THE  PINK FLOYD - ATOM HEART MOTHER
original UK 1970 very 1st pressing with gleaming, sparsely played vinyl and stunning audio quality!!
on the HARVEST record label, SHVL 781
Matrix numbers - Side 1 : SHVL 781 A - 1G   Side 2 : SHVL 781 B - 1G Mother stampers - Side 1 : "1", "2" and "II", "A" and 10 o'clock and 4 o'clock respectively; Side 2 : "2" and "II II" at 10 and 4 o'clock respectively. Note that the "II" symbol could be an "H"...it's not absolutely clear to me!
The condition of the vinyl (both sides) is NEAR MINT : a joy to behold, with gleaming thick vinyl and on first impression not a mark in sight. I have inspected the vinyl under a strong halogen lamp and only then can I detect the occasional, truncated wispy hairline brought about by movement within the poly lined inner sleeve. To the naked eye, and in normal daylight, the appearance of both sides of the vinyl is simply pristine, and I can't imagine a better example of this increasingly sought after 1st pressing in existence today. Stunning.
The quality of the audio is SUPERB : as you would expect from the description of the vinyl appearance above, simply wonderful audio quality. Deep, rich, warm stereo emanating from each speaker. The clarity and warmth of the sound from vinyl such as this takes me back to my teen years and is clearly, emphatically, undoubtedly, and unquestionably superior in every aspect to that of today's digitally formatted CD or downloaded file!!
TRACKS
Side 1 : 1. ATOM HEART MOTHER a) Father's Shout b) Breast Milky c) Mother Fore d) Funky Dung e) Mind Your Throats Please f) Remergence
Side 2 : 1. IF 2. SUMMER 3. FAT OLD SUN 4. ALAN's PSYCHEDELIC BREAKFAST a) Rise and Shine b) Sunny Side Up c) Morning Glory

The labels are similarly NEAR MINT : no "EMI" box, with "GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD..." text on the outer rim of each label each serve to confirm this as a first pressing. No discolouration of either label, and no blemishes at all to the naked eye in normal daylight...hold the labels up to a bright light and you might just detect two barely discernible spindle trails adjacent to the centre hole...they are there but don't feel inferior if you can't spot them because they are inconsequential and extremely difficult to detect!
And as for the gatefold outer unlaminated sleeve...EXCELLENT! Not quite flawless, however...there is some minute rubbing in a couple of places along the spine and some slightly more in evidence scuffing at each corner of the spine, which I have tried to highlight in my photos. Thee is little to no rubbing on the sides but some very slight ringwear on the reverse side of the gatefold and a little surface creasing adjacent to the spine. There is also a light line indentation - about 10cm in length - on the front cover immediately above the cow. These are all minor blemishes and, again, are not immediately obvious to the observer...you'll need to look closely to detect these very small blemishes, none of which detract from the rich colouring and textures of each of the outside and inside of the gatefold...wonderful. The writing along the spine is perfectly legible. And, of course, another indicator of this being a first pressing is the text towards the bottom left hand corner of the inside of the gatefold : "7010 TPS Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. Patent No. 943, 895  SHVL 781". Later pressings did not have this text positioned here.
Comes in original HARVEST poly-lined outer advertising sleeve which is still fully functional with no splits or tears or unwanted writing and has the appropriate patent numbers clearly stated towards the centre bottom on the front side (see photo). A little creasing towards the corners but overall EXCELLENT.

Probably as good a condition as you're likely to find of this increasingly rare and sought after first pressing. This Pink Floyd classic album is not hard to find....excepting for a true first pressing such as this, and in as wonderful condition such as this...well, that's a different story altogether...

A bit about myself - I have been collecting vinyl for over 45 years and have amassed a huge and diverse record collection. I am now selling a number of my cherished records in order to help fund my retirement and to optimise space although, in all honesty, I view the daily sift through and playing of these timeless classics as a labour of love. Take a look at my other ebay items - many of the records that I am selling are highly sought after by serious collectors. You should also be aware of my 100% feedback status and can feel rest assured that in the unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason then just contact me and I will do a full refund without quibble. Enjoy your purchase - Richard

 

My record grading adheres to the “Record Collector” guide, which has established a set of standards for the condition of second-hand records. These indicate the amount of wear and tear the disc, sleeve, and other items (such as lyric inserts) have been subject to and the condition that they are in at present. The seven standard condition categories, and descriptions of what each one means, are listed below:

 

 

Mint

The records 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, discolouration, 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 are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

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

Bad

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