The Mock Turtles - 87-90 Vinyl

Artist: The Mock Turtles

Title: 87–90

Label: Imaginary Records

Catalogue Number: ILLUSION 019

Country: United Kingdom

Original Release Year: 1991

Pressing Year: 1991 UK First Pressing

Format: Vinyl LP

Speed: 33⅓ RPM

Description

87–90 is a rare compilation of The Mock Turtles' early independent recordings, released by Imaginary Records in 1991. Showcasing the band's formative years before mainstream success, the album blends jangly guitars, psychedelic influences and melodic indie pop, capturing the sound that made The Mock Turtles one of the most respected acts to emerge from the late-1980s Manchester scene. Pressed during the rapid decline of vinyl production, original UK LP copies are considerably scarcer than their CD counterparts.

Pressing Notes

Original 1991 UK first pressing on Imaginary Records, catalogue number ILLUSION 019. This copy features the desirable first-cut matrix combination ILLUSION 019-1 / ILLUSION 019-2, confirming it as an original pressing.

Issued in relatively small numbers, 87–90 compiles recordings from the band's independent years and has become one of the more elusive Mock Turtles vinyl releases. The combination of limited production, independent label origins and the band's enduring cult following has made original first pressings increasingly sought after by collectors of Manchester indie and alternative rock.

Track Listing

Side One

John O'War
No Good Trying
Bathing In Blue
Watching The Waning Moon
Big Sky
Fionnuala

Side Two

Oh Helen How (Strings)
Shangri-La
Time Between
Calm Before The Storm
Magic Boomerang
Matrix / Runout

Side One: ILLUSION 019-1

Side Two: ILLUSION 019-2

Additional Information
Original UK first pressing
First-cut matrices ILLUSION 019-1 / ILLUSION 019-2
Imaginary Records
Catalogue number ILLUSION 019
Independent label release
Features rare early recordings
Manchester indie / alternative rock
Scarce UK vinyl issue
Highly collectible first pressing
Condition

Sleeve: Very Good (VG)

Record: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Inner Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Rockabuy Records Grading Guide

Near Mint (NM)

Virtually flawless condition. Played only a handful of times with no visible signs of wear.

Excellent (EX)

Lightly played and exceptionally well cared for with only minimal cosmetic wear.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A clean, well-preserved copy with only light signs of use. The sleeve remains crisp and structurally sound, while the vinyl shows minimal surface marks that do not detract from playback.

Very Good (VG)

Noticeable signs of use with light surface marks and handling wear, though the record plays well throughout.

Good (G)

Visible wear with more pronounced marks. Playback remains enjoyable with some background noise.

Poor / Fair (P/F)

Heavy wear and significant scratches affecting playback quality.

Shipping

All records are visually inspected and conservatively graded for both sleeve and vinyl condition. Records are securely packaged in professional record mailers with protective stiffeners and dispatched via a fully tracked delivery service to ensure safe arrival.