CATAPILLA Changes UK Vertigo Spiral 72 NEAR MINT- ALL

	£		746
	$		988

Hi, I am Mike, now 47 and have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 34 years now. We all wish we could turn back the clock and buy those wonderful brand new records from the 60s and 70s, but alas, this is not possible; so I always try to offer the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. No vinyl/music lover really would choose to buy second-hand, but this is only way now to own these valuable, prized and ellusive items now. 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, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirity, not just bits to guess a grade (on a Rega 3 deck with Ortofon cartridge) - 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 reader – 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. The only thing I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching - this depends on the lighting at the time and that is out of my control, but I feel sure most items will be very close to the actual real item. Variation can sometimes occur too in colour of the label scans and labels taken next to the sleeve with a digital camera, the scanned full label pictures should be the most accurate. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert. 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 or sticks or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Album Title: Changes.

Track Listing: Side 1: Reflections; Charing Cross. Side 2: Thank Christ for George; It Could Only Happen to Me.

Label/Format: Vertigo – Full spiral on side one and small spiral logo above outline Vertigo on side two.

Label Conditions: Superb examples of this most famous progressive label. Super clean and showy white, totally devoid of the often seen toning and ageing blemishes, even grime that builds up with overhandling. Spindle marks are very light indeed and very few too and not even a hint of any wear or erosion around the hole, so much so there is still a small piece of ‘flash’ residue still attached to the hole circumference, unusual to find now and only to be found on records that have hardly ever been played. The full spiral logo’s ink is pristine perfect all over this label right up to the very edges of the hole – simply amazing. (Please see label scans for all information needed and please refer to my paragraph further down about ‘Spindle Marks’).

Cat Number: 6360 074.

Mono or Stereo: Stereo.

Country of Manufacture: England, UK

Original Year of Release: 1972

Matrix Nos: 6360074 1Y 1 420 11 3 and 6360074 2Y 1 420 11 3

Album Rarity and General Information: A supremely rare title in any condition, and this crown jewels copy is little short of Mint, yes even this ultimately fragile and near impossible cover is only a mere fraction below what I consider to be Mint(-). Make no mistake about the fragility of this cover, along with Dr Strangely Strange on the same label. this is one of the legendary ‘almost impossible to find nice’ covers that’s always a case of ‘Damage Limitation’ items. An intricate shaped cut-out cover with the alien looking bug near impossible to find undamaged, worn, torn, frayed (or worse). Three, collector-dealer colleagues have seen this one, and all have said they have never seen one quite like it since the early 70s, and one even stated “it could be the best copy still in existence’’ – well a bold statement, but it sure will never be easy to find this supreme rarity even half as good, it will take something totally out of the ordinary to match or better it – and that’s a fact. One of the premier league of the ultra difficult to find Spirals, certainly for me as difficult as Tudor Lodge, Ben and Dr Strangely Strange, and in this condition probably even as hard as the near impossible Dr Z. This record too is truly superb, an outstanding close to mint copy and one of the legendary progressive classics of this exciting and inventive period – many progressive collectors consider Changes the very cornerstone album of any serious progressive or even rock collection, such is the reputation and sheer rarity of this album – a near mint copy of this record (that many tell me they still have never seen for real), is the holy grail of classic progressive rock. This record not only looks superb, it sounds awesome and I feel confident it will please just about ever rock vinyl lover reading this advert. Changes in this condition goes beyond rare, a jazz-rock spacey freak out that’s simply out of this world, blistering electric winds and emotion charged vocals from Meek. The full line-up were: Anna Meek - vocals; Robert Calvert - electric and acoustic alto, tenor soprano saxes; Ralph Rolinson – Organ and electric piano; Brian Hanson - drums; Carl Wassard - bass; and Graham Wilson - lead guitar. Quite how a band like this were allowed dissolve and disappear after this album is beyond comprehension, but the fact of the matter is both the albums failed to sell, many destined to the bargain bin sell-offs of the early 70s. Huge reduced price stickers adorned many, another reason why the few copies around have such unsightly cover tears and damage - the lack of laminate protection on these types were totally ungiving and what a delight to see this pair of Catapillas with no major cover wear at all (more on this ones condition further down). One more thing I must add to this paragraph also is, this copy (and the copy of Catapilla I am also offering), were both owned by the guitarist of the band - Graham Wilson, I have no proof of this fact, but its true, I dont really consider this to be that important to be honest as the records’ rarity, cult appeal and sheer conditions speak for themselves - but its a fact and one that may be of importance just to know to any winning Catapilla connoisseur. There is no writing or signatures on these records so its simply a fact that you can either believe or dismiss, the fact is, this record is here, on offer in this condition should be enough to thrill - look at those pictures once more, truly it may be the last ever time you see this album looking this beautiful ever again - what I will sincerely say is: if you need this title in high investment condition, it may be the best chance you ever get, do NOT let this sublime album and copy slip through the Net again.

