LED ZEPPELIN II A2 / B2 Atlantic 58818 UK 1969 RED/PLUM Label
This stunning rare second pressing on the red/plum label has 'The Lemon Song' credit on the label as opposed to 'The Killing Floor' which is on the later pressings.  For this reason it makes this pressing more collectable and as detailed below the audio plays, in the main, with sublime quality.
588198 // A / 2 // 6 5 3
588198 // B/ 2 // 1 1  1 4
The audio on S1 is Ex+ ('Thank You' is Ex)
The audio on S2 is Near Mint (intro to 'Ramble On' is Near Mint and remainder Ex+)

The gatefold cover is VG++
The labels are Near Mint
The 'Plastic Bags...' inner sleeve is Ex
Visual grading
Whilst the audio is of an exceptionally high standard the vinyl does have numerous faint hairlines on it and a more obvious one on S2.  In saying that I would say they have been caused by sleeve removal and there are certainly no deep scratches.  There are a handful of small light marks but again these have no affect on the stunning audio.  There is some spindle wear but not an excessive amount.  So whilst it has been played a number of times it has obviously been well cared for which is confirmed by the standard of the sound quality.
Play grading
'Whole Lotta Love' has very impressive audio with only a little static on the intro.  The long instrumental plays in sublime fashion with no 'background'.  The 'quiet' vocal section near the end has a touch of static but it is very much in the background and non-intrusive.  A superb start to this classic album.
The quiet intro to 'What is and What Should Never Be' plays very 'cleanly' with only the lightest of static.  As per the first track there are no clicks or pops and the rest of the track plays in stunning style with barely any static in the other quieter sections.  The louder guitar parts play with a superb definition and practically no distortion.  Even the fade out plays nigh on perfectly.
 'The Lemon Song' continues in the same way although perhaps there is a little distortion on the top end.  I may be being harsh because in my opinion it in no way detracts from what is still high quality audio.  Of course this is a track that is heavy on bass and boy does it 'come through' superbly on this vinyl.  No clicks, pops, crackle or jumps again.
'Thank You' is a great end to the side.  Yes there is some light distortion on the top levels and very light crackle in the quieter sections towards the end but it is largely in the background and some would say even adds to the atmosphere.  I must re-iterate it does not detract from the quality of the listen.  As most Led Zepp fans know the fade out/in/out section at the end always plays with some interference on these red/plum pressings but here it is not 'high in the mix' at all and still plays very well.
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The opening bars on the classic 'Heart Breaker' play in stunning style with no interference.  The track then continues to play with incredible clarity and depth and apart from a handful of mega light dust ticks it has near perfect audio.  Rarely have I heard such fantastic audio on an A2/B2 red/plum press and is Near Mint without doubt.  Even the quiet middle section plays with no 'background'.  What an absolutely stunning version, wow!
'Livin' Lovin Maid' impresses in exactly the same way.  It has great range and power and again grades as Near Mint such is the quality.  No distortion on this side thus far also which is a rarity.
The intro on 'Ramble On' plays with immaculate sound and no interference whatsoever.  The clarity is stunning throughout and a Near Mint grading maybe doing it an injustice!  The fade out has barely any 'background', one example of just how well this track plays.
For fear of repeating myself 'Moby Dick' plays much in same way.  The intro and drum section have stunning clarity and all I heard on the latter was two mega light clicks.  I have rarely heard this track play so well.  Another track on this fine album displaying impeccable audio once more.
The quiet intro on 'Bring It On Home' is, dare I say, stunning!  I don't think I have heard better.  The remainder does have some light distortion, which is always the case I find, but is still a superb listen.  It plays loud and true and the quiet end section plays in superlative style also.
In summary this is an album that 'knocks' spots off the later pressings or the more recent reissues.  S1 has wonderful audio but S2, well what can I say?!  It is quite simply the best I have heard on a 'Lemon Song' A2/B2 pressing.  For a vinyl approaching 50 years of age to have such a lack of interference is an incredible rarity and barring 'Thank You' which still plays extremely well this is a final upgrade, museum copy for sure.

Gatefold cover
The E.J. Day gatefold is in excellent condition for its age with only some mild shelf wear.  The edges and spine do have some rubbing and the band name has mainly disappeared on the latter although the catalogue number remains largely intact.  The corners also have some wear.  The lighter brown cover does have a little 'fading' here and there but overall it is definitely one of the cleaner ones I have seen in a long while.  So often the back cover is especially marked but not here, it is in great condition.  The inside of the gatefold is in superb shape with no marking anywhere.  The opening edge does have some handling wear but it is not excessive.
Inner sleeve
The original poly-lined 'Plastic Bags Can Be Dangerous' inner sleeve is in excellent condition with no splits to the sides just some light creasing.  It has the patent numbers plus 'Made In England' and 0370 printed on one side which refers to the release date.
The Labels
The red/plum labels remain very clean with no marking/writing, just some spindle wear.
Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers
588198 // A / 2 // 6 5 3
588198 // B/ 2 // 1 1  1 4

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

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