FREE, TONS OF SOBS, SUPERB 1971 UK PINK RIM ISLAND

	£		34
	$		45

betsy50 Store

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an exceptional example of the brilliant debut blues/rock album by FREE titled “TONS OF SOBS”, Catalogue Number ILPS 9089. This is an ORIGINAL 1971 UK STEREO 4th PRESSING on the PINK RIM ISLAND RECORD LABEL, with a superb 1st issue E. J. Day gatefold sleeve. [The matrix numbers are A-3U, B-3U and “PORKY” and “PECKO” is etched in the run-outs of Sides 1 and 2 respectively – indicating the work of the master cutting engineer George Peckham].

The un-laminated gatefold sleeve, printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in EX condition with only very light wear and minor creasing. You can see from the photos that this is a truly excellent example of this notoriously fragile sleeve.

The solidly pressed Island record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. Visually both sides are in EX condition with the exception of one short stylus mark (see below). The Pink Rim Island labels are unmarked with no obvious spindle traces and barely any wear to the spindle hole.  

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is one of my favourite albums of all time and I never tire of listening to it. The sound quality of this pressing is very impressive with excellent detail and instrument separation. The record plays almost perfectly. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. This is very important for this particular album as there are several quiet introductions and passages which can easily be ruined by excessive surface sound. The surface mark mentioned above causes 4 or 5 light pops at the start of Track 3 on Side 1. This is the only defect on an otherwise perfect playing record. I think that it will be very difficult to find a significantly better-playing copy of this essential blues/rock album.

Complete with the correct pale-blue poly-lined Island inner sleeve which is in unmarked EX condition.  

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.