BID WITH TOTAL CONFIDENCE . YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED: COMPLETE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF NOT TOTALLY SATISFIED

    SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING AND A 100% TRACK RECORD OF OFFERING PERFECT PRODUCTS, SERVICE, COMMUNICATION AND DELIVERY – GUARANTEED!!

  Great Playing Record! Great Cover. Original 1st EVER PRESSING

CAT NO:...

DECCA SKL 5019

LABEL PRESS DETAILS:

Here we have a Rare FIRST Stereo Press of  THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY, with the first ever Stereo matrix variant -  XZAL- 9067 – P 1W  &  XZAL - 9068 - P2W   and first ever cover.      

First Matrix version. BLUE UN BOXED DECCA, Mfd In the UK.

MATRIX NOs. ON RUN-OUT GROOVE

Matrix no.  XZAL - 9067. P - 1 W  &   XARL- 9068. P - 2 W      -    1st ever matrix variant.

MOTHER STAMPERS:

Side 1. ''  1 B   U   '' (Ultra RARE 1st stampers)

Side 2. ''  1 B  B   '

TRACK LISTING…

SIDE ONE:    Jumping Jack Flash    -     Mothers Little Helper      -     2,000 Light Years From Home   -   Lets Spend the Night Together    -     You Better Move On    -    We Love You   

SIDE TWO:   Street Fighting Man    -   She's A Rainbow   -   Ruby Tuesday   -   Dandelion   -   Sittin On The Fence   -  Honky Tonk Women

     Immaculate Original Vinyl comes with superb ORIGINAL OCTAGONAL Garrod  & Lofthouse laminated Cover.     

Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) was released in 1969 shortly following Brian Jones's departure from the group and subsequent death. The album was released by Decca Records in the UK and London Records/ABKCO Records in the US.

In September, Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2), dedicated to Jones, appeared with an octagonal-shaped album cover. The British track listing included the more obscure "You Better Move On", from The Rolling Stones' self-titled 1964 debut EP and "Sittin' on a Fence", an Aftermath outtake originally released in 1967 on the US-compiled Flowers album. In addition to those songs, many tracks, notably single-only releases, were collected for the first time on a UK Rolling Stones album: "Let's Spend the Night Together", "Ruby Tuesday", "We Love You", "Dandelion", and "Honky Tonk Women".

Both versions of Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) proved to be highly popular releases, reaching #2 in the UK and US with enduring sales. The name of the album is a play on a line from the KJV translation of I Corinthians 13: "For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face...", but it is more likely the Stones intended a homage to Ingmar Bergman and his 1961 film Through a Glass Darkly.

ALBUM PLAYED FOR GRADING: 

Yes – TOP sound quality throughout!

This pressing has clear undistorted audio, with minimal background static. There is certainly no dominant  interference, and NO Distortion and no loud pops or clicks at all. It plays at the top of the range for this rare 1st pressing. 

Every track has been tested and I could find no obvious sound blemishes other than the original mastering style.  Wonderful TOP audio, there is NO distortion, NO sticks or jumps what so ever, and little static between the tracks. There is some light background static in places but nothing dominant or unusual for THROUGH THE PAST DARKLY.  I'll give a detailed account below:

Beginning with the classic 'Jumping Jack Flash' the audio is bight and clear. There is some light occasional static and certainly nothing obtrusive, which is pretty incredible for a 1st track on this highly collectable record. There are so many variables in the audio performance, and so many quiet delicate sections. Certainly no loud pops, clicks or even tics. Some static during the run in grooves, and some slight background only. Amazing. 

'Mothers Little Helper ' also has a quiet intro, and again the sound is just sensational. The Audio is near flawless and  I don't not use that term lightly. Still not a single pop or click, and still virtually no static to be heard. '2,000 Light Years From Home' again has clear audio. There is some faint static occasionally, but no pops or clicks. 

'Lets Spend the Night Together', this track again plays with clear audio, and little static or surface sound. No light pops between tracks, 'You Better Move On' plays with some occasional light background static, and still that brilliant clear tonal and audio quality, as with the final classic, 'We Love You', here there is a bit of very light static but it is light,  and there is certainly no intrusive interference.

Side 2. 'Street Fighting Man' continues the musical journey, and plays superbly. The quiet 'She's A Rainbow' plays superbly, there is some very light static only, but certainly nothing intrusive, and there is not a single loud pop or click during the music, anywhere on the vinyl. The sound quality is extremely clear, and it plays with incredible separation, sharpness and tonal clarity. Any static that there is is infrequent and very low level. The same goes for 'Ruby Tuesday',  the track plays with light surface static but no pops or clicks. 

