Guys,
You may do with the records whatever you wish. I am not expecting, nor do I want them returned after the tour. I already have a nice copy of this title in my record library. So if any of you have particularly strong feelings about wanting the record after the tour then I would like that person to keep and enjoy it with my blessings. The only thing that I care about is that people who want to hear this record get a chance to listen to it.
I am very surprised that no one has cleaned the LPs. Every record that comes through my door, new or used, gets a good going over with my VPI 16.5 and nylon brush. I make two passes, one with a cleaning solution and a second with pure distilled water. New records often have some residual mold release compound in the grooves that can foul the stylus very quickly. Its best to get that nasty stuff off of your records before playing them for the first time.
--Jerome