CAT STEVENS Tea For the Tillerman RARE ORIG Island Pink

	£		90
	$		119

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Artist or Band: CAT STEVENS

Album Title: Tea For the Tillerman.

Producer(s): Paul Samwell-Smith.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Where Do the Children Play?; Hard Headed Woman; Wild World; Sad Lisa; Miles From Nowhere.

Side 2: But I Might Die Tonight; Longer Boats; Into White; On the Road to Find Out; Father and Son; Tea For the Tillerman.

Label/Format: Island – Original pink i format.

Label Conditions: Both clean and attractive but showing moderate spindle marks and odd trace of grubbiness being critical. The spindle marks can only be seen under angled light and no ink has been disturbed at all.

Cat Number: ILPS 9135.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 147grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity & Record’s Visual: Firstly, this is a rare record, make no mistake about it. Few copies of this record were issed on the original full pink i format, most early editions seen on the pink rim or later labels. Issued at the very end of the full pink label run, this is one of the most elusive Island albums ever made as an original. Hence I have no qualms in offering a copy that has some unsightly marks on side two. As I don’t know the history of the record, I have no idea how they could have been applied but the very good news is, they are practically all ignored and have barely any sound at all. This is a surprise being honest, I got this album on approval, and would not have expected these cluster of long marks to be so benign. They are really long surface scuffs but do not look pretty. If they had have sounded, the record would have been returned no question. The irony is, a tiny (and I do mean tiny) mark on side one has a very few clicks (4 or 5). If I had seen this record at a fair or could not have play-tested it first, I would not have purchased it - that simple. But as it stands, this record has a cluster of 99.99 per cent superficial long scuff type marks - a fair degree wider than hairlines at the 6 o’clock position of the record on side two. As said they don’t look pretty but are practically all ignored, any tiny ticks are ultra brief and hardly any of anyway. The sound on this first-pressing overall is superb and highly enjoyable, if it wasn’t I would not offer or even had kept this record. This is NO stocking-filler example for sound, but the marks will not please the more discerning collector so if anyone has any doubts, please do NOT bid - that simple. The rarity of this late and final pink album before the label format change dictates it has to be offered. The truth of the matter is, if an unmarked copy played this well I would be happy, the fact it has quite a number of visual marks means little when playing, so if audio quality is more important than less than fantastic visuals on one side, well this could be the bargain copy you have been waiting for. High-grading copies of this major Island rarity usually command very high prices. I have seen so few of these as a first pressing, I can hardly reitterate enough how elusive this is. Pretty common on the pink rim format of course, when the world discovered the immense talent of this man, this album sold very well indeed, but only one in many hundred will be a pink original. So there it is: a marked record that sounds very nice indeed and plays probably three grades above its visual on the affected side two. You now decide.

Original Year of Release: 1970

Matrix Nos: ILPS 9135 A-3U / ILPS 9135 B-3U. This is the earliest Pink Rim pressed I have ever seen.

Stamper Codes: 1 L / 1 H

Musicians: Cat Stevens – Guitar, keyboards, vocals; Alun Davies – Second guitar, John Ryan – Bass; Harvey Burns – Drums; Jack Rostein – violin.

Brief Info: With the sheer rarity of the pink Island first pressing, many collectors are more than happy to settle for a Pink Rim pressing. But for the serious Island and Cat Stevens collector, nothing else will do than a first pressed pink i original. For me the ultimate Cat Stevens album, a record of incredible beauty and including several outstanding and memorable songs. A man at his musical peak, no music lover could fail to be moved by this beautiful music. The man in supreme voice and including the most perfect production with a full backing. Packaged too in gorgeous cover, this record proves beyond any doubt what an exceptional singer-songwriter this man was and every record collection should include this truly memorable record. Details on the visual flaws above, but great sound is still retained.

Cover Grade and Format: EX(-). A gatefold format with front and back lamination, the inside is quite heavily textured. Printed and made in England by the E. J. Day Group, London and Bedford.

