, bright and clean and unlaminated.  Minimal light creasing, and minimal corner wear. The opening edges of the card are very square and un frayed. The back cover is nice and clean, with virtually NO ring wear, which is very unusual for these covers. Just a light impression of the shape of the vinyl, which has been stored separately since.

The Spine is square and true with a few light creased, but again, minimal rubbing to the corners. The spine text is totally intact. 

A great all round example of this rare cover.!! Easily grades at EXCELLENT.

THE LABELS 

Superb labels. There are a few spindle traces, but they are light. No marks or writing what so ever, and NO brush marks that these labels seem prone to. Great all round examples! 

Grades at NEAR MINT.

THE INNER

Original poly lined inner sleeve in EXCELLENT PLUS condition.

This is a nice example with minimal no wear. There are NO splits to the sides. There are NO tears to the front or opening edges, which are nice and crisp. There is a slight impression of the album, but it is faint, some light creasing and the inner has yellowed with age.

All in all a great original rare example. Comes of course with a new white inner sleeve.

RARITY

A complete UK TRACK Label Vinyl of Who's Next in decent condition is scarce. The vinyl is so often played so much, heavily marked, scratched, with noisy, poor and distorted sound. And then there is the problem with the audio mixes, and finding one of the rare pressing that has the correct loud bright mix is an incredible rarity.

The cover is hard to find without serious wear, even modestly worn examples are scarce and this one is a lovely example. Finding a great cover like this, with a thick pressed piece of stunning vinyl, fantastic!. 

Finding a 1st pressing with sensational audio delivery like this press has, with the Ultra Rare Polydor credited "

McNeil Press Ltd

" cover, with the far rarer mother stamper makes this an absolute gem and an extreme rarity.

MAKING THIS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AN EXTREMELY RARE PIECE OF MUSICAL HISTORY.

GREAT COVERS WITH NO SEAM SPLITS, NO TEARS, NO WRITING, NO STICKERS.

GREAT VINYLS WITH NO LOUD CLICKS OR POPS, NO JUMPS OR REPEATS - GUARANTEED!

SCRUPULOUS EXAMINATION and TESTING; PLEASE NOTE:

This record has been play tested on highly sensitive equipment to ensure the sound quality and accuracy of description. I aim to give a precise and concise description of the sound quality, pointing out any defects so that you know what you are buying. I will not go into screeds of information about the nature of the songs, as I imagine that you already know them well. I aim to describe all items as accurately as possible, and offer a full refund on return if for any reason you are not completely happy with the item description.

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VINYL SOUND - PLEASE NOTE:

The highest quality vinyl with clear sound is rare, and is what I always aim for. I only sell records that play with TOP AUDIO performance, super clear sound uninterrupted by hiss or other interference. Even with the cleanest copies you will find occasional static sound or occasional light tics during playback, caused by a build of dust in the grooves. This is clearly different from the distortion, loud pops, repeating tics or clicks that are found on heavily played and worn pieces of vinyl. Any static build up will reduce when played, and I advise a light clean should be given between plays for optimal performance. 

VINYL

Large format art work covers with the original sound and mix unique to vinyl and of the highest quality audio. Vinyl record have always been loved and have become a great investment opportunity, with prices soaring over the last ten years, making classic pieces a great financial as well as a cultural investment.  

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IMAGES and INFORMATION

I only use my photographs taken with a high quality professional digital camera of the item for sale. The images are designed to be as clear as possible, giving an exact image of the item. I aim to give sufficient and accurate detail as possible, so that you know exactly what you are bidding on. Please let me know if you need any further information and I will be only to happy to oblige.

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ABOUT ME 

I am a visual artist, working internationally, a collector of art and rare objects including rare vinyl, which I have been collecting for over 25 years, and an art and music enthusiast. I specialise in the  highest quality rarest items, selling to collectors the world over. I want you to know what a great item you are bidding on. If there is anything that is unclear in the listing, or you have any questions about this or any other item, please feel free to get in touch. All the best to you.  

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING.

