Simon Thornhill

I get what your saying. However I think your slightly missing the point in this instance. 4ad as a record label, has built a reputation not solely on the quality of the artist music output. They have a clear track record of some of the greatest bands, ever to commit music to vinyl - Bauhaus, Cocteau Twins, The Birthday Party, Pixies, The Breeders,Dead Can Dance etc etc etc. But what has always set 4ad apart from the vast majority of labels, is the way they presented their artists work. The physical delivery, i.e the artwork and the presentation of the music via the visual medium of the album sleeve, is an integral part of the experience of owning a record from the classic era of 4ad. I have been a follower a devotee an obsessive collector, of all things classic era 4ad since I was 15 years old. When I first stumbled across Head over Heels by Cocteau Twins. Not only did the album blow me away, but the art work that presented it, was so different and unusual. So owning a piece vinyl from 4ad although it is about great music first and foremost.Its also about the joy of experiencing some quite visually wonderful too. So i think that, its perfectly reasonable to express disappointment. Given that the "mock up" presentation is so radically differing from the final product that has been delivered.

Sadly for the first time in a very very very long time. I'm having to send an item back. When 4ad announced that they intended to reissue Belly's album STAR on luscious coloured marbled vinyl (see first picture) I was delighted, promptly pre ordered my copy & patiently waiting for the release date. Now I have to say on the + side, the album arrived on schedule & in mint condition. So far so good. However upon carefully opening the LP to peruse the "gloriously luscious marbled vinyl" I was given to anticipate from the visual presentation in ( picture 1 ) I was greatly dismayed to in fact receive. Two albeit very pretty blue & pink (very slightly) marbled vinyl. Now two things to say. Firstly, I understand & accept, that by virtue of the process of creating a multicoloured marbled vinyl. There is likely to be some variation in results. That as our US chums would say is a given. However, secondly, I would have thought it would have been prudent of 4ad, to clearly state in the pre order info / advert, that the colour & results of the marbled vinyl may vary GREATLY from the example pictured. You are welcome to play a game of spot the difference, by checking out my pictures of the actual vinyl received. The irony being, if 4ad had taken a little more care with their description of the vinyl. I would have been more than happy with what I received. But sadly, these vinyl are being returned to sender first thing Monday morning! ‪#‎uberunhappigoth‬ Hopefully you'll be able to see my post on my fb page that shows the actual vinyl i received today <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsimon.thornhill%2Fposts%2F10153831770273207&width=500" width="500" height="781" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>