MOTHERS OF INVENTION ZAPPA ABSOLUTLEY FREE MONO VERVE X

	£		35
	$		46

MOTHERS OF INVENTION ZAPPA ABSOLUTLEY FREE MONO VERVE X

Hello.

As a foreword regarding grading,

I have to admit there's just something unique and special about Vinyl records. I appreciate that the modern download industry facilitates easy access to our most beloved tracks and compact discs are "compact" and slim-lined to minimize storage space. However, what is missing from them forms of media only a record enthusiast will appreciate. If we could possibly disregard the amazing sound reproduction attained only by vinyl records, in terms of value for money, there's just no comparison. If we rationalise it as "what you get for your money", i'll pick records anyday. I don't get any real "consumerable satisfaction" when buying tracks that are then stored in cyber-space and all that you see is a picture of the band pop up. It's a shame what is lost is the atmosphere, originality and imagination of sleeve artwork with the added extras sometimes thrown in, such as limited edition inserts and posters. I believe that a quality vinyl record is it's own form of art, incomparable to that "file" we have downloaded from cyber-space.

Therefore, when buying records I want to obtain a record which I know is what I want, ie condition. In the past, I have had many encounters where I didn't receive what I thought I was bidding on. For example, my experience would suggest that some sellers over grade their stock, whether it be through inexperience or unscrupulous members who believe they can get away with it. When I grade vinyl condition, I emphasize its strong points and weak points in as much detail as possible in addition to a detailed image section to assist in determining its approximate condition. I want you to be informed on what you are bidding on without the presence of over grading / undergrading. I hope my grading system will help with comparing your needs with what is on offer. Thanks and good luck.

Mint = Brand new in shrink wrap with no seal breaks or damage.

Near Mint = removed from shrink wrap but no damage, no discolouration or scratches to the sleeve, vinyl or inserts, etc. Near Flawless, the odd light background crackle between tracks for example.

Excellent plus = Full gloss vinyl shows only light extraction whisps or a few light hairlines. May have may have light background noice through quieter sections but does not intrude into general play. Light spider trails or wear to labels, sleeve may have light wear only.

Excellent = Full gloss vinyl may show light hairlines and extraction whisps or scuffs. May have increasing amounts of light background noise which may start to intrude into general play with the odd pop or click. Minor wear to labels/ inserts, etc, outer sleeve may have light creasing or light laminate rubbing.

Very Good Plus = Full gloss but may have discolouration and moderate wear to the vinyl, sleeve and/or inserts, etc. May have a scratch or two which you can feel but plays without a skip. Background noise with the odd pop or click but no skips.

Very Good = A few more scuffs or scratches to the above, sleeve shows signs of noticable damage ie split margin or laminate penetrations. Inserts, show noticable wear. Background noise with the odd pop or click. May skip once only.

Good = Vinyl shows many noticable scratches with some you can feel, discolouration and/or damage present to most contents. playable but may have more than one skip and extensive pops and/or clicks. Skips no more than 3 times or is graded as poor.

Poor = Unplayable due to fundamental damage. Extensive heavy scratches or wear. For framing purposes only.

The Mothers of Invention

VLP 9174

Absolutely Free (MONO)

Black "Verve Records" Label

"Sold in the UK" text.

1967

V 50133-1

V 50134-1

Mother stampers:

Side 1: 1G

Side 2: 1G

Condition: Excellent

From my record collection from 1967, I offer you this rare 1st ever UK MONO pressing of the Mothers on Invention's psychadelic/progressive rock vinyl LP "Absoltely Free" on the 1st Black Verve label with "Sold in the UK" text and Garrod & Lofthouse ltd. Patents Pending flip-back outer sleeve. This is the original fully complete 1st UK pressing which would have been one of the 1st if not thee 1st to be manufactured in 1967. The condition of the vinyl is excellent on both sides.

Visually, the Vinyl is in great condition, Excellent on side A and Excellent plus on side B. The vinyl retains a fantastic glossy finish with a few hairlines of which none penetrate the vinyls outer surface. Side A is visually excellent but with some noticable light hairlines under direct light. Side B also retains it's shiny gloss finish with plenty of light hairlines but again, none, penetrating the outer surface of the vinyl. Please look at the pictures as they will hopefully illustrate it's approximate visual condition.

Both sides play excellently well with light background noise and crackle in quieter sections but all instruments are clear and with near perfect clarity. There is no major unwanted additions here, with light background noise in quieter parts this certainly has no jumps, no sticks or warps. It a very nice listening experience. Excellent - Excellent +.  The original inner sleeve is Very Good + with no tears but some discolouration and creasing present.

The labels on both sides show the "Sold in the UK" text are in Excellent + condition as they have very few areas of wear and a perfect print to the text credits. As shown in the pictures, there is light evidence of spider trails around the centre hole on both sides but with no writing, no stains or unwanted marks the condition of these labels overall are Excellent +.

The original "patents pending" Outer sleeve by Garrod and Lofthouse ltd. is in Very Good Plus condition. The thick laminate has an excellent spine as it has a good solid shape with great strength to the text "Absolutelty Free - The Mohers on Invention" but with areas of moderate wear and tear. There are areas of wear also around the perimeter and spine with further wear to the corners. The print is Excellent with strong clarity.

Please take a look at the picture section as this will hopefully clarify it's authentic condition.

Track Listing:

Side 1:

1. Plastic People

2a. The Duke of Prunes

2b. Amnesia Vivace

2c. The Duke Regains his Chops

3a. Call any Vegetable

3b. Invocation & Ritual Dance of the Young Pumpkin

3c. Soft-Cell Conclusion

Side 2:

1. America Drinks

2. Status Back Baby

3. Uncle Bernie's Farm

4. Son of Suzi Creamcheese

5. Brownshoes don't make It

6. America Drinks and goes Home

Items shall be dispatched with protection in mind.

Although I am a newish ebay user, your payment shall be secured with paypal until the item is received by yourself, hopefully giving you peace of mind with the transaction. With this action being necessary to ensure safe transactions by Ebay and Paypal, and, to protect my items, I will send them by registered post following a safe deposit through Paypal. Items shall be posted with appropriate protection. I thank you for looking and wish you luck.