APHRODITE'S CHILD 666 VERY RARE ORIG UK 1971 VERTIGO SPIRAL EX+/++ LPs + INNERS.

	£		686
	$		909

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World in Quality, Safe Packing.

Postage: UK £4.75 (£1 per extra record). Europe (including Russia) £12.50 (£2 per extra record). Rest of World (including ALL parts of the USA) £16.50 (£3 per extra record). All boxes signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes that offer virtually no protection at all – in fact I think these things should be banned as records WILL arrive damaged in them at some time. Here, you get what you pay for – SAFE PACKING in BOXES using 7mm DOUBLE-WALL STIFFENERS. Full details nearer the end of the listing.

Posting to Russia: Yes, I do post to Russia. But delivery can take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the UK. So please be patient. I will submit a tracking number to the winning bidder, and when the packet arrives there it can be followed online using the Russian post website.

ALSO: I now apply the Ebay ‘2-day’ rule for non-payment to keep things moving – cash-flow is important for any small business. I will always keep my P&P prices as low as possible, and even after yet another Royal Mail price hike from April this year, I have NOT raised my prices and will never compromise on solid, safe packing that is invariably heavier than most you will get. My P&P offers probably the best value-for-money for vinyl records available, and I even will pay for full insurance on any record that sells for over £100 at NO extra cost – that is UK and abroad. Also I aim to post the very same day after payment is received. You WILL see the difference when my packet arrives.

FINALLY: Late payers, non-payers and ‘0’ bidders will now be blocked or cancelled at my discretion. As will any bidder who cancels a bid. I do not like this practice as it is most often used to phish out the price to beat. Ebay does not approve and neither do I – so only bid on my items if you want them.

"ANYONE WHO HAS INTELLIGENCE

MAY INTERPRET THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

IT IS A MAN’S NUMBER

THIS NUMBER IS"

6 6 6

Artist or Band: APHRODITE’S CHILD

Album Title: 6 6 6 (The Apocalypse of John, 13/18)

Producer(s): Vangelis Papathanassiou.

A Special Note about this Album: A highly controversial issue when first conceived, but ultimately one of the greatest, original and daring progressive classics ever issued and this ranks as my personal favourite on the Vertigo Spiral label. It just gets better and better on every listen and the details on this almost legendary late Swirl issue are fantastic. This was initially issued in tiny numbers on the Vertigo Spiral label and is very rare indeed as actually now properly acknowledged by the price guides. Musically a sublime and creative album and one of rock’s most indispensable classics. Recorded in 1970 and due for release on Mercury Records at this time – but it failed to happen. Vangelis became deadlocked in a long fight with Mercury over the content of this record. The label particularly, objected to the song ‘?’ (infinity), which they considered obscene. It featured a Greek actress, Irene Papas chanting the words ‘I was, I am, I am to come I Was’ over and over again in various stages of orgasmic ecstasy, while Vangelis accompanied her on a barrage of intense percussion. This infamous, five-minute track was apparently cut down from a near 40-minute piece recorded in a single take. A second issue of contention was the lyrics in ‘The System’ with use of the ‘F’ expletive throughout – “We got the System to F*** the System…”. A third controversial aspect was the cover text which stated: ‘This album was recorded under the influence of Sahlep.’ Suspected to be either a drug or some form of Satanic ritual – in fact it is a drink popular around the eastern Mediterranean and made from the dried powdered roots of a type of orchid. Vangelis refused to change the album’s content and only after two years, after the parts were recorded, was it decided it could to be issued. But not on Mercury, instead on the more contemporary, progressive Vertigo label – a very late one and one of the very last titles issued, hence is great rarity. This has now become one of the most sort-after Spiral albums ever issued, genuinely rare – price guides do not lightly put four figure valuations on albums – UK first issues on the full Spiral label are becoming massively difficult to find. Quite how this band, who had previously issued two fairly standard ‘poppy’ albums, could change direction so dramatically – too dramatically for most of the band members – is little short of astonishing. Strangely after this masterful creative peak, Aphrodite’s Child split soon afterwards. Vangelis was now a master keyboard player and he had a successful career within his specialised field. Roussos was blessed with an amazing voice that works perfectly on this album, his eerie vocal could never be bettered by anyone but away from an album like this, it probably did not belong within the ‘progressive rock’ field, he went on to sell many records in popular music. This complex, innovative, daring and controversial album – even to this day – has more than stood the test of time. A brilliantly packaged, produced and performed album that no progressive or rock fan could fail to want or like – it’s a masterwork of inventive brilliance that gets the senses and pulse-rate soaring. Play the track ‘Infinity’ to hear sounds that are practically unique on record, the intensity of Papas’s vocals send shivers down the spine, I guess it did her’s too. The production, stereo mix and imagery have to be experienced and here it simply blew me away. This is top premier league in progressive music and only the recognised, far more well-known classics really offer a challenge for me. UK copies on the spaceship label are easier to find but any example including those famous swirly labels are a far different story. This is also a very impressive example that even includes mirror image matching inner sleeves.

