KING CRIMSON Larks Tongues in Aspic UK Island

$

78

Welcome! Here is a first UK press of King Crimson Larks Tongues in Aspic (Island ILPS 9230). The Crimso lineup here is Robert Fripp, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, David Cross, and Jamie Muir. This is a very first press on the Island “pink rim” label, and has the original custom inner sleeve. And, wow, the sound and pressing quality here are magnificent!

Matrix numbers and mother/stamper codes are:

Side 1: ILPS 9230 A-2U; the mother/stamper is 1 GA. Scratched into the dead wax is the name SARK, representing the mastering engineer.

Side 2: ILPS 9230 B-2U; the mother/stamper is again 1 GA. There is no SARK on Side B.

Using the Record Collector grading system, what do we have here?

Sleeve: The unlaminated single sleeve grades Excellent. The sleeve is not signed. On the front, there is VERY minor wear to the red finish in the left and bottom areas of the “frame,” and a bump to the upper right corner. On the back, there is some slight wear to the white finish across much of the bottom and a little bit of the top; this mostly tracks the outer edges of the record inside, representing the very beginning of ringwear. Still on the back, there is minor soiling along the right edge, near the spine, as well as a bump to the edge where the record is inserted.

Note that the spine has dramatically “pinched” ends, correct for a sleeve of this vintage. My camera’s flash casts a glare over some of the lettering, but all lettering is intact.

Vinyl: The vinyl grades Excellent+, with only the most minor occasional crackle. This album offers incredible sonic power, as well as occasional periods of near silence; both extremes are unimpaired in any way.

Labels: Both pin rim labels are strong, with only truly negligible spindle tracking.

Inner Sleeve: This album has its original inner sleeve, something that apparently is often missing. This inner has toned slightly over the years, and has a 2-inch split along one edge; otherwise, all is well.

And, in the end: This is an excellent and complete example of a UK first-press Larks Tongues in Aspic. Please e-mail me with any questions.

Returns: Full return privileges (less shipping and listing fee) if dissatisfied, but I bet you won’t be! Please pay by PayPal. Thanks and good luck!

Shipping: I will ship to ANY country on Earth! Pursuant to my statement above that I am not a dealer, I do NOT gouge anyone on shipping costs. If you are in the USA, figure on $4.00 for good ‘ol Media Mail; of course, you can do Priority, Overnight, you name it. For shipments outside of the USA, I use the value that eBay shows for First Class Mail International; if the actual price turns out to be less, I will post an immediate refund for the difference.

Insurance: If you would like, I will get an insurance quote for you. I pack things very well, but if you choose to not buy insurance, I will not be responsible if something nasty happens.

Namaste, everyone!