Ocean Colour Scene: 'Moseley Shoals' 1996 rare 1st press 2 x 12" black vinyls

	£		133
	$		176

‘I see double up ahead, where the riverboat

Swayed beneath the sun, is where the river runs red

Like a king who stalks, the wings and shoots a dove, and frees an eagle instead’

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Artist: Ocean Colour Scene

Album title: Moseley Shoals

Format: 2 x 12” black vinyl’s playing at 45rpm

Barcode: 600406 0081 1 (100% genuine 1st press from 1996)

Rarity: super rare 1st press released by MCA in April 1996, with a total global pressing of only 2,000! This is easily distinguishable from the RSD recent red vinyl release on barcode 602547 678942, and the recent black vinyl re-pressing on barcode 602577 68357 2. There are other variants as well, and I have to say the quality of the outer sleeve reproduction of these two later releases does not match the quality of colour and picture definition in my view of the first pressing, and for me the sound of the original 1st press is way better on this vinyl pressing, but perhaps that is a more subjective viewpoint.

I have been buying, selling and collecting all things OCS since 1996, and have amassed a huge collection over the years, and this is actually the thirtieth copy I have sold on eBay or other online retail over the last fifteen years!

However: this is the first copy I have ever sold with a full set of genuine ‘classic line up’ signatures and also with a promo label stuck over the rear panel barcode. Already a rare record, this is truly a ‘one-off’ pressing! This copy is signed by Simon Fowler, Steve Cradock, Damon Minchella and Oscar Harrison in a medium black felt pen, and the sleeve has been date-stamped 2/4/96, despite the official release date being 8th April, some six days later. Perhaps this was either the original release date, or the date that the sleeve was actually signed?

I have reviewed the condition of this super are item in detail and confirm the following:

Outer cover: minor rubbing, and minor indentation in the surface of the front panel. All four signatures lovely and clear and no smudging. (Black felt fades very quickly in direct sunlight, and it is clear to me that this cover has been carefully stored with no sun damage). The front panel includes the all-important orange and black sticker roundel that confirms the two ‘hit singles’ ‘The Riverboat Song’ & ‘You’ve Got It Bad’ are included on the release. No splits or tears to top and bottom opening edges of both front and rear panels.  Rear cover is in a similar condition, with minimal rubbing & some indentations within the soft card, and includes the mega rare ‘MCA promotional sample’ sticker. I have never seen this sticker before on any other copy…. rare! The spine is stunning and probably the best I have seen other than my personal copies, with minimal wear, and lovely clear wording and numbering still present. No damage to internal picture inner panels to this beautiful gatefold sleeve.

This is a lovely gatefold cover and in overall excellent condition, and made all the more special with MCA rear sticker, front roundel sticker and a full set of signatures!

Inner record sleeves: really great condition inners, with no splits or tears, and most I see have splits and damage! Strong excellent condition and no issues!

Vinyl playback: I have played through all four sides twice on my Rega 6 turntable, and all sides played with a fabulous playback experience, and it is clear that this record has had marginal plays. I noted minor background noise and only a few pops in the lead in and outros of tracks and few around the lead in to the song ’40 Past Midnight’. No jumps or sticking points! For me really pleasurable listening experience of one of my favourites ever albums, and playback is graded a strong excellent condition.

Vinyl’s visuals: I have graded as per the following:

Side one: good deep shine, two or three minor scuffs, moderate hairlines. Excellent minus (-) grading.

Side two: some minor label staining, minor hairlines, no noticeable scuff marks. Excellent minus (-) grading due to staining only

Side three: a couple of moderate scuffs, some handling marks and moderate hairlines. Excellent minus (-) grading.

Side four: a couple of moderate scuffs, some handling marks and moderate hairlines. Excellent minus (-) grading.

Overall record condition harshly graded as excellent minus (-) condition. The playgrade outstrips the visuals, so not a ‘mint’ museum-copy, but a great playable copy of a super-are vinyl album with a lovely and unique cover!

UK seller in stock for immediate despatch.

Quality seller of CD’s, vinyl’s and box sets, all around the world, with fifteen years’ experience on eBay, with 100% positive feedback!