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Simply having 1U/1U matrixes does not signify a first pressing for Burn: any copy with 'EMI Records' rim text (even with 1U/1U matrixes) is NOT a first pressing.

Burn was released in the UK on 15th February 1974 and entered the Album Chart two weeks later at number 17. It then spent the whole of March in the Top Ten and stayed in the Top Forty until the end of June. Between February and June 1974 Burn was repressed multiple times to satisfy demand, and all of these had 1U/1U matrixes.

However, when the album was first pressed, ready for the February release, EMI was still using the 'Gramophone Co . . ' rim text on the labels. In March 1974 this wording was changed to say 'EMI Records . . .' which means that all of the copies pressed after the initial release date have 'EMI Records' rim text on the labels (many of the very earliest repressings have a combination of the two labels).

Only the very first pressing has 'The Gramophone Co . . .' text on both labels and it is estimated that these account for less than one percent of all 1U/1U copies of Burn.

This true first pressing has 'The Gramophone Co' rim text on both labels and the following 1st press matrix numbers:

Side one: TPS 3505 A-1U

Side two: TPS 3505 B-1U

The run-outs are also etched with PORKY-MEL-TRISH and PECKO.

Description
Disc: The heavy (163 gram) vinyl has retained its original sheen with a few light surface marks and hairlines visible in normal light, and some additional very fine hairlines and sleeve-removal marks when viewed under bright direct light, but there is nothing bad anywhere and nothing with any audible impact. This is a solid, loud-cut pressing and the music powers out of the speakers. I have played both sides in full and the record sounds great with very little to report. There is some minor background noise in the run-ins/outs, fades, silent grooves and intros and a handful of places where I heard one or two random clicks, but I didn't hear any repetitive clicks anywhere, and there is certainly nothing loud or intrusive and the whole album was a pleasure to listen to.  I would play-grade the whole album as a SAFE Excellent (Ex). A visual grading would be slightly lower.

Sleeve: The sleeve has no seam splits, tears, writing, stickers etc, but shows signs of age and use, including wear to the edges and corners, some small marks and minor creases etc. The only significant issue, that you can't really see in the photos, is that the cover is a bit wavy, especially near the opening on the front, as if it got wet at some point, but it's a decent example overall.

Detracting features not covered above:  None. There are a few minor cosmetic issues, as mentioned, but the record sounds great.

All photographs are of the actual item for sale. Please ask any questions before you bid or buy.

Where gradings are given these are based on the UK Record Collector grading system (see below) and are visual gradings only, unless the listing specifically states that it is a play-grading.

I use the UK RECORD COLLECTOR GRADING SYSTEM. This grading system differs from some other grading systems, in particular the Goldmine grading system. Please make sure that you are familiar with the UK record collector grading system before you bid.

Mint: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packag­ing might have slight wear and/or creasing.

Very Good: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable sur­face marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

Fair: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for prop­erly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.

Plus (+) or Minus (-) are added where items fall between gradings. I only ever use one plus or minus.

 

P&P costs as follows:

 

UK:

First LP or 12" record = £4.95, each additional item no extra P&P charge.

First 7" record = £3.95, each additional item no extra P&P charge.

 

Europe:

First LP or 12" record = £14.95, each additional item = an extra £2.20 P&P charge.

First 7" record = £11.95, each additional item = an extra £1.00 P&P charge.

 

Rest of the world:

First LP or 12" record = £24.95, each additional item = an extra £2.20 P&P charge.

First 7" record = £14.95, each additional item = an extra £1.00 P&P charge.