William Onyeabor - Tomorrow 1979 1st - Vinyl LP Highlife Afrobeat *read* RARE

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William Onyeabor - Tomorrow 1979 1st - Vinyl LP Highlife Afrobeat *read* RARE Essential Electro Funk Bookie Soul first Nigerian pressing from the incomparable Onyeabor. Sleeve roughed up but hanging in there.  Wax plays much better to me than it looks, I was expecting much worse.  Plays through with some tangible background crackle, but music and voice come through strong.  An absolutely enjoyable listen with distraction present that didn't, well, distract for me.  Only see one other copy for sale in the US, priced at $95, (allegedly) in a little better shape than this one.  
If you're looking at these, hopefully you know how incredibly elusive they are.  For these to even exist these many years later, and even more unlikely to be existing in the US, is extremely rare.  Also, if you're familiar with these, then you also know the condition they tend to be in.  Decades of being in the African desert, being traded at swap meets, being spun at juke joints in Nigeria, etc. have all taken their toll on these to varying degrees.  But does that matter?  No, it does not.  I have collected these for many years, and will keep the gems I hold precious, but it's time to allow someone else to enjoy some these now.  

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PLEASE read all of the below BEFORE asking questions.  You will find all of your answers to packing, shipping, combined discounts, grading, etc. below. 

I will answer all inquiries in a timely fashion IF the answers are not listed below.  Pictures are part of the description. 

We are all human.  If I make a mistake, please alert me and I'll make it right.  There is never any ill intent on my part.  Any issues, just let me know and I will work with you to resolve it.

Payment must be made within 4 days of auction end, or I will cancel, send non-paying feedback, and relist...unless you communicate with me, then I will be very patient.  

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Packing, Shipping, and Combined Discounts

US PayPal Media Mail only.  I pack and ship with thoughtfulness at least four times a week.  

$6 for the first record, then $1 each additional in the same week on shipping.  Just check out, it auto-calculates.

All used LPs are VPI cleaned.

Every record will get a new outer 3 mil sleeve and anti-static inners if the originals are missing.  I will pack the vinyl outside of the sleeve unless directed otherwise. 

Every package has a "Fragile, handle with care" sticker and a "Keep away from heat" sticker. 

Most mailers will be your standard white LP mailer with the record sandwiched between two cardboard record stiffeners.  Combined orders may be mailed in a sturdy recycled option, depending on size.    

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Grading

I try to grade very conservatively.  I use the Goldmine grading standard.  If you are unfamiliar with that, please see below, where I've cited the three most common ratings used for this batch:  VG+, VG, and G/F.  

If I rate a vinyl VG, and you receive it, hear background noise, and question the quality, I will point you back to this standard.

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+)  A good description of a VG+ record is ?except for a couple minor things, this would be Near Mint.? VG+ records may show some slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK. Minor signs of handling are OK, too, such as telltale marks around the center hole, but repeated playing has not misshapen the hole. There may be some very light ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.  VG+ covers should have only minor wear. A VG+ cover might have some very minor seam wear or a split (less than one inch long) at the bottom, the most vulnerable location. Also, a VG+ cover may have some defacing, such as a cut-out marking.

Very Good (VG)  Many of the imperfections found on a VG+ record are more obvious on a VG record. For many listeners, a VG record or sleeve will be worth the money.  VG records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in better shape. They lack most of the original gloss found on factory-fresh records. Groove wear is evident on sight, as are light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. When played, a VG record has surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages and during a song?s intro and ending. But the noise will not overpower the music otherwise.  Minor writing, tape or a sticker can detract from the label. Many collectors who have jukeboxes will use VG records in them and not think twice. They remain a fine listening experience, just not the same as if it were in better shape.  VG covers will have many signs of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or along the edges of the cover where the edge of a record would reside, is obvious, though not overwhelming. Some more creases might be visible. Seam splitting will be more obvious; it may appear on all three sides, though it won?t be obvious upon looking. Someone might have written or it or stamped a price tag on it, too.

Good (G), Good Plus (G+), or Very Good Minus (VG?)  Good does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping.  But it has significant surface noise and groove wear, and the label is worn, with significant ring wear, heavy writing, or obvious damage caused by someone trying to remove tape or stickers and failing miserably. A Good to VG? cover has ring wear to the point of distraction, has seam splits obvious on sight and may have even heavier writing, such as, for example, huge radio station letters written across the front to deter theft.

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About Me

Hello friends,

I have been mostly buying and occasionally selling vinyl for over 25 years.  I've received nothing but positive feedback over thousands of transactions over that time, never a negative piece of feedback (knock on wood.)  If you ever have an issue, I will always work with you to reach an amicable settlement.  No questions asked on any returns, etc.  (I have a less than 1% return rate, BTW.)  We recently moved, and the magnitude of my collection really hit me - I'm collecting and not enjoying.  So, it's time to start enjoying again, and shedding off either duplicates or items that don't bring me particular joy.  So, please bid with confidence and know that you are buying from a true vinyl lover like you.  Check my other postings, I will try to be clear and transparent.  Thank you!