MEGA RARE ORIGINAL GATEFOLD LP RECORD HEAVY PROGRESSIVE ROCK ALBUM

Gravy Train

" Second Birth "

GRAVY TRAIN " Second Birth " RARE ORIGINAL SILVER GATEFOLD cover 3rd LP UK Hard Progressive Psych Rock released 1973 ORIGINAL UK FIRST PRESSING on the famous Purple DAWN label [ DNLS.3046] trade mark of PYE records limited,made in England.

 CONDITION:

Vinyl record is : THICK HEAVY VINYL in EX condition, both labels are clean,with some the usual minor flaws and very light surface hairlines marks scuffs and only couple very mini tiny light scratches without any jumps or sticks ]. 

  GATEFOLD Cover jacket in : VG [ Cover has rubbing wear from storaging  and handling,ring wear on front and heavier on the back,some corners and heavy edges wear on cover,small seam splits in the middle on top and bottom jacket].[Inside gatefold cover has some wear with full size band group photo in black and white].

VERY HARD TO FIND ORIGINAL UK ALBUM

Gravy Train were a progressive rock group from Lancashire, England, formed by vocalist and guitarist Norman Barratt in 1970. Together with J.D. Hughes (keyboards, vocals, wind), Lester Williams (bass, vocals) and Barry Davenport (drums) they recorded four studip albums. The first two were released on the Vertigo label and the latter two by Dawn Records.

The band was dissolved in 1974. Little is known what happened with its members except for Norman Barratt, who appeared in Mandalaband for their second and final album in 1978. He went on to found the Barratt Band, which recorded albums in the early 1980s.

MEMBERS / MUSICIANS

Norman Barrett / guitar, lead vocals 
Barry Davenport / drums, percussion (tracks 1,5,7)
 George Lynon / guitar
 J.D. Hughes / keyboards, vocals, flute, saxes
 Les Williams / bass, vocals
 Russ Caldwell / Drums (Tracks 2,3,4,6,8)

TRACK LIST

SIDE ONE: 1. Morning Coming (6:40)
2. Peter (4:05)
3. September Morning News (5:40)
4. Motorway (5:49)
SIDE TWO: 1. Fields And Factories (8:32)
2. Strength Of A Dream (3:59)
3. Tolpuddle Episode (5:09)
4. Second Birth (6:55)

“Second Birth” which was GRAVY TRAIN’s 3rd album and often forgotten and literally dismissed in the brilliance of their great bookend albums. Without a question GRAVY TRAIN were in transition from the Vertigo Records days and yes had a few years off in between releases and yes maybe there are some strong borrowed parts, but I really like this album. Perhaps It is because I love the sound these guys created and am a big fan of Norman Barrett vocals and guitar work. As with all GRAVY TRAIN albums guitars are in the forefront with some excellent flute, bass, key and drum interplay.The track “Motorway” which gets to really find some space to groove to and is complete IMHO with flute accents, raging guitar, Barrett’s harsh vocal screeches and syncopated timing.Norman Barrett delivers strong vocals and great guitar work.More strong points on this album are the laid back tracks like Tolpuddle Episode, September Morning News, Strength of a Dream and Fields and Factories.Overall “Second Birth": does not reach all the highs of "(A Ballad of) A Peaceful Man”, but still is a very good album and one which needs to be seen in different light.

 GRAVY TRAIN from Lancashire were formed in 1970 by guitarist / vocalist Norman Barrett. They managed to get a contract with the famous Vertigo label. And their first outing aptly named "Gravy Train" hit the street in early 1971. Second album, by many critics and followers hailed as their best, came later that same year (december 1971) titled:"Ballad of a Peaceful Man". That also saw the ending of contractaul obligations with Vertigo. However Dawn records signed them for another 2 albums. "Second Birth" were released in 1973 and "Staircase to the Day" 1974. After that nobody really heard of them... rumour has it, that Barrett saw the light in Christian music and apparently he were involved in the MANDALABAND project ! 

The misleading title of Gravy Train's third album refers to their migration to a new record label, and the consequent renewal of inspiration. While the band had secured a loyal following, the hope was that their move to Dawn records would lead to the breakthrough which had so far eluded them. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case, and Second birth has gone on to become another albums from the early 70's which collectors search for on vinyl in vain.

The music here is essentially heavy rock with strong prog leanings. The first two tracks Morning coming and Peter have a driving rhythm and powerful organ at their core. Bands such as Uriah Heep and Atomic Rooster come to mind when hearing the vocal harmonies and ambitious arrangements.

The mood takes a sudden and surprising change for September morning news, an acoustic ballad with echoes of US folk rock bands such as The Byrds and Crosby Stills and Nash. On Motorway we move towards the early blues of Jethro Tull, not just through the overt use of flute, but also in terms of the vocal style and instrumental arrangement. The song is an early-ish environmental protest song, which also displays some of band leader Norman Barratt's Christian beliefs.

The longest track on the album Fields and factories continues in a similar theme. At 8½ minutes, the track affords room for some jazz orientated sax by JD Hughes. Strength of a dream takes an unexpected deviation into light acoustic pop, with distorted vocal harmonies and a catchy beat. The song, which was released as a single, has more than a passing resemblance to George Harrison's My sweet lord.

Tolpuddle Episode tells the tale of the martyrs who tried to set up the first trade union and were deported for their troubles. The story is told very literally, with further CSN harmonies on the choruses. The album closes with the seven minute title track, another heavy grinder which weaves it way through a complex arrangement.

In all, a very enjoyable if rather anonymous effort. Had the band not been up against such formidable peers at the time, Gravy Train may have enjoyed greater success than ultimately they ever did.

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 Number of Records/Weight
(including mailer)   CANADA: QUEBEC: $7.99 (1 LP) - $9.99 (2-6 RECORDS) ONTARIO: $8.99 (1 LP) - $12.99 (2-6 RECORDS) ALL OTHER PROVENCES: $9.99 (1 LP) - $15.99 (2-6 RECORDS)   U.S.     (Air): $8.99 (1 LP - under .500kg) - $15.99 (2-3 RECORDS - under 1kg) Expedited (with Tracking #): $17.99 (1 LP - under .500kg) - $18.99 (2-6 RECORDS 2-3: under 1kg)   INTERNATIONAL   (Air): $15.99 (1 LP - under .500kg) - $33.99 (2-3 RECORDS - under 1kg)   Please note that some heavier vinyl, gate-fold jackets, inserts, etc. may increase weight equivalent to 2 records.        I also use +/- if I feel a record comes between a grade     LP condition GRADING system: M (MINT) : Sealed, never opened or played, new in original package.

NM (NEAR MINT) : Near perfect copy, played only a few times. At worst it may have one or two insignificant flaws. This is the highest grade I give for a non-sealed (used) record.

EX (EXCELLENT) : Clean copy, slight surface marks/hairlines, cover has minor defaults.

VG++ (VERY GOOD++) : More surface marks, minor flaws, or cover wear, minor edge wear (cover). Nothing serious but is not graded EX because of few minor defaults.

VG+ (VERY GOOD +) : Played a lot, will show signs of handling, has marks, possibly few light scratches but no jumps or sticks. Cover wear (light ring wear, heavier corner or edge wear on cover).

VG (VERY GOOD) : Used record, played a lot, has marks, few scratches, some crackling while playing and but no jumps or sticks. Still quite listenable. Cover may have heavy corner, edge wear or split seams.

G (GOOD) : Played a lot and more (but still playable), lot of scratches, crackles a lot while playing, may have jump or sticks and cover is damaged...so not so good ! This record must be very rare to be proposed in this state !!!

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