I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale.  No shipping to Russia currently.

Iron Maiden : Somewhere In Time A4 / B2U 1st Press 1986

This first pressing plays to a superb standard with barely any intrusion.  There are just three static ticks / clicks on the S2 intro but they are by no means loud.  Aside from that the clarity, depth and power of the audio is sensational!

The cover is near perfect with just one very small area of wear on the top edge, not a split though.  The lyric inner is in superb condition with next to no wear and the original merchandise sheet is perfect with no marks, tears or creasing.

Ɛmc-3512-A-Dmm4-4-1-1- IT Were So LouD Sterling Sound D

Ɛmc-3512-B-DMM 2U-1-1- X1 "EvenQuietBitsWereLoud" Sterling Sound D

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T1 VG for three seconds)

The cover is Near Mint-

The lyric inner is Mint-

The merch sheet is Mint

The labels are Mint

Visual description

This vinyl is in excellent condition and still has a strong glossy sheen with no scratches.  There is one small scuff area on S1 but it has no affect on the superb audio.  Under a bright light I can see some faint hairlines but they are superficial as again they no impact on the audio.  The labels are pristine with no spindle wear.

Play grading

The run in on S1 is so clean with no static etc and then the intro on 'Caught Somewhere In Time' plays perfectly as does the opening vocal section.  As you would expect the audio is strong and deep and there is no distortion, no interference.  The first chorus is equal to that and it continues to play with outstanding quality.  The mid instrumental is stunning, the guitar work here is immense!  From start to finish this is Mint in every way.

'Wasted Years' plays with the same intensity and power and there is no interference.  The clarity and definition of the audio is so impressive and it deserves to be graded as Mint such is the sonic quality.  The fade out has no background and that's a good measure of the clarity on offer here.

Another Smith track in 'Sea Of Madness' and it plays with phenomenal clarity and power through every vocal and instrumental section.  Once again I cannot find one single negative and it plays as clearly as it would have done when first released back in '86.  Such a strong track that has to grade as Mint

The quiet intro on 'Heaven Can Wait' plays so clearly with only a couple of mega quiet statics and the rest of the intro is indeed perfect.  As it progresses you really notice how strong and powerful the audio is and there is no distortion on the top end either.  Great separation for a final track also - each note is so clean and precise.  A Mint finish to the side with just a hint of light static right at the end of the fade out, I can't downgrade it because of that!

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The intro on 'The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner' plays very clearly but does have three consecutive static ticks / clicks at the start.  They are not loud and the rest of this opening section plays with genuine clarity and no other intrusion.  The first vocal section is flawless and the chorus provides a perfect example of the dynamic range of Dickinson's voice.  From then on the standard is maintained with no ticks, clicks, pops or static.  The usual power and a great clarity of sound.  I will grade that three seconds on the intro as VG but the rest is Mint for sure.

The intro on 'Stanger In A Strange Land' has no background and the opening vocal is just as strong.  Thereafter it plays with real power and depth and 'as new' is again a fair assessment of the audio.  Mint

'Deja-Vu' plays so clearly from the word go.  A relatively quiet intro and yet there is no intrusion.  The next fast and furious section plays with incredible power and depth and the opening vocal is faultless.  The first chorus is on the same level and it continues in the same precise way with a power and definition that is second to none.  Mint

'Alexander The Great' has only a couple of minor statics right at the start and the rest of this quiet intro plays with exceptional clarity.  The opening vocal section is breath-taking!  So powerful and loud it just could not play any better.  The mid instrumental is 100% 'as new' and the depth of the audio - just wow!  There is no inner groove distortion and the final vocal / fade out ends this classic with supreme quality.  Always good to have a history lesson!  I will say Mint- but even that might be a little too critical!

The Cover, Lyric Inner & Merchandise Sheet

The cover is in lovely condition with only one minor area of wear.  This is in the centre of the top edge where there is a small break of the surface but it has not resulted in a split, a minor rub you could say.  The bottom edge, corners and spine are perfect and the opening edge is pristine.  The front and back are immaculate and overall this is a superb example of this iconic cover.

The lyric inner is as close to perfect as could be.  There is just one tiny mark / rub by the top edge on the lyric side, hardly worth a mention really.  The merchandise sheet is 'as new'.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

Ɛmc-3512-A-Dmm4-4-1-1- IT Were So LouD Sterling Sound D

Ɛmc-3512-B-DMM 2U-1-1- X1 "EvenQuietBitsWereLoud" Sterling Sound D

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!