Krokodil Liberty 83306 S/T Swiss/German Psych Blues German Pressing

Sold Date: April 9, 2019
Start Date: December 2, 2018
Final Price: $215.00 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 730
Buyer Feedback: 850


Desomorphine (aka "Krokodil" on some streets) is considered one of the most dangerous drugs in the world, a cheap substitute for heroin.  Since it was developed in the 1930's, and commercially available in Switzerland, perhaps this band's name is some sort of reference to it, although I kind of doubt it (I am not sure when the slang use of Krokodil came about). There is currently a thrash metal band in England named Krokodil and my guess is they chose the name as a reference to the drug.  Anyway, here is the debut album from the Swiss/German band Krokodil, an original German pressing on Liberty from 1969. They released a handful of albums through the early 70's, with rock, psych, blues and Indian influences.  Vinyl visually grades VG: there are superfine hairlines including a "clump" of hairlines on Side 2 but nothing that can be felt; it does not look like the record has been played much but someone may have been careless in handling or storing it; excellent gloss; VG+ player with a bit of very light noise here and there. Labels grade VG++: a couple of spindles, otherwise clean and bright. Outer gatefold laminated sleeve grades a solid VG+: there are odd straight-line discoloration strips on the left and right edges (more on the front than on the rear, see photos); otherwise the sleeve is in excellent shape; very light rubbing wear; a couple of corner dings with small creasing; bottom edge bump; no splits; solid spine; graphics and artwork are clear and bright; nice clean whites and blacks (other than the aforementioned edges); solid laminate. Solid copy, solid player.        
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Record Grading (always see photos!):
Note it is not possible for me to play-grade every LP.  Grading is primarily visual; if I have questions about a certain marking or condition on an LP I will play specific sections to supplement the visual review.  Generally, on higher dollar items, I do a full play-grading.
Mint (M): Only if sealed. Near Mint (NM):  Vinyl shows very little evidence of use, retains nearly all of its original gloss, minimal markings, no warping or dishing; Labels are clean and crisp with no writing or sticker residue, no ring wear or rubbing wear, no significant spindle marking; Original sleeves are clean and square, solid spine, no writing, no splits, no ring wear, minimal edge wear. Very Good + (VG+): Vinyl shows use but has been well cared for, surface may have light scuffs or hairline non-feelable scratches that do not significantly affect playback, still has a substantial amount of gloss, may have slight dishing or small edge warp that tracks without significant tonearm bobbing, any feelable marks will be minimal and playback effect described; Labels are clean with only minor ring or rubbing wear, writing or sticker residue is discrete/minor, limited soiling and no significant stains, drill hole is OK if label is otherwise clean, graphics and logos are clear and bright; Original sleeves are clean with no more than light ring wear, light edge wear, corners are square with no more than minor dings, writing or sticker residue is discrete/minor, one small seam split would be tolerated only if rest of sleeve was very clean, light creasing, drill hole would be tolerated only if rest of sleeve was very clean.  Grading is all-encompassing, so multiple flaws of the type described will drop the grade. Very Good (VG):  Vinyl will show significant use with scuffing or hairline scratches but plays through without skipping (or a very minor skip will be noted), any feelable scratches are noted including the effect on playback, may have light noise particularly at the beginning (due to sloppy cueing) or in softer passages, may have slight dishing or edge warp but it will play through, may have diminished or irregular gloss, record will still provide an enjoyable listen; Labels may have significant ring or rubbing wear, lifting damage, more prominent writing or sticker residue, a drill hole, some soiling or staining; Original sleeves may have splits, ring wear or rubbing wear, significant edge wear, writing, corner dings, creasing, soiling, or drill holes. Good (G): A very infrequent grade usually only applied to rare items, or to one aspect (i.e. the sleeve) if another aspect (i.e. the vinyl) is a higher grade.  Vinyl may have significant scuffing or scratching, limited gloss, significant noise on playback but will play through (with any skips noted); Labels may have glaring writing, significant ring or rubbing wear, extensive sticker residue, soiling or staining; Original sleeves (if applicable) may have significant ring wear, multiple seam splits, taping, prominent writing.              I use additional pluses and minuses frequently, to fine tune the ratings.  PLEASE LOOK AT THE PHOTOS - I TRY TO SHOW ALL SIGNIFICANT CONDITIONS!  If you have questions or need additional photos or sound samples, just ask!
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