Syd Barrett : The Madcap Laughs A-2G / B-2G No EMI logos

This mega early first pressing does have some interference here and there but has no 'sticks' or jumps.  It isn't up to my usual standard ! and I am only selling it due to how collectable it is.  In saying that it is by no means trashed and it remains an enjoyable listen but do not expect perfection!

Based on EMIs GRAMOPHLTD stamper system you can see just how early this pressing is with a single A 1 stamper on each side.  Not quite the earliest but not far from it!  The gatefold is in excellent order with only a little shelf wear.

SHVL 765 // A - 2G / B - 2G // A 1 / A 1

The audio on S1 is VG+ (Ex+ in many sections / track 1 VG)

The audio on S2 is VG (Ex in some sections) 

The gatefold is Ex-

The lyric inner is Ex

The labels are Ex+

Visual grading

The vinyl has obviously been played a fair amount but there are no scratches.  There are however a number of hairlines and a few faint marks here and there.  There is some spindle wear although not a vast amount and the run out grooves and labels are very clean indeed.

Play grading  

The intro on 'Terrapin' plays very cleanly but after a few seconds there are three background clicks.  Thereafter there are a small number of ticks and a handful of light clicks but the clarity is actually very impressive.  Yes there is some 'background' but many sections play incredibly well and each note can be heard very clearly.  Overall this is VG but there are many sections that play better than that.

'No Good Trying' plays with tremendous depth and power from the very first groove and is Near Mint- with only one very faint tick and some ticks on the fade out.

'Love You' has minimal static on the intro and then plays without fault i.e. no interference at all.  There are no clicks or pops and the audio is so strong and clear.  A stunning version.

'No Man's Land' is of the same sublime quality.  Any Syd/Floyd collector will know how 'high' in the mix the vocals are and nowhere is that more obvious than on this track despite the 'heavy' guitar accompaniment.  This is Near Mint without doubt.  

'Dark Globe' has very little static but does have two separated clicks just after the half way mark.  Apart from that the clarity is excellent for such a quiet track.

'Here I Go' has a small number of light ticks on the intro and then plays very clearly for the majority.  There are a couple of clicks but overall there is very little intrusion on the audio.

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The classic 'Octopus' has barely any static on the intro and then plays with impressive clarity for the vast majority.  In the middle section there are a number of ticks but they are quiet and largely non-intrusive.  I'd give this an Ex grading.

This 'background' is a little more obvious during 'Golden Hair' as there are some light clicks and a little crackle.  In saying this is vinyl and perhaps it adds 'atmosphere'?!  The vocals and music still play clearly and there are no loud clicks or pops or jumps but can only be graded as VG really.

'Long Gone' has a little crackle on the intro and the chorus sections play with superb clarity.  It's only the quieter sections where there is some static/crackle.

'She Took A Long Cold Look' plays very well indeed with only a little crackle on the intro but the remainder has only intermittent light static here and there.  A couple of light clicks near the end.  Ex- overall.

Once 'Feel' finally gets underway the audio is excellent but there are some light clicks on the end section.  So for the majority it is Ex but VG towards the end.

'If It's In You' has a little crackle on the aborted intro but still plays very clearly.  Once the vocal does begin the playback is excellent but with some light clicks/crackle on the end section.

'Late Night' has just one obvious click on the intro and then plays very well.  However, as is so often the case ! there are some light clicks and crackle on the final third of the track.

In summary this very early first pressing does play with some interference as stated but there are no loud clicks or pops as such and there are no skips or jumps.  Many sections, especially on S1, do play with excellent quality but this is by no means an album for the purists and as I said earlier I am only including it for its rarity and collectability.  It is eminently playable but obviously it is not perfect!

The Gatefold

The laminated E.J. Day cover remains in excellent shape overall and the edges have no rubbing at all.  The spine is still 100% legible but does have a little wear on the corners and has lost some of the laminate.  There are also a couple of minor 'nicks'.  The right hand corners have some rubbing but not too much and the opening edge has very little handling wear.  The front cover is very clean with no marks and only two mega small laminate creases and a couple of creases next to the spine.  There are some abrasive 'lines' but these can only be seen when you hold the cover at a certain angle.  The back cover is in excellent order with no marking and only a small number of faint creases around the edges.  The inside of the gatefold is in superb condition.

The Inner

The record is contained in a plain white die-cut inner which has no splits, tears or marking and only some light creasing.  The 'Patent No' and 'Made In Great Britain' is printed on one side.

The Labels

The yellow/green Harvest labels (with no EMI logo) have lost none of their original colour and remain in excellent condition with only some spindle wear, not a massive amount though.  They have no marking or writing on them.

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

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

SHVL 765 // A - 2G / B - 2G // A 1 / A 1

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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Postage & Packaging

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