KING CRIMSON - IN THE COURT OF... 1970 UK prog classic, pink rim 2nd press, EX

	£		23
	$		30

KING CRIMSON - IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

Lovely copy of this 1969 UK prog rock classic, 2nd pressing on the pink rim/palm tree ISLAND label, STEREO ILPS 9111

 Matrix Numbers :

  Side 1  ILPS - 9111 - A3 with etched "PORKY" in run-off grooves     Side 2   ILPS - 9111 - B3 with etched "PECKO" in run-off grooves                       

The condition of the heavy duty vinyl is EXCELLENT. Each side of the vinyl has retained it's original beautifully lacquered sheen and is a joy to hold. There is, however, a 1.5cm hairline at the beginning of track 1 side 1 which does result in some mild clicking lasting for almost the first third of this track - it's mild and it is background but if you listen you can hear it.  There is also a very small surface scuff on side 1 track 1. On side 2 there is a 2cm hairline and two very small scuffs on the first track. In normal daylight it is possible, if held at the right angle, to notice these small blemishes along with two further wispy surface  hairlines on side 1 but there's nothing nasty here and the overall look, feel and appearance of both sides of the vinyl is nothing less than impressive.

Each label is EXCELLENT+. All writing remains perfectly defined with no nicks or markings. No discolouration, no unwanted writing, no nicks, just a couple of very faint spindle traces adjacent to the centre hole on each side. 

The iconic gatefold outer sleeve is again EXCELLENT. All edges remain rigid and nicely defined, including the spine where all writing is perfectly legible. The corners are also nice right angles. There is a little mild scuffing on the bottom edges which becomes a little more noticeable at each bottom corner (see photo). The top edges and opening sides are in great shape with barely any scuffing and certainly no fraying on the opening edges. The only other blemishes (both very minor) to report are three small (1-2cm) surface creases on the front side adjacent and perpendicular to the spine, a small nick on the reverse side, and a very faint, thin and horizontal score line on the front side. The inside of the gatefold is simply beautiful...I can't fault it.

Finally, the quality of the audio is VG+. Great tone and clarity with no distortion either at higher volume or on the higher frequencies. But there is the aforementioned mild clicking on side 1 track 1 which begins in the dead wax area and lasts for about one third of the track - obviously it quickly gets almost "drowned out" once the music starts, but if you listen out for it you will notice it. I also detected 5 mild clicks towards the end of track 2 side 1 but could find no obvious reason for this - very frustrating. During the quieter moments some mild background interference occurred but this was extremely minor, but nonetheless noticeable on track 2 side 1. None of this significantly detracts from the great listen which this album copy still is - just sit back, turn up the volume, and enjoy one of the greatest prog rock albums of all time. You won't be disappointed!

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

 1. 21st CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN including MIRRORS

2. I TALK TO THE WIND

3. EPITAPH including MARCH FOR NO REASON and TOMORROW AND TOMORROW

Side 2 :

1. MOONCHILD including THE DREAM and THE ILLUSION

2. THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING including THE RETURN OF THE FIRE WITCH and THE DANCE OF THE PUPPETS

Comes in original white inner with no tears or splits and still fully functional, but with just the hint of some minor age discolouration towards the edges.

In summary, an impressive UK pressing of this increasingly scarce 1969 prog rock gem, which in many ways set the bar for prog rock excellence.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other listings for more 50's, 60's and 70's classic vinyl.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but over the years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boots, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I never intended selling any of my records but now I am retired and a combination of space requirements (caused partly by duplication) and a need to help fund my retirement has prompted me to "rationalise" my record collection and sell many of my much loved gems. 

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in removing the record from the outer sleeve in order to prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class  : UK £3.00, continental Europe £7, and Rest of the World £10. 

 I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines :

Mint

Description: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

Description: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packag­ing might have slight wear and/or creasing.

Very Good

Description: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable sur­face marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

Description: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

Fair 

Description: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for prop­erly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor

Description: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

Description: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.