Description
Traffic When The Eagle Flies 1st UK Press
When the Eagle Flies is the seventh studio album released by English rock band Traffic, in 1974.
Original 1st UK Press Cat No ILPS 9273 Custom Island Labels
Near Mint Vinyl (Looks Barely played)
Stunning Top Very Near Mint Audio Quality (Minor/Light interference only)
Earliest A-1U B-1U Matrix
Earliest “1” to “1” Mother Stampers
Stunning 1st UK issue Textured Cover!
Complete with original Lyric Insert Record Sleeve!
Prog Rock, Psych Archive Copy!
Final Audio Upgrade! RARE!
The Matrix
Side 1 ILPS9273 A-1U
(Hand Etched) “STERLING” Machine Stamped Only 1st Press
Side 2 “ILPS 9273 B-1U
(Hand Etched) “STERLING” Machine Stamped Only 1st Press
The Mother Stampers
Side 1 “1” GA” ( Earliest Possible “1 to 1” Mother Stampers!)
Side 2 “1” “HP” ( Earliest Possible “1 to 1” Mother Stampers!)
The Vinyl
Note: This is the original thicker heavy type of vinyl. On visual inspection this looks almost as new in my opinion. I find it hard to even see a blemish on the playing surface, any that could possibly be seen angled to the light would be sleeve removal scuffs only. The vinyl lays perfectly flat on the turntable and is free of any warping. Importantly, there are no visual marks that would cause any loud constant clicks or pops during the play of this vinyl. Note This is the thicker and heavier type of vinyl only found like this on the earliest 1st UK pressings.
The Audio Quality
I have play tested the vinyl two times on two different turntables/systems at very loud volume prior to this listing. Once for you to hear the complete album. (Can be heard in the player above)
The moment that the needle hits the playing surface it is obvious to me that this has barely ever been played at all. Crystal clear and vibrant stunning top audio throughout the play of this vinyl. (Note: Allowances must be made for these pressings in the frorm of Isolated very light static type tick/ticks are common on these pressings especially at quiet intros or outros) Please note: barely ever played vinyl possibly the best audio experience that you could ever find on vinyl in my opinion. I would grade the audio at least excellent Plus to Very Near Mint For the most part through out! An Audio Archive copy.
I always add this disclaimer! Please note! Allowances must be made for these pressings. Debrit was noted on the playing surface after play. A constant clean before each play is recommended because this vinyl has been stored in a case laying dormant for over 35 years. A build up of dirt and dust in the grooves causes static ticks/ crackle. constant cleaning before each play will reduce this and enhance the audio quality.
The Labels
These are the original 1st issue custo Island Records labels (Only 1st UK press) Amazingly I can just barely see a handful of spider traces only even angled to the light! This has only ever been played a handful of times ever! There is little if no spindle wear the hole is perfectly round. Very,very,very rare like this!
The Record Sleeve
This is the original 1st issue paper lyric insert record sleeve. This is straight and generally very clean with some very, very slight split beginning at the bottom edge to mention only. The vinyl is now always stored separately from the vinyl. This is how I have always stored my records.
The Cover
This is the original 1st issue Un laminated TEXTURED cover. Super clean and straight. No nasty creases to report and any storage wear is only really noticed if looked for in my opinion. This original 45 year old cover is truly exceptional. Any edge crease lines are minor in my opinion and not really noticed at all unless looked for. No real edge rubbing The spine is square and straight all text is readable any wear is negligible. Rich and very vibrant colors. Please note: There is some glue residue noted at the rear top edge left hand corner worth to mention. (see photos) I would grade this cover at least excellent to excellent plus in my opinion. I doubt that you would find a better looking cover after 45 years!
