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The Pretty Things : S.F. Sorrow 1/1 1st Mono Press 1968

This very collectable first mono pressing has to be the most stunning example I have ever had the pleasure in listening to!  Not sure I want to part with it!  The clarity, depth, power and warmth of the audio is just on another level and as detailed below it is the mono version that is the 'best' one to have as it does seem to have a more 'expansive' sonic quality compared to the stereo version.  There is basically no interference - no ticks, clicks or pops and only the bare minimum of light static on the final track on S1 but so so much less than usual!  This truly is an exceptional album and easily qualifies as FINAL UPGRADE such is the clarity of sound on offer here.  The vinyl is visually very impressive with only a few light hairlines and based on the audio and zero spindle wear I can safely say this classic has not been over-played.

The iconic laminated cover is in excellent shape with only minimal wear although it is the stereo version as it has SCX 6306 on the reverse side.  It's not uncommon to find a 'mismatched' one as the mono and stereo versions were produced at the same time.  The original EMI inner is also very clean with no side splits or tears.

The first mono pressing was released on the famous blue Columbia labels with a 1/1 matrix.  On this edition you only find mother numbers but no stamper letters on the run out grooves. 

SX 6306 // XAX 3738 - 1 / XAX 3739 - 1 // 3 / 3

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T6 Near Mint-)

The audio S2 is Mint(-)

The laminated cover is Ex-

The labels are Ex+

The original EMI inner is Ex

Visual description

The vinyl is in excellent condition with a lovely glossy sheen and there are no marks or scratches.  Only under a strong light can you see some faint hairlines but there are not too many of them!  A few minor 'specks' also but none of this affects the audio in any way.  The rough textured blue Columbia labels are very clean with only a small number of very faint 'spots' and if I'm honest I can't see any spindle wear!

Play grading

The intro on 'S.F. Sorrow Is Born' plays with perfect clarity - there is no 'background' - and the second thing you notice as the bass kicks in is just how deep the audio is.  Mono records are known to have a greater depth and warmth and that is more evident on a clean record such as this.  May's opening vocal is 'as new' and it continues to play with sublime sonic quality where each note is just so sharp and precise.  The mid-instrumental again has no interference and the final vocal section is equally as good as is the long fade out.  I only detected one light dust tick throughout this opening classic so I am confident in grading it as Mint the playback is STUNNING!

The acapella 'love' vocal intro on 'Bracelets Of Fingers' has no 'background' and then this psychedelic classic then plays with great depth and power and no sign of any interference.  It truly is an unbelievable listen!  This quality is kept up as it progresses and I cannot find one single negative!  A couple of barely audible static ticks?  The clarity from start to finish is exceptional and the audio definition so incredibly good even on the 'busy' final vocal section.  No distortion either.  This is Mint- at the very least.

'She Says Good Morning' plays with imperious quality and again the depth of the audio is a genuine highlight.  The first vocal is flawless and it continues to play with a clarity and power that is second to none.  Was this record really pressed over 54 years ago?!  So far the sonic quality has not been affected by the passage of time and this is another track that delivers on every level.  The end sequence is a prime example of that - so deep and strong and no 'background' on the long fade out either.  Mint

The acoustic intro on 'Private Sorrow' can again be accurately described 'as new' and the opening vocal is of the same 'high end' standard.  I am running out of superlatives already!  Needless to say this plays with exceptional quality from the first note to the last with no interference whatsoever.  The emotive 'spoken' end section provides another example of the STUNNING clarity on offer here as there is literally no 'background'.  Another Mint track.

'Balloon Burning' then plays with outstanding power and depth and in a sense is even more impressive when you consider it is the penultimate track on the side.  There is no inner groove distortion and no ticks, clicks or pops.  This is one track you want to blast 'loud' and you do not lose any of the original sonic quality.  It truly is a spectacular version that easily deserves a Mint grade.  Never heard better - wow!

I always find 'Death' is affected by some level of interference but this is definitely the cleanest version I have ever encountered.  The intro has only the bare minimum of light static and it then plays so clearly with no real intrusion.  No ticks, clicks or pops and only a very minor touch of mega light static.  The mid instrumental is faultless and the final vocal is again so clean.  A Near Mint- version to end an unbelievable side of music!

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'Baron Saturday' then starts S2 off in supreme style with impeccable quality from start to finish.  The opening two verses and first chorus are 'as new' and the percussive mid-section plays like it has never been played before!  This entire section is stunning and there is only a minor hint of light static as you come out of it, hardly worth a mention really.  The final 'chorus' is perfect and the fade out has only a couple of dust ticks at the end.  A Mint- start to the side.

