NICK DRAKE Five Leaves Left 1969 Pink Rim Palm Tree ISLAND ILPS 9105 EXCELLENT++

	£		150
	$		199

NICK DRAKE - FIVE LEAVES LEFT

A stunning, rare and highly sought after copy of this 1969 UK 2nd press folk classic on the ISLAND pink rim/palm tree label, ILPS 9015 

 Matrix Numbers :

Side 1    ILPS 9105 A - 3 U with stampers  "1", "1"  and "R" at 8 o'clock, 8.30 and 2.30 respectively

Side 2     ILPS 9105 A - 3 U with stampers  "1"  and "A" at 9 o'clock 2.30 respectively

I know that this is not the coveted first pressing, but the matrix and stamper numbers indicate this to be one of the very first (and also highly sought after) 2nd pressings of this iconic and truly remarkable album. The only reason I am selling is because I have two other copies and there is no sense in me retaining duplicates - I'm too old and I need the space! I inherited this copy over 40 years ago and it has been carefully stored upright in a poly-lined protector ever since, and the only time I have played it is right now whilst typing this advert in order to play grade.

The appearance of the vinyl is near mint. Gorgeous jet black lacquered sheen, completely flat and an impressively shiny appearance. Close inspection of both sides of the vinyl under a bright halogen light reveals...nothing. I rarely use the term "near mint" but it does truly apply to this record, which has obviously been played only a few times. There is even a small loose shard of vinyl still adjacent to the centre hole which are normally "lost" after a few plays.

The labels are pristine. Just can't fault them - not even the usual very faint spindle trail traces. Perfect!

The iconic ERNEST J. DAY outer gatefold sleeve is excellent+. No rubbing on the corners which remain perfect right angles (just one very minor "nip" on the front bottom right corner), no scuffing on the edges (ok, there is just the merest hint of some very, very, very light scuffing on one of the bottom edges - negligible). There is a small 2cm "nip" on the front top edge and the occasional very, very light "nick" or scuff and just some very, very minor scuffing towards the top and bottom of the front cover (see photos)...but these are barely detectable and I'm struggling to find any faults here. Open up the gatefold and...wow!...it's just gorgeous. A firm and perfect spine, no creasing, just a little dust which I have carefully wiped away. All of the colouring remains richly vibrant, wonderful. I'm sure most sellers would categorise this as near mint.

Finally, the quality of the audio is superb. I repeat...SUPERB!! Beautiful tone and clarity throughout even at higher volume and tone. No clicks, no skips, no crackle, no background interference, not even the hint of crackle or static on even the quieter tracks. I was 14 when this album was released and every song remains as fresh (and relevant) as when this album was released in 1969. A fabulous listen throughout. I can't imagine that a better copy exists.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. TIME HAS TOLD ME

2. RIVER MAN

3. THREE HOURS

4. DAY IS DONE

5. WAY TO BLUE

Side 2 :

1. 'CELLO SON

2. THE THOUGHTS OF MARY JANE

3. MAN IN A SHED

4. FRUIT TREE

5. SATURDAY SUN

Comes with original poly-line Island inner which is itself is in super condition.  I always supply a new plain white inner as a matter of course.

In summary an EXCELLENT+ (probably NEAR MINT) copy of this scarce and highly sought after 1969 UK folk classic. Stunning.

 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 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

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 separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help 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 tracked and signed for : UK £6.00, continental Europe £10, and Rest of the World £14. 

 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.