Downliners Sect - The Sect – 1st UK Pressing – RARE Labels No “Recording First Published” – 1N/1N - LP - 1st Pressing - 1964

A highly desirable original 1964 UK first pressing of The Sect by Downliners Sect, issued in mono on Columbia under catalogue number 33SX 1658.

One of the great raw British R&B albums of the mid-1960s, The Sect sits alongside the earliest work of The Pretty Things, The Yardbirds and The Rolling Stones, combining hard-edged rhythm & blues, garage energy and a distinctly uncompromising London sound.

This copy has all of the important characteristics associated with the original UK issue. The black Columbia labels carry "A 'Cee Cee' Production", "Made in Gt. Britain" and "Sold In U.K. Subject to Retail Price Conditions, See Price Lists". Most importantly, the labels do not carry the later "Recording First Published" wording, an important early label variation associated with the original issue.

The original -1N / -1N matrix combination is the key identifier of the first UK mono pressing. The record is housed in the correct original front-laminated flipback sleeve, with an unlaminated rear carrying the distinctive "Magic Notes" and "Emitex" logos associated with the earliest sleeve configuration.

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Sleeve (VG+)
The original first-issue flipback sleeve remains notably clean and attractive. The laminated front retains good sheen, while the unlaminated rear remains very presentable for its age. There is only light age-related handling and wear, with the overall structure remaining strong. A solid VG+ sleeve and a very pleasing surviving example of this early Columbia construction → VG+

Vinyl (VG+)
The vinyl retains a good original gloss and presents well overall. There are some fine superficial play lines and light evidence of previous use. Side 2 has one somewhat more visible scuff, but importantly this mark is not feelable. There are no deep or serious scratches. Overall a solid and honest VG+ example → VG+

Inner Sleeve
Original period Emitex polythene-lined inner sleeve included, an important part of the original UK presentation and a welcome addition for the collector.

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Details
* UK first pressing
* Columbia 33SX 1658
* Mono
* Black Columbia labels
* Rare early label variation: no "Recording First Published" text
* A 'Cee Cee' Production
* Made in Gt. Britain
* Front-laminated flipback sleeve
* Unlaminated rear with Magic Notes and Emitex logos
* Original Emitex inner sleeve included

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Matrix / Stampers
* Side 1: XAX 2729-1N
* Side 2: XAX 2730-1N