BEGGAR`S OPERA Pathfinder (Vertigo 6360 073) RARE UK Swirl 1st Pressing MINT-
£
271
$
359
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Description
BEGGAR`S OPERA Pathfinder (Vertigo 6360 073) RARE UK Swirl 1st Pressing MINT-
Extremely RARE original UK first pressing of "Pathfinder" by Beggar`s Opera, released on Vertigo Records (1972).
"Very different in sound and style from their previous two studio albums (the classically-tainted Act One and Waters Of Change), Pathfinder is probably the Scots band's strongest effort, eschewing the ELP-esque piano medleys and Bach-inspired epics in favour of poppier, more melody-orientated tunes in which Ricky Gardiner's impressive lead guitar begins to take centre stage.
In fact, the LP liner notes declare (somewhat pompously) that Pathfinder is a completely new departure for the group, with no single song over the 7-minute mark, and a jolly, enjoyable cover of 'MacArthur Park' (...) alongside the more prosaic, prog-pop cuts such as the pacey opener 'Hobo' and the (...) rock-horror-histrionics of 'The Witch', complete with opening ear-splitting scream. Fans of early 70s prog-rock will find much to enjoy here, with Pathfinder a welcome improvement on the groups indulgent earlier material; non-aficionados may find a crumb of interest here and there, but it's an album that is very much of its time.
An unexpected bonus proves to be the striking artwork, depicting an astronaut riding a rather stressed-out looking horse (not by Roger Dean), but it's hard not to feel slightly jaded by some of the more impenetrable lyrics, the slightly jokey tone and the bands prediliction for myths and legend-themed stories that give the whole package a rather quaint, frivolous feel." (Review courtesy of Progarchives.com)
GRADING:
MINT(-) COVER, very close to perfection.
- Deluxe tri-fold sleeve in impeccable condition. Judging by the tautness of the folds, the cover has never even been unfolded before! Due to this fact, I was very careful to not flatten the poster-style sleeve, allowing for it to retain its "springiness". Please see photos for details.
- Absolutely minimal scuff to one corner (bottom right; actually the spine, depending on how you hold this sleeve).
- Original Vertigo Records "swirl" labels, as found on first pressings.
- Also includes the original, plain white inner sleeve, date-stamped "9/72" in MINT- condition.
MINT- RECORD that, incredibly enough, looks practically unplayed: No hairlines, no scuffs, no spindle wear, nothing!
- Play-graded an immaculate record, with virtually no crackle between tracks or any other impairments.
- Matrix stamps read "1 Y // 1", respectively "2 Y // 1". This, along with the fact that the (original) inner sleeve is appropriately date-stamped (September 1972) shows this copy of "Pathfinder" to be an original, very first UK pressing.
Here`s your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an absolutely pristine copy of this prog-rock classic!
