Roxy Music - Original UK Export/Licence LP Issue - Pink Rim Palm Tree Labels - A-1U/B-1U Matrix

Rare original 1972 UK Island Records 9-track 1st issue LP - arty British glam rockers "confident, astonishing debut" album which "shimmers with seductive style and pulsates with disturbing synthetic textures".... which "primitive avant-garde tendencies are married to full-fledged songs, whether it's the free-form, structure-bending "Re-Make/Re-Model" or the sleek glam of "Virginia Plain," the debut single added to later editions of the album." Stephen T. Earlewine, Allmusic.

Vinyl has the pink rimmed 'palm tree' label - identical to the last detail to the UK label.

Vinyl has machine stamped matrix information:
Side 1: C 86259 A-1
Side 2: C 86259 B-1
At first glance this looks like an original UK copy as cover and labels are identical to a such - but this copy does not have matrix stamped UK catalogue number and A/B-1U or later matrix endings, nor is mother/stamper information present in the trail off - which all are signature info for UK pressings.

Our best guess is that this is either an extremely early licence pressing manufactured for Germany, Holland or Scandinavia - most likely Scandinavia - pressed outside the UK and supplied with UK labels, inner sleeve and cover... at the same time as the first UK pressing since it has the generic light blue comany inner sleeve.

Secondary this could be an export copy manufactured in the UK and designated for one of the countries mentioned with 86259 as matrix number... this is unlikely though... why use another stamper for that purpose?

Vinyl is housed in a generic light blue and purple printed polylined inner sleeve - and ultimately an outer laminated Tinsley Robor Group Ltd. gatefold picture cover wich has pink 'i' logo, company name and Basing Street address at mid lowermost back.

Condition: VG++ (vinyl & labels)/M- (cover):
Vinyl is in beautifully shiny - hardly any signs of play or handling - easily graded near mint. Side 1 label has a single short and hardly visible spindletrace - Side  label is mint. Vinyl is overall graded near mint.

Picture cover is impossibly close to perfect - almost clean - crisp laminate has a little wrinkling from mild bends - and hardly any laminate wear. Inner spread is mint. Corners and edges are likewise extremely close to perfect - a nice one.

Tracklisting:

Side 1:
1. Re-Make / Re-Model
2. Ladytron
3. If There Is Something
4. 2H-B

Side 2:
1. The Bob (Medley)
2. Chance Meeting
3. Would You Believe ?
4. Sea Breezes
5. Bitters End

Recorded 14 March 1972 – 29 March 1972 at Command Studios, London

Cover is printed by Tinsley Robor Group Ltd.

Credits:
Bryan Ferry - vocals, piano, Hohner Pianet, Mellotron
Brian Eno - VCS3 synthesizer, tape effects, backing vocals
Andy Mackay - oboe, saxophone, backing vocals
Phil Manzanera - electric guitar
Graham Simpson - bass guitar
Paul Thompson - drums
Rik Kenton - bass on "Virginia Plain"

Technical credits:
Peter Sinfield - Production
Andy Hendriksen - Engineer & Mix

Roxy Music - Arrangements
 

Artwork:

Simon Puxley - Liner notes
Nicholas DeVille - Artwork
C.C.S. - Artwork
Cover concept - Bryam Ferry
Karl Stoecker - Photography
Kari-Ann Muller - Model