Carpenters Self-Titled Vinyl LP VG++ First Pressing (1971) A M SP 4271 with Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar Condition: VG++ (EX) Vinyl and VG++ (EX) Cover. Vinyl was play-tested on both sides and plays really well throughout - clean vinyl. Original envelope gatefold cover is clean, fully intact with no splits, creases or writing and includes original A M Inner sleeve. Carpenters is the third studio album by American music duo the Carpenters.[1] Released on May 14, 1971, it was their most successful studio album, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart and number 12 in the UK, as well as being certified 4 Platinum by the RIAA. The album contained the hit songs "For All We Know", "Rainy Days and Mondays" and "Superstar". It has been said that the strength of these recordings is what caused Richard Carpenter to ask his sister to front the band for their live performances instead of playing behind the drums. Amongst many fans, the album has simply been referred to as "The Tan Album", because the original LP cover, complete with overlapping flap, looked like an oversized tan envelope,[2][3] and is presumably a play on The Beatles' so-called White Album. In Cash Box's Top 100 Albums of 1971, Carpenters was listed as one of the year's ten biggest albums.[4] This is the first album to feature the familiar Carpenters logo. All lead vocals are by Karen, except on the tracks "Druscilla Penny", "Saturday", and the "Walk on By" segment of the Bacharach/David Medley, in which Richard Carpenter sings lead vocal, with Karen in the background. The album and its singles earned Carpenters four Grammy Award nominations including Album of the Year. It won the Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus. Track listing A1 Rainy Days And Mondays A2 Saturday A3 Let Me Be The One A4 (A Place To) Hideaway A5 For All We Know B1 Superstar B2 Druscilla Penny B3 One Love Bacharach-David Medley: B4.a Knowing When To Leave B4.b Make It Easy On Yourself B4.c (There's) Always Something There To Remind Me B4.d I'll Never Fall In Love Again B4.e Walk On By B4.f Do You Know The Way To San Jose B5 Sometimes Musicians Karen Carpenter ? vocals, drums Richard Carpenter ? arranger, piano, harpsichord, Wurlitzer electric piano, Hammond organ, vocals Hal Blaine ? drums Jim Horn ? reeds Earl Dumler ? oboe on "For All We Know" Bob Messenger ? bass, reeds Tommy Morgan ? harmonica on "Rainy Days and Mondays" Joe Osborn ? bass Doug Strawn ? reeds _____________________________________________ Shipping: Calculated domestic shipping via Media Mail or Priority Mail. Will ship internationally at FLAT RATES. Records mailed in a proper cardboard LP mailer. All records cleaned prior to shipment. Check out my other auctions, and save on shipping! I do offer multiple-bid shipping discounts -- please contact me before paying if you plan to purchase or bid on multiple auctions. Payment: Paypal is preferred method of payment. Return Policy: I do accept returns for up to 30 days. Please let me know if you have questions about this item or any others I have for sale before you bid or purchase. If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact me immediately and I will do whatever I can to resolve. This may be a replacement, a credit, or a full or partial refund depending on the circumstances. _____________________________________________ I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects. MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint. NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects. VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear. VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits. GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage. GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft. Feel free to contact me with any specific questions.