Cover Grade and Format: Ultra critically graded at EX+++, many would say better still given the facts of its proneness to damage and wear and an almost zero rating for longevity or looks. Its a gatefold format and not laminated (like the vast majority on this label). It has an intricate shaped top edge cut out around the Catapilla’s head and around the cabbage leaf. The back has VO Price Code on top right hand corner. Printed in the UK but no printer credits. One of the legendary rock covers that still almost looks as good now as when issued 33 years ago. That’s NOT to say it has NO wear. (Please refer to my paragraph further down about ‘Covers etc’ to put a delicate item like this into its true perspective (and then some more).

Cover Front: Looking like some out of an J G Wells science fiction movie, this front is eerie and quite stunning. Let me first mention any small wear or blemishes: firstly, and I am not sure whether this is a tiny tear or a manufacture cutter error, but there is a 1cm split directly below the left bug’s eye, its so clean and neat I feel it may be the latter, there is a very small white ‘burr’ at the split’s end (please refer to the very close up of this blemish, probably the only real ‘damage’ [maybe] on this delicate cover excluding some mild spine rubbing. I could possible be also the record’s edge just caught this area on removal from its central inner storage area - I will never know of course, but its only very minor anyway (but a blemish nonetheless). Consider what most of these will, and do look like these days this is as trivial and minor as it ever will get, but I feel important enough to show in ultra close up for the connoisseur. Such is my desire to be as truthful and honest as I possibly can, I actually highlight a blemish instead of trying to hide it - Oneadayrecords does not trade like that - honesty is the only way however tiny any blemish may be. This cover deserves nothing less and nor do my buyers. Anyway, its important for me to mention too, any white areas on the cabbage leaf, apart from the very edges, are quite normal highlights - NOT rubs or grazes - all are correct. This amazing front has incredible deep colours with no fading whatdoever and is pretty much totally unrubbed. The detail on the cabbage leaf almost makes it look real. Even the single thickness front face is almost devoid of any creasing (how unlikely is that!?). All the edges, including the shaped top are very sharp and clean with any traces of feathering tiny and very light - none whatsoever around the shaped cut-out areas which remain razor sharp, again unbelieable - but true, please have another look at the second close up picture. This amazing and infamously delicate front will rarely be seen looking like this again.

Cover Back: The odd light surface blemish or fine mark - most remain almost invisible anyway, and remaining supremely clean and highly attractive (well as attractive as a leaf ever can) and this highly prone back has avoided the ringwear that blights most Spiral covers. I can honestly say this back has not even a trace of ringwear and even any pressmark is ultra light, and again creasing is conspicuous by its absence.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Wow, check this out too! - even more eerie than the front, the bug looks almost luminous against the black backdrop. Again in terrific condition with little of any great significance to fault. The odd tiny speck or surface mark but little to nothing to really worry even the connoisseur collector. Even the vulnerable centrefold hinge area is relatively little worn which is unusual again as the record is stored via the inside entrance edge, near the bug’s rear end. The Caterpillar’s tail end actually dissappears right inside the right cover face and is not cut-off as the pictures may suggest. All inner text is crystal clear and unrubbed. Again the shaped areas on this side are clean and freash as the front’s. Just one tiny tip crease to the top edge, left end before the shaping starts - very minor indeed. This delicate gatefold inner again looks superb.

