THE ROLLING STONES Through the Past, Darkly UK 1969 LP, BLACK LABELS.

	£		122
	$		162

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Postage: UK £4.75 (£1 per extra record). Europe (including Russia) £12.50 (£2 per extra record). Rest of World (including ALL parts of the USA) £16.50 (£3 per extra record). All boxes signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes that offer virtually no protection at all – in fact I think these things should be banned as records WILL arrive damaged in them at some time. Here, you get what you pay for – SAFE PACKING in BOXES using 7mm DOUBLE-WALL STIFFENERS. Full details nearer the end of the listing.

Posting to Russia: Yes, I do post to Russia. But delivery can take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the UK. So please be patient. I will submit a tracking number to the winning bidder, and when the packet arrives there it can be followed online using the Russian post website.

ALSO: I now apply the Ebay ‘2-day’ rule for non-payment to keep things moving – cash-flow is important for any small business. I will always keep my P&P prices as low as possible, and even after yet another Royal Mail price hike from April this year, I have NOT raised my prices and will never compromise on solid, safe packing that is invariably heavier than most you will get. My P&P offers probably the best value-for-money for vinyl records available, and I even will pay for full insurance on any record that sells for over £100 at NO extra cost – that is UK and abroad. Also I aim to post the very same day after payment is received. You WILL see the difference when my packet arrives.

FINALLY: Late payers, non-payers and ‘0’ bidders will now be blocked or cancelled at my discretion. As will any bidder who cancels a bid. I do not like this practice as it is most often used to phish out the price to beat. Ebay does not approve and neither do I – so only bid on my items if you want them.

Artist or Band: THE ROLLING STONES

Album Title: Through the Past Darkly (Big Hits – Vol. 2)

Producer(s): Andrew Loog Oldham, The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Miller.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Jumpin’ Jack Flash; Mother’s Little Helper; 2000 Light Years from Home; Let’s Spend the Night Together; You Better Move On; We Love You.

Side 2: Street Fighting Man; She’s a Rainbow; Ruby Tuesday; Dandelion; Sittin’ on a Fence; Honky Tonk Women.

Label/Format/Rarity: Decca – original wide band unboxed stereo format with matt surfaces with a faint hint of texturing. And yes, there is nothing wrong with your computer screen – the labels ARE black. This is an ultra rare black label copy which I have never seen before. UK stereo Decca rock albums were printed in blue as most-all record collectors and fans will already know. Some foreign pressings were black, but UK issues were a deep blue. Decca did press some classical albums in black, so this is a likely, and a very significant colour error. I cannot even find one of these on the Net as a genuine UK first issue. The labels clearly state ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ on the rims, it could not be clearer. It has 1/1 mother codes, along with P-1W / P-2W matrixes. This album was not available long on the unboxed format, and this one even includes the original inside flipbacked hexagonal cover. These were dropped on later printings and are also rarer. Both labels are clean with some spindle marks seen, but quite faintly so. The record plays very well indeed with little unwanted, that never to be taken for granted either. Although Decca Records are arguably the very best of the UK manufacturers, I have had more issues with this album than most others on this label, but this plays very well overall with hardly any pressing or usage issues. In terms of rarity, a first UK issue with black unboxed labels – and they are genuinely black, NOT deep blue – it has to be one of the rarest Rolling Stones albums I have ever seen or had. As I have yet to find another on the Net, and thus far, no-one I have mentioned it too has ever seen it either, it has to be considerably rare and a possible one-off opportunity for fans of this legendary, evergreen band.

Cat Number: SKL 5019

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 145 grams. A typical solid weight from Decca.

Country of Manufacture: England

Rarity: First unboxed issues with the flipbacked hexagonal cover are scarce, especially in better conditions. The cover is fragile, as is the inner sleeve, many copies are heavily played, often trashed. Be clear: the labels for this album should be blue, every UK example you are likely to find will be. As stated above, I have never seen a copy with black labels. This potentially is a very rare copy indeed and a very opportunity for fans and collectors to own something VERY different, possibly even unique?

Original Year of Release: 1969

Matrix Nos: XZAL-9067.P-1W / XZAL-9068.P-2W [clearly machine punched as seen]

Mothers / Stampers: 1 BK / 1 BC

Musicians: Mick Jagger – lead vocals, percussion, harmonica; Brian Jones – guitar, harmonica, sitar, piano, tambura, mellotron, recorder, organ, backing vocals; Keith Richards – guitar, backing vocals, bass guitar; Mick Taylor – guitar; Bill Wyman – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals; Charlie Watts – drums, percussion.

Brief Info: Issued after the tragic death of Brian Jones, this was the follow-up to the 1966 compilation Big Hits – High Tide and Green Grass. More brilliant, slightly later singles, it sold well and peaked at No. 2 in the UK and US album charts. The American version includes different songs. Originally issued in a distinctive, but somewhat fragile hexagonal gatefold cover as here. So never easy to find without (often significant) issues or damage, sometimes not even intact or crudely repaired. The small half size spine often splits and becomes weakened or torn. No issues from that on this one, this fully intact and still strong, just a rub to its top ‘corner’ end. Also, and somewhat strangely, I have heard a few of these with pressing issues, that almost unheard of for any Decca record. Again almost no issues on this fine example that offers mostly clean and impressive sound throughout. The inside cover has a short poem for Jones which reads:

“When this you see, remember me, and bear me in your mind. Let all the world say what they may, speak of me as you find.”

