Cream Wheels of Fire VERY 1st UK Press A1/B1 MONO EX+

	£		130
	$		172

The Cream

Wheels of Fire

Extremely scarce double vinyl album release .

Polydor soft textured orange label format

Made In England 1968 original MONO release

Cat. Nos. 582031 & 582032

There is no set number on the genuine first UK presses like this one and only the later issues have a published set number.

So excited about this stunning 2 record set as this album release is impossible to find, especially in this sensational condition.

Vinyls

Record 1      582031  Av1 420 stampers  1 / 1

                     582031  Bv1  420                  1 / 1

Record 2      582032  Av1 420 stampers  1 / 2

                     582032  Bv1  420                  1 / 2

V represents the inverted triangle which are always found on these first pressed vinyls .

Amazing visual. Highly polished, glass like surfaces . Thick cut, heavyweight pressings, 160 grammes each  .  Much deeper and wider grooves than the later pressings and provide a fine example of the highest standards of  craftsmanship and British engineering.  Only two visible surface under ordinary light from all four sides. If angled, may detect some fairly inconsequential ,wispy hairlines owing to sleeve removal but all are non audible and not tangible with no apparent depth. Any light hairlines disappear beneath a staggering sheen and give an excellent visual of these heavyweight giants. The jet black of the vinyls look stunning against the deep tangerine of the labels. Best ever seen from this early release .

Labels

Orange Polydor, soft textured format confirming the earliest first issue release of this awesome rock classic. No damage to report from these magnificent examples.Only an extremely light spindle trace visible as records appear to be very lightly played. Can still observe the remnants of the delicate flash residue around the central hole of one label . Unfaded, vibrant tangerine coloration with no mottling or crusting, no rips or tears. Perhaps a slight peel on one side on one label but hardly noticeable. Excellent example of these hard to find , mono ,first issue labels and are magnificent specimens.

Inner sleeves

Standard white, British patented numbered sleeves with anti static polyliners still in tact and holding tight . Excellent condition with light creasing only .

Gatefold sleeve

E J Day printed, first issue sleeve. Extremely fragile foil manufacture . Unlaminated opening gatefold sleeve , notorious for surface damage and massive wear and tear. This sleeve is unbelievable showing only minor rubbing on front/reverse faces. Only one corner scuff  but others remain sharp and pointed. The spine is so fragile on these covers but this spine must be the best in existence today! Runs in perfect parallel with no creasing or splitting . Uncrushed and a delight to view, clearly showing title . Some lower edge wear and slight rub to top edge. Surfaces still maintain a shiny, metallic finish. Small crease towards opening edge only, otherwise no damage to report. No rips, tears or other creasing noticeable.

Opens to a gorgeous centrefold of psychedelic artwork, displaying a rich coloration of strong pinks, reds,  golden yellows, blues, and  greens . The energy and movement from this artistry is mesmeric . Internal spinal column lies in perfect symmetry and acts as a fine balance between the two inner faces. An excellent example of one of the most famous gatefold sleeves ever produced.

Audio

Truly sensational. The deeper grooves of these heavyweight giants produce the most powerful, loud cut performance that only these first UK presses can give!  In comparison to  the sister stereo recordings, the mono big brother is overpowering, shadowing its stereo counterpart in a massive way. Collectors favour the mono version and I can understand why after listening to this audio. Grooves are much wider and deeper conveying a fantastic depth of sound and tones are delivered with a sharp definition and a razor sharp edge. With Clapton on guitar and vocals, Bruce on bass and harmonica and Ginger baker on drums and percussion, what a sensational sound! The most sensational audio ever heard from this huge rock classic as the channels are so clear, with hardly a hiss or a crackle from my Project/Cambridge audio system.

Earliest mother stampers and the earliest matrices make this double album one of the most highly desirable records in the collectors’ world ,as this is a 100% genuine, first UK MONO pressing, of the most influential rock albums of all time. An extremely rare exhibit , possibly THE best in existence today and of true investment quality.

Shipping

UK-£5.00

Europe-£7.00

USA/Japan-£10.80

All four record labels are of the soft,first issue,textured format and is a genuine very first pressing of this awesome release. Have just examined the vinyls again and they really are excellent ++ condition !!! Absolutely stunning example of this monumental classic. DO NOT MISS!!!