AMON DUUL II Phallus Dei VERY RARE UK 1969 Orig N/M LP

	£		476
	$		631

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Album Title: Phallus Dei.

Producer(s): Olaf Kubler.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Kanann; Dem Guten, Schonen, Wahren; Luzifers Ghilom; Henriette Krotenschwanz.

Side 2: Phallus Dei.

Label/Format: Liberty – original, yes ORIGINAL blue labels, the ultimate first pressing of this Krautrock classic (Please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Both look practically brand new. Another one from this amazing collection with the earliest pressings and barely even played, this record had possibly only been played once and if a better exists, well I would love to see it. The ultimate factory fresh labels clean and attractive with only a single faint spindle trace on side one and none at all on side two.

Cat Number: LBS 83279.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 143 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Very Rare, make no mistake, again the price guides are so misleading - when was the last time you saw one of these especially in such condition? A UK blue label Liberty copy of this album is the Holy Grail for many Krautrock collectors. This barely sold at all and went largely unnoticed. It was subsequently repressed on the budget Sunset label, a subsidiary of Liberty with a totally different cover and label. The UK pressing has a totally unique cover design - bizarrely, it had no front text and no-one would have any idea what or who was on offer (well at least until they turned it over). The Sunset reissue has the purple silouette cover and the German original had the ‘tree’ cover - both have no resemblance to this very rare UK original design. This groundbreaking German prog masterwork is one of the cornerstone albums within any progressive or Krautrock collection and try to find a better copy. One time has totally overlooked, I doubt if cover or record has seen light-of-day for decades. Who but the brave or daring would have shelled out for this relatively unknown underground foreign band at this time - this was a ‘full-price’ album unlike the Sunset reissue. Purchased by a few ‘alternative’ fans of the day, few of these will ever surface in such stunning condition, truly, this could be the best copy in existence, bold statement yes, but possibly a true one. The record looks and plays like new with incredible detail and power. The cover is a flimsy textured format with no protection, it will be obvious to any winning bidder, this has hardly been handled and cover protected from an early age. It’s truly beautiful and few will ever get close to it. It’s the very first time I have ever seen this as a UK original and being honest, I did not even know what it was as first glance. Do not underestimate this incredible album, this goes beyond very rare, this is near impossible like this and that is the honest truth.

Original Year of Release: 1969

Matrix Nos: LBS 83279 A 1 420 1 1 2 / LBS 83279 B 1 420 1 1

Musicians: Dieter Serfas - drums, electric cymbals; Peter Leopold - drums; Shrat - bongos, vocals, violin; Renate Knaup - vocals, tambourine; John Weinierl - guitar, 12-strong bass; Chris Karrer - violin, guitar, 12-string guitar, soprano saxophone, vocals; Falk Rogner - organ; Dave Anderson - bass Guests: Holger Trulzsch - Turkish drums; Christian Borchard - vibraphone.

Brief Artist & Album Info: After the split from the original incarnation of Amon Düül because of differences in musical direction it was immediately evident from this stunning debut this splinter group meant business. Phallus Dei carried on and extended the psychedelic sounds of bands like Pink Floyd and Jefferson Airplane and added heavy progressive elements too. Along with Can’s Monster Movie, this is one of the classic German underground albums of all time. Atmospheric with shimmering guitars and splintering violin, freakbeat organ, guitar and bass. Rising and falling in volume with distinctive and sometimes chilling vocals from Renate. The Krautrock scene was born and flourished, for those who bought this music discovered great originality and genuine excitement. Unfortunately not too many bought this album on release and this is now my very first copy on the original label. A near reference copy it is too, the record is as perfect as vinyl ever will be this great age. Imagine the types who bought this originally - how many survive practically as new? One for the Krautrock connoisseur, this record is unbeatable and plays with audiophile ‘in-the-studio’ sound. A groundbreaking album and the bedrock within the German progressive scene. If you are still yet to discover this gem, well this is an astonishing copy - just imagine going into the record shop back in 1969 and finding this on the shelves… no it’s not a dream… this is nearest you will ever get these days.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High++.

