NEU / NEU 2 Scarce & Superb N/M German Brain 2 LP Set

	£		31
	$		41

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options – NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment.

Artist or Band: NEU!

Album Title: 2 Originals of Neu!.

Producer(s): Neu & Conrad Plank.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Hallogallo; Sonderangebot; Weissensee.

Side 2: Im Glück; Negativland; Lieber Honig.

Side 3: Für Immer; Spitzenqualität; Gedenkminute (für A + K); Lila Engel.

Side 4: Neuschnee 78; Super 16; Neuschnee; Cassetto; Super 78; Hallo Excentrico!; Super.

Label/Format: Brain (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: All four are immaculate: ultra clean, fresh and attractive with barely a spindle trace to be seen on either. Even labels this clean and unmarked do not mean these records are unplayed, I am not that niave, but I can be pretty certain all four sides have received little usage. Another typical album from a collection purchased a few weeks ago where the owner simply did not play the records more than a tiny few times – once or twice being the norm. Finding this truly classic set better will prove near impossible.

Cat Number: 80-014-2.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of these Records: 113 / 120 grams. These about average for their era.

Country of Manufacture: Germany (Western at the time).

Rarity: Scarce: few of these will be seen outside Germany, with originals and this reissue both being elusive.

Original Year of Release: Originally: 1972 and 1973. 1981 for this double set.

Matrix Nos: 0701 935 S1 320 / 701 935 S2 320 / 701 936 S3 320 / 701 936 S4 320

Musicians: Neu!: Michael Rother – guitar, bass guitar; Klaus Dinger – Japanese banjo, drums, guitar.

Musicians: Neu 2!: Michael Rother – guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, zither, percussion, electronics, cassette recorder; Klaus Dinger – shamisen (Japanese banjo), 11-string guitar, drums, percussion, Farfisa electronic piano, vocals, electronics, record player.

So What is Krautrock and its Rarity?: ‘Krautrock’ was an affectionate term given to a new wave of young German bands in the late 1960s and early 70s. Before the emergence of these pioneering experimental rock and electronic artists, the German music scene was a real mess of sugary pop music. Out of this fog of a musical mire, a very new sound emerged as radical and as daring as anything ever heard. Whereas in the UK, rock music was very much blues or psych-based, but these young long-haired, pioneering German musicians played music that was very different. They opened new musical horizons and boundaries into the use of sound as entertainment. Several were classically trained musicians (Can) – some could barely play an instrument at all (Kluster). Far too weird and experimental for most, many were deep into avant garde territory, but this German underground scene was admired by many and loved by a small number of record buyers of the time. The sounds they created were often challenging and difficult, but unique and were highly influential for the development of music. Some used conventional instruments, some delved into electronics and some used unconventional devices to form sound (Faust). A few became successful even outside Germany with the odd hit single or two (Kraftwerk and Can), but some did not compromise and never sort commercial success (Faust, Neu!). Although there were others, the best-known of the early experimental Krautrock bands were: Kraftwerk, Can, Faust, Amon Duul II, Neu, Popul Vuh, Guru Guru, Kluster and Tangerine Dream. All are worth checking out – they made some of the most groundbreaking music in rock and their importance is beyond any dispute. In terms of rarity, these early albums are never easy to find especially in top conditions, they sold in relatively small numbers and are seldom seen or offered, especially in high grading conditions.

Brief Artist & Album Info: Along with Can and Faust, Neu! for me were one of the most important of the early 70s progressive German bands, affectionally known as ‘Krautrock’. Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger formerly of early Kraftwerk, left to form Neu! They, like the two aforementioned exponents were responsible for more groundbreaking original music. Not as experimental as Faust or as avant garde as some early Can, they combined elements of early Kraftwerk with trance like instrumentals which really are quite addictive. Clever use of guitar, percussion and electronic effects, Neu’s music was captivating and addictive. They made three albums on UA - this being the first two repackaged as a double set. Originals are never easy to find and even more so in top condition. Neu!’s music was quite delicate at times and needs the utmost quality pressings to be really enjoyable – this set is simply superb. Never initially quite matching the ‘popularity’ of other Krautrockers in the UK, it’s now that this highly original band are getting their true recognition as pioneers of modern music. The opener ‘Hallgallo’ has to be one of Krautrock’s finest ever tracks. This copy on offer is in supreme condition with great gatefold cover and two records that look and sound barely run-in in vinyl terms. Importantly, they are super-clean pressings for which the German’s are widely known. Sadly, a short-lived band, but this set offers the ultimate introduction to their wonderful and quite unique sound – this is set is truly indispensable.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(++): a gatefold format with the front and back being lamianted. Printed and made in (Western) Germany.

Laminate – Front & Back: Both sides very clean, fresh and shiny with no lifting and barely even a hint of any friction rubs or dulling, even viewed under light. A few fine edge hairline creases and the odd light surface mark or two, but this fairly flimsy cover will be very difficult to ever find better.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Little short of as made.

Top Edges: Barely any traces of wear, mild compression, these were quite thick.

Bottom Edges: As above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, mostly sharp with little wear and just a little thickening in places – both are guaranteed untrimmed. Records entered on these edges that are both open.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight with minimal compression and folded square, the edges meet up very closely together and parallel. One small surface chip near the centre, showing modestly due to the paleness. The text near perfect with just a tiny chip to the ‘G’ in ‘ORIGINALS’.

Corners: Minimal tip rubbing and all still very neat with mostly excellent shape retained.

Cover Summary: A very strong all-round example of this quite fragile early 80’s cover, one that will prove very difficult to find much better. This attractive item should please most collectors.

The Inner Sleeves: The original owner stored these two records inside two UK-made lined inners which are in superb condition. These are the only ones that came to me with this set.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: MINT(-): and the temptation to grade full Mint was high, and these are as close as they get for me to even think about it. A superb visual pair that are super clean, shiny, intense black and solidly pressed. A pair that have probably been played no more than once or twice – the label evidence suggests no plays – but I do not subscribe to no spindle marks meaning unplayed – that would be purely supposition and guesswork. I feel any record within a collection will have been played at least once, or why bother to buy it in the first place? Visually fantastic records that should please most-all collectors again.

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 minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: Both records play up to their high visual grading with practically nothing 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. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and no pops or clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing for a fairly difficult set that do have some very quiet passages and songs. UK UA originals were often let down by variable pressing quality and I have heard several spoil by crackle and surface noise. Well this German-pressed Brain pair excelled and few will better them. The owner had a quality system and clearly played his records sparingly and when so, with utmost care. Few copies will match or outperform this quality pressing I feel sure. I am certain both records have been played very lightly and have been clearly well stored and carefully handled within a non-smoking environment. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading these fine records – I am a huge fan of Krautrock and this Neu! pair are up there with the very best ever. This set will prove very difficult to find significantly better and merit my highest possible recommendation.

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 VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

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 new VPI-17 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 boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are 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 at least TWO, 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. When larger boxes are used, 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. 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. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners 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 stiffeners 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 FIVE 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: Please as me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

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 [£46 maximum]) = £10. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; 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 [£46 maximum]) = £14. Add £4 per extra LP. (Royal Mail insurance is an 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: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. 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 necessarily 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’.