RUSH Archives 3LP 1ST PRESS Lovely Audio

	£		19
	$		25

A BREAKDOWN OF THE ARTIST/S :-

This Canadian heavy rock band was formed by Geddy Lee (Born Gary Lee Weinrib, 29 July 1953, Willowdale, Toronto, Canada; keyboards, bass, vocals), Alex Lifeson (Born Alex Zivojinovich, 27 August 1953, British Columbia, Canada; guitar) and John Rutsey (drums). From 1969 to 1972 they performed in Toronto playing a brand of Cream-inspired material, honing their act on the local club and bar circuit. In 1973, they recorded a version of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" as their debut release, backing it with "You Can't Fight It", for their own label, Moon Records. Despite failing to grab the attention as planned, the band pressed ahead with the recording of a debut album, which was remixed by Terry "Broon' Brown (he would continue to work with the band until 1984"s Grace Under Pressure.) With no bite from the majors, once again this arrived via Moon, with distribution by London Records. The quality of their live appointments improved, picking up support slots with the New York Dolls in Canada and finally crossing the US border to play gigs with ZZ Top.

Eventually Cliff Burnstein of Mercury Records (who would later also sign Def Leppard) heard the band and reissued their debut. At this point Neil Peart (Born 12 September 1952, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; drums, ex-Hush), who was to be the main songwriter of the band, replaced Rutsey, and Rush undertook their first full tour of the USA. Rush's music by this point was typified by Lee's oddly high-pitched voice, a tremendously powerful guitar sound, especially in the early years, and a recurrent interest in science fiction and fantasy from the pen of Neil Peart. Later he would also conceptualize the work of authors such as John Barth, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and John Dos Passos. This approach reached its zenith in the band's 1976 concept album, 2112, based on the work of novelist/philosopher Ayn Rand, which had as its central theme the concept of individual freedom and will. Including a 20-minute title track that lasted all of side one, it was a set which crystallized the spirit of Rush for both their fans and detractors. However, the band's most popular offering, A Farewell To Kings, followed by Hemispheres in 1978, saw Peart finally dispense with his "epic" songwriting style. By 1979, Rush were immensely successful worldwide, and the Canadian Government awarded them the title of official Ambassadors of Music.

As the 80s progressed, Rush streamlined their image to become sophisticated, clean-cut, cerebral music-makers. Some early fans denigrated their determination to progress musically with each new album, though in truth the band had thoroughly exhausted its earlier style. They enjoyed a surprise hit single in 1980 when "The Spirit Of Radio" broke them out of their loyal cult following, and live shows now saw Lifeson and Lee adding keyboards for a fuller sound. Lee's vocals had also dropped somewhat from their earlier near-falsetto. The best-recorded example of the band from this period is the succinct Moving Pictures from 1981, a groundbreaking fusion of technological rock and musical craft that never relies on the former at the expense of the latter. However, their career afterwards endured something of a creative wane, with the band at odds with various musical innovations. Despite this, live shows were still exciting events for the large pockets of fans the band retained all over the world, and in the powerful Hold Your Fire in 1987 they proved they were still able to scale former heights.

In 1994, the band agreed to a break for the first time in their career, during which Lifeson worked on his Victor side project. They returned in 1996 with Test For Echo. Often criticized for lyrical pretension and musical grandstanding - unkind critics have suggested that Rush is exactly what you get if you let your drummer write your songs for you - they nevertheless remain Canada's leading rock attraction, and have clearly found strength and unity following an extended hiatus owing to the deaths of Peart's daughter and wife (the drummer's Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road details his grief and the healing process). The post-tragedy Vapor Trails, released in 2002, proved to be one of their strongest albums in many years.

Discography:
Rush (Moon 1974)**, Fly By Night (Moon 1975)**, Caress Of Steel (Mercury 1975)**, 2112 (Mercury 1976)***, All The World's A Stage (Mercury 1976)**, A Farewell To Kings (Mercury 1977)***, Hemispheres (Mercury 1978)**, Permanent Waves (Mercury 1980)****, Moving Pictures (Mercury 1981)****, Exit: Stage Left (Mercury 1981)***, Signals (Mercury 1982)***, Grace Under Pressure (Mercury 1984)**, Power Windows (Mercury 1985)**, Hold Your Fire (Mercury 1987)**, A Show Of Hands (Mercury 1989)***, Presto (Atlantic 1989)**, Roll The Bones (Atlantic 1991)**, Counterparts (Mercury 1993)**, Test For Echo (Atlantic 1996)**, Vapor Trails (Atlantic 2002)****, In Rio (Atlantic 2003)***, Feedback mini-album (Atlantic 2004)***.

