The Rolling Stones : Through The Past Darkly 1A / 3A unboxed Red Decca Mono

This mono LP is known as the first variation of the first pressing and it plays with exceptional sonic quality.  There is no interference and as it is from the same previous owner as the other Stones' LPs that I am selling it has been beautifully preserved down the years.  It is a FINAL UPGRADE version and the finest example I have ever seen or heard!

The vinyl is visually stunning and just look at the octagonal cover!  It is a fantastic example of its type with barely any wear - how rare is that?!  The original mono inner is also in superb condition. 

What makes this 50+ year old record even more rare and collectable is that it has the 'B' stamper on each side.  Based on Decca's BUCKINGHAM system 'B' is obviously the first stamper they used to produce this pressing.

  This record also has the first label types on each side even though they are slightly different.  S1 has GEMA below the BIEM box and S2 has the same but also Mirage Music above the BIEM box.

Shipping costs to the US have increased recently so please wait for the invoice.  As an example I recently sent 3 LPs via tracked shipping and this cost just over £34.00 - packaging costs not included!

LK 5019 // XARL - 9067-P-1A / XARL - 9068.P-3A // B 1 / B 1

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (T6 Near Mint) 

The audio on S2 is Mint(-)

The 'octagonal' cover is Near Mint

The labels are Near Mint-

The original 'octagonal' mono inner is Near Mint

Visual grading

The vinyl is definitely the most impressive mono version version I have ever seen and the audio reflects that.  It has an immaculate glossy sheen and there are no marks or scratches - it is visually stunning to say the least.  There is some spindle wear so it has certainly been played a few times but as per the other Stones' records I am selling this one has also been so carefully looked after down the years.  When you first look at it you are thinking this is brand new!  It is only on close inspection, and you have to look very intently, that you can see a small number of 'specks' but these have no affect on the stunning audio.  I can't even find any obvious sleeve removal hairlines it is as close to pristine that you will find!  The run out grooves and labels are also extremely clean.  What a vinyl!

Play grading

The classic 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' plays to near perfection on the intro with only one mega light static tick and the vocal begins the audio is faultless.  It continues to play with remarkable depth and power and there is no underlying static at all.  There is one light tick in the middle but is very quiet and you could easily miss it!  Already you can tell this record has been so well preserved and this really is a stunning start to the side.  The fade out has no 'background' which gives you a good idea of the clarity on offer here.  Mint- is a fair assessment of the audio.

'Mother's Little Helper' is superb from the first groove and thereafter plays with flawless precision.  There is no interference, not even a dust tick, and as always I have listened to the entire track so as to provide a 'complete' grading.  This is Mint in every way.

The intro on '2000 Light Years From Home' just has to be heard to be believed!  From the slow build up to the first vocal there is no interference, the clarity is exceptional.  This psychedelic track continues to play with imperious quality and even the brief super quiet section has no 'background'.  The remainder is of the same standard - the quiet instrumental end section is just amazing and has only a couple of barely audible static ticks.  I am confident in grading this as Mint- as the clarity and definition of the audio could not be any stronger.  What a version!

'Let's Spend The Night Together' plays with great precision from the first note to the last.  This is a mono record being played through a stereo set up and yet it seems to have lost none of the original sonic quality which again pays testament to how well this vinyl has been preserved.  The clarity and power of this track shines through here and of course that familiar Stones raw power is very much in evidence here.  Mint

'You Better Move On' has no interference and only a minimal amount of inner groove distortion but it is so minimal and hardly noticeable.  That is not me over-selling it, that is just my honest appraisal.  The audio is so deep and rich and in my opinion this is still worthy of a Mint- grade.

The 'walking / door slam' intro on 'We Love You' can you believe has no interference whatsoever!  The piano section also plays with incredible clarity and this 'high end' standard is maintained throughout.  There are no ticks, clicks or pops and no static either - the clarity might not be quite the same as the previous tracks but it is still very impressive nonetheless.  I will grade as Near Mint just to be cautious.

