Van Morrison Moondance Vinyl Record Album LP 1st Orig US Press 1970 Green EX

$

75

Item Description

Van Morrison – Moondance (Warner Bros. Records – WS 1835)

Pressing features: 1st Original U.S. Press, 1970, Stereo, Gatefold

Matrix / Deadwax: 39621-WS-1835A RE1 1D

* Not a tambourine mix

Album overview: Released in 1970, Van Morrison’s Moondance is his third solo studio album, following the introspective and groundbreaking Astral Weeks (1968) and preceding His Band and the Street Choir (1970). Recorded in New York with a carefully chosen rhythm section and horn players, the album marked a shift toward a more accessible blend of soul, R&B, jazz, folk, and Irish musical sensibility, while retaining Morrison’s poetic songwriting and unmistakable, expressive voice. Standouts such as “And It Stoned Me,” “Crazy Love,” “Caravan,” “Into the Mystic,” and the title track give the record its warm, late-night atmosphere, and an interesting twist is that Morrison self-produced the album, choosing the musicians and sound he wanted rather than relying on an outside producer. Moondance became Morrison’s commercial breakthrough, eventually earning triple-Platinum status and establishing itself as one of the defining albums of early-1970s singer-songwriter and roots music. Rolling Stone recognition: yes—Moondance was ranked No. 65 in 2003, No. 66 in 2012, and No. 120 in the 2020 revision, where it remained at No. 120 in the 2023 edition.

Vinyl Record grade: EXCELLENT 

Beautiful, well-cared-for records with a strong, glossy finish and only minimal signs of prior handling. Surfaces are clean, retaining a rich sheen throughout. There may be a whiff or a super tiny hairline but if so it is very hard to spot. This holds it back from a NM- grade. A superb copy that comfortably sits at the very upper end of the scale. 

Cover/Jacket grade: VG++

Jacket exhibits normal shelf wear and minor rounded edges but remains a strong, collectible item. No ring wear, no discoloration, no writing. Jacket lacks major flaws like seam splits, tears, or heavy writing. A very well-preserved jacket.

Other contents: includes original inner sleeve 

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The record has been ultrasonically cleaned and will ship with a premium MoFi inner sleeve and a protective outer sleeve. For added protection, the record will be placed outside of the album jacket within a plastic outer sleeve to prevent seam splits. It will be securely packaged in a reinforced media mailer and clearly labeled as fragile.

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Record Grading Scale (Based on visual inspection)

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed items. 

The record remains unopened in its original shrink. Because the record has never been removed from the sleeve, the vinyl itself cannot be visually inspected. Minor corner dings or shrink wrap tears may be present but will be noted in the listing if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

A nearly perfect record.

The vinyl appears unplayed or played very few times and will show no visible scratches, scuffs, or marks. The surface retains full original gloss. This grade is reserved for exceptional copies from well-maintained collections that have been carefully handled and properly stored.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

An excellent copy with only the most minimal signs of handling. 

The record may show one or two extremely faint surface marks or light hairlines visible only under strong light. These marks are purely superficial and should not affect play. The vinyl still presents beautifully with strong gloss.

Very Good + (VG+)

A well-cared-for record that shows light signs of use.

The vinyl may display several light surface marks, hairlines, or superficial scuffs from handling or sleeve contact. These are generally light and difficult to see without careful inspection. Records in this grade typically play very well with minimal background noise.

Very Good (VG) 

A record that has been played and shows clear signs of use.

The vinyl will show noticeable surface marks, scratches, and general play wear. These marks are easily visible and result in some surface noise, but the record should still play through without skipping.

Good + (G+)

A heavily used but still playable record.

The vinyl will show numerous marks, scratches, and visible wear, including scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Surface noise, pops, and crackle should be expected. Despite cosmetic wear, the record should play through without repeating or skipping unless otherwise noted.

Cover/Jacket Grading Scale

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed albums in original shrink wrap.

Minor shrink tears, corner dings, or storage wear may be present and will be noted if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

An exceptional cover with virtually no visible wear.

The jacket appears almost new, with sharp corners, clean surfaces, and no ring wear, writing, stickers, or seam splits. This grade is used sparingly for outstanding examples.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

A very attractive cover with only minor cosmetic flaws.

The jacket may show very light ring wear, slightly softened corners, or minimal edge wear. A small sticker or faint writing may be present but does not detract from the overall presentation.

Very Good + (VG+)

A clean, solid cover with moderate signs of handling.

Possible flaws include light ring wear, minor edge wear, small creases, sleeve scuffs, or small stickers/writing. The cover remains structurally sound and displays well.

Very Good (VG)

A cover with clear wear but still fully intact.

The jacket may include more noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or creasing. It may also have a drill hole, cut corner, moderate sticker residue, or a small seam split (approximately 1-3 inches). Corners may be rounded from use.

Good + (G+)

A heavily worn cover with significant cosmetic issues.

Common flaws may include major ring wear, large seam splits, heavy edge wear, major sticker damage, writing or doodles, soft or worn spine, or full split seams. The cover remains complete but shows obvious age and wear.