I will declare a lower amount on the customs form for all countries so as to avoid/decrease high import charges.  However, in the case of the EU all purchases are subject to VAT which eBay collect at point of sale. No shipping to Russia currently.

Budgie : Never Turn Your Back On A Friend A-1 / B-1 2nd Press Rainbow Label 1974

This second pressing on the MCA rainbow label is stunning!  It is not far off 'as new' through every track, the clarity is just incredible.  It is obvious this vinyl has hardly ever been played and S1 is indeed perfect from start to finish.  S2 just has a handful of very minor statics on 'Riding My Nightmare' but they are so quiet and totally non-intrusive anyway.  The clarity, depth and warmth and power of the audio on both sides is amazing and this has to be the most impressive version of this classic album that I have ever heard.  For a 50 year old record the sound quality is exceptional.

The cover is in excellent condition with only very minimal wear and the inner sleeve remains in superb condition.

This second pressing was produced in '74 so was still issued soon after the first pressing.

MCG 3513 // A - 1   RM 1 / B - 1   RM 1

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio on S2 is Mint(-) (T2 Near Mint)

The gatefold is Ex

The labels are Mint-

The inner sleeve is Near Mint

Visual description

The vinyl is in great condition and still has a fine glossy sheen with no scratches.  There is just one very small faint scuff on S1 that you can only see under a certain light and a small faint 'curved' mottled line but they are only minor things as they have no impact on the audio.  S1 is still in superb condition and S2 is even better!  Under a bright light I can only see a couple of ultra faint hairlines and the MCA rainbow labels are so clean with barely any spindle wear.

Play grading  

The classic 'Breadfan' plays with stunning power and definition throughout.  From the intro and then through every vocal and instrumental section the clarity is 'as new' and that is no exaggeration.  That of course includes the very quiet acoustic mid section which plays beautifully with only one barely audible dust tick.  Even saying tick is too harsh a word for it!  This is the definitive Mint version.

The intro 'Baby, Please Don't Go' has no intrusion either and Shelley's opening vocal is equal to that.  Once again the depth of the audio is STUNNING!  The playback is so strong and deep and there is great separation also i.e. each note can be heard so clearly.  The long instrumental is lead by Shelley's deep bass and boy does it play well.  Depth like you've never heard it before!  The final vocal section is faultless and this also deserves to be graded as Mint

The acoustic 'You Know I'll Always Love You' plays beautifully with no background of any kind.  No ticks, clicks, pops or static this is audio of the highest quality - a sublime Mint version in every way.  The fade out is crystal clear also.

The percussive intro on 'You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk' is 100% perfect with zero background and Bourge's introduction is on the same level.  The opening vocal section has no interference and it continues in the same precise way.  The long solo from Bourge is so powerful and clear faultless and the superb What kind of a woman section plays with phenomenal sonic quality.  I cannot overstate just how well it plays - running at at nearly 9 minutes you might expect some background somewhere but no this classic is Mint from start to finish.

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'In The Grip Of A Tyrefitter's Hand' plays with imperious quality you will not be surprised to hear.  Once more there is nothing to detract from the audio, no intrusion at all.  'As new' is again a correct description - the driving rock finale is a case in point, stunning sound quality.  Mint

The acoustic 'Riding My Nightmare' is so close to perfect with only two very quiet ticks after the first chorus and 3/4 minor statics during the final chorus.  It still plays with outstanding clarity and warmth and Near Mint is very much deserved.

The entire intro on 'Parents' plays perfectly and Shelley's opening vocal is just as impressive.  This classic continues to play with stunning sonic quality from then onwards.  The mid instrumental is mind-blowing!  Bourge's guitar could not sound any better and even the 'seagulls' add something!  This section is Mint all the way through.  The next vocal is of the same high end standard and the closing section has no background either.  This has to be the most 'complete' version I have ever heard and Mint is again the only grade I can give.  What a version!

The Gatefold & Inner Sleeve

The cover is in excellent condition with only minimal wear.  The edges are so clean and the wide spine is in superb shape also.  The corners have hardly any wear and the opening edge has barely any handling wear.  The front cover just has a minor 'rub' line and one very small mark near the top edge and some faint rubbing next to the spine but these are only minor issues, it still remains in great condition.  The back cover has only a minor touch of fading near the top and the inside of the gatefold in super clean with just one small scuff by the bottom edge on the left panel.  A fine example overall though.

The original poly-lined inner sleeve is in superb order with only some light creasing.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT-VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

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

MCG 3513 // A - 1   RM 1 / B - 1   RM 1

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

UK Postage Rates (First Class Recorded - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £6.50 up to 1kg then £1.00 per extra item 

EUROPE (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £13.95 then £2.00 per extra

USA (Tracked - Max 2kg)

LPs/12" singles : £24.95 then £2.50 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!