Diana Ross & Supremes Cream of the Crop ORIG Canadian Tamla Motown L.P. EX Copy

	£		16
	$		21

Original Canadian 1969 Tamla Motown STEREO L.P. pressing of Diana Ross & The Supremes ‘Cream of the Crop’ (Catalogue Reference: Tamla Motown MS 694).  I’m fairly confident this is the original Canadian pressing rather than a later 70s pressing.  It is certainly an early Canadian pressing at the very least.  The vinyl is relatively weighty and features ‘grooved’ labels (I should note just how attractive these particular Tamla Motown labels are).  The sleeve is of the weighty, cardboard variety typical of American 60s pressings (although it does explicitly indicate it was pressed in Canada on the rear).  It should be noted that there is a small punch-hole in the top left-hand corner.  The front of the sleeve is covered in a very thin lamination.  This is a fine copy of this L.P. which has clearly only sustained the most limited of play.

CONDITION: EX/EX+ (VINYL) / EX (SLEEVE): Like all my items this has been graded under an intense light.  There are no obvious marks (i.e. which can be seen in normal daylight or which can be felt).  The surfaces really shine.  Only the odd, ultra-fine hairline mark is visible on Side One.  Side Two displays a concentration of ultra-fine hairline marks on one section of the playing surface but is otherwise as Side One (the odd, sparing hairline mark).  I really can’t imagine that this has been played more than once or twice.  The labels are immaculate.  The sleeve displays a little more wear than the vinyl but is still in fine condition.  The most pronounced flaw is a knock which has been sustained to the top left-hand corner.  There is also a very light ‘dig’ in the top edge of the sleeve in the top right-hand corner.  Ring-wear is visible on the front of the sleeve.  On the rear the spine and bottom edge displays a little yellowing but otherwise the sections of the sleeve which are meant to be white are white.  Ring-wear is also present on the rear.  This is a fine, early example of this L.P.!

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end.  I am relatively relaxed but if it is expected to take longer to make payment I expect the buyer to be proactive about maintaining a dialogue with me.  Payment is possible via PayPal and Personal Cheque.  Other forms of payment will be considered.

I have had to bring my postage charges in line with Royal Mail Terms & Conditions effective April 2013.  This means items with a start price <=£20.00 and which complete with a price< =£20.00 will be sent via standard post.  Items with a start price >£20.00 will be advertised with insured& tracked postage.  Items which have a start price <=£20.00 but whose final price is >£20.00 will be subject to extra insured postage costs.  Multiple purchases  will be consolidated usually at a reduced price to the buyer.  Please don’t make payment until you receive an invoice from me.  If you have special shipping requirements please don’t contact me after you’ve made payment with an extensive (expensive) list.  I would expect such requests to be made prior to payment.  Overseas buyers welcome!  If either domestic or overseas buyers want me to confirm postage charges then please contact me before the auction’s end.  Proof of Postage is always obtained and retained.