Top Edge: Very little wear traces or feathing.

Bottom Edge: Very similar again, odd small rub trace maybe.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, very sharp, no feathering with little rubbing up to the last cm of the bottom corner. Traces near the top corner area, but very light indeed. One ultra tiny ‘dink’ near the top, but its so small and light many would hardly even see it. Record entered via the centrefold.

Spine and Text: This spine has flattened to the left but any rub wear is confined just the top fold edge. It remains straight and all text is perfect, uneroded or worn. With care this spine is easily strong and solid enough to be carefully ‘pulled’ back into shape, but that’s for the winning bidder to decide. Personally I would not bother.

Corners: All four show some mild wear, mainly around the tip and just beyond areas. Shape is still neat.

Cover Summary: Quite how this remarkable item has survived looking quite this fine is little short of miraculous - a couple of days being handled at any fayre would destroy this cover and it clearly has never been subjected to this kind of abuse. Okay it has a little mild wear and the odd tiny blemish, but honestly will you ever see an available copy better? Seeing is believing - I can honestly say, there is no evidence of any cosmetic improvements: touching up, trimming or repairs whatsoever - this has clearly been well cared for, and although this Caterpilla will never turn into a beautiful butterfly now - for me its true beauty is still very apparent just the way it is.

The Spiral Inner: Virtually Mint bar some mild age edge toning, even these are getting scarce now and this is a beauty. Its polylined, with the lining fully and firmly intact, strong and very clear on a near pristine window. Untorn, unsplit and clean. For a change too, almost totally devoid of any creasing or even ruffling. An exceptional Spiral inner that's ultra important to make this gem complete.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: I am surely tempted to Mint on this incredible record, but just due to the few spindle marks, let’s say undergraded at Mint(-). A supreme visual copy the likes that rarely get seen these days for this label. When discovered, Spiral classics like this got played and played hard, so to find this title in this condition is little short of remarkable. Its super clean, shiny and jet black. Barely a mark to be seen and to be honest, I can see none but dont confess to putting directly below a 300 watt bulb. A copy barely played on all the evidence. Visually a beautiful copy that should please every collector seeking this ultra rare record.

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This super record plays up to its high visual grading with nothing to fault. Strong, undistorted sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is astonishing with a massive dynamic range and very exciting sound – the electric reeds, keys and Meeks vocals really do take the breath away. Any surface sounds are minimal to none and no pops or clicks were noted, few copies will match, let alone play better than this. Both channels are clean and sharp, I feel very sure this record has been played very lightly and has been generally well stored and caringly looked after by the important original owner – the tiny nick type tear was possibly no fault of the owner in real terms, I would bet most owners of this item wished their’s had this little wear or blemishes. Nothing whatsoever spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this legendary album, even the few quiet passages played just that – Quiet. This actual record could prove near impossible to find significantly better.

Album Played For Grading: Yes – Its probably a one-off, I would be confident in saying I am unlikely to ever a better copy of this ellusive record.

Final Summary: Just maybe the Holy grail for Spiral collectors and anyone wanting a close to mint record for this title it might be just that. Just remember, rare does NOT always mean good, but in this case its not just good, its indispensable - every prog collector should have one, but there is simply not enough around. The cover is truly exceptional, I would be lying to say otherwise, and given the rarity factor and the stunning record and inner inside you must not let this one go - realistically it could be your only chance to own one this fine. The sheer quality of the music embedded in these wear free grooves justifies the desirability of this almost ‘lost’ prog masterpiece and it remains almost inconceivable how this was initially ignored by most (myself very much included) – its hardly the first instance is it? A massively high potential investment piece, the only question the winning bidder has to ask: is it too good to play?, this record and copy deserves its place in any top collection, dont let this one slither and hide away again – good luck again to you all – anyone for Cabbage? – Mike.

