Velvet Underground - Safety Film Vinyl

Artist: The Velvet Underground
Title: The Velvet Underground
Label: MGM Records / Polydor Special Series
Catalogue Number: SPELP 39
Country: United Kingdom
Original Release Year: 1969
Pressing Year: 1986 UK Reissue
Format: Vinyl LP
Speed: 33⅓ RPM

Description

The Velvet Underground is the band's third studio album and the first to feature Doug Yule following the departure of John Cale. Released in 1969, the album marked a significant shift towards a more melodic and introspective sound while retaining the group's distinctive experimental edge. Featuring standout tracks including "Candy Says", "Pale Blue Eyes", "Beginning To See The Light" and "What Goes On", the album is regarded as one of the most influential alternative rock recordings ever made.

Pressing Notes

This UK Polydor Special Series issue is commonly known among collectors as the "Safety Film" edition, named after the distinctive film-canister style artwork used for the sleeve. Issued under catalogue number SPELP 39, the release formed part of Polydor's mid-1980s reissue programme and has become a sought-after Velvet Underground collectible in its own right. Copies feature the unique "Safety Film" cover design rather than the original 1969 artwork.

The "Safety Film" sleeve has become one of the most recognisable Velvet Underground reissue variations and remains popular with collectors due to its unusual presentation and relatively limited availability compared with standard reissues.

Track Listing

Side A

Candy Says
What Goes On
Some Kinda Love
Pale Blue Eyes
Jesus

Side B

Beginning To See The Light
I'm Set Free
That's The Story Of My Life
The Murder Mystery
After Hours
Matrix / Runout

Side A: SPELP 39 A
Side B: SPELP 39 B

Additional Information
UK Polydor Special Series pressing
Rare "Safety Film" cover artwork
SPELP 39 catalogue number
Features "Pale Blue Eyes"
Includes "Candy Says" and "What Goes On"
Stereo pressing
Classic Velvet Underground album
Desirable collector's reissue
Condition

Sleeve: Very Good Plus (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 marks or signs of wear.

Excellent (EX)

Lightly played and very well cared for. May show minimal signs of handling or faint sleeve removal marks, but no scratches affecting appearance or playback.

Very Good (VG)

Noticeable surface marks and signs of use, though the record still plays well throughout.

Good (G)

Visible wear, marks, or scratches present. Playback remains acceptable, although some surface noise may be noticeable.

Poor / Fair (P/F)

Heavy wear and significant scratches. Record will still play but sound quality may be affected.

Shipping

All records are visually inspected and conservatively graded for both sleeve and vinyl condition. As these are pre-owned records, occasional light surface noise may be present as part of the listening experience.

All orders are shipped via Tracked 24 delivery service using professional record mailers and protective stiffeners to ensure safe arrival.