Sold Date: March 20, 2018
Start Date: February 14, 2018
Final Price: £30.00 (GBP)
Seller Feedback: 104
Buyer Feedback: 2

The Animals - The Animals Columbia Label 33SX 1669 1964 UK First Pressing Mono - Black and Blue Labels Matrix / Runout (A-side runout stamped): XAX 2717-1N Matrix / Runout (B-side runout stamped): XAX 2718-1N Matrix / Runout (A-side label, in brackets): XAX.2717 Matrix / Runout (B-side label, in brackets): XAX 2718 Rights Society: Mecolico. BIEM. NCB Other (Printer / date code rear of sleeve ): 6411 Side 1 Mother 3 RD Side 2 Mother 2 GP
This listing is for an original and highly sought after first UK mono pressing of The Animals debut album.  Although this copy is a little worn you wont believe the amazing sound that blasts out when the needle drops.  Very rarely have I had to turn the levels down on my pre-amp so quickly haha.  Reminds me of the original Mono of Rubber Soul (the loud cut) but with far better lows and mids.
Original copies of this are now highly collectable and rightly so, with the very best commanding 3 figures.  This is an affordable way to acquire this important record and although there is a lot of surface noise the legendary volume levels make this still incredibly enjoyably to listen to, and as John Peel said life has surface noise!!
All of my records are play tested on a Project Debut Carbon with 2M Red stylus which is quite revealing so any sound defects may be more exaggerated than on other more mainstream players.  Or conversely if you are a full on audiophile I will let you judge how your set up compares and how you envisage the sound will compare.
I don't currently have access to a cleaning machine so please forgive any dust or finger marks which are on any of my records - hopefully will be investing in one at some point.
Record Appearance - VG I would say on the lower end of VG as there are a lot of scuffs and a few light scratches.  There are no deep scratches or gouges so not that bad at all for over 50 years of love.  The finish is nice and glossy and appears to have been machined cleaned.  The stunning blue and black labels are in great condition with just expected spindle marks under a bright light.
Record Audio - G A difficult one to grade audio wise.  Objectively there is considerable crackle surface noise throughout and quite apparent in between tracks and on quieter moments of the album.  However the sound levels are so big and rich that you really forget about it and would have the same enjoyment as if it were VG but I don't want to over sell it due to my romantic view on vinyl.  Be warned you will be saving up for a mint copy before you know it.
Record Sleeve - G Sadly the record sleeve has a tear between the I and M on Animals which has been taped in place and is holding well.  Otherwise the sleeve would have been a strong VG with the original laminate coating doing a great job of preserving.  Apart from the tear which is nicely disguised by the dark colour the artwork is undamaged and without any pen marks.  The rear cover being white has the usual discolouration and grubby marks from over 50 years of use.  The record is stored in a lined white inner sleeve and is in great condition.  Overall it wears its 50 years with pride and is a reminder of the piece of musical history we are lucky still exists.
All questions answered and offers considered.  Thanks for looking and please follow me and check out my other listings as they appear.  I am employed full time and have 3 children so please forgive any delay in communication but should be within 24 hours.
International buyers are welcome using the Ebay Global Shipping Programme at additional cost billed directly to you.