Toni Braxton The Heat RARE Original U.K. 2000 Arista/LaFace Double LP VG+/EX+

	£		20
	$		26

RARE Original U.K. 2000 Arista/LaFace Double Vinyl pressing of Toni Braxton’s ‘The Heat’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: Arista/LaFace 73008 26069 1).  This consists of a double vinyl pressing in a single, thin and flimsy sleeve.  This is clearly the U.K. issue with reference to ‘BMG Eurodisc Limited, UK’ on the rear of the sleeve).  This is really rare and would only have been pressed in limited quantities during a time (2000) when few were buying vinyl and would have instead purchased the CD equivalent.

CONDITION: EX+ (VINYL) / VG+ (SLEEVE): The vinyl is still stored in the original poly-lined inners which has really aided in the preservation of the vinyl.  I believe that the first record here has been played once or twice and that the second record has never been played.  I say this because there is still some residue, off-cut vinyl in the spindle-hole which one wouldn’t expect to see there if it had ever been played.  I’ve graded as EX+ because there is a superficial spindle drag on the first track on Side Two which measures about a centimetre coming from the run-in groove onto the playing surface.  It has no depth and is nothing to worry about but accounts for my grading of the vinyl here.  Otherwise there is only the odd (and I mean odd) hairline mark visible under an intense light.  This copy has clearly never seen heavy play!  The sleeve displays more wear than the vinyl and this isn’t particularly surprising when you consider how flimsy the construction is and yet it has to contain to decent weight vinyl pressings.  However, the main wear has resulted from the edge of the sleeve getting damp at some point and this has caused a light ripple effect in the bottom right-hand corner on the front  and left some staining which is visible on both sides and should be visible in the attached images.  This is not exactly the first thing you notice about the sleeve but nonetheless it is there.  There are a couple of other more minor stains on the sleeve which I would guess result from the same episode but which are too light to be picked-up by the camera.  Otherwise the vinyl has left an impression in the sleeve on both sides (more pronounced on the front) and there is limited ring-wear in places (I’ve captured the wear at the top on the front of the sleeve in one of the attached images).  The spine corners both display a little fraying and both the opening edge corners have been stubbed with the wear to the top right-hand corner being particularly pronounced.  Please take a good look at the attached images – The sleeve is still pretty respectable.

                GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words! 

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intense light there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.