Velvet Underground Loaded first press A1/B1 red/plum label
£
29
$
38
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Description
Velvet Underground Loaded
Atlantic 2400111 Red/plum label
Matrix 2400111 A//1 1 1 / 2400111 B//1 1 1
Under licence from Atlantic Recording Corpn., U.S.A.
Manufactured by Polydor Records Ltd., London
Sleeve printed and made by MacNeill Press Ltd., London, S.E.1
First press small label variation: no space on label catalogue number and not really plum colour but purple.
Having produced three albums with Verve, Velvet Underground switched labels signing with Atlantic. Ahmet Ertegun supposedly asked Reed to avoid sex and drugs in his songs, and instead focus on making an album "loaded with hits." Loaded was the result, and with appropriate irony it turned out to be the first VU album that made any noticeable impact on commercial radio. With founder member John Cale having departed the band, Lou Reed followed shortly before its release, leaving most of the album to Doug Yule. Yes it’s a different sound from earlier releases, more polished and contains a number of classics, Sweet Jane, Oh Sweet Nuthin and Train Around the Bend to name three. Too many (rightly or wrongly) it proved VU could make commercial sounding records without entirely abandoning their musical personality in the process.
Sleeve: Non-laminated sleeve, printed by McNeil Press, some (usual) age related signs of handing, edge/corner rub, light fraying edge creasing on spine (see photos) probably sits between VG and VG+ depending on your grading
Labels: Classic Atlantic Red/Plum labels, although slightly more purple, no writing or rips, light spindle marks (see photos) graded VG+
Vinyl: Both sides have needle traces, wispy lines from sleeve removal and non-feelable scratches. S1 has two large non-feelable surface scuffs visually looks between Good+ and VG - however plays better
Audio: Despite looks plays through at a constant VG+, no skips, sticks or jumps. There are some light rotational pips T3 S1 and on T3 S2, these are light (not the harsh pop) and do not overpower or interfere with listening, but there in the background. There is very little if any background static crackle (played on Project carbon - blue Ortofon) play graded VG+
I have tried to be honest and transparent in my description - the photographs form part of the description. Questions are welcome, don't hesitate to ask. I have good feedback (and positive comments) as both a buyer and seller, so you can buy with confidence. I have been a collector for 47+ years buying and selling records over the years to feed my changing habits. The few records I sell are either the results of upgrades or duplicates or a bit of thinning every now and again as this is. If anything is not as expected, please contact me straight away and I will do everything to resolve any problems without argument.
I strictly adhere to the Record Collector Magazine's Grading Guide using one + or - as an additional guide:
MINT: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition.
EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and / or creasing.
VERY GOOD: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.
GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.
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