TOM WAITS — NIGHTHAWKS AT THE DINER (1975)

Original US First Pressing • Two-Record Set • Factory Sealed

Label: Asylum Records — 7E-2008

Format: 2 x LP, Gatefold Sleeve

🌟 THE COLLECTOR'S GRAIL: WHY THIS COPY MELTS BUTTER 🌟

For the uncompromising Tom Waits collector, finding a pristine, Factory-Sealed original 1975 first pressing of Nighthawks at the Diner is the ultimate find. Recorded in front of a live studio audience at Los Angeles' Rapscallion Studio, this double-LP is Waits at his absolute peak of beatnik storytelling, smoky jazz atmospheres, and late-night piano vulnerability.

What makes this specific copy an absolute crown jewel for your shelves:

• True Factory Sealed Integrity: Unopened, unplayed, and perfectly preserved since 1975. The vinyl inside is presumed to be absolute day-one Mint.

• The Holy Grail Hype Sticker: The original dark purple circular hype sticker ("SPECIALLY PRICED TWO-RECORD SET RECORDED LIVE!") is perfectly centered, bold, and fully preserved underneath the shrink.

• Vintage Provenance: Features an original, untouched "Korvettes" department store price sticker on the shrink wrap. This subtle piece of retail history adds incredible nostalgic charm and confirms its untouched, mid-70s authenticity.

📐 JACKET CONDITION & TRANSPARENT WEAR REPORT

The front cover artwork is exceptionally crisp, vibrant, and entirely free of ring-wear thanks to the protection of the original tight factory seal.

To ensure complete transparency: The shrink wrap has remained remarkably taut over the last 50+ years, resulting in beautiful flat panels. There is a tiny, completely natural micro-breach in the shrink wrap at the top-right corner tip right above the vintage price sticker. This has allowed just a minor touch of standard shelf rubbing to the exposed corner tip. The spine is perfectly rigid, lettering is clear, and the gatefold is free from any cut-out holes, saw cuts, or promo punches. It is a stunning, investment-grade copy.

📦 Shipping & Returns Policy

Professional Packaging

• Secure Handling: Your record will be shipped in a dedicated, heavy-duty cardboard mailer (LP or 45 specific) with extra cardboard stiffeners to prevent bending or crushing.

• Pro-Tip Protection: To prevent seam splits during transit, all opened records are shipped with the vinyl removed from the jacket (housed in its inner sleeve) and placed behind the jacket within a 4mil clear poly outer sleeve. (Note: This premium copy is factory sealed and will remain safely sealed in its original shrink wrap unless requested otherwise after purchase).

• 45s: 7" records are shipped with the same level of care in dedicated 7-inch mailers.

Fast & Tracked Shipping

• Handling Time: I ship within 1–2 business days of receiving cleared payment.

• Tracking: A tracking number will be provided immediately upon shipment.

• Combined Shipping: I am happy to combine shipping. Please wait for a revised invoice before paying to receive the discounted rate.

Returns & Satisfaction

• The "Collector’s Guarantee": I use strict Goldmine Grading standards. If you feel the record does not match the description or grading, please contact me directly before leaving feedback. I am a collector first and I value your satisfaction.

• 30-Day Returns: I accept returns within 30 days. The item must be returned in the exact same condition it was received.

• 🚨 CONDITION POLICY: For opened records, returns are accepted if the item is returned in the same condition as sent. Any new scratches, sleeve scuffs, or damage to the jacket incurred while in the buyer's possession will void the full refund. For sealed items, item must be returned still factory sealed.

• Shipping Costs: Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs unless there was a significant error in the listing.