The Who Tommy Lp Very First A1/B1 1969 UK Track Label Press Numbered Booklet NM-
C$
425
$
297
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
One of Pete Townshend's finest achievements.....'Tommy' was the first internationally acclaimed "rock opera". Though unique more for the concept than the music, it still produced a top ten hit with 'Pinball Wizard'. Michael McInnerney's poetic and mystical artistic painting and design for the cover mirrors the music in an amazing and uncanny way.
As most fans and collectors will admit, finding a near-perfect and complete example of a 1st 1969 UK pressed copy of 'Tommy' is an enormous challenge....some say impossible. The copy offered for this listing comes pretty close to what I consider near perfect. It is the cleanest and wear-free copy I've ever seen or held. Today, if a group or artist designed as complex and intricate a cover as this one it would cost a fortune. In fact, it probably wouldn't even get made because it would simply be too cost prohibitive.
True 1st UK copies of 'Tommy' should have:
1. A laminated tri-fold-out gatefold cover printed by E. J. Day 'Patent Pending' at the back lower left. Later versions were unlaminated.
2. A numbered booklet with the number stamped on the bottom right corner of the first page. Later ones are un-numbered.
3. The Track Records labels are matt black with silver lettering and have 'Double Album' text on each side. Later pressings don't have this.
4. Track Records catalog numbers 613013/4 printed on the cover, records, and the matrixes. Later copies don't have this.
5. Matrix numbers should be stamped A1/B1 A1/B1 on each side in the deadwax areas around both labels.
6. Both records should have decent weight and thickness. Later pressings are thin and flimsy.
Cover: Excellent+.....some inoffensive creases are noticed at certain angles. However, the lamination still holds very well and manages to bring out all the details and brilliant colors of the sensational artwork. No ugly or unsightly tears within the inner tri-panel gatefold as is so often seen. Some wear at the top edge of the inner pocket; but it hasn't actually split. This is a solid and clean example and rarely found in this condition.
12-Page Numbered Lyric Booklet: Excellent. No tears or missing pages. Limited ed. #70771
Original (Dated) Inner-Sleeves: VG+.....some aging and discoloration...but still nicely maintained. One of them has a small split to one side which can be easily repaired. Two higher quality sleeves will be included.
Records: Near Mint- to Near Mint.....all 4 labels are very clean and only show a few spindle traces. Both records have a beautiful like-new shine and play with minimal surface noise. Stunning stereo reproduction. The audio is clean, clear, detailed, ....Moon's drumming and Entwistle's bass have that rare "in the room " presence. At times the audio from these records were truly jaw-dropping.
Matrix Numbers: Side 1 613013 A// 1 1 1 1 1 Side 4 6130 13 B// 1 1 1 11 Side 2 613014 A // 1 1 * 1 4 Side 3 613014 B // 1 1 1 * c 1 1 4
I will always combine shipping to save you money.
European/International buyers....contact me for shipping rates and delivery options. Do not pay shipping cost intended for U.S. buyers.
price rating
