The Beach Boys Sunflower Vinyl Record Album LP 1st Orig US Press 1970 VG++ PROMO

$

213

Item Description

The Beach Boys – Sunflower ( Reprise Records – RS 6382)

Pressing features: 1st Original U.S. Press, 1970, Stereo, PROMO Copy 

Matrix: Artisan logo (a small circular logo that looks a bit like a drum with sticks) indicating that the record was pressed by Artisan Sound Recorders, a highly respected Los Angeles–based mastering studio active from the late 1960s through the 1980s. For collectors, this is a sign of quality: Artisan cuts are prized for their warm, dynamic, and well-balanced sound quality.

Notes: A radiant gem in The Beach Boys catalog, Sunflower (1970) marked their 16th studio album and a creative rebirth after the uneven 20/20, arriving just before the more stripped-down Surf's Up. Notably their first release on Reprise Records after leaving Capitol, it’s also the most democratically crafted Beach Boys album, with all members contributing standout material—highlighting a rare moment of true group cohesion after years of Brian Wilson–centric production. Despite modest commercial performance at the time, it’s now beloved for its lush harmonies, warm analog production, and quietly sophisticated songwriting. Paul McCartney has cited “God Only Knows” as one of his favorite songs ever, and Sunflower carries echoes of that same melodic sensitivity while pushing into new territory. Though initially overlooked, it has since been critically reappraised and was later included in Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time list (appearing in the 2003 edition and retained in revised form in 2020, though its exact ranking shifted), cementing its status as a cult classic that only grows in stature.

Vinyl Record grade: Strong VG++ / EX

Beautiful, well-cared-for record with a strong, glossy finish and only minimal signs of prior handling. Surfaces are exceptionally clean, retaining a rich sheen throughout. On close inspection under strong light, there is a very faint small hairline here and there—nothing that detracts from playback or overall presentation (but keeps it back from a grade of Near Mint). A superb copy that comfortably sits at the very upper end of the scale. 

Cover/Jacket grade: MISSING ORIGINAL JACKET - Current jacket is a generic one with splits 

Other contents: includes original inner sleeve 

__________________________________________________________________________________

The record has been ultrasonically cleaned and will ship with a premium MoFi inner sleeve and a protective outer sleeve. For added protection, the record will be placed outside of the album jacket within a plastic outer sleeve to prevent seam splits. It will be securely packaged in a reinforced media mailer and clearly labeled as fragile.

Thank you for viewing this listing. Please reach out to us directly with any questions you may have.

We offer free, no questions asked returns for up to 30 days after purchase. If you're not happy with the item for any reason after purchasing, simply open a return, send it back for free, and we will refund your money in full.

Thanks, and have a great day!

Record Grading Scale (Based on visual inspection)

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed items. 

The record remains unopened in its original shrink. Because the record has never been removed from the sleeve, the vinyl itself cannot be visually inspected. Minor corner dings or shrink wrap tears may be present but will be noted in the listing if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

A nearly perfect record.

The vinyl appears unplayed or played very few times and will show no visible scratches, scuffs, or marks. The surface retains full original gloss. This grade is reserved for exceptional copies from well-maintained collections that have been carefully handled and properly stored.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

An excellent copy with only the most minimal signs of handling. 

The record may show one or two extremely faint surface marks or light hairlines visible only under strong light. These marks are purely superficial and should not affect play. The vinyl still presents beautifully with strong gloss.

Very Good + (VG+)

A well-cared-for record that shows light signs of use.

The vinyl may display several light surface marks, hairlines, or superficial scuffs from handling or sleeve contact. These are generally light and difficult to see without careful inspection. Records in this grade typically play very well with minimal background noise.

Very Good (VG) 

A record that has been played and shows clear signs of use.

The vinyl will show noticeable surface marks, scratches, and general play wear. These marks are easily visible and result in some surface noise, but the record should still play through without skipping.

Good + (G+)

A heavily used but still playable record.

The vinyl will show numerous marks, scratches, and visible wear, including scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Surface noise, pops, and crackle should be expected. Despite cosmetic wear, the record should play through without repeating or skipping unless otherwise noted.

Cover/Jacket Grading Scale

Sealed / Mint

Used only for factory-sealed albums in original shrink wrap.

Minor shrink tears, corner dings, or storage wear may be present and will be noted if significant.

Near Mint (NM)

An exceptional cover with virtually no visible wear.

The jacket appears almost new, with sharp corners, clean surfaces, and no ring wear, writing, stickers, or seam splits. This grade is used sparingly for outstanding examples.

Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent 

A very attractive cover with only minor cosmetic flaws.

The jacket may show very light ring wear, slightly softened corners, or minimal edge wear. A small sticker or faint writing may be present but does not detract from the overall presentation.

Very Good + (VG+)

A clean, solid cover with moderate signs of handling.

Possible flaws include light ring wear, minor edge wear, small creases, sleeve scuffs, or small stickers/writing. The cover remains structurally sound and displays well.

Very Good (VG)

A cover with clear wear but still fully intact.

The jacket may include more noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or creasing. It may also have a drill hole, cut corner, moderate sticker residue, or a small seam split (approximately 1-3 inches). Corners may be rounded from use.

Good + (G+)

A heavily worn cover with significant cosmetic issues.

Common flaws may include major ring wear, large seam splits, heavy edge wear, major sticker damage, writing or doodles, soft or worn spine, or full split seams. The cover remains complete but shows obvious age and wear.