VAN MORRISON ORIGINAL UK WS 1768 = ASTRAL WEEKS

	A$		75
	$		48

Artist: VAN MORRISON

Title :          Astral Weeks

Tracks :        Part One: In the Beginning  Astral Weeks; Beside you;  

Sweet Thing; Cyprus Avenue

                  Part Two: Afterwards  You Lovers Do; Manage George; 

Ballerina; Slim Slow Slider

Label/Country:           Warner Bros/UK/1968

Size/Speed                12” LP/ 33 1/3/Stereo

Matrix No:                WS1768

VAN MORRISON ORIGINAL UK WS 1768 = ASTRAL WEEKS

Up for auction is a fine rare original 1968 UK 1st pressing of 'Astral Weeks' by Van Morrison on Warner Brothers WS 1768. This is the original UK 1st pressing on thick vinyl with orange labels. The record is complete with the rare 1st press laminated Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. tri-flipback sleeve with 1st press boxed Warner Bros. Seven Arts logos.  WB 1768A- 2 T STEREO and WS 1768B T with stampers 1 KT and 1 B.

Make no mistake- this pressing is how 'Astral Weeks' was intended to sound, coming, as it does, directly from the master press. The quality of this 1st pressing is quite rightly regarded as a real peak of 1960’s UK vinyl production sound quality. Even the 2nd pressing of 'Astral Weeks' on the green Warner Bros. label soon after this, demonstrates a clear deterioration in richness.

It’s a well established fact now that the 1968 UK 1st pressing has unique qualities of depth, warmth, vocal and string clarity, and when coupled with the awesome, inventive underlying bass of Richard Davis, it’s aurally hypnotizing. Those who love this music do not only seek the orange label 1st pressing for its incredible rarity, but also for the audio perfection of this copy from beginning to end. It’s these qualities that make it such a treasured record. In passing, I’ll also like to say that, to my ears, those more recent attempts to play with the mix thereby heavily accentuating just about everything, have only succeeded in muddying the waters- as they almost always do.

Condition –wise, the labels are in fine condition with just a few light spider marks apparent. The (b) side of the album is in great condition and would be EX+. The (a) side has a couple of short light hairline marks and I’ve decided to grade it as EX- so that nobody will be disappointed. The reality is that both sides play as well as each other – superbly. The original plastic lined inner is with it (Patents Pending) and is ageing gracefully (no rips, writing etc) It would be EX+. The front cover has a few minor creases in the laminate which don’t protrude through to the cover proper.(As an inside inspection shows.) All of the flaps on the back are in first rate condition as well as the lettering on the spine. The cover is thus EX+.

A fine original copy of one of the greatest albums ever recorded. A real Desert Island disc.

 CONDITION WISE:

MINT: New condition, no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Cover, label, extras in superb condition.

EXCELLENT: Slight signs of having been played, no lessening of sound quality. Cover, label, extras may show slight signs of usage.

VERY GOOD: Played quite a few times, no real deterioration in sound quality. Cover, label, extras may show some amount of wear and tear.

GOOD: Showing considerable wear and tear. Reasonable, playable sound. Cover, label, extras may also display considerable deterioration.                                             

FAIR: Sound quality may have deteriorated. Cover, label, extras may also display significant wear and tear.                                            

POSTAGE & HANDLING: (AUS$)

Within Australia $8.00                                                                                                      

OVERSEAS Airmail NZ/Asia $15.50 UK/Europe $21.00 Canada/USA $18.00                                                      

Items posted within 2-3 Working Days once payment cleared.

Posted items protected with both bubble wrap and cardboard.                       

Australian (posted regular mail) est. delivery time 1-5 WD.                                                           

International (posted airfreight) est. delivery time 7-12 WD.

INSURANCE: (AUS $) Optional

Registered post required for items of value $50+. Registered Post provides compensation of up to value of $100. Australia – additional $2.95. Registered Overseas additional $5.00 Email for any additional information regarding further insurance. Seller not responsible for un-insured items lost or damaged in post.                     

METHODS OF PAYMENT:

Within Australia PAYPAL, Direct deposit, Money Order, Bank Cheque

OVERSEAS PAYPAL ONLY.

RETURNS:

Please contact seller after delivery if you have any queries about item.