THE TEARDROP EXPLODES – TREASON (IT'S JUST A STORY) / READ IT IN BOOKS
Original 1980 UK First Pressing 7 Vinyl Picture Sleeve Single (Zoo Records – CAGE 008)

An absolute centerpiece collector artifact for serious 1970s and 1980s neo-psychedelia, post-punk, new wave, independent Liverpool music, and Julian Cope completists. This is the genuine, highly collectible original February 1980 UK first pressing 7 commercial single configuration issued on Bill Drummond and David Balfe's iconic independent Zoo Records imprint prior to the band signing their major label contracts. This scarce artifact features the official independent label layout variation carrying the blue injection-moulded paper label variation. Finding an original 1980 Zoo paper pocket intact is rare, but finding a copy that has remained flat, bright, and completely free from pen markings since release week is a true archival condition find.

The 7 black vinyl disc is visually graded as Excellent (EX). The vinyl surfaces are beautifully clean and retain a bright, deep factory lustre across both sides. Under a close inspection light, both Side A and Side B display beautiful play bands with no severe tracking scratches or deep scuffs, showing only the absolute minimum of micro paper lines from long-term vertical storage handling over the decades. The custom center labels remain exceptionally clean, vibrant, and crisp with no needle tracking lines or spindle trails. Please note that I no longer own a record player, so this item is completely untested for audio playback quality or skipping.

The original custom paper picture sleeve is visually graded in honest, defensive Very Good Plus (VG+) condition. The fragile paper jacket remains physically complete and highly presentable with secure, unbroken seams. The front typography panel and back panels display remarkably clean color fields with no fading or handwriting, showing only standard minor edge rubbing along the outer margins and minor corner handling wrinkles common to thin paper structures from decades on the shelf.

Tracklisting:
Side A: Treason (It's Just A Story) (Cope / Dwyer / Finkler) (3:05)
Side B: Read It In Books (Cope / McCulloch) (2:16)
Produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley. Recorded at T.W. Studios January 1980. Keyboards by David Balfe. Published by Zoo Music / Warner Bros Music. Original sound recording made by Zoo Records. 1980 Zoo Records. Made in the UK.

Shipping and Pricing:
Dispatched within the UK using Royal Mail Tracked 48 for complete door-to-door tracking and security. Packed professionally inside a heavy-duty cardboard vinyl mailing box with extra card stiffeners to guarantee it arrives safely without further transit wear.