THE WHO - WHO ARE YOU

A truly impressive copy of this increasingly rare and sought after 1975 UK first press rock classic, on the Polydor label, STEREO, DE LUXE 2490 129

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1  2490129 A//1 ML with stampers "11.4" and "6" at 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock respectively, and "TML-L" machine stamped at 2 o'clock

Side 2   2490129 B//1 ML with stampers "14" and "1" at 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock respectively, and "TML-L" machine stamped at 9 o'clock

In normal daylight the appearance of the vinyl is near mint (NM or even better!. Gleaming, completely flat and heavy duty vinyl with jet black lacquering and a beautiful sheen. It is only with very close scrutiny under a bright light that some wispiest of wispy hairlines come into view on each side, all of which are surface only, non-feelable and purely superficial. Clearly this vinyl has been well looked after with very few plays indeed - amazing for a 44 year old rock classic such as this. With this in mind I grade the overall condition of the vinyl as excellent plus (EX+).

The labels are near perfect. Beautiful labels with all text, all colouring, and the iconic Polydor logo all in perfect in wonderful condition. If it wasn't for just a couple of very, very faint and small stray spindle trails adjacent to the centre hole on side 1 the condition of both labels would be perfect.

The condition of the glossy and unlaminated MacNeill Press outer sleeve is excellent (EX) though many I am sure would grade as even better. An iconic sleeve, with the top and bottom edges remaining completely firm with just some occasional and very light surface scuffing on the bottom edge, the corners remaining perfectly defined right angles with no rubbing, and the spine in similarly superb condition with no creasing or "nicks" and all text perfectly intact. On the reverse side there are a few small light brown age discolouration spots (see photo) and on the top edge and spine just the hint of some very mild age discolouration "browning" - trivial. There is no creasing, no unwanted writing or doodles and with all colour sand artwork remain vibrant and crystal clear...amazing considering this is a 44 year old rock classic! Note the very low number of "28314" on the reverse side - a very early 1st pressing!

Finally, the quality of the audio is truly excellent plus (EX+). No nasty clicks, no skips, no repeats, no jumps, and no background interference or crackle with great tone and clarity throughout even on higher frequencies and at higher volume. I won't deny that you might just detect the very occasional nano second light click which is either static or due to a tiny dust particle stuck in a groove through decades of storage (no more than you would expect from a brand new record actually), but there can be no doubting the tremendous stereo sound quality of this record, with every track making for a great listen. Such an underrated album, especially side 1. Enjoy!

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. SLIP KID

2. HOWEVER MUCH I BOOZE

3. SQUEEZE BOX

4. DREAMING FROM THE WAIST

5. IMAGINE A MAN

Side 2 :

1. SUCCESS STORY

2. THEY ARE ALL IN LOVE

3. BLUE RED AND GREY

4. HOW MANY FRIENDS

5. IN A HAND OR A FACE

Comes with original plain white with blue writing, poly-lined near perfect condition inner sleeve with no tears or splits, no fraying and no unwanted writing, with "British Patent.." and "Made in England" text on the bottom of the front side, and just some mild creasing towards the corners - remaining 100% functional.  Note that I always post the vinyl in a new plain white inner sleeve in order to protect the original.

In summary a truly brilliant condition copy of this increasingly rare and sought after 1975 UK 1st press WHO rock classic - a worthy addition to any rock vinyl collection and only continuing to increase in value..

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 49 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 64 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl thick cardboard "crucifix" style mailer along with at least two thick cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be UK £3.00, Royal Mail 1st class; continental Europe £7 and Rest of the World £11, Royal Mail 1st class international Airmail. 

 I DO discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding!

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

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