VAN MORRISON "ASTRAL WEEKS" 1968 UK 1ST PRESS WB ORANGE LABEL PSYCH FOLK RARE

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 VAN MORRISON "ASTRAL WEEKS" 1968 UK FIRST PRESS w/ ORANGE WB LABELS

Massively Rare Original 1968 Warner Records UK 1st Pressing (A2//B2 Matrix - Orange Warner Label) 'Astral Weeks'  by VAN MORRISON!!! Absolutely Stunning UK 1st Press Thick & Chunky Vinyl!!! Complete with Mega Rare 1st Press Laminated Garrod & Lofthouse Flipback Flipback Sleeve with 1st Press 'Boxed W7' Warner Logos!!! Hugely Rare as a True UK Orange Label Warner Bros. 1st Pressing and Impossible to Find!!!

"...there is something about it (Astral Weeks) that is more than inspired, something that has been touched, that's in the realm of the miraculous."

- Lester Bangs

You are bidding on the impossibly rare Orange Label Warner Bros. pressing  - the 1st EVER UK pressing -  of this amazing record. This is how Astral Weeks was originally intended to sound - straight from the master press. The quality of this pressing is quite rightly regarded as one of the peaks of 1960's UK vinyl production.  Even the immediate 2nd pressings of Astral Weeks (identified with later green Warner labels) show a marked deterioration in sound quality from this stunning record. Its not that these second pressings were of poor quality, its just that nothing ever quite captured the original audio perfection of this 1st pressing. In fact, I can guarantee you that NOTHING plays like this, the 1968 UK 1st pressing. It is simply STUNNING! It has the most amazing richness of depth and chiming string clarity, and when coupled with Richard Davis' beautiful underlying bass, it is completely hypnotising to listen to, if you know and love this record but have never heard this 1st UK pressing then, take it from me, you have not fully 'heard' this record.  Those who know about this album do not simply seek the orange label first pressing for it incredible rarity - there is more to it than that, it is also the unique audio perfection of this record from start to finish that makes it such a treasured record.

Unfortunately, unlike a lot of other UK 1st pressings, not everybody has this opportunity to own a first pressing of 'Astral Weeks' because there are so few of these Orange Label Warner Bros. 1st Pressings left in existence today, and when they do appear on the market, they change hands for a huge amount of money.

The vinyl looks worse than it plays, optically I'd say it's in VG condition w/ serveral marks and surface scratches. Those are not feelable but cause some clicks every now and then. The record plays thru very well but with occasional background noise especially audible in the very quiet parts. The playback is VG to VG+. Please don't expect a Mint record here - the LP won't turn into something it is not. A little cleaning may improve the playback quality. This is a very nice and pre-loved playing copy that will satisfy most music fans who are not looking for immaculate vinyl only. A mint copy will cost you a fortune - this could be your chance to get this superior and exceptionally rare pressing for an affordable price.

The 1st press UK Garrod & Lofthouse front laminated sleeve is very nice with strong edges and full colours. All edges only have the slightest bumps and the lamination looks very good. It has some creases (most very small but some bigger - nothing serious) and is not split or peeled off. The spine is fully readable and the unlaminated back is nice and clean with only light discoloration. As you may know the back is white and thus quite delicate especially as it's unlaminated. There's some foxing to the opening but nothing serious at all. A very nice and clean example of a very fragile sleeve. Graded VG+

Cat No:

WS 1768

1st Press Matrix:

Side 1 - WS 1768 A-2

Side 2 -  WS 1768 B-2

I ship worldwide. PLEASE be aware that the item is located in Germany and I can't ship the LP for $4.00!

Postage is $17.00 to the USA and $10.00 within the EU by small parcel. For insurance please ask.

I pack very well in thick cardboard mailers with double padding.

Payment due 5 days after auction end by PayPal.

Please feel free to contact me with your questions.

GOOD LUCK BIDDING!