Innuendo A2/B1 (Original UK 1st pressing 1991)

This first pressing from 1991 is very impressive and plays with a clarity and depth that is hard to find now.  There is barely any interference and has only been played a relatively small number of times in my opinion, there is minimal spindle wear.

The cover as can be seen is in lovely condition with none of the marking that is commonly found.  It is one of the 'cleanest' I have ever seen.  The lyric inner is also in pristine condition.

Now very collectable this album is generally found with an A2/B2 matrix.  This one is the rarer A2/B1 version.

PCSD 115 // A - 2U / B - 1U / Stampers D

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (Mint- for the majority / track 2 Ex+ to NM) 

The audio on S2 is Near Mint (Mint- for the majority / track 2 Ex+ to NM)

The cover is Near Mint-

The lyric inner is Mint

The labels are Mint-

Visual grading

The vinyl is in great condition and retains a very impressive glossy sheen.  There are only a couple of tiny spindle traces on S1 and just a little more on S2 and I can safely say this has hardly been played down the years.  That is confirmed by the stunning quality of the audio as detailed below.  There are only a small number of faint sleeve removal hairlines and no scratches or marks.  The labels and run out grooves are also in superb order with no marking.

Play grading  

The intro on 'Innuendo' plays with great clarity and only one very light static tick.  The opening verses have audio that is so deep and powerful and there is no interference at all.  What a start!  The quieter 'Spanish guitar' section has only a small number of light static ticks at the beginning and then plays with sublime clarity.  It does not get much better than this as so often this section plays with a fair amount of crackle.  Not here!  The following multi-layered vocal section is 'as new' there is no other way to describe it and the remainder plays to the same impeccable standard.  On a well preserved vinyl like this the depth and power on this opening classic is so impressive.  There are a couple of static ticks on the fade out but without doubt this is a fantastic version overall and definitely deserves a Near Mint grading.

'I'm Going Slightly Mad' plays with wonderful depth from the very first groove.  The definition of the audio is so strong and the sonic quality could not be any better.  There is just one light click towards the end but it is hardly noticeable as it is very much buried in the music.

'Headlong' is 'as new' from start to finish.  Having listened to every second, as I always do, I can safely say there is no 'background' whatsoever.  Every note is so clean - it's easy to forget this album is approaching 30 years of age when you experience clarity and depth such as this.  I know Mint when I hear it and this is it!

'I Can't Live With You' and 'Ride The Wild Wind' end the side with amazing dynamic audio once more.  There is no obvious 'background' and they could scarcely play any better.  This is one vinyl that has been hardly played!  Neither track have any distortion and again the depth and power is 'high end' to say the least.  There is just no intrusion on the audio and the clarity is remarkable.  A stunning S1 without doubt.

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'All God's People' from the word go plays with great power and definition and continues in the same way.  This is a stunning version and aside from a little static on the fade out there is no interference.

It's rare for 'These Are The Days Of Our Lives' to play 'as new' as it is generally one of the more frequently played tracks but for the majority the audio is very impressive.  There is one click near the half way point but that is the only negative.  There is a hint of barely audible static in a couple of places but obviously that is non-intrusive.  I still think this is worthy of an Ex+ grading and would be Near Mint- but for the one click.

'Delilah' does deserve a Mint- as from start to finish there is no interference at all.  It may not be everyone's favourite track but it does nonetheless play with immaculate quality.

'Don't Try So Hard' is so often be affected by static or crackle on the intro but here the clarity is very impressive.  With only a handful of mega light dust ticks this is as close to a perfect beginning that you will find.  Not a single click or pop.  The first chorus is stunning and I am pleased to say this quality continues.  The odd dust tick (should I even mention them?!) but this is a 'high end' version with no intrusion on the immaculate audio whatsoever not even on the super quiet fade out.  A Near Mint version undoubtedly.

'The Hitman' is 'as new' with superb power and depth.  Often overlooked it plays with such a deep powerful sound and the definition is so good i.e. you can hear note with stunning precision.  There is no distortion and the fade out also plays perfectly.

'Bijou' is a real highlight and is one of the 'cleanest' versions I have heard in a long time.  Clarity as good as this is so rarely found on this quiet track and I have no hesitation in grading this as Mint- it is sublime from beginning to end.

'The Show Must Go On' intro can only be described 'as new' the playback could not be any better and it continues to play in exactly the same way.  Wow this is stunning!  There is only a very minor amount of inner groove distortion towards the end and as any connoisseur of this album will know that is a genuine rarity!  It plays with astounding power and depth and only has the odd dust tick on the fade out.  This gives a great indication of the clarity on offer here as this fade out will have often have a lot of crackle but not here!  This all time classic has lost none of its original quality and ends the album in superlative style.  This is a breathtaking version without question.

In summary this first pressing plays with wonderful depth and power on both sides.  With only one click on S2 this is a vinyl that has only ever been lightly played and that is reflected in the stunning clarity on offer.  It's getting harder to find in this condition today as the album was not pressed in high numbers and this one will certainly not disappoint.  The cover is rarely seen this clean as there is just none of the discolouration or 'spotting' that you so often see, it is in fantastic condition and this also applies to the lyric inner which is in perfect Mint condition also.

The Cover

This cover is one of the most impressive you will find today.  So often found in poor condition due to its predominantly 'white' cover this has been remarkably well preserved down the years.  The edges and spine are in superb condition with no rubbing and three of the corners are also unmarked.  It is only the top right corner that has a minor amount of wear.  The front cover has lost none of its original colour and has no marking at all.  The back cover is also in superb shape with only the absolute minimum of fading along the bottom edge, barely worth a mention really!  The opening edge is in lovely condition with only a couple of minor 'crimps' and a couple of mega tint 'nicks' that you can see from the back.  Overall this is a fine example of this cover with only minimal shelf wear.

The Lyric Inner

This is in perfect condition with no splits, creases or markings.  It is 'as new'.

The Labels

They are in fantastic order with no marking or writing and only a very small amount of spindle wear as stated.  They have lost none of their original colour at all.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

PCSD 115 // A - 2U / B - 1U / Stampers D

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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