SOME EXAMPLES OF FEEDBACK –

BRILLIANT LP MINT CONDITION,AWESOME SELLAR,1ST CLASS PACKAGING, NO PROBLEMS A+

ITEM RECEIVED.. AS DESCRIBED... PACKED GREAT...MANY THANKS..RECOMMENDED.. A*******

Great LP from a great seller. Thanks !! Very well packaged. AAA+++

received today! great record!! thank you!!!

Item arrived quickly, well packaged and in excellent condition. Very pleased.

fast delivery, superb communication, good item, great ebayer AAAAA+++++

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RETURN POLICY:

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ; - returns accepted with out question. If you are not happy then it can be returned, I cant say fairer that that!

I ONLY SELL RARE GOODS THAT ARE IN GREAT CONDITION, IF THERE IS ANY SLIGHT DEFECT, IT WILL BE CLEARLY STATED.

If in the unlikely event that you may want to return an item, or that I have missed something in the listing, I offer a no quibble return policy. Items must be returned within 12 Days of receipt, and returned in the same condition that they were sent out in. Return postage must be paid by buyer, unless there is a particular fault with the item, and then I will pay the full postage costs!

MY RECORD GRADING SYSTEM IS AS FOLLOWS - (BASED ON RECORD COLLECTOR MAGAZINE U.K. )

MINT: Virtually unplayed. The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Cover is pristine.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.

V.G PLUS: The record will still be nice and shiny, but may have a few light marks, and will play well. Slight wear and tear on the cover.

V.G: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, etc.

FAIR: Fair. It is noticeable that the record has been played so much that the sound quality has deteriorated very noticeably. The cover and contents are showing signs of folding, scuffing of edges etc.

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POSTAGE AND PAYMENT DETAILS : -

Items will be extremely well sealed and securely wrapped using the best possible packaging for safe handling and delivery. I send items all round the globe with 100% success! I sell top quality rare records to discerning buyers. I do not make money from the postage costs and aim to keep the prices at a reasonable rate, but please don't expect a cheap second rate service. 

IT IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY THAT THE ITEMS YOU BUY GETS TO YOU IN PERFECT CONDITION. All RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR MAIN COVER AND PLACED IN A BRAND NEW REPLACEMENT INNER SLEEVE TO AVOID ANY CHANCE OF EDGE SPLITS OR KNIFING. THEY ARE HELD SAFELY IN EXTRA THICK PLASTIC SLEEVES, AND THEN THEY ARE SECURED WITH SEVERAL EXTRA LAYERS OF REINFORCED CARD BOARD AND PADDING AND MAILED IN EXTRA STRONG PROFESSIONAL RECORD CONTAINERS TO ENSURE THEIR SAFE ARRIVAL. AS I HAVE STATED I HAVE A 100% SUCCESS RATE AND AIM TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

Example of packaging used

UK - First Class Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £5.00

UK Special Signed For Next Day Delivery with Insurance : = £8.90

EUROPE - International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £11.95

INTERNATIONAL, Non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Russia, Australia etc. International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £18.95

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MULTIPLE PURCHASE REDUCTION

Reduced postage of course for multiple items up to 30% off extra items.

POSTAGE WILL BE FIRST CLASS OR THE FASTEST AND SAFEST POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE, RECORDED WITH TRACKING AND INSURANCE. ALL ITEMS ARE FULLY INSURED AND COVERED FOR THE SAFEST DELIVERY POSSIBLE, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. GUARANTEED!

POSTAGE RECEIPTS AND PROOF OF POSTAGE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE. MANY THANKS.

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PAYMENTS 

Payments must be made within 3 days of purchasing unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed upon. Pay Pall ONLY for International buyers. We will accept Pay Pall, cheque or postal order within the UK, but no cash or bank transfers. Items sent out immediately on receipt of payment

Please Note: If no contact is made by the winning bidder following the mandatory Ebay 3 days, I will reserve the right to offer the item to the runner-up, unless prior notice of any delay is arranged beforehand.  Any bidder who has missed the chance to purchase an item from me can still email to make a priority second chance.   

On 20-Apr-13 at 04:30:45 BST, seller added the following information:

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