NICK DRAKE Bryter Layter 1st UK ISLAND LP Pink Rim ILPS

	£		161
	$		213

Up for auction is an original UK 1st Pressing of NICK DRAKE'S 1970 masterpiece "Bryter Layter" on Island Records Ltd. (ILPS 9134). This vinyl copy is the VERY FIRST PRESSING of the UK Island Records release with the PINK RIM Island label & the legendary Textured Sleeve!

There has been much confusion between this original 1970 First Pressing and the later 1972 issue with a very similar label design! The only way to tell the two apart is the minor label differences. The later 1972 issue has the timings of the songs in brackets and the "Island Records Ltd." text on the right hand side of the label next to the publishing date while the first issue has the song timings left open (no brackets). The later issue also has Joe Boyd's production credit printed in two lines rather than just in one line with this first issue (please see label photos) and the later issue also removes the "STEREO" notation.

Both issues are found with -1 Matrix numbers in the run out groove. The machine stamped Matrix numbers for this copy here are:

ILPS 9134 A -1U
ILPS 9134 B -1U

This copy here is the VERY EARLIEST PRESSING of "Bryter Layter"! Song timings are NOT IN BRACKETS and Joe Boyd's production credit is PRINTED IN ONE LINE. Only the original first pressing textured sleeve bears the correct "island records ltd basing street london w11" address at the bottom of the back panel.

The condition of this UK first pressing "Bryter Layter" VINYL album is remarkable, especially considering that it's over 40 years of age! The VINYL is still shiny and mirror-like and shows NO scratches, NO handling marks, NO so-called hairlines or any sort of scuffs! The RECORD lays 100% flat on the turntable. The VISUAL GRADE for both sides of this UK first pressing is EXCELLENT++! The album PLAYS through silently with an intermittent non-intrusive surface noise in places, especially at the beginnings of both sides and a few occasional background crackles in between songs. This RECORD is NOT MINT! There is some occasional non-intrusive surface noise on my demanding system. On most systems – I'm quite confident – this record will play MOSTLY SILENT! I will grade PLAYBACK as EXCELLENT-!

In any event, if you have never heard a UK 1st pressing of this LP, you will be in for a MAJOR TREAT! This is by far the best pressing of "Bryter Layter". The sound is warm and rich. It sounds like NICK DRAKE is in the room with you! Later pressings tend to lose some of the dynamic range and space. They sound compressed and tinny. This one doesn't. It was made to be heard in its analogue glory. Listening to this will take you back into the studio. The strings are soaring. Richard Thompson's guitar sparkles as it does in no later pressing! The condition of the vinyl does not take away the stellar sound of this UK 1st pressing.

Both LABELS are clean and without any marks, sticker residues or names scrawled upon! The spindle-hole though shows a number of spidermarks around it, especially on Side 2! Both LABELS will grade as VG++.

The COVER is the famed textured sleeve that all of the "Bryter Layter's" came in, manufactured by both E. J. Day Group and Robor. Island Records, at the time had both companies manufacturing its sleeves. This record is housed in the textured E. J. Day Group sleeve and bears the all important correct "basing street london w11" address at the bottom of the back panel! The COVER shows seam wear, but the seams are still sturdy and without any splits! There is some colour loss on the sleeve's seams and corners and there is some "flaking" at the corners. Apart from this the COVER has NO unwanted writing, NO creasing, NO cut-out / punch-holes etc. Overall, the COVER looks stunning, and it is still sturdy and will grade as VG+. The COVER though is NOT MINT nor NEAR MINT!

I stick to the 'RECORD COLLECTOR' grading system (please see below). Satisfaction guaranteed!

Thanks for looking & good luck! Please feel free to contact me for further details! Please have a look at my other auctions!

The album will be mailed to the lucky winner in a stiff record box with extra cardboard stiffeners for best possible protection! The experience and fun of buying records on eBay is ruined if you discover that – once the album arrives – they are either not in the condition stated or have been damaged in the post! For this reason I try to describe all my items in detail, and only post using strong sturdy packaging. Please see my excellent feedback especially in terms of packaging! My records come from a guaranteed smoke- and pet-free home!

GRADING GUIDE:

MINT: 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: 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: 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.

SHIPPING: Winner pays winning bid amount plus actual shipping cost, i.e. to the USA: GBP 8.00; to the UK: GBP 4.00, within EUROPE: GBP 4.50; within GERMANY: GBP 3.50.

PAYMENT: Please feel free to use PayPal (NO extra charges) or bank transfer within EUROPE only. Thank you!