PINK FLOYD OBSCURED BY CLOUDS A1/B1 1st PRESS 'La Vallee' STICKER EX+/NM AUDIO
£
35
$
46
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Description
Obscured By Clouds A-1/ B-1
This A1/B1 first pressing has the original 'La Valle' sticker on the front cover which is rarity to find today. Only the very earliest of the first pressings had this sticker so that makes this record even more collectible. The vinyl itself plays to an exceptionally high standard and especially Side One although Side Two is rather good also!
SHSP 4020 // A-1 / B-1 // AM 2 & RM
The audio on Side One is Near Mint ('Mudmen' is Ex+)
The audio on Side Two is Ex+ (some quiet sections play as Ex other sections as Near Mint)
The cover is VG++
The original inner sleeve is Ex-
The labels are Near Mint-
Visual grading
This vinyl has been very carefully handled down the years and has no scratches whatsoever. There are a small number of faint hairlines mainly due to sleeve removal but you won't find many A1/B1 pressings looking as good as this and it still retains a lovely glossy sheen. So so rare also to find the cover with the original 'La Vallee' sticker on.
Play grading
The title track begins with some very light background static although this soon ends. This is a 45 year old vinyl so you expect some interference but here it is minimal and ends after about 15 seconds! From then on the music plays with wonderful clarity, the sound quality is very impressive. I heard only one pop during the playback and there are no clicks. 'When You're In' plays with what can only be described as Near Mint audio, the quality is exceptional 'Burning Bridges' is of the same standard and is an incredible listen. There is perhaps just a touch of barely audible intermittent static that 99% of sellers would not even mention! The three remaining tracks play to the same exacting standard and quite simply play with impeccable audio. 'Mudmen' does have a little audible static but again is not intrusive. The clarity, depth and sonic quality here is rarely found on these A1/B1 first pressings today and for there to be only one pop and no intrusive crackle is practically unheard of. So much of this side plays as a high quality new vinyl would.
Whilst the quiet intro to 'Childhood's End' plays very clearly there is a little more crackle here than on the previous side. Once the other instruments and vocals 'kick in' the track plays exceptionally well and with just a hint of background static. There is some crackle between the tracks but 'Free Four' is another fantastic listen and practically sounds as new. The depth and warmth of the recording again is just astonishing. 'Stay' has some crackle during the quieter sections but again I re-iterate this is a vinyl of nearly 50 years of age! Once again there are no clicks or pops and the music still plays extremely clearly and with no distortion. 'Absolutely Curtains' has some light crackle but again it is largely non-intrusive in my opinion and even adds to the atmosphere many would say!
I often say when selling 'Obscured By Clouds' that I am always very impressed with the production values on this LP. The same goes for this one. The depth of the sound and lack of interference, especially on S1, is highly impressive and for such an early A1/B1 pressing the audio here will not disappoint the avid fan.
Cover
The G & L textured cover (with 'La Vallee' sticker) is in overall excellent condition but does have some shelf wear. The most obvious is on the top edge where there is a small split which at first glance appears to be just 'rubbing'. The bottom edge also has a little rubbing and there was obviously once some tape along it which has since been removed. It hasn't however left a distinctive mark. The thin pinched spine is in excellent order with only a little rubbing. The actual front and back cover are extremely clean and have no further marks just a couple of small creases. The opening edge is also very clean with absolute minimal handling wear. The 'La Vallee' is in superb condition with no marking at all.
Inner sleeve
The original Harvest inner sleeve has been generally well preserved with only one small split on the bottom edge and some light age related marking and creasing.
Labels
The yellow/green labels are very clean apart from some very faint 'spots' around the centre hole on S1. There are no other marks or writing.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable // B & W 684 Speakers
SHSP 4020 // A-1 / B-1 // AM 2 & RM
Any questions please feel free to ask
Please pay within 4 days of auction end
I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SHIPPING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM "TRACKED/SIGNED FOR" AS TOO MANY ITEMS GO MISSING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £6.00. PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THIS.
COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.
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REST OF WORLD
LPs/12" singles : £11.95 then £1.75 per extra
7" singles / CDs : £5.95 then £0.95 per extra
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