rare Smashing Pumpkins "Pisces Iscariot" + 7" 836/2000

$

159

Hello, you are bidding on an extremely rare gem: Smashing Pumpkins’ 1994 “Pisces Iscariot” limited edition vinyl LP and bonus 7”. Each is pressed in a gorgeous translucent yellow vinyl. This is #836 out of 2000 hand-numbered copies.

While the track listing for the 12” record of “Pisces Iscariot” is identical to the CD, this release also came with a 7” of unreleased rarites. With sides labeled “Test A” and Test B,” these two songs, respectively, are “Not Worth Asking” (from the original “I Am One” 7”) and “Honeyspider II (alternate) from the “Moon” demo tape. 

It goes without saying that this version of “Pisces Iscariot” is one of the rarest items (and most beautiful) on the Smashing Pumpkins discography.
 
I purchased this copy new in 1994 at Whizz! Records, an independent music store in Columbia, Missouri. Although, sadly, I removed the shrink-wrap, I only listened to the record once or twice, since I also owned the CD. I have recently tested this record on my turntable, and it plays clearly and cleanly--with no abrasions, scratches or skips. I am a dedicated believer in the vinyl format, and I have kept this record in excellent condition. It was kept in a poly sleeve under appropriate light and temperature conditions in a non-smoking home.

In using the Ebay/Goldmine recommendations, I would conservatively grade the 12” record at VG+/NM and the record cover at VG+, with some very minor wear along the open edge of the 12” and at the two open corners. The 7” record would was also played only once or twice, and would most likely be in VG+/NM condition, with the exception of a very small chip located along the edge of the record, well before the grooves begin. This chip was present on the 7” when I purchased the new vinyl. It does not affect the sound on either side.

The 12” inner sleeve (on which the liner notes are printed) are at a very solid VG+/NM. The only things that might keep the inner sleeve from full NM status would be the very slight creasing on one side of the sleeve that would follow the curve of the record. Other than these small issues, the record and the stunning artwork are crisp and unmarred. This record has been sitting unplayed and undisturbed for over ten years.

I'm setting a reasonable reserve. Please note that this record seldom appears on Ebay or on the GEMM record site, and would make a great holiday gift. The record will be carefully packed and shipped to your specifications. The 12” record will also be sent in a polyethylene/rice paper inner sleeve to insure additional safeguarding of this gorgeous vinyl.

Please feel free to contact me with questions regarding this item, and to check out the other rare records from my collection that I'm selling. Happy bidding!

For more info on track listings, see the Smashing Pumpkins site here:
http://www.smashingpumpkins.com/pages/discography/era/28



Here are the Ebay/Goldmine grading guidelines:
Mint (M)

Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed.(More on still sealed under "Other Considerations"). Should be used sparingly as a grade, If at all.
Near Mint (NM or M-) A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly)that no record is ever truly perfect.
The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.
An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits or other noticeable similar defects. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves and the like.
Basically, an LP in near mint condition looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.
Near Mint is the highest price listed in all Goldmine price guides. Anything that exceeds this grade, in the opinion of both buyer and seller, is worth significantly more than the highest Goldmine book value.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

Generally worth 50 percent of the Near Mint value.
A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it.
Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK".
The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. The center hole will not have been misshapen by repeated play.
Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turned up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.
In general, if not for a couple things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.

Very Good (VG)
Generally worth 25 percent of Near Mint value. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price. This, not the Near Mint price, should be your guide when determining how much a record is worth, as that is the price a dealer will normally pay you for a Near Mint record.
 

Shipping Update: I will ship this record internationally. Thanks for your interest.