Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers - NO PROMOTONE N.V * NEAR MINT * UK 1st PRESS *

	£		255
	$		338

The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb, archival quality copy of The Rolling Stones ninth studio album, Sticky Fingers.

Background:

1971 saw The Rolling Stones' long term relationship with Decca/London Records come to and end. Consequently, the band were free to release albums exactly how they wanted, without interference from management. The band set-up a new company "Promotone N.V.", based in the Netherlands, to manage and distribute all future releases. The first album on this new label, Sticky Fingers, was also the first studio album not to feature Brian Jones after his death two years prior. 

Rather than exploiting their new-found creative freedom to produce some commercially unviable experimental avant-garde, in Sticky Fingers the band returned to their blues inspired rock'n'roll roots to produce one of their greatest albums. Regularly sited in the top 10 of 'the greatest albums of all time' lists, the album is a must have in any record collection. The audio on this first pressing is as good as I have heard, take a listen to a recording of the full album below!

Although the band didn't experiment as much as they might have musically, they certainly let free with the cover art. The Rolling Stones enlisted Andy Warhol and his art collective, The Factory, to produce the sleeve, cover art and insert. The front cover is one of the most iconic images in music history. The sleeve on this particular copy is an extremely rare first variant which features a working zipper which, when unzipped, reveals a pair of gentleman's underpants. This sleeve variant was short lived as record shop owners complained that when shipped the zipper damaged neighbouring albums - as is evident from the reverse of the sleeve in this listing! (Some may not like this but I think it is brilliant when items tell stories). 

In addition, the album was the first to include the famous Rolling Stones lips and tongue logo on a two page colour insert. The second side features a fantastic picture of the band and is well worth framing. This rare insert, usually lost in time, is also included in this sale. 

Album Details:

Serial number: COC 59100

Matrix number: A4 / B4 ("T.M.L. The Rolling Stones" is etched on both run-outs)

Stamper codes: N/A

Tax Codes: N/A

Vinyl Weight: 160g

The matrix numbers and dead-wax etchings confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. 

The labels are the first variant as is evident from the absence of "A Promotone N.V. Record" text from either label. This was included on all subsequent labels (it was not included on this album as at the time of release the company had not been incorporated).

This copy comes with the extremely collectable first variant sleeve with working, small and unbranded zipper, openings to both the top and the bottom of the sleeve and the text "Andy Warhol This photograph must not be... etc" printed on the middle page. 

The album is complete with the original "Patent No. 1,125,535" inner sleeve and two sided colour insert.

Condition Report:

The condition report provided below is given as a guide only. I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: MINT - 

Labels: MINT -

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each unworn centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT 

Both vinyl playing surfaces retain a superb deep gloss shine. In bright daylight several light marks are visible to the surface of both sides. None can be felt (or heard) and I would not describe any as a 'scratch'. Underneath the glare of a halogen desk lamp a handful of barely visible wispy paper hairline scuffs can be seen alongside an iridescent rainbow shine. 

Sound Quality: MINT -

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

Side 1:

Side 2:

As can be heard in the recordings, the record sounds simply fantastic! Both sides play with a warmth and depth to the sound that cannot be replicated by later pressings. There are no audible intrusions throughout the entire recording; both lead-ins are quiet, the dead wax is quiet and the small amount of dust crackle that is evident during both run-outs will be removed after another cleaning cycle. A brilliant listen that would be virtually impossible to improve upon.

Sleeve: MINT -

The iconic sleeve is in shop-new condition. The colours of the infamous cover art are bright and vibrant with no signs of discolouration or staining. The corners are crisp with only very minor softening. As mentioned during the introduction, there is some scratching to the reverse (pictured). The pinched spine and all edges are without wear. The zipper is in working condition and the belt/buckle opening is, incredibly, not creased. I do not believe that there is a sleeve that is closer to its original condition than this. 

Inner Sleeve: MINT -

The original inner sleeve is in great condition. It is very clean and displays only mild creasing. The insert is as-new. 

Additional Details:

Before the audio test, a three step cleaning procedure (vacuum, ultrasonic, vacuum) was used to clean the vinyl. 

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more vinyl rarities.

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