Cover Grade and Format: Mint(-) a single format with a matt and textured finish. No text on the front gave even less chance to sell, this cover is totally unique to the UK market. Printed and made in England by MacNeill Press Ltd.

Front: How many collectors would even recognise this as ‘Phallus Dei’?, even the CD reissues do not include this artwork. What an absolute treasure for the Underground rock connoisseur. This front is little short of as new, the red and blue surface retains incredible freshness and vivid colour with barely any traces of rubbing and no speckle to the raised areas. A mere trace of a friction rub near the bottom edge if being critical but look hard to see it. No creasing or marks worthy of mention and no ringwear which is remarkable. Even under light there is no friction rubs or scuffing to the soft and delicate card. This psychy work of art will never be found better and I am very confident in this bold statement - please take another look.

Cover Back: Stunning again both sides are jaw-drop gorgeous. Practically the same as the front and how ringwear-prone is this? Well nothing apparent at all, this goes beyond amazing but seeing it believing. So soft and fragile, this bends if not handled with the utmost care, it must be held with TWO hands not one making the lack of creasing all-the-more incredible and proving beyond doubt it has hardly ever left its protective outer sleeve. A ‘lost’ cover from the psychedelic prog underground.

Top Edge: Barely any wear at all, the odd surface rub trace if being ultra critical but look hard.

Bottom Edge: Light rubbing and this is practically the only wear on the entire cover.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with barely any wear and no feathering - a tiny rub trace on the back on the extreme edge of the edge if being really picky. Record enters on this fragile edge and given to the soft uncompromising card, this edge is beautifully preserved.

Spine and Text: Again in superb condition, fragile and very thin: hardly any wear again. Solid, straight with only minimal traces of compression. All text is perfect and unworn and this is clean too. Given its thinness, the text is incredibly well centred (blue on white).

Corners: All have small tip rubs which can be no real surprise. Incredibly soft and fragile card but all retain very shine shape and definition.

Cover Summary: One of the most exciting covers I have had the privilege to even hold, not only for its uniqueness and rarity but the wonderful condition too, the ultimate alternative late 60’s underground Krautrock cover, one that will prove nigh-on impossible to find better. This beautiful item will delight all discerning Krautrockers, prog fans and even the connoisseur collector.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: I am very, very tempted to grade this incredible record as full Mint, it really does deserve it but I will stick to my policy of Mint(-) on a played record. If a better example still exists today, I sure would like to see it. The earliest pressing and simply ignored, this will remind those of a certain age what a new copy once looked and sounded like - a very rare opportunity indeed. A wonderful visual copy that is super clean, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed with barely a noteworthy mark or blemish to be seen. Visually, one of the best I have ever seen on this famous label and without doubt one of the most elusive.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippetts or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This classic underground prog gem plays up to its visual grading with nothing to fault. Powerful, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Any surface sounds barely even registere and no pops or clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing for a fairly challenging recording. Few copies will even get close to this, truly a gateway into the recording studio and no copy will ever outperform this earliest pressing I feel certain. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has barely even been played and has been clearly well stored and carefully and sparingly handled. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record, one of the classic ‘lost’ prog-psych albums as an original. This copy will prove close on impossible to find better and is unreservedly recommended to all - a wonderful copy and experience - the copy time has forgotten.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon Samba Moving Coil cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: I now offer the fastest possible posting, mostly the very next day after payment is received or within 48 hours maximum. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with TWO thick stiffners for even extra protection. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used for clarity and well as sender label. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but NOT surface mail abroad. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with the total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional extra insurance’ P&P – ALL UK and Russian packets go out non-negotiable Recorded Delivery. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 4,000+ items sold in over 7 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & OPTIONS:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: ALL EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (any part); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£35).

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.