Sold Date: August 23, 2017
Start Date: February 2, 2017
Final Price: $265.00 $225.00 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 453
Buyer Feedback: 45

For sale is an immaculate Original First US Press of the Beach Boys' 1966 Experimental Psychedelic Masterpiece "Pet Sounds" in original MONO, the only format in which its creator, Brian Wilson, intended it to be heard. Though "Sgt. Pepper" more commonly receives the distinction, many music historians recognize "Pet Sounds" as the first fully-formed Concept Album, including the Beatles themselves-- who have been repeatedly quoted as claiming there would be no "Sgt. Pepper" without Brian Wilson's ground-breaking fusion of entertainment and art. This original copy is in exceptional condition, the best currently on eBay. This is the real deal, a true gem for any serious collector.

Please read the description and terms below carefully before bidding. Serious offers only please.

DESCRIPTION

Vinyl is NM minus, extremely clean, deep gloss, stunning dark shine. No scratches or visible marks other than faint whisps of scuffing from the original paper sleeve (currently stored outside cover in new poly-lined inner). Playback is clean and rich (listen below) with the slightest trace of background static, just enough to provide that warm sound that keeps original vinyl in such high demand. Disc could easily be Near Mint if not for two tiny manufacturing defects on Side 2: a bump on Track 2 about the size of a grain of sand (3 audible clicks, listen below), and a 1/8" nick at the beginning of Track 4 (no audible affect). Both labels are pristine, as if it had never been played, no spindle marks. The small spot visible in the image of Side 1 is not a stain, it appears to have been pressed that way. Others might label this as very high EX, but I use Goldmine Standard which does not include the Excellent grade. So we will stick with NM-, so arguably close to NM.

Cover is VG++, rich bright colors, tight seams, strong corners, no splits, no writing. Front has no visible ring wear, image is perfectly centered, and the edges are clean white (all of which are unusual for mid-60s Capitol pressings, especially the exposed edges which tend to turn yellow or brown over time). Front cover is practically archival, would look perfect in a frame. Spine and seams are strong all around, no splits, spine is fully legible (see pic) and silky smooth, no cracking (also unusual for this era), text perfectly centered. Like the vinyl, cover would easily be Near Mint if not for small spots of moisture on the bottom rear (see detail pics). Both opening corners are the slightest bit crimped from the original shrink wrapping (barely enough to be visible in pics). All text is fully legible, including tiny print at the bottom. Faintest traces of contact wear to rear on close inspection. Overall one of the most exceptional covers you'll find on a first press. Even if the condition is matched the images and text are usually askew, but not here. Comes with original company inner sleeve which is crisp and strong. One side split 3" and a 1" tear at bottom (see pic).

Recordings are of the actual record with no alterations, dubbed from the headphone output on vintage equipment: | | .

CONDITIONS

Free shipping to the continental USA including tracking and insurance. Foreign buyers please inquire before bidding, as special arrangements will need to be made. Due to the risks involved with packaging and transportation of vintage vinyl, no returns will be excepted for this item. We take the time to ensure our buyers are always satisfied by describing all aspects of our items in explicit detail, so please read the description, listen to the recordings, and view all the images carefully before bidding. Feel free to message with any questions. Thanks for looking and good luck!