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Apologies for the photography! - the 'blobs' that you can see are reflections on the shrink-wrap of the ceiling spotlights in the room where I took the photos or of my camera.
They are not actually on the item!
This is a genuine first pressing, 2015 EU 1st press. The first pressing ONLY has the date 2015 on the rear cover. The re-issues (repressed after Bowie died to meet the new demand and available a couple of months later) have 2015 and 2016.
Almost all the copies being sold on ebay are the 2016, 2015 re-issues, and there are a lot of them being sold as 'first pressing', even though this is clearly not correct.
IF IT HAS 2016 ON THE BACK COVER IT IS A RE-ISSUE!
Please note that ALL of Europe (including UK) had copies pressed in Germany for both the first pressing and the re-issues - there were never any copies of Blackstar actually pressed in UK.
The item is still sealed. This is very nearly ten years old, so inevitably there are some small splits/tears to the shrink-wrap and some minor issues for the cover, so I've priced this accordingly, but the contents are all mint and unused.
It's getting hard to find these genuine 2015 first pressings, but finding a sealed one is becoming increasingly rare.
Detracting features not mentioned above: None.
All photographs are of the actual item for sale. Please ask any questions before you bid or buy.
Where gradings are given these are based on the UK Record Collector grading system (see below) and are visual gradings only, unless the listing specifically states that it is a play-grading.
I use the UK RECORD COLLECTOR GRADING SYSTEM. This grading system differs from some other grading systems, in particular the Goldmine grading system. Please make sure that you are familiar with the UK record collector grading system before you bid.
Mint: The record 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, discoloration, 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 will be torn, stained and/or defaced.
Poor: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
Bad: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.
Plus (+) or Minus (-) are added where items fall between gradings. I only ever use one plus or minus.
P&P costs as follows:
UK:
First LP or 12" record as shown, each additional item no extra P&P charge.
First 7" record as shown, each additional item no extra P&P charge.
Europe:
First LP or 12" record as shown, each additional item = an extra £2.20 P&P charge.
First 7" record as shown, each additional item = an extra £1.40 P&P charge.
Rest of the world:
First LP or 12" record as shown, each additional item = an extra £3.10 P&P charge.
First 7" record as shown, each additional item = an extra £1.80 P&P charge.