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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 1st press plays with outstanding, huge dynamic sound. 

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

This is a great opportunity to own an original Track 1st 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 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    2     1

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

Side 2.    1    2      4 

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.

ALBUM PLAYED FOR GRADING: Yes – Great Audio Throughout! 

Who's Next is a complex and varied collection of music, is also an extremely sensitive piece of vinyl, and is incredibly 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 smokey 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 'We Wont Get 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 caused 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. One or two very light tics only and a little static during the introduction of the track, but it's in no way prominent, in fact its barely audible, 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, the audio is just perfect.  '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. comes in with the incredible 'Getting in Tune,' following very clean run ins. There is some very light occasional static during the introduction, but it is light and the music is bright and clear. 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. There is no static on this quiet track, and that must be a first. 

Rounding off with the massive 'Wont Get Fooled Again,' it play superbly, maintaining the high audio standard set by every other track on this vinyl.  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. Even the long quiet keyboard solo sounds amazing, with just a single light static tic. Incredible. 

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, it would be hard to ever find a clearer pressing. 

A great all round example of this classic vinyl. Staggering early Stereo mix. A fantastic all round example of this great vinyl. 

Grades at 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 barely played. In daylight it looks largely unmarked. The record has great shine, with no scratches and no 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. 

Grades at NEAR MINT.

VINYL TESTED FOR ANY SIGNS OF WARPING: 

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

THE LABELS 

Superb labels. There are a few tiny spindle traces, about 2 on each side, but they are very 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 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 great example, bright and clean and unlaminated, with 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.!! 

Graded at EXCELLENT.

THE INNER
This great original pressing comes with the original inner sleeve, in great  condition. NO seam splits or tears,  NO wear at the tops. Crisp and Clean, with no splits, and no writing. 

Graded EXCELLENT.

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 Polydor credited "McNeil Press Ltd" cover, with the far rarer mother stampers and shrink wrapped cover makes this an absolute gem and an extreme rarity.

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

RARE COMPLETE CLASSIC ORIGINAL VINYLS WITH TOP AUDIO AND GREAT CONDITION THROUGHOUT

WE SPECIALISE IN RARE COLLECTABLE PRESSINGS - WITH GREAT SOUND UNINTERRUPTED BY INTERFERENCE. NO LOUD POPS OR CLICKS, JUMPS OR REPEATS - GUARANTEED!

GREAT ORIGINAL COVERS WITH NO SEAM SPLITS, TEARS, WRITING OR STICKERS!

VINYL

We sell the highest quality examples of Classic Vinyl. Large format art work covers with the original sound and mix unique to the best original pieces, giving the highest audio depth and performance. Vinyl prices have soared over the last ten years, making classic examples a great financial and cultural investment.  

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SCRUPULOUS EXAMINATION and TESTING:

All our records are play tested on highly sensitive equipment to ensure the sound quality and accuracy of description. We aim to give a precise and concise description of the sound, pointing out the slightest defect so that you know exactly what you are buying. We aim to describe all records as accurately as possible, and offer a full refund on return if for any reason you are not completely happy with the item description.

VINYL SOUND - PLEASE NOTE:

Highest quality vinyl with clear sound is rare, and what we always aim for. We only sell records that play with TOP AUDIO performance; super clear sound uninterrupted by hiss or other interference. Even with the cleanest pressing you will find occasional static 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 we advise a light clean between plays for optimal performance. 

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IMAGES and INFORMATION

We only use photographs of the item for sale taken with professional digital cameras. The images are designed to be as clear as possible, giving an exact representation of the item. We aim to give sufficient and accurate detail as possible, so that you know exactly what you are buying. Please let us know if you need any further information and we will be happy to oblige.

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

SOME EXAMPLES OF FEEDBACK –

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

Absolutely fantastic! Worth every single penny! Trust you are in careful hands!

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

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

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 any item can be returned, we cant say fairer that that!

WE ONLY SELL RARE RECORDS 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 we have missed something in the listing, we 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 we will pay the full postage costs!

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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. We send items all round the globe with 100% success! We sell top quality rare records to discerning buyers. We do not make money from the postage costs and aim to keep the prices at a reasonable rate, while never offering a cheap or second rate service. 

IT IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY THAT THE RECORDS YOU BUY GET TO YOU IN PERFECT CONDITION. All RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR MAIN COVER AND PLACED IN A BRAND NEW REPLACEMENT INNER SLEEVES TO AVOID ANY CHANCE OF EDGE SPLITS OR KNIFING. THEY ARE HELD SAFELY IN EXTRA THICK PLASTIC SLEEVES, AND THEN SECURED WITH SEVERAL EXTRA LAYERS OF REINFORCED CARD BOARD AND PADDING, DOUBLE BOXED IN EXTRA STRONG PROFESSIONAL RECORD CONTAINERS TO ENSURE SAFE ARRIVAL. WE 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 for multiple records 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. 

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PAYMENTS 

Payments must be made within 3 days of purchasing unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed upon. 

Pay Pal or bank transfers are accepted for International buyers. We accept Pay Pal, bank transfers or postal orders within the UK. Records will be sent out immediately on receipt of payment.

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