JETHRO TULL - BENEFIT

A beautiful and truly impressive condition copy of this increasingly sought after and hard to find 1970 prog rock UK 1st press classic, on the CHRYSALIS record label, STEREO, ILPS 9123

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side A    ILPS 9123 A//2 with stampers "1 1" and "6" at 5.30 o'clock and 6 o'clock respectively 

Side B    ILPS 9123 B//1 with stampers "1 2" and "2" at 7.30 o'clock and 8.30 o'clock respectively 

The appearance and overall condition of the flat and nicely weighted vinyl is excellent plus (EX+). Both sides have retained an impressive jet black lacquered sheen and in normal daylight come across as being unmarked. Under a very bright light, and with close scrutiny, it is just possible to detect a few extremely wispy hairlines, some very, very light paper scuffs, and just the hint of some small areas of vinyl "dulling" due to the poly-lined inner, on each side of the vinyl, but these are all superficial, certainly non-feelable, and strictly surface only - very trivial in fact. Amazing that this 50 year old antiquity remains in such impressive condition as this, obviously having been sparingly played.

The labels are excellent plus (EX+). Near perfect condition labels with the lime green background, all black text, the iconic red Chrysalis lettering and logo, and of course the 1st press white Island "i" letter all perfectly intact. There are a couple of small and very faint spindle trails on each label adjacent to the centre hole, indicating a limited number of plays, otherwise perfect.

The non-laminated, slightly textured MacNeill Press outer sleeve is at least excellent (EX) . All edges remain firm no scuffing (just a few tiny "nicks" on the bottom edge), each corner remains a perfectly defined right angle with no rubbing, the "nipped" (another 1st press identifier) spine is rigid with all text perfectly legible, the opening edges are also firm with no fraying or feathering, and the art work, colours, and photos remain in outstanding condition : rich, vibrant and with still retaining tremendous clarity, and no unwanted writing or doodles either. There are just a couple of very small "nicks" on the front side underneath the letters "F" and "I", and just the hint of a very light 2cm surface crease towards the top right corner on the front side. Truly impressive!

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent plus (EX+). Fantastic tone and clarity throughout, even at higher volume and on higher frequencies. No skips, jumps, repeats, sticks, clicks, or background crackle/interference...just perfect stereo audio reproduction exactly as it should be, with every track making for a great listen on this vastly underrated and relatively "under the radar" Jethro Tull prog rock gem.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1.  WITH YOU THERE TO HELP ME

2. NOTHING TO SAY

3. ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN

4. SON

5. FOR MICHAEL COLLINS, JEFFREY AND ME

Side 2 :

1.TO CRY YOU A SONG

2. A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

3. INSIDE

4. PLAY IN TIME

5. SOSSITY, YOU'RE A WOMAN

Comes with original "PLASTIC BAGS CAN BE DANGEROUS" inner sleeve, correctly dated and with "British Patent No...." and "Made In England" horizontal text with no tears, rips or seam splits - excellent plus and remaining fully functional. Note that I always use a new, plain white replacement inner sleeve for shipping purposes in order to protect the original.

In summary a brilliant condition copy of this increasingly sought after 1970 Jethro Tull prog rock classic - the whole LP is a great listen and these UK 1st pressings are now becoming very scarce and will only 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 £4.00, Royal Mail 1st class signed for; 

Continental Europe £12, and Rest of the World £16 respectively, Royal Mail 1st class international Airmail tracked and signed for

 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