Artist: Love
Album: False Start
Label: Blue Thumb Records (BTS 8822)
Format: Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1970
Inherent Features: First US Pressing / Factory Sealed Old Stock
For Arthur Lee devotees and psych-rock purists, finding a fully sealed, untouched copy of this 1970 masterwork is an absolute holy grail. This album captures the transitional brilliance of Love's funk-infused psychedelic rock era, most legendary for the opening track, "The Everlasting First," which features searing, unmistakable lead guitar work by Jimi Hendrix.
Because it is completely factory sealed, the analog groove surfaces inside have never seen a stylus, dust particle, or human fingerprint since leaving the pressing plant 56 years ago. The jacket features the famous "upside down" back cover layout tracking, preserved under tight, glassy original cellophane wrap.
Vinyl Disc: MINT (M) — Factory sealed and pristine. Unplayed, untouched, museum-grade condition.
Jacket Cover: NEAR MINT MINUS (NM-) — Structurally rigid, completely flat, and bright with deep, saturated black tones.
Flaw Note: This copy features a clean, standard vintage industry cut-out hole punch in the top-right corner. There is a tiny bit of typical shelf-wear friction to the cardboard at the immediate upper-right apex where the shrinkwrap naturally tightened over the decades. No heavy corner dings, no water damage, and absolutely no ring-wear. It is a spectacular shelf specimen.
Secure Handling: Your record will be shipped in a dedicated, heavy-duty cardboard mailer (LP or 45 specific) with extra cardboard stiffeners to prevent bending or crushing.
Pro-Tip Protection: To prevent seam splits during transit, all opened records are shipped with the vinyl removed from the jacket (housed in its inner sleeve) and placed behind the jacket within a 4mil clear poly outer sleeve. (Note: As this copy is factory sealed, it will be shipped intact to preserve its sealed status unless the buyer explicitly requests unsealing prior to dispatch).
45s: 7" records are shipped with the same level of care in dedicated 7-inch mailers.
Handling Time: I ship within 1–2 business days of receiving cleared payment.
Tracking: A tracking number will be provided immediately upon shipment.
Combined Shipping: I am happy to combine shipping. Please wait for a revised invoice before paying to receive the discounted rate.
The "Collector’s Guarantee": I use strict Goldmine Grading standards. If you feel the record does not match the description or grading, please contact me directly before leaving feedback. I am a collector first and I value your satisfaction.
30-Day Returns: I accept returns within 30 days. The item must be returned in the exact same condition it was received.
🚨 CONDITION POLICY: For opened records, returns are accepted if the item is returned in the same condition as sent. Any new scratches, sleeve scuffs, or damage to the jacket incurred while in the buyer's possession will void the full refund. For sealed items, opening the factory shrinkwrap alters the item's condition permanently and will affect return eligibility.
Shipping Costs: Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs unless there was a significant error in the listing.
Attention Collectors: I am currently in the process of listing a massive, world-class collection of 250 Rare First Pressings and Audiophile Grails. While many are Factory Sealed, I am also releasing select "Open-Box" items that have been meticulously preserved and play-tested. If you are looking for museum-grade pressings, please [Save My Store] and check back daily for new additions.