Ending This Week
Small Faces
Small Faces / 1966 original uk mono press
Decca: LK 4790 (LP)
This listing is in such spectacular condition this could be almost time-machine 1966 condition!
Absolutely no "upgrade" would ever be required if this iconic album sat in your collection, I'm personally never expecting to encounter a copy to eclipse the perfectness that sits on my desk today..
So act accordingly after you absorb the almost impossible "condition report" set out below.
We see no reason to review this iconic albums music or indeed muse over The Small Faces credibility, after all they are the greatest MOD band of all time!
Condition, Condition, Condition!
Condition Report
Jaw-dropping exquisite condition, had me scrutinizing every aspect, because at first after years of experiencing disappoint at the varying states this iconic album had gotten itself into in the last 51 years. <br /> Laminated Front Cover. The only "pimples" worth a mention on this picture of beauty is only minuscule corner tip rub. Very light vein bottom right corner, similar fine laminate crease on the crown of the hair bottom left face pic. to find them I had to angle the front cover under light to reveal them, so we doubt they will appear on the scan (but do scrutinize) <br /> <br /> Back Cover. Is free of any grime, stains, writing, age-browning, tears, stains that most every other copy we've acquired has suffered from. See the scan and squint<br /> <br /> Red labels. The spindle holes seem virginal, although again angling just right in the the a-side reveal just 3 very soft faint spindle trails, the b-side label just a solitary one.. This disc seems to have been hardly played and then very carefully.<br /> <br /> Vinyls. As hard as I try I'm unable reveal even a sleeve contact blemish, full gloss, no hairlines just perfection, we've grade it Mint - just in case, someone sees something I can't.<br /> <br /> British Album collecting does not get any more satisfying than this
Laminated Front Cover. The only "pimples" worth a mention on this picture of beauty is only minuscule corner tip rub. Very light vein bottom right corner, similar fine laminate crease on the crown of the hair bottom left face pic. to find them I had to angle the front cover under light to reveal them, so we doubt they will appear on the scan (but do scrutinize)
Back Cover. Is free of any grime, stains, writing, age-browning, tears, stains that most every other copy we've acquired has suffered from. See the scan and squint
Red labels. The spindle holes seem virginal, although again angling just right in the the a-side reveal just 3 very soft faint spindle trails, the b-side label just a solitary one.. This disc seems to have been hardly played and then very carefully.
Vinyls. As hard as I try I'm unable reveal even a sleeve contact blemish, full gloss, no hairlines just perfection, we've grade it Mint - just in case, someone sees something I can't.
British Album collecting does not get any more satisfying than this
Righteous Brothers
Just Once In My Life / The Blues
London: HL 9962 (45s)
Not only the rarest but arguably their most potent session of them all. Hear Bill Medley at his towering best! Hear Phil Spector's "Wall Of Sound" strings rushing through like a tornado, whip up the vocals into a storm. Certainly their least known recording, benefiting from everything those three writing/producing icons seem to muster at will.
Bill Medley delivers an astonishing vocal performance, with Bobby Hatfield augmenting the song with flawlessly pitched interventions.. the whole thing explodes into a tumultuous duet to beat all duets.
Why this was withdrawn I've never been totally sure of, other than it certainly do not have a commercial note sung in it... just how use record collectors like it.. whilst seeking the rare and the vgood
Condition Report
A-side vinyl is a strong clean play clear Excellent, a few very fine hairlines not affecting fidelity or Medley's searing vocal. Flipside vinyl is a shade cleaner with a light wiggly surface mark, again not transferring to the stylus. A-side DEMO labeksd has a tiny initial RH on the centerpiece (see scan) flipside label is unblemished. Both labels have the Decca in-house rubber-stamp running time numbers.
Egg
Seven Is A Jolly Good Time / You Are All Princes
Deram: DM 269 (45s)
Preceding the group’s highly sought after 1970 Deram album. Neither side of this 1969 Psychedelia 45 appear on that Nova Series original LP.
Before you today is the group’s solitary 45 a very rare Deram Demo with middles intact and near perfect vinyl. Radio station I.D. and release date on label (see scan) and the only authentic way to complete their recordings. As the two sides were picked up in the 2000’s to enhance a few of the reissue compilations.
Rarely encountered, seldom seen for sale especially in this superior condition.