'The Journey' once more shows just how well this vinyl has been looked after down the years and plays with exceptional clarity throughout.  As always I listen to every track in full (a hard life!) so as to provide the complete' grade and this is another track that cannot be faulted.  The 'busy' closing instrumental is a case in point - so much 'going on' and yet the sonic quality has not diminished in any way.  This is Mint in every way.

The segue into 'I See You' is perfect and May's opening vocal is pristine with no 'background'.  The first high octane chorus is as strong and clear as the day it was first released in '68 and it continues to impress on every single level.  How many ways to describe perfect audio?!  I cannot overstate just how impressive the audio is - delicate and precise when it needs to be during the quieter moments and stunning power and depth during the louder sections.  If you are lucky enough to win this LP just listen to the powerful end section here, you would not believe the sonic quality!  This is pure unadulterated Mint audio from start to finish.

'Well Of Destiny' plays very quietly of course for the large majority and yet the clarity is superb.  With only a handful of barely audible dust ticks it could hardly play any better and the high octane end section is so powerful with hardly any inner groove distortion.  Great power and definition.  Mint-

'Trust' then plays with genuine precision and...no interference.  Another STUNNING version that unequivocally deserves a Mint grade.  A couple of dust ticks at the end of the fade out that is all.

The acoustic intro on 'Old Man Going' can only be described 'as new' and the same applies to the opening vocal.  The powerful vocals then play with stunning precision and remarkably there is no distortion on the top end.  This is another track that demands to be played loud and there is no loss in quality by doing so.  An absolutely STUNNING version that is MINT through every single note.  The power and depth of the audio here is just on another level!

The final track 'Loneliest Person' plays beautifully from the outset and there is a distinct lack of static here which is a rarity.  So often this little classic is affected by some static/crackle but this is easily the 'cleanest' version I have ever heard.  There is no intrusion on the audio, other than a minimal touch of sibilance, and to the end it plays with sublime clarity - just a handful of mega quiet dust ticks on the fade out.  An undeniable Mint- finish to a truly breathtaking album.

In summary you could not wish to find a more 'complete' first pressing and it provides so many reasons as to why vinyl is still the no 1 medium in which to listen to these classic albums.  Especially in mono which I touched on earlier - when you find a clean vinyl such as this there is a greater depth and warmth somehow, I am sure audiophiles more technical than myself could explain it better.  This is the finest example of this classic album that I have ever discovered and easily qualifies as a FINAL UPGRADE time-warp classic.  In essence it could not play any better and from the first note on S1 to the last note on S2 there is no actual interference.  The sonic quality is exceptional on every level and the power and definition of the audio is sensational - nothing is lost - there is no 'muddiness' to the sound and the clarity is exceptional throughout.  A true collectors' item that would adorn any 'high end' collection.

The Gatefold & Inner Sleeve

The laminated E.J. Day cover is in excellent condition with only a little shelf wear - stereo version though as stated earlier.  The edges are super clean with no rubbing and the spine has just 3/4 crease marks and is slightly compressed so the lettering is not quite at its natural height.  There is some rubbing/wear on the corners of the spine but not an excessive amount.  The right hand corners have only very minimal wear, just a touch more bottom right, and the opening edge has barely any handling wear.  The front cover is very clean with only a couple of crease lines next to the spine being the only 'negative'.  There is also a faint marking running down the right side which is common as this area is not covered by the laminate and a minor crease on the bottom two corners.  The back cover is also very clean with no laminate damage as such, just a few short creases next to the spine and minor wear on the bottom two corners.  The inside of the gatefold is in lovely condition with only a few minor 'specks' and the flipbacks are still firmly attached to the cover - one small crease bottom left.  Overall this is a fine example of this iconic cover.

The original EMI inner is in excellent order with no side splits or tears, only minor marking and barely any creasing.  Advertising 'Piper...' and 'Sgt. Peppers' among others...

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

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

SX 6306 // XAX 3738 - 1 / XAX 3739 - 1 // 3 / 3

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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Postage & Packaging

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I ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY MAILERS AND THESE COST ME £1.00 EACH. I WILL OFTEN USE 3 OR 4 CARDBOARD STIFFENERS AND THESE COST AT LEAST £0.15 EACH AND THEN THERE IS THE COST OF THE POLY-LINED INNER AND PVC SLEEVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. IT ALL ADDS UP! NOT FORGETTING EBAY TAKING 10% OF THE SHIPPING FEE ALSO!!

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