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The National

First Two Pages 2LP 12in Vinyl

First Two Pages 2LP 12in Vinyl

Regular price $60.50 AUD
Regular price Sale price $60.50 AUD
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First Two Pages 2LP vinyl presents The National's ninth studio album across two 12-inch discs preserving original sequencing to restore album flow and side breaks for a complete listening experience.

If you struggle to connect with albums as cohesive works instead of shuffled playlists this two-disc vinyl helps by maintaining track order and natural pauses between sides so you can follow the record's intended narrative and dynamics.

  • 2LP format on two 12-inch discs compatible with 33 1/3 RPM turntables
  • 11 tracks produced by The National at Long Pond Studios in upstate New York
  • Guest performances credited on the sleeve by Taylor Swift Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens
  • Two-disc spread reduces groove crowding maintaining wider spacing per side compared to single-disc pressings
  • Inspected by VinylHug prior to shipping to confirm playability and packaging integrity

Unlike streaming where order can be lost this vinyl emphasizes album pacing and physical ownership. Compared to single-disc releases the two-disc pressing helps preserve dynamics and track separation for focused listening sessions or critical listening with turntable setups.

Official studio pressing produced at Long Pond Studios and recommended for collectors and listeners who prefer full-album experiences. Backed by VinylHug quality inspection for tested playback and secure packaging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will First Two Pages 2LP play on my turntable?
Yes. First Two Pages is pressed across two 12-inch discs intended for 33 1/3 RPM playback, so it will play on any turntable that supports standard 12-inch 33 1/3 RPM records. The pressing is an official studio pressing produced at Long Pond Studios and VinylHug inspects each copy prior to shipping to confirm playability and packaging integrity. You should also confirm your turntable has a working phono input or an external phono stage, and that the cartridge and stylus are in good condition to avoid tracking problems. This format benefits owners of standard home turntables and collectors seeking a full-album experience; it will not play correctly on players that only support 45 RPM or nonstandard disc sizes without the proper speed setting or adapter.
Does the two-disc pressing improve sound quality compared to a single-disc version?
Yes. A two-disc pressing can improve sound quality because spreading the album across two 12-inch discs reduces groove crowding and allows wider groove spacing per side, which preserves dynamic range and reduces inner-groove distortion. This release preserves the album's original sequencing and was produced at Long Pond Studios, which supports higher-fidelity mastering and pressing practices. VinylHug inspects each copy for playability, which helps ensure the pressing you receive meets expected standards. Audiophiles and listeners who value dynamics and channel separation benefit most from the two-disc format, while the audible improvement depends on the mastering and pressing quality; if a single-disc and two-disc share identical mastering, differences may be more subtle.
Does this 2LP preserve the original track order and side breaks?
Yes. First Two Pages 2LP preserves the original sequencing and restores side breaks to maintain the album's intended pacing and narrative flow. The two-disc spread is specifically designed to keep tracks in their original order and to provide natural pauses between sides, which helps listeners follow the record as a cohesive work rather than a shuffled playlist. This pressing contains 11 tracks produced by The National at Long Pond Studios and is targeted at listeners who want the full-album experience and the emotional architecture of side transitions. If you prefer shuffled playback or single-track listening, streaming can replicate order but lacks the physical side breaks that encourage focused listening sessions.
Are guest artist credits included on the sleeve of the vinyl?
Yes. Guest performances are credited on the sleeve of this pressing, with guest artists listed in the packaging details. The product notes indicate contributions by Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens are credited on the sleeve, and the official studio pressing from Long Pond Studios typically includes those sleeve credits. VinylHug also inspects each package before shipping to confirm sleeve integrity and that printed credits are present. Collectors and fans who value documentation and liner notes benefit most from these credits; however, the exact layout of sleeve notes or any inserts can vary by pressing and region, so specifics like lyric sheets or additional inserts may differ between editions.
Is this 2LP a good gift for someone new to vinyl collecting?
Yes. This two-disc vinyl is a strong gift choice for a new collector who appreciates full albums because it offers the tactile and narrative advantages of a multi-side record while being a standard 12-inch format that fits most turntables. The pressing contains 11 tracks produced at Long Pond Studios and is inspected by VinylHug before shipping, which lowers the chance of receiving a faulty copy. New collectors benefit from owning an album that emphasizes sequencing and side breaks, giving a clear introduction to album listening etiquette. Keep in mind the recipient will still need a turntable with 33 1/3 RPM capability and some basic handling knowledge to care for the discs and get the best sound.
How should I store and care for First Two Pages 2LP to keep it in good condition?
Store and care for the 2LP by following standard vinyl best practices to preserve sound quality and longevity. Keep the discs upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, use anti-static inner sleeves and a protective outer sleeve to prevent dust and surface abrasion, and clean the record with a carbon fiber brush before each play to remove loose particles. Ensure your turntable’s stylus and tracking force are correctly set to avoid excessive wear. VinylHug inspects each copy before shipping but ongoing owner maintenance is essential. These practices benefit collectors and frequent listeners; improper storage or dirty styli will still cause noise and wear even on inspected pressings.
How long will this vinyl last with regular play?
With proper care, a well-pressed vinyl like this 2LP can last for decades. Longevity depends on factors such as stylus condition, tracking force, cleanliness, and storage environment. The two-disc format helps by reducing groove crowding and distributing music across more surface area, which can lower wear per side compared to a heavily crowded single-disc pressing. Because this pressing was produced at Long Pond Studios and inspected by VinylHug before shipping, you should receive a copy in good initial condition. Careful listeners and archivists who keep their styli clean, use correct tracking force, and store records upright will see the best lifespan, while heavy play with a worn or dirty stylus will accelerate wear.
Does VinylHug inspect and securely package this 2LP for shipping?
Yes. VinylHug inspects each First Two Pages 2LP prior to shipping to confirm playability and packaging integrity. The inspection process checks the disc surface for visible defects and ensures the jacket and sleeve are intact. The two 12-inch discs are packaged to reduce movement and protect corners and seams during transit. This attention benefits online buyers and collectors who prioritize receiving a playable, undamaged item. While inspection and secure packaging significantly reduce the risk of damage, transit incidents can still occur on rare occasions, and customers should contact VinylHug customer service if they receive a damaged item.
Will I notice a sound difference when playing this 2LP with a basic cartridge versus a high-end cartridge?
Yes. Cartridge and stylus quality materially affect how much detail and dynamics you will hear from this 2LP. Higher-end cartridges and properly aligned setups typically reveal more frequency detail, better channel separation and improved transient response, which the two-disc pressing’s wider groove spacing is able to deliver. The pressing itself, produced at Long Pond Studios and inspected by VinylHug, provides the source material, but the playback chain determines how much of that information is retrieved. Audiophiles with upgraded cartridges and careful setup will hear the greatest gains, while casual listeners using a basic cartridge will still experience the album’s sequence and overall character but with less resolution.
Is the two-disc vinyl a better way to experience the album’s narrative than streaming?
Yes. The two-disc vinyl format is better for experiencing the album’s narrative and pacing because it preserves the original sequencing and restores side breaks that create intentional pauses and emotional arcs. This pressing presents 11 tracks across two 12-inch discs at 33 1/3 RPM, which maintains album flow and makes transitions and dynamic shifts more perceptible than continuous streaming or shuffled playback. VinylHug’s inspection helps ensure the physical copy you receive supports that experience. Listeners who want focused listening sessions, collectors, and those studying album structure benefit most. Streaming remains more convenient and portable and can replicate track order, but it does not reproduce the tactile and temporal cues of a multi-side vinyl listening session.