Condition Report
Radio Station file copy - date, I.D. on label, vinyl is Mint minus both sides
Phase 4
I'm Gonna Sit Down And Cry / What Do You Say About That
FAB: Fab 1 (45s)
RARE First label - preceding the failed Decca F.12327 press - this offering is flawless file - Decca file copy with DECCA ticker tape i.d. under the FAB logo - tiny red A left hand side (see flip scan).
A 1966 Mike Batt and Norman Nossister project that failed to get off the ground, today it’s considered one of the real rarities of the Golden Beat era of 1966.
The main reason other than the lack of Decca muscle behind the promotion, was both FAB and Decca led with the wrong side. Although “What Do You Say About That” may be impressive in it’s simplicity, a jolly “Beatle-esque” session aiming at commercial profit.
The real gem sits on the flip, where Phase 4 were true to themselves with a haunting Psyche trip with a beautifully despondent lead vocal decorated with highly inventive instrumentation (Mike Batt) and skilled guitar support.
Great, great song that is slowly but surely burgeoning a strong reputation.. this copy has flawless vinyls, essential for full appreciation of this intricate recording..
The value of this 45 can only rise as word spreads about it’s additive qualities..
RARE indeed!
Condition Report
Ex-Decca file copy. Flawless vinyls. A-side label was a Decca file copy - has Decca tick-a-tape tag on A-side label (see scan) - plus red A to the left hand side. flipside label like the vinyl is near perfect.
Anal Fleas
1. Psyche 2. Over the Edge / 3. Landlord 4. Go Down
Rectal: Flea 45 (EP)
the 4 tracks include:
1. Psyche
2. Over the Edge
3. Landlord
4. Go D own
Condition Report
Vinyl is super clean Mint minus. Label is equally clean # 181 handwritten next to the 1982 date, denoting the press # in the run
Johnny Clarke
Enter Into His Gates With Praise / 1975 uk original press
Attack: ATLP 1015 (LP)
Considered such an important "Roots" album, this heralded session has enjoyed two reissues over the years, in 1989 and 1995. Note this is the 1995 original British press with the fully laminated cover.
Condition Report
Vinyl was most likely UNPLAYED until we lifted the soundfile for the auction. Both labels are mint with not a spindle trail blemish to be found. Laminated front cover's only flaw is a light crease top right hand corner (see scan). Laminated back cover is near perfection. We are unlikely to encounter such superior condition after 42 years in circulation. This really is a magnificent copy.<br />
Etheopians c/w The Sharks
Owe Me No Pay Me / I Wouldn't Baby
Rio: R110 (45s)
After a simplistic Horn with Harmonica intro, a steel drum roll signals a real treat of vocal-group SKA. Intricate verbal-volleyball bounces around the gathering whilst an insistent dance rhythm pumps up proceedings. This is superior SKA in superior condition. Check out those flawless labels, an crystal soundfile.. a seldom encountered 45, in this top condition it rarely comes to market.
Flip it over for a slightly gentler approach from "The Sharks" but again a session growing in presence as the recording unfolds. Relentless arrangement is ticked out, with rhythmic "rimshots", a harmonicas backdrop and a rich vocal... not as instantly appealing as the pumping A-side, but one that creeps up on you.
If your a collector who demands top-drawer condition whilst buying 60's Jamaican music, this 45 will exactly hit your exacting criteria..
Condition Report
It is rare to acquire over 50 year old British SKA/Reggae at this level of condition. Two flawless labels (see scans) and unblemished vinyl that we can only grade at Mint minus. Check the squeaky clean soundfiles.
Fairfield Parlour
From Home to Home / 1970 original UK press
Vertigo: 6360 001 (LP)
Now a legendary Psychedelic album from the 4 Kaleidoscope guys. Demand over the years has sparked many reissues. It's initial 1970 release saw five different countries have the opportunity of this reklease, but not the USA where demand is strong for the standout album, most striving to acquire an original British copy, many considering British 1970 vinyl quality hard to beat. As Vertigo Prog LPs values go from strength to strength the time to acquire has always been NOW. The valiues never falter, especially if you can find a fine clean copy..
Read the condition report below.