TRACK LIST

Side 1: The system; Babylon; Loud loud loud; The four Horsemen; The Lamb; The Seventh Seal.

Side 2: Aegian Sea; Seven Bowls; The Wakening Beast; Lament; The Marching Beast; The Battle of the Locusts; Do it; Tribulation; The Beast; Ofis.

Side 3: Seven Trumpets; Altamont; The Wedding of The Lamb; The Capture of The Beast; Infinity Symbol; Hic and nunc.

Side 4: All the Seats were occupied; Break.

Label/Format: Vertigo – UK Spiral formats with matt, smooth surfaces.

Label Conditions: All four very clean, fresh and attractive with only light to light+, fine and mainly faint spindle marks that have minimal visibility. The white sides very white indeed without grubbiness, marks or toning, the Full Spirals look fantastic as seen as well. Both records play superbly with little unwanted – more information further down.

Cover Cat Number: 6673001

Label Numbers: 6333 500 / 6333 501

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Records: 125 / 133 grams. Lying either side of average.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: This is now a very rare album with price guide valuation the equal of the likes of Linda Hoyle. Only pressed in tiny numbers on the Spiral label and a very late one within the catalogue prior to the change to the Spaceship format. One for what it’s worth – this for me is the very best album ever issued on this most collectable of labels. Such clean examples seldom surface now with the few around going nowhere in valuable collections.

Original Year of Release: This album was due for issue in 1970 on Mercury Records, but was not released until 1972 due to its controversial content and label switching [and nervousness].

Matrix Nos: 6333500 1Y//1 420 1 1 2 & 6333500 2Y//1 420 1 1 3 & 6333501 1Y//1 420 1 1 4 & 6333500 2Y//1 420 1 1 2

Musicians: Vangelis Papathanassiou – Organ, piano, flute, percussion, vibes and various others, vocal backing; Demis Roussos – Bass, vocal backings, lead vocal on ‘The four horsemen’, ‘Babylon and Hic et nunc’; Lucas Sideras – Drums, vocal backing, lead vocal on ‘The Beast’ and ‘Break’; Silver Koulouris – Guitars and percussion. Guests: Harris Halikitis – Bass, tenor sax, conga drums, backing vocal; Michel Ripoche – Trombone, tenor sax; John Forst – Narration; Yannis Tsarouchis – Greek text; Irene Papas – Vocal on ‘Infinity’.

Brief Info: Originating from Greece, unusual in itself for a rock band at this time and including two members – Vangelis and Roussos – one became well-known within progressive rock, the other for more mainstream popular music. Aphrodite’s Child had previously issued two respectable popular music albums on Mercury Records before the recording of this amazing album that almost set new standards in creativity. This double set was an amazing departure from the previous style and no-one could have predicted what was to follow. A monumental, highly intelligent concept album about the end of the world according to the Book of Revelations. The music is a truly amazing combination of progressive rock, psych, and even ethnic Greek influences. Controversial right from the very outset, ‘The System’ has a crowd chanting repetitively ‘We got the system to f*** the system’ over and over before the music for track two fires in with real venom. Rock guitar music, vocals and some short narration follows, this is nothing like their previous albums and prog fans will revel in this. I do not wish to give too much away for any potential collector who has yet to hear this phenomenal album. But special mention has to be made for ‘Infinity’, the most amazing and remarkable piece on the whole album and one of the greatest female vocals ever put to record within this genre. A vocal extravaganza with Vangelis backing on powerful percussion. Starting quietly but building up to the most powerful ‘climax’ possibly ever recorded. The erotic orgasmic sounds scared the wits out of Mercury and this was the main reason why this album was not issued until some considerable time after completion – and then on Vertigo, not Mercury. This is a totally extraordinary album throughout with supreme musicianship, sound, production, effects and sheer entertainment guaranteed, all in great packaging too. A genuine masterwork and a strong copy too. Originals had the strike red cover, later ones were changed with a predominately black sleeve. Aphrodite’s Child were hardly the most famous name in rock music, but after the release of this album, they became immortal. It always features highly in all-time best prog-rock album, and similar type of lists After hearing this again it makes you ask yourself – ‘Where has all the creativity in music gone?’

