FREE, HIGHWAY, V.RARE 1970 UK ISLAND 1U/1U 1st PRESS

	£		43
	$		57

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional example of the brilliant fourth studio album by FREE titled “HIGHWAY”, Catalogue Number ILPS 9138. This is an ORIGINAL 1970 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the PINK RIM ISLAND RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st issue “embossed” E. J. Day sleeve. [The matrix numbers are the earliest A-1U, B-1U]. Complete with the correct pale-blue Island inner sleeve.

The un-laminated single sleeve, printed and made by the E. J. Day Group, London & Bedford, is in EX condition with only very light wear and minor creasing. The picture of the band members on the back cover is embossed and the spine has pinched ends which are only features of the 1st issue sleeves. Later Robor sleeves do not have these features. The front and back covers are unmarked apart from a small scuff near the top right corner of the back cover. There is only very minimal age discoloration. You can see from the photos that this is a truly excellent example of this notoriously fragile sleeve.

The top quality Island record is solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable. The playing surfaces are beautifully clean and retain a deep mirror-like shine. Visually both sides are in EX condition. There is a small white mark on Track 3 of Side 1 which was present in the pressing from new. This is purely cosmetic and does not have any effect on the audio whatsoever. The pink rim Island labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces each side. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This superb Island pressing plays with outstanding sound quality and the bass is very impressive. Both sides play perfectly. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive and only mentioned for complete accuracy). This is very important for this particular album as there are several quiet introductions and passages which can easily be ruined by excessive surface sound. I think that it will be very difficult to find a significantly better-playing 1st pressed copy of this essential blues/rock album.

The correct pale-blue poly-lined Island inner sleeve is in VG condition with no splits or tears – just a few creases.  

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.