FREE POSTING & PACKING AND INSURANCE FOR A WINNING BIDDER WHO BUYS BOTH!

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

I decided to add this text to help new collectors and younger people just starting their vinyl collections (I hope it will even be of interest to all vinyl lovers too). This helps me save time by not repeating these comments in my actual advert areas which is all very time-consuming.

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.

Spindle Marks on Labels – the importance of: Spindle marks generally are only a loose guide to number of actual plays. As I have said before, some owners used the label area as a guide to find the spindle on vintage decks. Example: 60s/70s radiogram furniture players often had pull down fronts that meant locating the spindle was always more challenging – a fact – my parents had one. Also decks from way back had steel spindles that left their mark far more readily – later turntables often had far more sympathetic materials used that left little or no marks. Careful owners, myself very much included, could play a record 20 times with near zero spindle traces left on the labels because of the ultra careful placement on a turntable to avoid cosmetic blemishes. That said, lighter always has to be better because even if the record has been played more than it looks it was probably owned by a more discerning and careful collector. Any record with a mass of spindle marks or actual wear or even erosion around the hole area is almost certainly a heavier played copy and most are best avoided (unless they still play reasonably well or sufficiently rare). Any record that can still be found that has any small ‘residue’ still attached to the centre hole is often a rare guide for light use too, especially older records. This thin, fragile ‘flash’ vinyl residue usually snaps off quickly and only rarely does it remain intact for long. Summary A record with one spindle mark does not (necessarily) mean, played once. A record with 10 clearly defined spindle marks does not (necessarily) mean a record played ten times. Labels and marks is very much subjective and can only be used as a ‘guide’ the actual playing quality is more important.

Covers and Types: Most 50s and 60s UK (and European) record covers were laminated, a thin, usually glossy, film that protected the fronts (and sometimes backs too) from wear and rubbing. This was prone to creasing, peeling and ‘drying out’ if the sleeve was not looked after properly. But generally these type of covers were ‘tougher’ and usually look fantastic if the proper care was given. Many had their seam folds (flipbacks) exposed at this time. By the 70s and certainly beyond, this costly lamination process slowed and eventually almost disappeared. These ‘unprotected’ covers (especially the darker ones) were far more prone to damaging rub wear and even fading (Led Zeppelin II is a classic example – also virtually all the Vertigo Spiral albums). Handling wear, grubbiness, ringwear, sticker removal damage and even nicotine staining (often seen on white unprotected 60s cover backs) is far more common. An unprotected textured cover, often made with soft card – popular in the early 70s – are ultra fragile and many are found badly worn or rubbed (CSN and Stephen Stills II are good examples of this type). Vintage US covers are ultra fragile and so rarely ever seen unworn, made with thick, unlaminated card, these often split along the seams and invariably rubbed easily and ringwear is common. A cover that states ‘Patents pending’ is almost certainly a first issued example or at the very least an early copy. Summary Finding absolute pristine perfect covers for any record of a certain age is difficult enough and I hope the above helps you decide how ‘good’ or ‘average’ (I rarely offer ‘bad’) any cover I offer really is when put into true context.

In Conclusion I hope the above has been useful in some small way, these are only my opinions and not ‘definitive’, – everyone is entitled to their point of view. It still amazes many young people (and many older people too) that these vintage and fragile items are still wanted today and its really sometimes quite hard to explain their appeal and fascination – I see can the argument both ways. Personally I am happy to listen to both the major formats and there are strong cases to be made for both.