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(+): and arguably better still. A gatefold format with laminate on front and back, as clearly seen, this the first original red artwork. The inside of the gatefold is matt and smooth. Includes the controversial ‘Sahlep’ reference. The cover is uncredited, but has all the usual UK text and address information. Two original matching Swirl inners are included.

Lamination – Front & Back: Both sides look impressive with clear, shiny, fresh and fully adhered laminate that is devoid of lifting or blistering. A little tiny tip creasing (right) and a chip on the bottom right leading corner tip. Unusually on double gatefold sets, there is hardly any dulling at all, even under light, and any marks or creases are few, very fine and faint. A tiny fragment on the back towards the right edge is under the laminate, so that a purely natural ‘blemish’. The original intense red artwork looks lovely with no fading or ageing, every edge and area retains fully colour intensity – so often these deeply coloured covers bleach out and fade if exposed to natural light too long – this has none which makes quite a difference. Both sides will take a lot of beating.

Cover Inner Gatefold: The laminate wraps around the folded edges and ends on the top inside edges, but these have not stuck or pulled which again is a considerable plus. These laminate ends often shrink, become sticky and stick together when closed resulting in surface pulling and damage – not even a hint here. The famous Citroen crashing into the wall artwork, looks superb on two barely worn surfaces with any handling traces to the revealing matt black area being light, gentle and quite few. This inside retains equally excellent freshness as the outside.

Top Edges: Both superb, being smooth, unchipped or rubbed. Also sitting flush and parallel together, also straight.

Bottom Edges: A very small chip to the front near the right corner apart – as above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, both mainly sharp with little wear and guaranteed untrimmed. Records entered on these edges which are very vulnerable to wear with the deep red colour being little affected down to near the very bottom corners. Any thickening or burring generally light as seen viewed end-on.

Spine and Text: A superb spine with no chipping, rubbing or scuffing to surface of the vulnerable folds. Solid, straight with no compression, just an ultra fine central ‘line’ purely from opening. Folded square, so all edges meet up very closely together and parallel. All text is perfect and unworn under the very solid, unpeeled and very smooth laminate. This spine will prove immensely hard to find better.

Corners: Firstly the spine pair: both are practically perfect as-made, no dinks, creasing with barely any hint of rubbing. The top right pair have only tip tip buts and small very, equally very gentle tip creases. Small tip rubs again on the bottom right pair with a very small chip, a fine light tip crease on the front. Leading corners rarely escape without a little minor wear and in context, this is very light indeed and few will better these overall.

Cover Summary: A lovely example of what is fast becoming one of the rarest UK Vertigo Spiral covers. Nothing major to fault at all with any blemishes gentle and light – this looks strikingly impressive. It should please many, if not most collectors.

The Inner Sleeves: EXCELLENT(+): because they have little to fault bar the usual seam adhesive darkening that is just a natural trait of ageing. These Swirl inners are fast becoming very important features of these Vertigo classics, these are the original matching pair with ALL the text content exactly the same. So a little aged with the edge toning but both are barely creased with four immaculate window circles and the semi-transparent lining types solidly intact. The edges are very sound and solid, one tiny little neat repair to one made by myself to stop it potentially widening in the future – you will be hard pressed to even notice it. Overall, two superb inners that just give gentle clues to their considerable age and authenticity, I have no qualms with that.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Gradings: EXCELLENT(+) / (++): with only mostly very light, fine and faint surface marks on the first disc, hardly anything of note on the second. Mostly hairlines or ultra faint whispy surface traces and these have no sound. Just one very small mark on ‘Loud, Loud, Loud’, a very short song on side one emits half-a-dozen gentle ticks, but there is little else to fault on the album. Realistically, how many will better than for a very rare original album? Viewed in natural room light, little shows and these are two very impressive Swirl records. Both are very clean with excellent shine and solidly pressed. A copy appearing only lightly played and few records of this vintage and type avoid some minor surface marks (at very best). Rarely purchased by hi-fi connoisseurs at the time, more by younger more musically adventurous music fans and probably played on the most basic of record players. Overall, this appears little used and certainly NOT abused, the odd minor blemish aside, this is a fantastic example of this elusive original double set. Visually excellent records that should please many, if not most collectors. Finding these better will prove immensely difficult, for those who only want perfection at any cost, well good luck on this one because I doubt too many will even exist these days – and if so, they will rarely, if ever be offered on the open market.

