Jethro Tull - Benefit LP (1970) UK 1st Press - ILPS 9123 A2/B1 - NM Vinyl
£
30
$
40
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Description
Jethro Tull - Benefit LP (1970) UK 1st Press - Green Island/Chrysalis ILPS 9123 A2/B1 - NM Vinyl
The Album & Music History:
Up for sale is a genuine, highly sought-after 1970 UK 1st pressing of Jethro Tull’s classic third studio album, Benefit. Recorded at Morgan Studios in London, this album bridges the blues-rock of their earlier work with the heavy, progressive conceptualism that would soon define Aqualung. Written by frontman Ian Anderson while grappling with the pressures of touring, the music carries a darker, harder-rocking edge.
This pressing is historically significant as the last to feature original bassist Glenn Cornick, and the first to introduce John Evan on keyboards. The iconic cover art perfectly mirrors the album's cynical themes, featuring the band peering out a window at cardboard cut-outs of themselves performing—a literal jab at feeling like two-dimensional products performing for the "benefit" of the music industry.
Pressing Identifiers & Authenticity:
This copy features all the definitive hallmarks of the very first UK production run
Matrix Numbers: Side 1: ILPS 9123 A//2 | Side 2: ILPS 9123 B//1 (Confirming the earliest first press batch).
Labels: The transitional green label featuring the white Island Records "i" logo at the top and the pink Chrysalis butterfly at the bottom.
Sleeve: Original unlaminated matte cover correctly credited to "Printed and made by MacNeill Press Ltd., London, S.E.1."
The Typo: Features the known 1st press anomaly where track B2 drops the question mark on the label, reading simply "A Time For Everything".
Condition & Professional Preparation:
Vinyl: EX+ to Near Mint (NM). This is an archive-quality disc. The record retains a deep, factory-fresh glossy shine. The labels are exceptionally clean with practically zero spindle wear, indicating it has rarely seen a turntable. It is incredibly difficult to find this specific 1970 pressing in such pristine, well-preserved condition.
Sleeve: VG+. The original unlaminated MacNeill sleeve has survived beautifully. It features some light expected edge wear and a slight surface scuff on the front and back. Crucially, the structural integrity is fantastic, and the corners remain impressively sharp—a genuine rarity for these fragile matte covers. No seam splits or major tears.
Professional Cleaning: To ensure the absolute best audio fidelity, this record has been meticulously deep-cleaned and thoroughly rinsed using a professional-grade wet-washing system. This process safely removes deep-groove dust and static, providing an exceptionally quiet noise floor and optimal playback.
Postage, Packaging & Delivery
To guarantee this piece of progressive rock history reaches you in the exact condition described, it will be packaged to strict collector standards:
Separated for Safety: To completely eliminate the risk of seam splits occurring during transit, the vinyl has been removed from the main jacket.
Archival Storage: The freshly cleaned disc is housed in a brand new, premium anti-static archive-quality inner sleeve.
Outer Protection: Both the record and the original MacNeill sleeve are stored together within a high-density protective outer vinyl sleeve.
Reinforced Shipping: The entire package will be securely dispatched in a proper, heavy-duty reinforced cardboard record mailer to protect those sharp corners.
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