Lamination, Front & Back: This original cover has a few blemishes but remains attractive. The laminate is clear and shiny but has a couple of smallish blisters on the back spine edge and an equally small one on the bottom edge near the left corner. A few, mostly light scattered surfaces creases too, most all on the edges with modest visibility. A few light surface marks seen under angled light and some corners have rubbed or chipped. Many would consider this relatively minor wear normal on a cover fast approaching forty, importantly it still does look attractive, and it is an original too.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Beautifully dark and textured and looking fantastic with barely anything to fault.

Top Edges: No wear up to the corners that have rubbed.

Bottom Edges: As above, thick and generally well defined.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, fairly sharp with little wear and no feathering. Slight thickening, minor burr traces when viewed end-on and guaranteed untrimmed. Record entered on this right outside back edge.

Spine and Text: Thick, solid, quite straight with some mild compression near the top. No real wear up to the corners again and all text is pristine perfect and unworn under the solid and unpeeled laminate.

Corners: Light to moderate rubs or chips, this cover is somewhat prone to this.

Cover Summary: A highly respectable cover that has a little wear and some blemishes. The cover’s are not hard to find, even the early pink rims has a cover the same, but this is the one purchased with the rare pink original album inside and I do not like swapping covers unless absolutely crucial to do so even if they do appear to be the same. Again not for the perfectionist but many collectors will be happy with this one.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: A record of two sides: side one grades EX, side two Fair. As stated and explained above, side two has considerable surface marks that are very visible, side one has just very fine surface marks bar one tiny mark that has a tiny few clicks – I state again, ironic. These marks on side two are not pretty, but are pretty much superficial and most all are ignored totally. These are long scuffs, not scratches in what I deem a scratch e.g. a penetrating mark that cuts into the groove, thus they do not sound. Side one looks nice, side two less so but it’s the sound that’s of paramount importance as far as this record is concerned and it’s a rare record in its own right. If this was a pink rim copy, I would not have purchased it, they are easy enough to find, the original pinks way less so - fact. A clean record that retains a fine shine, intense black and heavily pressed. Not for the visually discerning collector for sure, but if a pink is wanted that sounds nice, well it may be just the copy for your budget. Visually a decent record that will please some collectors, but not others - you have the facts, you decide. Any doubts, do not bid - simple.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippetts or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This classic, original very late pink example plays way over its visual grading with little to fault. Side two as stated above, played at least THREE grades above its visual. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound – a genuine hi-fi standard recording, the man himself performing within your room, and on this less than perfect visual copy, still does. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and very few clicks were noted. I guess most original pressings that surface will better this sound looks, side two especially of course, but few will probably better if for sound. A delicate album at times and this is a fine pressing and this record does it strong justice. Let’s make this clear: if I had not been pleased with the sound of this copy, I would not offer it - that simple. Quite how these marks were achieved on side two, I have little idea, being honest, I have not encoutered any quite like them. They cannot be felt with the finger, thus they do not sound, great news in that respect. Very little spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this truly sublime album and what a joy to see a copy on its original label. This copy could prove very difficult to find significantly better for actual sound and I feel confident enough to say, many cleaner, less marked examples could sound inferior. Possibly the right record for the right collector, these do not show up often, you decide. For sound, I can highly recommend it, for looks, you will have to decide. Any doubts…

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon Samba Moving Coil cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, mostly the very next day after payment is received or within three days maximum (unless on holiday). All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with TWO VERY THICK stiffners for even extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 5,000+ items sold in over 8 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FOUR records per packet. I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included in the advert.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (SECOND Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = FREE. This is the new Ebay rule. HOWEVER I STRONGLY URGE UK WINNERS TO PAY THE £3 FOR THE FIRST-CLASS SERVICE AS THE PACKETS WILL ARRIVE MUCH FASTER AND SAFER.

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £3.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500).

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £8. (insurance optional extra £3).

NOTE: I NO LONGER SEND TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. ANY BIDS WILL BE IGNORED.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (any part); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £12. (insurance optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.