Album Played For Grading: Yes – and what a pleasure to do so. [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 snippets 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: Both records play above their splendid visual grading with very little to fault. Yes, half-a-dozen or so gentle clicks, but hardly a catastrophe on a 44-year-old record with not a great deal else to fault. Offering strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is fantastic with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound and no tracking issues*. This gave the me the rare ‘tingle’ factor several times when play-grading. The details, power and sheer brilliance of the music makes this one of the best records I have had this year. Any minor sound blemishes vinyl seldom fails to give simply washed over me, I was far more interested in the music which outweighed any tiny ‘flaws’. My Linn and brand new coil cartridge excelled revealing fine details that seem lacking on other formats. Praise indeed for this astonishing set. The production is smooth but dynamic and the stereo imagery is breathtaking. I know I keep mentioning the track ‘Infinity’, but this is truly worthy of such praise. The vocal dexterity of Irene Papas is awesome as are the channel-to-channel effects, Vangelis’s percussion has an in-the-room quality. All the complex sounds, vocals and instruments are fully focused with barely any hint of stressing to practically unworn grooves. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed with just the brief few low-level ticks mentioned above, there was little else to fault really. Overall a very clean pressing for a fairly challenging album, finding an example with these most-prized Swirl labels will prove immensely difficult, this was a genuine thrill from start to finish – this one of my favourite prog albums ever. Few copies will outperform this quality UK Spiral easily. I feel very sure both records have been played mostly and have been generally well stored and mostly carefully handled, almost certainly in a non-smoking environment. Nothing of any real note spoilt my pleasure when play-grading these amazing records, the odd blemish almost has to be expected, that is simply being realistic, and many collectors tell me it is simply part of the vinyl experience. This set will prove very difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended – indeed this copy has high upgrade potential unless total perfection is demanded – again, good luck with that.

End Piece: Rarely do I ponder so long before offering a record, this was a difficult one for me to put up for sale, but it’s done now. ‘Classic’, ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Groundbreaking’, ‘Essential’, ‘Innovative’, ‘Rare’ – are words all overused, and – hands-up – sometimes I am guilty too. But I make no excuse for using these words for this album. This is a stunning landmark recording within the ‘progressive rock’ genre – and even any genre quite honestly. No rock fan could not enjoy this groundbreaking album. Being a very first UK Spiral copy makes it EXTRA special, these are fast becoming extinct. Many leaving the UK and probably will not be offered again. A major Swirl rarity with far more condition positives than any minor negatives. An inspired album from a band that almost progressed too quickly. Controversial, even slightly unsettling, for sure totally original, brave and compelling. The best Spiral album ever made? – Without any shadow of doubt for me – The best progressive album ever? – A strong contender – do NOT lose this one unless absolute perfection in all departments is paramount. If so, don’t hold your breath and then take out a second mortgage, this could be one of the best examples seen for some time – I doubt if I find a better myself anyway.

* As played-graded on a high-end Linn LP12 Sondek turntable with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge tracking at 2.2 grams.

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 as I Play-Grade every record I offer in their entirety – also on higher-end equipment – 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 it’s 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. Room light factors can make things vary sometimes, that is hard to control, especially in winter. 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/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2.2 grams). Amps: Naim Supernait 2 with Project USB phono stage and Tellerium Black interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Tellurium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. 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. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are 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 at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting, better quality packaging costs, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is minuscule in over 14 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE – they offer next-to-no-protection, and should be banned, no ‘professional’ should consider using them in my opinion. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of TWO days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the bid, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site as will any suspicious bids or bid withdrawals. Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

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

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.75

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £1 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £12.50 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £16.50 (£17.50 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. 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. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

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 necessarily 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