FREE (2nd) - RARER UK 1969 Island Pink i N/M LP & Cover

	£		326
	$		432

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options.

Artist or Band: FREE

Album Title: Free.

Producer(s): Chris Blackwell.

Track Listing:

Side 1: I’ll Be Creepin’; Songs of Yesterday; Lying in the Sunshine; Trouble on Double Time; Mouthful of Grass.

Side 2: Woman; Free Me; Broad Daylight; Mourning Sad Morning.

Label/Format: Island – Pink i format with smooth finish and very deep large inner ring ridge (Please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Both in beautiful conditions with a more unusual finish, the paper appears thin and almost semi-transparent. Yes another variation on the pink Island label. Spindle marks are very few and faint and this one looks little played.

Cat Number: ILPS 9104.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 135 grams. A good average weight for this one.

Rarity: Pink copies of this classic album are getting harder to find, especially ones that are clearly hardly played. The wonderful cover always challenging to find clean and this copy sets the bar high.

Original Year of Release: 1969.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Matrix Nos: ILPS 9104 A SP 4307-1A / ILPS 9104 B SP 4308-1B. These more unusual matrixes are hand-etched and scripted.

Run-Out Groove Etchings: ‘Bell Sound sf’ on both in tiny swash-style typeface. (curly scripted serifs)

Brief Artist & Album Info: Free’s second album and one of their most cherished. A band in high demand and why not. Featuring their most famous line-up of Rodgers, Fraser, Kossoff and Kirke this classic British blues-rock band had a wonderful unique sound and hearing them via their original format is a real pleasure. Their albums were beautifully recorded and produced with the basslines at the front of the mix giving a solid and punchy, rhythmic sound. Free saw the band progressing with a more individual sound with powerful songs and Kossoff’s stinging guitar coming more to the forefront - Rodgers bluesy vocals are sublime. This album features a very daring cover for the time - a girl viewed from way down and the centrefold is erotically morbid – both beautiful in their own way. Both record and cover are in super conditions and for those seeking an early pink copy, well this is more than worthy of consideration.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(++): and this being ultra critical, this very wear-prone cover has barely any at all and looks simply superb. An unlaminated gatefold format that was printed and made in England by E. J. Day.

Cover: Front & Back: Both sides are little short of as made and look incredible. Supremely clean, fresh with barely any marks, creases or blemishes at all. The white back is as clean as I have ever seen and barely a hint of any rim marks – mere trace viewed point-blank. The odd tiny edge and corner tip rub trace are just seen only but little else. Worthy of a second look, they do not get seen like this too often. Another from a quality collection that was cover protected from new.

Cover Inner Gatefold: One or rock’s greatest centrefolds: looking stunning with nothing to fault. The girl is seen blowing dust from Rodgers’ square stone amid the sparse gravestone scene. Marvellously morbid and more than a hint of eroticism, this will not be seen much better than this.

Top Edges: Very light and faint patchy rubbing on the front.

Bottom Edges: Both practically unworn and all four are very straight.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with little wear and no feathering or trimming. Record entered on the back edge.

Spine and Text: Absolutely stunning: this thick, white spine has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Very solid, straight and uncompressed. Folded almost square so the edges meet up closely together and almost parallel. The fine text is unworn and there is NO grubbiness to the fragile pale surface.

Corners: Any tip rubs are ver small and all retain very fine to excellent shape. The spine pair probably even better.

Cover Summary: One of the best covers ever put around a rock album and a genuine Island classic. A truly fantastic example that does it maximum justice and worthy of the price alone. Finding this one anything like ‘perfect’ is a huge ask, but this comes mighty close and could prove a substantial upgrade for many collectors. Certainly up there with the best I have seen, just holding this one gives pleasure as so few will even get close. This will please most-all collectors, even the highly discerning ones.

The Inner Sleeve: MINT(-): the plain white unlined inner has barely aged and the only traces of any ‘wear’ are very mild record rim impression. This is the genuine one this record was purchased with and the lack of wear or damage gives strong clues to the lack of record usage. This is still clean, uncreased with all edges intact, one microscopic nick on the top opening edge only (but look hard).

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: MINT(-): and visually a stunning copy with playing surfaces that almost remind of new. A barely played record that is ultra clean, intense black and very solidly pressed, any surface trace blemishes barely even register, even under light. All evidence suggests it’s hardly been out of the cover and so few making the open market with better this beauty for looks.

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 snippets 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 fantastic Free album mostly plays up to it’s visual grading with little to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Minimal surface sounds were only just detected when played at higher volume, these being very gentle indeed and infrequent. Island pressing quality is known to be variable but this very clean looking record generally, gives an impressive account of itself. Remember, I play-grade ALL my records put to auction on an LP12 and the equipment listed further down - ruthlessly revealing - nothing escapes. And being honest, practically nothing marred my enjoyment of this timeless classic. Throughout, the sound is fully focused and sharp with no groovewear distortions, one that has avoided harsh treatment from old record players. This was a highly pleasureable album to play-grade and it will take an exceptional copy to better it significantly for clean sound. Truly, I have seen near mint copies of this album that crackle constantly and often quite loudly, I reitterate anything on this one is very gentle indeed. Island had their records pressed by different manufacturers, and being honest, I do not recognise this one, but it would explain why some are better than others. Free’s ‘Fire and Water’ (also on offer), is a notoriously difficult one to find that plays well on the pink label and the vast majority I have heard have had offered considerable surface noise and even distortion. I have yet to hear any copy of this title that will play absolutely ‘silent’ throughout, if that is demanded, well the digital format will offer that. But to experience the original sound and detail, only the vinyl record really offers it. And with a truly exceptional cover it comes in, this set will take a fair amount of beating, it will please most collectors, but if absolute silence is non-negotiable, do not bid.

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/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). 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.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET - PLEASE SEE MY TYPICAL PACKING BOX PICTURE.

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, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW 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. 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. All records are posted in professional thick boxes (NOT Mailers or Cruciforms, these do not offer maximum protection). 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 THREE or EVEN FOUR ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. The thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. Please see my picture of a typical finished box packet that will now be used on ALL transactions as from now. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. These boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FOUR records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

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 (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

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

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); 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]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (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. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

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’.