A highly presentable original UK first pressing of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s progressive-rock landmark, carrying the coveted A-1U/B-1U first-press matrices, classic Island pink-rim labels and original E.J. Day gatefold sleeve.
Released in 1971, Tarkus was the album that established ELP as one of progressive rock’s dominant forces. Its extraordinary side-long title suite remains a dazzling showcase for Keith Emerson’s keyboards, Greg Lake’s vocals and bass, and Carl Palmer’s precision drumming.
This is the pressing collectors actively seek: the correct original UK Island issue, complete with the earliest matrix pairing and William Neal’s unforgettable armadillo-tank gatefold artwork.
Artist: Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Album: Tarkus
Label: Island Records
Catalogue number: ILPS 9155
Country: United Kingdom
Released: 1971
Format: Vinyl LP, stereo
Pressing: Original UK first pressing
Label design: Island pink-rim/palm-tree labels
Sleeve: Original illustrated gatefold
Sleeve printer: Printed and made by the E.J. Day Group, London and Bedford
Side One matrix: ILPS 9155 A-1U
Side Two matrix: ILPS 9155 B-1U
The A-1U/B-1U matrix combination identifies this as the genuine first UK pressing rather than a later recut or reissue.
The vinyl retains an excellent deep gloss with only very light signs of careful handling visible under close inspection.
There are no significant scratches or visually concerning marks. A particularly attractive example of a record now more than fifty years old.
Fully play tested and delivers EX playback throughout.
The record plays with excellent clarity, depth and power, presenting the complex arrangements, dramatic dynamics and quieter passages extremely well. A very enjoyable listening copy with strong, confident audio across both sides.
The original E.J. Day gatefold sleeve remains structurally very sound and highly presentable.
There is visible age-related rubbing and shelf wear across the outer surfaces, together with expected edge and corner wear. The sleeve remains firm, intact and visually impressive, with the spectacular William Neal artwork displaying beautifully when opened.
The wear is clearly shown in the photographs and is consistent with a carefully retained original sleeve of this age.
Original UK pink-rim copies of Tarkus are increasingly sought after, particularly when they retain the earliest A-1U/B-1U matrices and correct E.J. Day gatefold sleeve.
This example offers the important combination of genuine first-press credentials, excellent-playing vinyl and a complete, structurally sound original sleeve.
The sleeve shows honest age-related wear, but the record itself is the major strength of this copy, delivering the scale, drama and power that make Tarkus such an enduring progressive-rock classic.
A strong, highly presentable first pressing suitable for both serious listening and collection display.
💎 MAISON VINYL LISTING POLICY
Maison Vinyl specialises in collector-grade classic vinyl, rare pressings and audiophile editions.
Each record is ultrasonically cleaned using a HumminGuru, carefully inspected and fully play-tested on a Rega Planar 8 turntable fitted with an Apheta 3 cartridge.
Descriptions are written conservatively, highlighting even minor imperfections so buyers know exactly what they are purchasing.
All photographs show the exact item for sale.
VINYL GRADING
EX+ A superb copy with only minimal signs of handling or use.
EX Light signs of play with excellent sound quality.
VG+ Very enjoyable with only minor marks and light background in places.
We do not list records below VG+ condition.
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🚚 PACKING AND SHIPPING
📀 Your collector piece will be professionally presented. The vinyl will be stored in a MoFi anti-static archival inner sleeve, with the outer sleeve protected in a high-density crystal-clear polypropylene cover. Records are carefully packed using proper LP mailers and protective padding to ensure safe arrival.
📦 UK orders ship via Royal Mail Tracked 48 or Royal Mail Special Delivery by 1pm, depending on the value of the record and the level of insurance required.
🌍 International buyers are welcome – shipping via Royal Mail International Tracked. Final shipping cost depends on destination.
🌍 Please note that import duties, taxes or customs charges may apply when the record arrives in your country. These charges are set by your local Customs Authority and payment is the responsibility of the buyer when the item arrives. I declare the true sale value on all customs forms and cannot mark items as “gift”.
🌍 Shipping regions: United Kingdom, European Union, USA and Canada. If your country is not listed, please contact before purchasing.
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