{"title":"Free","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"free-tons-of-sobs-lp-island-ilps-9089-uk-pink-eye-a2-b2-vg-vg","title":"Free Tons Of Sobs LP Island ILPS 9089 UK Pink Eye A2\/B2 - VG+\/VG(+)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRelease Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tons Of Sobs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLabel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Island Records\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e ILPS 9089\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e UK\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReleased:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1969\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo, Repress\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePressing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early UK Pink Island Eye Label Variation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sleeve VG+ \/ Vinyl VG(+)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMatrix \/ Runout\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSide A:\u003c\/strong\u003e ILPS+9089+A2 Side B: ILPS+9089+B2V\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA highly collectible early UK pressing of Free – Tons Of Sobs, the band's outstanding debut album, issued on Island Records under catalogue number ILPS 9089. This example features the desirable original-era solid pink Island labels with the distinctive black eye logo, rather than the later pink-rim palm-tree design. The labels correspond to the early pink Island variation without the ℗1969 date beneath the Made in England text. The vinyl carries the A2\/B2 matrix combination, with an additional V suffix on Side B. The original-period picture sleeve retains its distinctive blue-toned artwork, making this an attractive example from Island Records' early catalogue. Recorded during 1968 and produced by Guy Stevens, Tons Of Sobs captures Free before the international success of All Right Now. The album features the classic lineup of Paul Rodgers, Paul Kossoff, Andy Fraser and Simon Kirke, combining powerful blues vocals, expressive guitar playing and a remarkably assured rhythm section. Highlights include I'm A Mover, The Hunter, Walk In My Shadow, Worry and the extended interpretation of Goin' Down Slow. Paul Kossoff's distinctive guitar playing and Rodgers' extraordinary vocals are already fully developed here, making this an essential recording for collectors of British blues rock. This particular copy is especially appealing as a listening example. Although the vinyl displays two larger surface marks and additional lighter marks, it has been fully playback checked and delivers a fantastic, very solid VG+ listening experience. An increasingly desirable original-era UK pressing with early pink Island labels, distinctive A2\/B2V matrices and excellent playback. A period plain paper inner sleeve is included, displaying age-related discolouration and handling wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSleeve: VG+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe original-period picture sleeve remains in very good collector condition, retaining its distinctive blue-toned Island artwork. There is age-related edge and corner wear, light surface marking and general signs of previous storage and handling consistent with its age. A previous owner's name label is attached to the upper-right corner of the reverse sleeve. This is clearly visible in the photographs and has been taken into account in the grading. The artwork remains attractive, with the original Island Records catalogue information present on the reverse. Graded VG+.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVinyl: VG(+)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlayback VG+ The original vinyl retains a good glossy appearance but displays visible evidence of previous handling and play. There are two larger surface marks, together with several smaller surface marks and light scuffs. These are reflected in the conservative VG(+) visual grade. Importantly, the entire record has been playback checked and performs exceptionally well for its visual condition. Playback is a fantastic, very solid VG+, with an excellent overall listening experience. The record plays considerably better than its appearance might suggest, making this a very enjoyable listening copy of an increasingly collectible early UK Island pressing. The original pink Island eye labels remain well presented, and the A2\/B2V matrix combination is present in the runouts. Visual grade: VG(+) Playback grade: VG+\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description and condition assessment.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly UK Pink Island Eye Label Variation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsland Records – ILPS 9089\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide A: ILPS+9089+A2 Side B: ILPS+9089+B2V\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve VG+ \/ Vinyl VG(+)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUK \/ 1969\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly UK Island Records pressing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTrack Listing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSide One\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Over The Green Hills (Part 1)\u003cbr\u003e2. Worry\u003cbr\u003e3. Walk In My Shadow\u003cbr\u003e4. Wild Indian Woman\u003cbr\u003e5. Goin' Down Slow\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSide Two\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. I'm A Mover\u003cbr\u003e2. The Hunter\u003cbr\u003e3. Moonshine\u003cbr\u003e4. Sweet Tooth\u003cbr\u003e5. Over The Green Hills (Part 2)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Impala Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58629302944127,"sku":"EB-147600866100","price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/5408\/7551\/files\/57_e8ce993b-c49e-432d-886e-a709cd8f37ba.jpg?v=1791295820"}],"url":"https:\/\/impalarecords.co.uk\/collections\/free.oembed","provider":"Impala Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}