'Dandelion' plays with clarity, following a quiet middle section, returning to the final passages , this audio performance is concluded and this final quiet outro. There is some obvious static during 'Sittin On The Fence', but no pops or clicks at all. 'Honky Tonk Women' plays with great clear sound, again with some static but no pops clicks and a little surface sound. 

The music jumps out, with definition and clarity, the vocals which come through with tremendous power. Its the same with the bass guitar and drums, whilst the guitars come through crisp and clear. With the clear and extra loud First cut engineering giving the audio a vibrant sound which cannot be beaten. 

A great all round example of this classic vinyl, as always with this album it plays with background static, but this 1st press plays with no pops, clicks or distortion. This is an audio pleasure for such a rare vinyl, and I would happily give this great record a strict EXCELLENT sound grading. 

THE RECORD

A superb piece of glossy vinyl, and a really thick pressing. Deep clear grooves that can only be found on the original early pressings, this vinyl has been little played. It does have some faint hairlines and a small very light scuff, but the are very light and have no effect on the sound. Unbelievable to think this vinyl is over 40 years old! 

The vinyl surfaces have only the faintest of handling marks, which can be seen under a very strong spot light. This great vinyl has been played, but carefully and shows no groove wear what so ever, as proven though the great audio delivery.

Easily grades at NEAR MINT condition.

THE LABELS 

Famous DECCA labels are in great condition. All the ink is completely intact, no marks or writing, and just a couple of very light spindle traces. Incredible!

Great all round first press examples. Easily graded at NEAR MINT CONDITION.

VINYL TESTED FOR ANY SIGNS OF WARPING:

Yes, NONE visible what so ever when tested be sight and on a moving turntable.

THE COVER

This is a great example of this very rare cover. The spines are nearly always flattened, worn and un readable. This one is not flattened, the spine is completely in tact as is the text. As these delicate covers were made out of relatively light card, they usually suffer from serious ring wear. This one has a no impression of the vinyl. It's a lovely example, the front and back have a lovely sheen, it would be near impossible to ever better.

There is no light scuffing to the corners, and virtually no light laminate creases. The opening edges are very square and totally un frayed. The back cover is super clean, with no laminate cracks or creases.

A great example. All round, this is a stunning cover! Strictly graded at VNEAR MINT.   

THE INNER

Blue paper inner sleeve with one sided die cut centre. This is a great example, with a no tears at the top, no seam splits or tears .

Strictly grades at EXCELLENT PLUS to NEAR MINT condition, NO tears, NO wear at the tops. Crisp and Clean. It would be near impossible to ever better.

RARITY

A 1st PRESS of Through the Past Darkly in this type of condition is un  heard of. The vinyl is so often played so much, heavily marked, scratched, with noisy, poor and distorted sound. Any 1st PRESS examples with a record in this type of condition, that plays great, is very rare.

The cover is almost impossible to find without serious wear, even modestly worn examples are scarce and this one is one of the better examples. Finding a nice cover and vinyl with all complete first press original parts, fantastic!.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AN EXTREMELY RARE PIECE OF MUSICAL HISTORY.

GREAT COVERS WITH NO SEAM SPLITS, NO TEARS, NO WRITING, NO STICKERS.

GREAT VINYLS WITH NO LOUD CLICKS OR POPS, NO JUMPS OR REPEATS - GUARANTEED!

SCRUPULOUS EXAMINATION and TESTING; PLEASE NOTE:

This record has been play tested on highly sensitive equipment to ensure the sound quality and accuracy of description. I aim to give a precise and concise description of the sound quality, pointing out any defects so that you know what you are buying. I won't go into screeds of information about the nature of the songs, as I imagine that you already know them well. I aim to describe all items as accurately as possible, and offer a full refund on return if for any reason you are not completely happy with the item description.

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VINYL SOUND - PLEASE NOTE:

The highest quality vinyl with clear sound is rare, and is what I always aim for. I only sell records that play with TOP AUDIO performance, super clear sound uninterrupted by hiss or other interference. Even with the cleanest copies you will find occasional static sound or occasional light tics during playback, caused by a build of dust in the grooves. This is clearly different from the distortion, loud pops, repeating tics or clicks that are found on heavily played, worn or soiled pieces of vinyl. Any static build up will reduce when played, and I advise a light clean should be given between plays for optimal performance. 

VINYL

Large format art work covers with the original sound and mix unique to vinyl and of the highest quality audio. Vinyl record have always been loved and have become a great investment opportunity, with prices soaring over the last ten years, making classic pieces a great financial as well as a cultural investment.  