Compilations:
Archives (Mercury 1975)***, Rush Through Time (Mercury 1980)**, Chronicles (Mercury 1990)****, Retrospective 1 (1974-1980) (Mercury 1997)***, Retrospective 2 (1981-1987) (Mercury 1997)***, Different Stages: Live 3-CD set (EastWest 1998)***, The Spirit Of Radio Greatest Hits 1974-1987 (Mercury 2003)****.

THE COVER :- Textured gatefold sleeve

THE LABEL :- Mercury blue labels

THE VINYL VISUALLY :- 

• Record One has a few light sleeve removal marks but is very clean indeed
• Record Two has one long mark that i would consider a mark rather than a scratch
• Record Three has a few marks on Side Two where a little lacquer has come off the vinyl but nothing much besides

As a whole they are in very clean condition and well looked after. I would grade the as a whole as a nice Excellent condition visualy.

THE VINYL PLAY GRADED :-

• Record One plays through superbly with barely any surface noise, just a tiny whisp of crackle between tracks. I would grade it individualy as Excellent Plus playback.
• Record Two plays through pretty mush as Record One did. Very minimal surface noise just a whisp on the run ins of tracks. Graded individualy as Excellent Plus playback.
• Record Three plays very very slight worse than the other two records on Side Two where the marks are, they cause a very low level tick that you probably won't notice but i felt it was worth mentioning. Still lovely playback though and graded individualy as a strong Excellent or higher.

As a whole I would give them a grading of between Excellent and Excellent Plus after playing all three from start to finish.

THE SLEEVE FRONT CONDITION :- This is the very earliest 1st press textured sleeve. The front of the sleeve is free from writing. There has been an obvious sticker removal in the past, one of those small price stickers by the looks and it has taken the top surface with it when removed. Some of the gold on the two boxed stars has rubbed away also.  The sleeve reveals a little foxing ringwear. No real creases to speak of though.  There is some shelfwear rubbing on the top and bottom seams but nothing too bad. The colours and text are bright and crisp. I would grade the front of the cover as Near Excellent condition.

THE SLEEVE REAR CONDITION :- The rear of the sleeve is free from writing, free from stickers or evidence of previously removed stickers. There are no creases on the rear of the sleeve and only the same light foxing of ringwear. Just some seam wear again as noted on the front. There is a small indent that can only be spotted in the bright light. Again the rear still retains its original crisp colours and text. I would grade the rear as Excellent condition.

THE INNER GATEFOLD CONDITION :- The Inner of the sleeve is free from writing, free from stickers or evidence of previously removed stickers. There are no creases on the inner of the sleeve and only the same light foxing of ringwear. There is some browning in the white areas around the outer edges. I would grade as Excellent condition all said.

THE LABEL SIDE ONE & TWO CONDITION :- Original Mercury labels in excellent order free from stickers or writing and no damage at all. Barely any signs of play around the spindle hole. Near Mint condition.

THE LABEL SIDE THREE & FOUR CONDITION :- Original Mercury labels in excellent order free from stickers or writing and no damage at all. Barely any signs of play around the spindle hole. Near Mint condition.

THE LABEL SIDE FIVE & SIX CONDITION :- Original Mercury labels in excellent order free from stickers or writing and no damage at all. Barely any signs of play around the spindle hole. Near Mint condition.

THE SPINE CONDITION :- The writing on the spine is crystal clear, no spine splits at all just very light signs of shelfwear in the two corners. Excellent condition

THE INNER SLEEVE CONDITION :- All correct and matching polylined inners are in Excellent condition

