Even if by the cover alone, everyone knows Pink Floyd’s 1973 classic, The Dark Side of The Moon. It is one of the most instantly recognisable albums of all time, and is considered a masterpiece by critics and fans alike. Despite the record selling in huge numbers and finding its way to nearly every record collection in the ’70s, the very first pressing is one of the rarest records out there.
The iconic gatefold matte picture sleeve is one of three early variants with a single side opening & blue credit text on the inside left panel with “Printed and made by Garrod and Lofthouse Ltd.” The inner sleeve is a die-cut black poly-lined inner with patent numbers and “Made in Great Britain” in silver at the bottom.
Like the subsequent issues, it came with two matte stickers and two posters. There are several variations in the printing of these, with some containing catalogue numbers for the record, some without.
The labels are the all important black label with solid light blue triangle & ‘Gramophone Co Ltd’ perimeter print, and first issue matrices in the run-outs are machine stamped & end A2/B2.
These first pressings are obviously highly desirable, and the first batch press is ‘TAS’ listed, meaning it comes with high praise & distinction by Harry Pearson from The Absolute Sound. Trying to find them in any sort of condition is getting harder and harder.as given the albums popularity, and most owners regularly played their copies. Rest assured that when you do see one in almost new condition, it is a truly glorious site to behold, and it is one of the most perfect sounding vinyl pressings you will ever hear.
Find out more about this item and other Pink Floyd rarities on eil.com, and if you have any items to sell, please call us on 01474 815099
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