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IMAGES and INFORMATION

I only use photographs of the item for sale taken with a high quality professional digital camera. The images are designed to be as clear as possible, giving an exact image of the item you are buying. I aim to give sufficient and accurate detail as possible, so that you know exactly what you are bidding on. Please let me know if you need any further information and I'll be only to happy to oblige.

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ABOUT ME 

I am a visual artist, working internationally, a collector of art and rare objects including rare vinyl, which I have been collecting for over 25 years, and an art and music enthusiast. I specialise in the  highest quality rarest items, selling to collectors the world over. I want you to know what a great item you are bidding on. If there is anything that is unclear in the listing, or you have any questions about this or any other item, please feel free to get in touch. All the best to you.  

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. I HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING.

SOME EXAMPLES OF FEEDBACK –

BRILLIANT LP MINT CONDITION,AWESOME SELLAR,1ST CLASS PACKAGING, NO PROBLEMS A+

ITEM RECEIVED.. AS DESCRIBED... PACKED GREAT...MANY THANKS..RECOMMENDED.. A*******

Great LP from a great seller. Thanks !! Very well packaged. AAA+++

received today! great record!! thank you!!!

Item arrived quickly, well packaged and in excellent condition. Very pleased.

fast delivery, superb communication, good item, great ebayer AAAAA+++++

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RETURN POLICY:

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ; - returns accepted with out question. If you are not happy then it can be returned, I cant say fairer that that!

I ONLY SELL RARE GOODS THAT ARE IN GREAT CONDITION, IF THERE IS ANY SLIGHT DEFECT, IT WILL BE CLEARLY STATED.

If in the unlikely event that you may want to return an item, or that I have missed something in the listing, I offer a no quibble return policy. Items must be returned within 12 Days of receipt, and returned in the same condition that they were sent out in. Return postage must be paid by buyer, unless there is a particular fault with the item, and then I will pay the full postage costs!

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MY RECORD GRADING SYSTEM IS AS FOLLOWS - (BASED ON RECORD COLLECTOR MAGAZINE U.K. )

MINT: Virtually unplayed. The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Cover is pristine.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.

V.G PLUS: The record will still be nice and shiny, but may have a few light marks, and will play well. Slight wear and tear on the cover.

V.G: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, etc.

FAIR: Fair. It is noticeable that the record has been played so much that the sound quality has deteriorated very noticeably. The cover and contents are showing signs of folding, scuffing of edges etc.

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POSTAGE AND PAYMENT DETAILS : -

Items will be extremely well sealed and securely wrapped using the best possible packaging for safe handling and delivery. We send items all round the globe with 100% success! We only sell top quality rare records to discerning buyers. We do not make money from the postage costs and aim to keep the prices at a reasonable rate, but please don't expect a cheap second rate service. 

IT IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY THAT THE ITEMS YOU BUY GETS TO YOU IN PERFECT CONDITION. All RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR MAIN COVER AND PLACED IN A BRAND NEW REPLACEMENT INNER SLEEVE TO AVOID ANY CHANCE OF EDGE SPLITS OR KNIFING. THEY ARE HELD SAFELY IN EXTRA THICK PLASTIC SLEEVES, AND THEN THEY ARE SECURED WITH SEVERAL EXTRA LAYERS OF REINFORCED CARD BOARD AND PADDING AND MAILED IN EXTRA STRONG PROFESSIONAL RECORD CONTAINERS TO ENSURE THEIR SAFE ARRIVAL. AS WE HAVE STATED WE HAVE A 100% SUCCESS RATE AND AIM TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

Example of packaging used

UK - First Class Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £5.00

UK Special Signed For Next Day Delivery with Insurance : = £8.90

EUROPE - International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £11.95

INTERNATIONAL, Non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Russia, Australia etc. International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £18.95

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MULTIPLE PURCHASE REDUCTION

Reduced postage of course for multiple items up to 30% off extra items.

POSTAGE WILL BE FIRST CLASS OR THE FASTEST AND SAFEST POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE, RECORDED WITH TRACKING AND INSURANCE. ALL ITEMS ARE FULLY INSURED AND COVERED FOR THE SAFEST DELIVERY POSSIBLE, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. GUARANTEED!

POSTAGE RECEIPTS AND PROOF OF POSTAGE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE. MANY THANKS.

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PAYMENTS 

Payments must be made within 3 days of purchasing unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed upon. Pay Pall ONLY for International buyers. We will accept Pay Pall, cheque or postal order within the UK, but no cash or bank transfers. Items sent out immediately on receipt of payment

Please Note: If no contact is made by the winning bidder following the mandatory Ebay 3 days, I will reserve the right to offer the item to the runner-up, unless prior notice of any delay is arranged beforehand.  Any bidder who has missed the chance to purchase an item from me can still email to make a priority second chance.