My Terms For Bidding

Debutant Bidders: Many sellers refuse first time buyers: I do not follow this practice (everybody has to start somewhere), but I would appreciate any first timer letting me know their intentions of their intended payment method and very prompt communication, preferably before any bid or soon after the auctions ends. This gives confidence that their intentions are honourable, and I in return guarantee extra special good feedbacks to get zero rated Ebayers off to a flying start to help them with future transactions. NOTE: I WILL NOT ACCEPT BIDS FROM UNREGISTERED USERS, I will cancel them immediately, and sorry, I cannot give valuations on people’s personal items just for their own curiosity, no item can be accurately valued blindly.

Having the Powerseller Logo: This is recognition from Ebay for the highest possible customer services, satisfaction and quality, it should reassure any potential bidder that all items are described, graded and shipped to the highest standards possible. Customer care of the highest order is a standard feature here and I am proud to have achieved this recognised standard of excellence from Ebay with help from collectors and buyers from all over the World - I thank you all.

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. 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. Item wants are always welcome - email me with anything needed, you never know - I may just have a copy in stock. I by quality single items and collections also (Email me please if you have quality items for sale).

Payment Details please read carefully - I know its boring but essential:

UK First Class: = £3.00; Recorded Delivery (Recommended) = £5.50 Special Delivery (Next day, insured up to £250), the best service available = £7.00

Europe Air Mail: = £4 Insured: £8.00

Overseas, non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Australia etc. Airmail:= £7; Insured with recorded delivery (where available) = £11.00

Singles: (Packed to the high standards of the LPs)

UK First class: = £2.00 Insured: £4

Europe Air Mail = £3.00 Insured: £5.50

Overseas, non-Europe (as above) Airmail £3.50 Insured: £6.00

Doubles add extra £1, triples add extra £2. Box sets add extra £3 (£4 overseas and Europe)

Any item that sells for over £85 will be sent Special Delivery in the UK at no extra cost. Items over £125 get the same service Overseas. This is gives peace of mind for the winning bidder and myself for valuable items. Reduced postage of course for multiple items.

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 (£28). PLEASE NOTE: I will NOT use surface mail, its too slow, with a higher risk of loss and damage.

Mailing Details: Please note I do NOT profit on postage (my packing standards are high and the package weighs a little more and I often actually lose money on this part of service - I simply refuse to compromise with poor packing. All records are sent in plastic covers with the record taken OUT of the sleeve and sent in professional mailers with FOUR professional stiffners for extra protection (if space allows), I do NOT use old cardboard boxes or cereal packets for protection. More expensive items are also inserted into a de-luxe heavy duty padded bag AS WELL to give that extra protection. I truly want ALL my items to arrive to their destination in the same condition they leave me. I will also include in most cases a brand new lined inner, but will include the original inner if available and in a condition to be worthwhile.

I can accept cash for payments worldwide in UK Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars - but this at the senders OWN risk. Please send registered and insured if this method is chosen. I cannot accept responsibility if any cash payments do not turn up. This system is very reliable and rarely goes astray. The same goes for any shipped uninsured item, I can only try to claim for any undelivered or damaged article at basic insurance levels if no enhanced insurance is requested and paid for (unless the value threshold is high enough for me insure as standard, see above)

Overseas bidders please note conversion rates for Pounds to Dollars and Pounds to Euros will be charged at the appropriate rate on the day of sale.

PLEASE NOTE: Any PayPal user can now pay me with UK Sterling if they wish with no need to convert to US dollars (although they still can if they wish to). Any instant PayPal transaction from anywhere in the world will mean the item will be sent immediately - it makes deals fast and very efficient.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. I now only accept PayPal, International money orders or cash from overseas bidders (UK Sterling, US dollars or Euros). Cash, cheques, postal orders and PayPal are fine from the UK. I allow maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if this does not happen I will relist the item and may send negative feedback unless an explanation is given. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask. Please keep watch on my Ebays, I have other interesting items coming very soon. Thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: As listening to every single record I offer all the way through is difficult timewise, can I make it clear 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. I still endeavour to play all the items in their entirity for grading if at all possible and is usually the case.