Most will know the brilliant collection of included songs, so on to the conditions.

Cover Grade and Format: NEAR EXCELLENT: an octagonal gatefold format with the front and back laminated. The back has the mono/stereo peep-hole, here filled with the blue inner sleeve to denote a stereo copy inside. The inside is matt and smooth with two external flipbacks on the right top and bottom. These were omited from subsequent printings, e.g. the inside become fully smooth. Storage for the record is from the inside against the thin card spine, hence so many are seen damaged or split. Printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse and includes the hexagonal shaped unlined inner sleeve.

Lamination – Front & Back: Immensely fragile for obvious reasons, but one of the most solid and least worn I have seen for some time. This complex 8-sided cover is well-known for having laminate adhesion problems, sometimes seen with large blistering and lifting. Here the laminate is adhered quite well and solid with no major lifting at all. Only with scrutiny under light is any minor ‘bubbling’ seen, it’s almost as light as it gets on this challenging cover. One light lift on the front spine edge and a tiny hint of peeling on the back near the same area, this possibly the least I have seen overall and showing little. Both sides retain fine shine, but this laminate is not the deeply glossy type – and laminate does differ considerably – this is still Clarifoil. Minimal creasing with a light couple each side. A slight hint of toning around the peep-hole mono/stereo window indicator, but both sides give scant hint of age overall. Any edge end burring mainly light and apart from a smallish rub to the spine end corner, there are few others. The card is thin and fragile, all is fully intact with NO repairs. Given all the facts, both front and back are really nice as seen. The unforgiving spine one of the most secure and solid I have had on an original for a while.

Cover Inner Gatefold: You will be hard pressed to find this inside a great deal better. Both flipbacks are solid and undamaged, they are both laminated, so will appear darker than the rest of the unprotected inside card. The perilous entrance area and spine are still strong, again undamaged. Only a little edge thickening/burring here-and-there, the lower right, leading edge always the most vulnerable, this a little more thickened on the back than all others. Both graphic sides practically unworn and impressive.

The Edges: The front, open edges are single thickness, these have fared well with any thickening light. There are four closed folded edges, all are impressive, that includes the left spine edge that retains most of its text, any chipping little and very small. Against the odds, this has little wear apart from the corner rub as mentioned already. There are then four open edges, three have minimal thickening or burring, the lower right has some, seen more viewed end-on.

Corners: A cover with multiple corners, most of which have fared well with any tip rubbing small and light. A larger one on the spine end top as stated, but still only relatively small as well.

Cover Summary: A difficult and challenging cover, this fully intact and still solidly strong. Most of any wear or blemishes small and light. The flipback version as here is seen less often in finer conditions, so this should please many collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT: this was never lined – there are NO adhesion marks inside at all. This blue (for stereo copies) octagonal inner is in very fine condition with the three edges intact – that is correct as room had to be allowed for the record to access. Aged little with minimal creasing, this is very thin fragile paper, again seldom seen without tears or heavy creasing which this has avoided. Any creasing present is quite light as is any discolouration. Delicate of course, and construction done by hand, so neatness of the corner areas will vary, overall this is quite neat as seen. This includes the UK patents applications number text with ‘Foreign patents pending’. Again, finding more intact and neat examples will never prove easy.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(–): with fine surface marks seen under light, but no penetrating stylus scratches, and most importantly, this record plays very well with little unwanted. The first thing that really makes you take notice are the black Decca labels, how often will a UK-pressed original ever be seen with them? Blue was the colour for this record label, how this one came to include UK black labels, I have no idea being honest. A very fine visual copy that is clean with equally fine shine and typically, quite heavily pressed by Decca. A copy certainly played a few times, but suffering no major traumas, in fact, viewed in average room light, this record looks really lovely with little showing. Few popular records this age will fail to have fine surface marks, but when most-all are superficial, its the sound quality that really matters. Visually a splendid record that should please many collectors.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This fantastic collection of Stones classics play even above the very fine visual grading with little to fault. Offering strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear – sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. In fact the sound on this copy really blew me away with fantastic details, separation and dynamic delivery of these classics. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and this is an exceptional clean pressing with no tracking issues*. Unlike some I have heard, no significant pressing noises or distortions – I heard one milli-second high pitch sound only between one song to next – blink and you miss it – overall, this gave a very impressive account if itself. Any actual surface sounds few, little and light, the odd tick or two so difficult to avoid on popular old record of course. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played very lightly and has been generally well stored. Little of any real note spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. It could prove very difficult to find significantly better, and rarely, if ever seen with black labels, this potentially very rare label copy merits strong recommendation.

* As played-graded on a high-end Linn LP12 Sondek turntable with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge tracking at 2.2 grams.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay as I Play-Grade every record I offer in their entirety – also on higher-end equipment – not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean it’s good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programs. Room light factors can make things vary sometimes, that is hard to control, especially in winter. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2.2 grams). Amps: Naim Supernait 2 with Project USB phono stage and Tellerium Black interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Tellurium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting, better quality packaging costs, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is minuscule in over 14­ years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE – they offer next-to-no-protection, and should be banned, no ‘professional’ should consider using them in my opinion. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of TWO days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the bid, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site as will any suspicious bids or bid withdrawals. Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.75

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £1 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £12.50 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £16.50 (£17.50 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.