The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. (1972)

Description

Rolling Stones Exile on Main St 1972 vinyl remains one of the essential records of the classic-rock era, and this exceptionally clean original U.S. copy combines a desirable Presswell pressing with Artisan mastering on all four sides.

Released in 1972 on Rolling Stones Records, Exile on Main St. found the Stones drawing from blues, country, gospel, soul and straight-ahead rock & roll to create a sprawling double album unlike anything else in their catalog. From the opening charge of “Rocks Off” through “Tumbling Dice,” “Sweet Virginia,” “Happy,” “Shine a Light” and “Soul Survivor,” the album captures the loose, gritty sound that has made Exile one of the band’s most celebrated releases.

This copy carries catalog number COC 2-2900 and is an original U.S. Presswell pressing, identifiable by the PR markings found in the runouts. All four sides also carry the distinctive Artisan mastering logo, indicating lacquer mastering by Artisan Sound Recorders.

Both records have been play tested and grade VG++. Playback is strong and enjoyable throughout, with only slight surface noise audible during quieter passages. The vinyl retains an excellent appearance, and the yellow Rolling Stones Records labels are particularly clean.

The packaging is another highlight of this copy. Exile on Main St. was originally issued in an unusual Unipak gatefold jacket, with both records loaded into a single compartment rather than the conventional two-pocket gatefold design. This example grades approximately VG++ to NM- and displays beautifully, retaining the famous Robert Frank photographic collage artwork with very little of the wear commonly encountered on original copies.

Also included are both original heavy-stock printed inner sleeves, featuring the album’s extensive photographs, handwritten-style song information and musician credits. Both inners remain exceptionally well preserved and grade approximately VG++ to NM-.

Originally, the album also included a sheet containing twelve perforated postcards. The postcard sheet is not present with this copy, and the album is priced accordingly.

The deadwax inscriptions on this copy are:

Side A: ST-RS-722507-BBB+-1-11 ROLLING STONES RECORDS PR [Artisan logo]
Side B: ST-RS-722508 BBB-1-111 ROLLING STONES RECORDS [Artisan logo] PR
Side C: ST-RS-722509-BBB-1-111 ROLLING STONES RECORDS PR [Artisan logo]
Side D: ST-RS-722510 CCC-1-11 ROLLING STONES RECORDS [Artisan logo] PR

For collectors seeking an early U.S. copy that can actually be enjoyed rather than merely displayed, this is a particularly attractive example. The combination of Presswell manufacture, Artisan mastering, strong VG++ playback, unusually clean original packaging and both printed inner sleeves makes it an excellent addition to a Rolling Stones or classic-rock vinyl collection.

Condition:
Vinyl: VG++
Unipak Jacket: VG++ to NM-
Original Printed Inner Sleeves: VG++ to NM-
Original Postcard Sheet: Not Included

All photographs show the actual record being offered.