Free - The Free Story (2xLP, Comp, Ltd, Num) (Near Mint (NM or M-))

Media Condition:  Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Country:    UK  
Released:  Jan 1974
Genre:       Rock, Blues
Style:         Blues Rock, Classic Rock

Comments:
NM Beautiful wax with no visible hairlines, some very light surface markings likely from removing the discs from their sleeves - Top left corner a bit bent - Printed inner sleeves missing, have been replaced at some time in the past with generic Decca sleeves which we will include along with higher quality plastic sleeves - Ultrasonically cleaned
 

Notes:

Originally scheduled for release October 12th 1973 but delayed until January 1974 due to vinyl shortages.

Limited to a numbered edition of 50,000 copies. Promotional and advertising material indicated that plates/film used to make the sleeves would be destroyed following completion of the limited run. Nevertheless unnumbered copies continued to be available after the 50,000 run.

The gatefold sleeve was printed with incorrect catalogue number: ISL D3 on the back cover and the spine. Later copies include a small sticker on the back of the gatefold covering the incorrect catalogue number with the correct number: ISLD 4. The incorrect catalogue number on the spine remained unaltered. Inner sleeves however, were printed with the correct catalogue number from release.
This release with correct cat.# ISLD4 is here: [r16186784

Both inner sleeves are the same providing the album's track listing and a Free discography. They indicate that:
Side 3 track 4 (C4) is performed by Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu and Rabbit
Side 3 track 5 (C5) is performed by Peace (previously unreleased)
Side 4 track 4 (D4) Heartbreaker is recorded live at Portsmouth Guildhall, October 7th,1972 (this is also previously unreleased although not stated on the inner sleeve)

Initially the inner sleeves were square cut across the top. Later copies have a 20cm thumb notch.

Labels are usually smooth and flat, however ridged labels exist which can be randomly used on any side of disc 1 & 2 and not consistently matched with flat/ridged labels on the other side of the disc.
. 
Stapled inside the gatefold is a 4 page insert that provides a history of Free. It commences on the left-hand inside gatefold, continues across the insert, and concludes on the right-hand inside gatefold. 
Bottom centre of back cover states, "THE FREE STORY" IS A LIMITED EDITION. THIS ALBUM IS NUMBER ******

℗ 1973 Island Records Ltd.

 

A1. I'm A Mover 2:49
A2. I'll Be Creepin' 3:15
A3. Mourning Sad Morning 5:05
A4. All Right Now 4:20
A5. Heavy Load 5:05
B1. Fire And Water 3:40
B2. Be My Friend 5:30
B3. The Stealer 3:00
B4. Soon I Will Be Gone 2:45
B5. Mr. Big 6:00
C1. The Hunter 5:00
C2. Get Where I Belong 4:08
C3. Travelling Man 4:03
C4. Just For The Box 3:20
C5. Lady 4:25
D1. My Brother Jake 2:55
D2. Little Bit Of Love 2:32
D3. Sail On 3:00
D4. Heartbreaker 5:00
D5. Come Together In The Morning 4:20

 

Barcode and Other Identifiers:

Matrix / Runout ISLD 4.1 A
Matrix / Runout ISLD 4.1-B
Matrix / Runout ISLD 4.2-A
Matrix / Runout ISLD 4.2-B
Matrix / Runout ISLD 4.1
Matrix / Runout ISLD 4.2
Matrix / Runout ISL041 A-L
Matrix / Runout ISL041 A/B-L
Matrix / Runout ISL042 A-L
Matrix / Runout ISLD41 B-L
Matrix / Runout ISLD4-1B-1U
Matrix / Runout ISLD4-2A-4U KIP
Matrix / Runout ISLD4-2B-1U

 

Phonographic Copyright (p) Island Records Ltd.
Made By MacNeill Press Ltd.
Pressed By A.R.E.A.C.E.M.
Printed By MacNeill Press Ltd.
Published By Blue Mountain Music
Published By Warner Bros. Music
Published By Keepers Cottage Music
Published By Socks Music
Published By Rondor Music
Designed At Musgrave House Limited

Data provided by Discogs
Product listed via Disconnect