YES Close To The Edge A1/B1 UK Textured cover/Inner

	£		132
	$		175

YES

Close To The Edge

K50012 original vintage first UK pressing

Date of release 1972

Ultra RARE and the genuine 1st pressing of this sensational rock classic . This release is so scarce that many do not know of its existence .Very rarely seen or discovered as most collectors assume A2/B1 are the matrices to look for, but the A1/B1 matrix is the genuine very “first to be pressed” vinyl of this Yes release . It is considered to be the rarest UK Yes album ever made and very few were pressed before the second pressings were released and nobody really knows why.

This release was never issued on plum and has the green/orange label format. Later labels vary considerably in format as American imports infiltrated the UK market and it is very difficult to find the earliest UK label issue, which these obviously are .Hence, very scarce exhibits indeed and in excellent condition. These labels are in excellent condition with no major damage to report. No mottling or crusting. No rips or tears . No spindle wear visible and no graffiti .A light spindle trace only if angled against a strong light. Beautiful examples . An intermittent peel on outer layer is the only potential blemish but can only be observed if angled and closely inspected. Remarkable examples of this “impossible to find” first issue label.

Sleeve

The earliest gatefold sleeve which was notorious for massive ring wear and surface damage . The more delicate textured finish is prone to ring wear more than any other and is impossible to find these days in a respectable condition. Bearing this in mind, this gatefold is excellent . Later issues did not have the textured, leather effect finish and were smoother and glossier. This gatefold is the earliest issue and has been found in a polythene, opening sleeve and that is where it will stay as I fear to handle anymore than I should. Faint rubbing on front face where coloration is slightly fading, but does little to disturb the beauty of this sleeve . The luminous dark tints of forest green project magnificently in eye catching style . The spine still displays title, cat. No. and group title quite clearly and shows no flattening to its contours. Hardly any feathering to opening edge and has been lightly handled . Light ring wear on reverse approx ¼ of a revolution so not too bad at all , compared to many of this very fragile sleeves. Owing to its reputation of being the most prone to wear and tear, grades a solid excellent as the beauty of the fluorescent greens and textured finish is quite apparent .Opens to the artistry of Roger Dean and inner faces are beautifully maintained with unfaded landscaping and detailed undamaged imagery. The soft coloration is magnificent.  Impossible to locate in this remarkably well preserved condition .

Vinyl

Thick, quality pressing and gives a buzz when held . highly polished surfaces with a mirror like sheen . Extremely light surface/hairlines visible but are non audible and do not penetrate into the grooves. Lightly played with no ugly blemishes to report . A pleasure to view .

Matrices A1   V         stampers 2  1

                 B1  V                          1  1

Inner sleeve

Original dark inner with lyrics printed on both sides. Again will be very difficult to locate one with no seam splits . This is the true original first issue inner as later were thinner and had a glossier finish. This is matt ,rough finish with two flip backs on reverse which later issues do not display . Considering that most are found torn with considerable damage with taped edges , this is again graded excellent even though there are two seam splits , =0.5 cms and 5cms respectively. Coloration on outer extremities is lightly faded . Corners are sharp and pointed with minimal ring wear visible. Lightly handled with no tears or rips on opening edge . Ultra clean with a fresh feel .A decent example of this hard to find first issue dark green inner .

Audio

This is the icing to put on an already very rich cake .At least an excellent and considerably better in some parts !!! There is very little to fault from this exceptional release. Side 1 is delivered almost to perfection .This must be the very best in existence today as there is minimal surface noise , no ticks nor clicks, and in fact is truly sensational. Distortion free sound !All frequencies are sharp and clear .Intro on side 1 is heard through near silent grooves with the hint of distant static and is a strong test for any audio grading. There are many silent passages of music throughout and there is hardly any surface disturbance. Some slight static heard at a distance during the opening grooves side 2 but does little to affect this tremendous delivery. All channels are mostly clear and tones are well defined .  Simply awesome !

The fusion of the most delicate sounds from Wakeman’s keyboard is breathtaking and the stereophonic perspective gives an extensive range of dynamic sound. Each tone projects clearly with a sharp definition and a razor sharp edge. Absolutely phenomenal aural delivery. I just wish you could hear as it spell bounds the listener into an  aural euphoria…breathtaking dimensions and the layered effect of the intricate tones is transmitted in sensational style..The delicate guitar strings and the exquisite delivery of the vocalisations are superb .

Has to be the best Yes album release without a doubt and the music is pure genius.

Very popular with collectors worldwide and is ultra rare , especially in this unbelievable condition. Extremely low numbered first press and virtually non existent to many .A phenomenal aural delivery, beautifully presented in an excellent, iridescent dark green gatefold with an exquisite textured feel .One of the most sought after first pressings and of serious investment quality.

Impossible to locate so please do not miss this very elusive release. 

Shipping

UK-£6.50 special delivery with full insurance

Europe-£5.00 + ISF £3.50+ Optional Insurance £2.00

USA/Japan-£8.00 + ISF £3.50 + £2.00 optional insurance