Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe : Barcelona

This first pressing plays to a wonderful standard and whilst the album isn't rare as such it is certainly becoming harder to find and especially in this condition.  There is very little 'background' and the clarity is so impressive when you consider how many quiet sections there are.

The gatefold is in lovely condition with only minor wear and the lyric inner is 'as new'.

POLH 44 // A - 1U / B - 2U

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (Mint- for the majority) 

The audio on S2 is Ex+ / Near Mint on first two tracks & Near Mint / Mint- on final two)

 The gatefold is a very strong Ex

The lyric inner is Mint

The labels are Mint-

This vinyl is in superb condition and judging by the lack of spindle wear has hardly ever been played.  There is just one small spindle trace on S1 and an even smaller one on S2!  It has a stunning glossy sheen and no scratches at all.  There are only a small number of mega faint hairlines but they are very difficult to find!  This is rarely found in this condition and the labels and run out grooves are also in immaculate condition.

Play grading

The intro on 'Barcelona' plays with superb clarity which is more rare than you think as often there is a fair amount of static/crackle on the opening grooves.  There is just one faint 'tick' that is all.  As the 'bells' come in the playback is stunning as the piano intro just prior to the first vocal.  The opening verse then plays beautifully with only a minimal hint of very light static near the end.  The first chorus is sublime and this classic continues to play with fantastic clarity to the very end, it really is a superb version.  The vast majority is 'as new' and that is a true reflection of the audio.  This is a Near Mint version without doubt although I am sure many would say better!

'La Japonaise' plays beautifully from the very first groove with only a couple of barely audible dust ticks on the intro.  Thereafter the quality of the audio cannot be faulted and with so many quiet sections this is hugely impressive.  There are no clicks or pops, no static or crackle the audio is stunning.  Even the quiet section plays with immeasurable quality. 

'The Fallen Priest' is another fine example of an album rarely played.  The clarity is so good and the definition could not be any better.  Each note plays with perfect precision and again not a single click or pop and only a small number of totally non-intrusive dust ticks, something you would find on a new vinyl let alone one that is now over 30 years old!  There is no distortion on the louder end section which is a rarity.  

The super quiet piano intro on 'Ensueno' has no interference and then plays to a standard that is breathtaking.  This is because there are so many quiet sections and yet they all play with the same wonderful precision.   This is audio of the highest order and I just cannot praise it enough.  I honestly believe it deserves a Mint- grading it is that good as is the entire side really.  You could wish for greater clarity and depth.

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'The Golden Boy' has only a little static on the intro and then the first two verses play with stunning clarity.  There is a little static and one light click prior to the first gospel section but it still plays very clearly.  From then on the audio is superb and there is no other 'background'.  The gospel verses play in spectacular style and the final verse is also stunning as is the quiet end section, just a couple of minor ticks.

The classic 'Guide Me Home' has only minimal static on the delicate piano intro and it then plays with great quality and only a hint of very minor static here and there.  Overall though this is a very impressive version with no intrusive interference and on the emotive top end sections the playback is so powerful and has no distortion at all.  I think these first two tracks grade as Ex+ overall but there are indeed many sections that play better than that.

The segue into 'How Can I Go On' is perfect and continues to play in the same way.  This is a beautiful rendition of this classic and can only be described 'as new' it is sublime.  A Mint grading is deserved as there is no 'background' and that applies to the long fade out also.

'Overture Piccante' has mega impressive clarity on the intro and then plays to a very impressive standard.  There is only minimal static in a couple of the quieter sections, it is very minimal and totally non-intrusive.  The majority of this closing 'track' plays with fantastic definition and clarity and you won't hear many better, Near Mint I would say.

In summary this now very collectable first pressing plays to a superb standard and especially on S1.  That's not to say S2 isn't impressive, it's just not quite on the same level overall as S1 although the majority still plays as Near Mint if not better!  This is an album that is often beset with sound issues so it is pleasing to find one that has a definition and clarity of sound as good as this.  The  gatefold is also in excellent condition with only very minor wear and the lyric inner is perfect.

The Gatefold

The gatefold is in excellent condition with only minor shelf wear.  The top and bottom edge of the front cover have no rubbing at all and the edges of the back cover have only a little.  The wide spine is strong with no wear and remains 100% legible.  All corners are in excellent with only one tiny crease lower left and a little rubbing/creasing on the corresponding corner on the back cover.  The opening edge is in sublime condition with no handling wear at all.  The front cover is very clean and has just one small fade mark near the top edge with a very small red pen mark also.  The back cover has only a couple of small creases next to the spine and is in great order.  The inside of the gatefold is near perfect with just one small faint mark near the bottom of the spine.

The Lyric Inner

This inner is in perfect condition with no splits, marks or creasing.

The Labels

They are both visually stunning and look practically 'as new'.  As stated there is barely any spindle wear and they have no marking or writing on them.  Beautiful clean examples!

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

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

POLH 44 // A - 1U / B - 2U

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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