Gravy Train S/T Debut: Vertigo Swirl Prog Blues Rock
£
65
$
86
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Description
Attention Vertiginous Swirlybirds! Here is the 1970 début LP by the progressive blues-rock quartet, going by the name Gravy Train. I vividly recall upon first hearing this, way back when, my youthful ears having no frame of reference to place this within, and consequently coming away with a vague impression of weirdness. Back then, we were not so conscious of genre and sub-genre, and music such as this was encompassed by the epithet “underground”. On listening now, while it undeniably retains a streak of originality, I can also detect certain influences, notably Hendrix, and certain others of their forebears and contemporaries, such as Colosseum.
As I'm sure you will be aware, It's on the Vertigo label, cat 6360023. The matrix nos are really difficult to make out, but I'm pretty sure the A side is AV1 and the B side is 2YX3. Both sides are followed by another 2 symbols spaced out at intervals, but I cannot make these out.
I'm selling off a load of stuff from my collection that I've came to realise that I just don't play anymore. So if this is the kind of thing that rocks your world, why not add me to your Favourite Sellers and you might find a couple of bargains.
The album consists of 5 tight rock/blues workouts with the addition of sax and flute lending a slight jazzy tinge, and the obligatory 16 minute noodle-fest that is “Earl Of Pocket Nook” (at least we can be thankful it doesn't have a drum solo):
1. The New One
2. Dedication To Syd
3. Coast Road
4. Enterprise
5. Think Of Life
6. Earl Of Pocket Nook
I would grade the vinyl as Ex-. In the main it plays very quietly, even in the dead-wax passages. There is a small amount of static-type crackling audible here and there, most noticeable during the quiet passage of track 2, but it is not overbearing. There are also a few random, isolated clicks and pops. There are no repetitive clicks, neither are there any skips. Both labels are clean, and I can only make out a single spindle mark on side B. There is a small amount of vertical oscillation of the tonearm at the beginning of each side, but this does not cause any skipping, or any noticeable modulation of the music.
The unlaminated thin-card gatefold sleeve has a label tear in the front top RH corner, immediately under the Vertigo motif (see picture). Slight ringwear is visible on the rear face. All faces are otherwise mostly clean. Top and bottom edges are slightly worn but not split. The spine is also showing some wear, which is starting to impinge upon the printing. The Swirl inner sleeve is slightly creased and discoloured. It also has a couple of white spots of something like tippex. I'll also provide a Nagaoka liner.
So, in summary, a highly listenable and presentable example of this lost nugget of underground rock.
Payment terms are Paypal, postal order, personal cheque or cash on collection if you are local. Whichever method you choose, I will dispatch when the funds have cleared to my account. Feel free to ask me any other questions. P&P is for Royal Mail UK first class, which allows for up to £36 compensation. If the auction fetches more than that, then you may want to consider another delivery option.
It will be packaged in a cardboard mailer with stiffener, the LP packed outside the sleeve (so as not to cause sleeve wear), and supplied with a heavy duty PVC outer cover. If you want any other type of delivery/packaging (including international delivery enquiries) then please ask.
Any other questions, please ask. Happy bidding and good luck.
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