Condition Report
COVER. The tactile textured gatefold cover, has mild storage rub to the top/bottom seams and one tiny part of the spine (ALL orange text is intact and fully readable). Corner-tips have only superficial filing brush,there are 3 small colour fades where previous shop pricing tags have been carefully removed. Scrutinize the scan, these are not distracting from the beauty of what is a busy art-cover. Back cover is near perfect just the mildest of ring rub at the very top and very bottom. Inside the gatefold the colour is rich & bright, just minuscule occasional pinhead foxing, hardly worth the mention. IMHO A little bit a graphic ingenuity could easily lift the front cover a grade<br /> <br /> Now let's talk beautiful VINYL condition and impeccable labels... at first I could not see even a blemish but when I squinted for the matrix stamps, two ultra fine, hairlines were detected, neither affecting play and you could go a lifetime without seeing them. Both labels are perfection as is the coveted poly-lined spiral inner..
Now let's talk beautiful VINYL condition and impeccable labels... at first I could not see even a blemish but when I squinted for the matrix stamps, two ultra fine, hairlines were detected, neither affecting play and you could go a lifetime without seeing them. Both labels are perfection as is the coveted poly-lined spiral inner..
Nervous Norvus
Ape Call / Wild Dog Of Kentucky
UK London: HLD 8338 (45s)
A rare but talented introvert, who became a legend within the 50’s record collecting community for his ability to take a topic and present it to the Teens of the day, in a really quirky manner creating many unique recordings.
This his third 45 offers up two unconventional self-penned recordings that gave him minor success in the USA for DOT records, but in Britain sold virtually nothing.
Check out the double sound-file, that will be transport you back to mid-50’s Memphis life, as a man with dreams of the “big time” sings it how he saw it. A highly gifted artist who should have received more success during his lifetime.
Although a CD is now available on Norton covering his unique legacy..
Before you today is a Nervous Norvus jewel, presented as the 1956 GOLD London treasure in the finest possible condition, you could never dream of owning a finer example. .
Condition Report
Flawless vinyl, unblemished labels, housed in original London sleeve. You will not locate a finer copy
Roland Al and the Soul Brothers
Sugar And Spice / Get Out Of My Life
Doctor Bird: DB 1017 (45s)
Condition Report
Full gloss but some light surface hairline that give off an occasional mild background tick. Check over the full double soundfile taken directly off this disc. A-side label has tiny name to the lower right-hand, see scan. Flipside label is unblemished. Three pong die-cut center is full intact.
Shadows Of Knight
Shake / From Way Out To Way Under
Buddah: 201024 (45s)
So very perfect we, decided to lift the double soundfile from the USA Team 520 release, so's not to deflower this discs perfectness. Nearly 50 years old and we believe it has never been played; Which frankly is astonishing!
Highly regarded 5 man Chicago rock gathering had already pleasure the MOD scene with Gloria, Bad Little Woman, Oh Yeah, Someone Like You, with their taste for Freak-beat, Psyche saturated in attitude and defiance. Outrageous guitar displays on most every recording they attacked.. in 1968 they came under the wing of Joey Levine who along with Kris & Artie Resnick brought them into the SUPER K fold who carved a reputation as leaders of the "Bubblegum" sound.. but this is so much more than "Quick Joey Small, Jumped Over The wall" Bubblegum.
"Shake" is a MOD anthem, vocally confrontational, with Molotov-cocktail of rebellious guitar and snarling vocals.. a masterpiece of the 1968 sound, with The Shadows of Knight surely stamping their own character on, what might have become a "Quick Joey Small.." if the had weaken followed the burgeoning Bubblegum path...the result is "Killer Tune.." no basking in MOD classic status.
Having said all that, DO NOT OVERLOOK the enthralling instrumental hidden away on the flip, that is exceedingly good also.
But may we just say again to find a UK copy in 2017 that appears to be unplayed is just staggeringly pleasing!
Condition Report
MINT / MINT / MINT still house in original wavy-top white sleeve it was born in.
Peter Toush
Them A, Fi Get A Beaten / Get A Beaten
Pressure Beat: PB 5509 (45s)
An addictive feelgood tune, with Peter Tosh's expressive vocal style knitting perfectly into effectively the uplifting amalgam of horns, with sweet girl group chorus adding the final coat to this jubilant recording. A strong additive session, that you'll finmd having to have more than a single listen as it creeps under your skin..
A record that has had a few Jamaican reissues so feel 100% safe with the authenticity of this 45. Two thoroughly sublime vinyl surfaces both are unblemished (listen). The labels as you can see, are pristine, with the 4 prong die-cut center still firmly in place.
Condition Report
Two sublime vinyl surfaces totally unblemished (listen). The labels as you can see, are pristine, with the 4 prong die-cut center still firmly in place. As Good as It Gets..