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Kate Bush : Aerial 1A / 1B / 1C / 1D 1st Press 2LP 2005

This first press plays with superb audio on every side and the second record in particular is absolutely STUNNING!  The first is not far behind and has some light static ticks that you so often find on vinyl.  They do not detract from the audio and there are not that many anyway!  The clarity, depth and warmth of the audio throughout is so impressive and when you find a version as 'clean' as this the sonic quality is definitely enhanced.  Pressed on heavyweight both records are visually in great condition and they clearly have not been played very much, if at all!

The glossy cover is in lovely condition with only a small number of white 'marks' on each panel and the 24 page lyric booklet is superb, almost Mint, I'm sure many would say it is!  The original inner sleeves are very clean and have just a small side split on one side.

As per a number of very first pressings the cover has a Made In Holland sticker on the back.

00946-343960 // 1-1-A M2,P2 cB / 1-1-B (2M) cB  2 SAM / 1-1-C cB / 1-1-D cB

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (T2 Mint- / T4 Near Mint-)

The audio on S2 is Near Mint (T1 Mint- / T3 Ex+)

The audio on S3 is Mint(-) (T1 & T2 Near Mint)

The audio on S4 Mint(-)

The gatefold is Ex

The lyric booklet is Mint-

The original inner sleeves are Ex-

The labels are Near Mint

Visual description

The vinyls are in superb condition and still have a lovely glossy sheen with no scratches.  There are no obvious hairlines and just one very small 'mark' on S2 that has no affect on the audio.  S4 has some minor fading but this is very faint and no doubt caused during the pressing process anyway.  The labels are very clean and have no spindle wear.

Play grading

'King Of The Mountain' plays with stunning clarity and depth and only the first verse has a small number of inconsequential light static ticks.  They are totally non-intrusive and from then on the playback is 'as new' with no background.  This is easily a Near Mint start to this classic album.

The intro on 'Pi' is flawless and it continues in the same precise way.  A well known British phrase 'could sing the phone book' and it would sound good.  Well that is put to the test on this track and yep Kate's vocal is still as silky smooth as ever.  A sublime Mint- with only a couple of barely audible ticks.

The 'acoustic' intro on 'Bertie' plays beautifully with only one minor tick and the opening vocal is perfect.  The clarity of sound from then on can hardly be faulted.  A couple of static ticks but this is vinyl!  I will grade as Near Mint although I am sure many would grade higher.

'Mrs. Bartolozzi' again shows just infrequently this record has been played.  A gentle number for the vast majority and it plays so clearly with only a small number of static ticks.  Near Mint-

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'How To Be Invisible' on S2 plays with audio that is so strong and deep and there is no interference.  Exceptional sonic quality and is Mint- is very much deserved.

'Joanni' is arguably just as good but I will grade as Near Mint because of a small number of very quiet statics.

The delicate intro on 'A Coral Room' plays very clearly but with a few very quiet background ticks.  The opening vocal is similar - great clarity overall but with 3/4 static sounds.  The very quiet section leading into the 'My Mother...' vocal is just stunning.  This verse then plays so clearly with only a handful of minor static ticks and the remainder of this classic is close to perfect with only brief static distortion on a couple of words.  I think Ex+ is an honest appraisal of the audio here.

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'Prelude' begins perfectly and continues to play with wonderful clarity for such quiet track.  A small number of mega quiet static ticks that is all and Near Mint is correct.  'Prologue' then plays with stunning clarity and no obvious intrusion.  This album was so well produced in my opinion and the overall 'sound quality' is so impressive, the piano has such a deep rich tone to it and this is also Near Mint it is a superb version.

As this is a first pressing both 'An Architect's Dream' and 'The Painter's Link' feature vocals from Rolf Harris which were then removed from later pressings.  Both play with STUNNING clarity and warmth and Mint- is deserved.  Not sure about the minus though!

'Sunset' more than matches this standard with impeccable quality from start to finish.  Again the clarity and depth of the audio is breath-taking!  Mint

'Aerial Tal' ends the side with Mint- audio - not bad for such a quiet track!  Definitely channelling her inner Pink Floyd Ummagumma here!

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All the tracks on S4, beginning with 'Somewhere in Between', play with incredible audio throughout.  A sublime version of 'Nocturn' follows and 'Aerial' is just as impressive.  The sonic quality on all three is on another level and I would not be surprised if this side had never been played before.  They all grade as Mint- such is the quality on offer here.

In summary this first pressing plays with superb audio across all four sides with very little intrusion.  Some minor static ticks on the first record which you expect on vinyl from this era anyway but there are no clicks or pops and no background static either.  These static ticks are only quiet and do not intrude on the listening 'experience' I hasten to add and I only mention them to be 'complete' with my grading.  S1 and S2 still play with stunning quality but S3 and S4 are incredible!  the clarity, depth and warmth of the audio could not be any more impressive.  Together with a fine cover and immaculate lyric booklet this will appeal to any avid collector I am sure.  No silly high starting price either that is common with this album :-)

The Gatefold, Lyric Booklet & Inner Sleeves

At first glance I thought the glossy cover was in perfect condition.  The only negative are some 'white' markings on the inside where the two panels have stuck together at some point, there isn't too much though.  Aside from that it is in beautiful condition and has retained it original shape and structure so well.  There is just one very tiny 'nick' on the bottom edge of the back cover next to the right corner.  A fine example over overall.

The LP sized booklet is as close to Mint as is possible with only a couple of very faint 'spots' on the front.  The poly-lined black inners are unmarked but do have a side split each.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with Rega Carbon Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

The records have been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

00946-343960 // 1-1-A M2,P2 cB / 1-1-B (2M) cB  2 SAM / 1-1-C cB / 1-1-D cB

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

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Postage & Packaging

I NOW ONLY SEND ITEMS WORLDWIDE VIA TRACKED SHIPPING. THIS PROVIDES 'PEACE OF MIND' IN CASE OF LOSS OR DAMAGE. ALL COSTS ARE SHOWN BELOW AND COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED. ANY OVER-PAYMENT WILL ALWAYS BE REFUNDED BACK TO THE BUYER.

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I ONLY USE HIGH QUALITY MAILERS AND THESE COST ME £1.00 EACH. I WILL OFTEN USE 3 OR 4 CARDBOARD STIFFENERS AND THESE COST AT LEAST £0.15 EACH AND THEN THERE IS THE COST OF THE POLY-LINED INNER AND PVC SLEEVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT. IT ALL ADDS UP! NOT FORGETTING EBAY TAKING 10% OF THE SHIPPING FEE ALSO!!

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