THE ROLLING STONES Self-Titled 1st LP ORIG Decca UK WITHDRAWN 2.52 TELL ME

	£		335
	$		444

THE ROLLING STONES – The Rolling Stones ORIG Decca LP / LK 4605 (UK, Mono, 1964)

Very happy to present this, the Stones’ great debut from 1964.   Not only does this record feature the ‘2.52’ version of ‘Tell Me’ but it has -2A / -2A matrices, which seem to me BY FAR THE RAREST possible matrix variation of early pressings of this LP.  No doubt that the 2.52 mix of ‘Tell Me’ is incredibly hard to find but the UK RC Guide states that we should expect to find the -1A matrix on Side 2. Well, yes quite a few ‘2.52s’ have the -2A/-1A matrices.  Some sellers maintain the -1A/-1A matrices are the ultimate in rarity, yet a quick glance through the copies that have sold on Popsike shows us that -1A/-1A seems to be the most common variation of a ‘2.52’?

ONE THING IS FOR SURE: copies containing the -2A/-2A matrices ARE VERY RARELY OFFERED FOR SALE.   This copy has seen some use but the record is still totally solid play wise and it could be some time before another opportunity to bid on the withdrawn 2.52 mix of ‘Tell Me’ with -2A/-2A matrices comes round again!

The front laminated, flipback sleeve was made in the UK by MacNeill Press of London.  It’s not in the greatest condition with the main gripe being VERY heavy creasing to the front particularly around the opening edges and the bottom right corner.  There’s a 2cm tear to the opening of the rear edge.  Some staining to the rear panel (see photos) and a name and some initials written discreetly on the rear panel.  Spine is intact, edges are intact.  Unlike many copies of this LP which are offered I CAN GUARANTEE THIS IS THE CORRECT SLEEVE FOR THE RECORD CONTAINED WITHIN AND HAS NOT BEEN SWAPPED OR CHANGED.  Grades F/G (Fair to Good).

The record labels are as follows:

SIDE ONE:
Top text: “MADE IN ENGLAND . THE DECCA RECORD CO.LTD.”
Publishing year: "Recording First Published 1964"
Song Credits for track 3 on side 1: HONEST I DO (Hurran, Calvert)
Song title for track 4 on side 1: MONA
Publisher for track C Honest I Do on side 1: Cromwell Music
Copyright box: NCB box on the right side of the label
Tax Code: K/T

SIDE TWO:
Top text: “MADE IN ENGLAND . THE DECCA RECORD CO.LTD.”
Publishing year: "Recording First Published 1964"
Song Publishers: All on the left side of the label
Copyright box: NCB box is on the right side of the label
Tax Code: K/T

The name is written on each side in small, unobtrusive black ink.  There is moderate spindle evidence to both sides but no tears or damage and no stickers or residue.  These labels have not been battered into submission. 

The solid and sharp medium weight vinyl grades VG- (Very Good Minus) visually.  There are several light scratches (none deep, non intrusive on the audio), several hairline type marks, some scuffing of various sizes and some (not much) dulling to the vinyl.  However there is also plenty shine there and overall the record still looks very presentable.  I have seen some sellers grade such surfaces as EX in the past, but a lower VG is more on the mark VISUALLY. 

IMPORTANT!!!

IT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY LISTENED TO and in spite of the visual imperfections plays VERY CLOSE TO EXCELLENT.  That this disc still sounds so clear and bright after nearly 50 years is a testament to the quality of these 1960s Decca pressings.  It plays with a few light ticks here and there (not many!), there were 3 pops between tracks 1 and 2 on Side 2 and obviously some light crackle and static occasionally.  BUT THIS IS A REALLY VERY SATISFYING LISTEN WITH ‘TELL ME’ PLAYING VERY WELL INDEED (close to excellent).  There is no real distortion, no loss of definition and certainly no lack of clarity.  AND OF COURSE THERE ARE NO JUMPS OR STICKS/REPEATS.  Any imperfections ARE UNDER AND NOT OVER THE MUSIC. Overall sounds brilliant!

This is a VERY rare pressing of this seminal LP and I’m happy to offer it with no reserve.

CHECK MY OTHER ITEMS FOR MORE ORIGINALS

My Grade is True!!! - I Will Not Let You Down!

I GRADE ACCORDING TO UK RECORD COLLECTOR ALTHOUGH I AM VERY CAREFUL USING THE EX GRADE WHICH I BELIEVE IS SOMETIMES ABUSED.

PAYPAL IS PREFERRED, PLEASE CONSULT MY TERMS.  PERSONAL CHEQUES/POSTAL ORDERS ARE ALSO FINE BUT ONLY IN THE UK - PAYPAL ONLY FROM OVERSEAS PLEASE.

I PACK WITH THE UTMOST CARE! THOUGH I CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE IN TRANSIT.  SPECIAL DELIVERY IS RECOMMENDED FOR ITEMS OVER £33.

NPB ALERTS WILL BE ISSUED IF PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN 7 DAYS.  YOUR BID IS A CONTRACT. 

PLEASE MAIL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR CONCERNS - I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP AT ALL TIMES. 

ALL PHOTOS SHOWN ARE OF THE ACTUAL ITEM

PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO UNDERSTAND MY GRADES!