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'Street Fighting Man' is stunning from the very first groove and continues to play with a power and clarity that defies the age of the record.  There is no interference and every note can be heard so succinctly and the end section provides a fine example of this where you can hear the piano so clearly - this is impressive as it is largely in the background.  This is such a powerful track and yet you can turn this up to 'loud' without fear of distortion, the playback is so strong and Mint is infinitely deserved.  Another immaculate fade out also!

The piano intro on 'She's A Rainbow' plays with perfect precision and it continues to play in the same exact way.  The quieter sections have no intrusion and the mid piano/orchestra plays beautifully with no static etc.  Each vocal section is of the same standard and this is again Mint from start to finish.

There's no hiding place on 'Ruby Tuesday' of course and yet the clarity here is outstanding.  I repeat this record has been son well preserved down the decades!  With only a couple of dust ticks on the intro this is as good as you would want it to be!  This is the definitive version in my opinion and is 'shop fresh' all the way through.  I have honestly never heard this classic play with such breathtaking quality.  This is Mint and then some!

'Dandelion' is of the same standard with no interference at all.  It's difficult being original when every track is as good as the previous one!  Needless to say this is Mint with a clarity that is second to none.

The acoustic into on 'Sittin' On The Fence' is perfect as is the remainder.  The clarity here is phenomenal and the quiet section near the end provides another example of the that with not so much as a dust tick.  Another stunning Mint track.

The percussive intro on 'Honky Tonk Women' is 'as new' but is that really a surprise?!  The opening verse and the first chorus is also superb.  The depth and power is tangible and there is just no interference of any kind.  Being the final track and a powerful one at that you would expect some inner groove distortion but that is not the case here.  The playback is so dynamic and to the end it plays with considerable quality.  I'll be cautious and grade as Mint- :-)

In summary how do I sum up this spectacular first pressing?  For one it is a FINAL UPGRADE album as the clarity and depth on both sides could not be any more impressive.  I have played a few of the monos in my time but this is by far THE most incredible one I have ever encountered.  There are no ticks, clicks, pops or crackle and no underlying static either - the playback is of the highest calibre that you could imagine.  I would go so far as to say that based on sonic quality alone this in my top 5 of records aged 50 plus!  It truly is an exceptional recording, a time-warp classic as it were, and let's not forget this has the first 'B' stamper on each side also.

The Cover

The iconic 'octagonal' G & L cover is a work of art!  It is by far the most impressive I have ever seen and has next to no shelf wear.  It is always susceptible to wear due to its 'awkward' shape and yet all the edges here are in superb condition with no obvious wear at all - just a tiny bit of 'rub' on the bottom left corner.  The spine is also in fantastic shape which is a genuine rarity as it is often found in poor condition.  The laminated front cover is as close to perfect as could be with no laminate damage or marking and I could only detect a faint crease at the top and bottom but I am being too critical really!  The back cover is also in lovely condition with no wear at all and the mono/stereo indicator hole remains perfectly intact.  The inside of the cover is almost 'as new' and the flipbacks are still very much fuirmly attached.  At the bottom of the inner spine you can just about make out a tiny tear but it really is so small and you cannot see it when you look at the outer spine.  This is without question a stunning example of this cover and I doubt if I will ever seen one as stunning as this again!

The Inner Sleeve

The original red mono 'octagonal' inner is in great condition with no side splits or tears, no marking and barely any creasing.  Again this is a near perfect example.

The Labels

The unboxed red Decca labels are in super clean with no marking or writing and not too much spindle wear.

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

LK 5019 // XARL - 9067-P-1A / XARL - 9068.P-3A // B 1 / B 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

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00.

WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.

FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY.  THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.75 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE (Standard)

LPs/12" singles : £10.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £6.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Standard)  

LPs/12" singles : £18.95 then £1.95 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £7.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT.  THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!