THE EXTRAS :- No extras were given with this album

THE CATALOGUE NUMBER :- 9199 589 & 9199 590 & 9199 591

THE YEAR OF RELEASE :-  1975

THE LABEL :- MERCURY

THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN :-  UK

PLAYING FORMAT :- STEREO

THE MATRIX NUMBERS :-  9199589 1Y//2  &  9199589 B//4  & 9199590 1Y//2 & 9199590 2Y//2 & 9199591 1Y//2 & 9199591 2Y//2

TRACK LISTING :-

SIDE ONE :-

1. FINDING MY WAY
2. NEED SOME LOVE
3. TAKE A FRIEND
4. HERE AGAIN

SIDE TWO :-

1. WHAT YOU'RE DOING
2. IN THE MOOD
3. BEFORE AND AFTER
4. WORKING MAN

SIDE THREE :-

1. ANTHEM
2. BEST I CAN
3. BENEATH, BETWEEN AND BEHIND
4. BY-TOR AND THE SNOWY DOG

SIDE FOUR :-

1. FLY BY NIGHT
2. MAKING MEMORIES
3. RIVENDELL
4. IN THE END

SIDE FIVE :-

1. BASTILLE DAY
2. I THINK I'M GOING BALD
3. LAKESIDE PARK
4. THE NECROMANCER

SIDE SIX :-

1. THE FOUNTAIN OF LEMENTH

WHAT WE PLAY THE RECORD ON :- 

We use a Project 6 Perspex Turntable to play grade our records which delivers a rich authoritative sound and achieves a rich and weighty vibrancy unrivalled by the majority of decks within its price range

HOW WE CLEAN YOUR RECORD :- 

We use a V.P.I. HW-16.5 record cleaning machine to clean your vinyl. "A highly recommended machine" as quoted by Stereophile magazine. This removes any excess dirt before playing

HOW WE PACKAGE YOUR RECORD :- 

Your record will be package very securely to minimise any risk of damage during transit. We remove the record from the outer sleeve unless asked not to do so. This helps to minimise the risk of seam spliting. We use a high quality record mailer which is designed to give superior protection for your vinyl record. We place stiffeners either side of the record for added protection. The album will also be placed in a 450 gram Poly outer sleeve for even extra added protection

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING CHARGES FOR UK CUSTOMERS :-

We advise that items reaching over £50 in price to be insured and sent by Special Delivery. This protects both of us and ensures better handling of the parcel during transit.We are in no way out to make money from postage. The postage price includes the record mailer, stiffeners and plastic sleeve. We just want your item to reach you in the best possible condition. A breakdown of insured postal services are listed below. Please choose to use the relevant postal service for your own protection as once these rare records are lost they can quite often seldom be replaced

SECOND CLASS RECORDED (INSURED UP TO £50) :- FREE

FIRST CLASS RECORDED (INSURED UP TO £50) :- £0.45

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY UPTO 500g :- £3.80

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY FROM 500g - 1000g :- £5.00

(SPECIAL DELIVERY INSURES YOUR ITEM UPTO £500)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION :-    

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the European Union by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £6.22 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :-  £11.37 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :-  £13.97 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE USA AND CANADA :- 

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the USA & Canada by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £8.78 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £13.93 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.53 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN AND ROW :- 

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the Australia & Japan by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS :- £9.06 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £14.21 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.81 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT PROFIT FROM POSTAGE, THE PRICES WE QUOTE ARE QUITE ACCURATE AND INCLUDE THE PACKAGING MATERIALS AT COST PRICE

NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:

PLEASE AWAIT AN INVOICE BEFORE PAYING SO WE CAN WORK OUT THE CORRECT POSTAGE/SHIPPING CHARGES

BUYERS OF MULTIPLE ITEMS :- 

Postage prices and courier methods for multiple purchases will be calculated after the auction end. It is impossible for us at the pre auction stage to determine these prices as the final weight is unknown.If you are the winner of multiple items the please await contact from us or alternately contact us yourself for a breakdown of the shipping costs.You will only pay the stamp price + relevant packaging charges so there are big savings to be made with multiple purchases

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR RECORD :-

We can accept the following payment methods

UK BUYERS :- 

• PayPal
• Personal cheque (Please allow to clear)
• Bankers Draft
• Postal Order

OVERSEAS BUYERS :-

• Paypal only

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :-

We always try to appraise the record for sale as openly and honestly as possible and provide plenty of pictures for you to look at but please be aware that errors however rare do occur and not everyone has the same audio  equipment. There is no problem that cannot be worked out in a civilised manner. We urge you to contact us so that we can discuss any small problems that may occur. We offer a refund of the purchase price for returned items within 7 days of purchase and are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have during the auction

SAVE US TO YOUR FAVOURITES LIST AS WE INTEND TO LIST MANY MORE RARE VINYL TREATS OVER THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS