MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND Solar Fire 73 N/M LP & Cover

	£		56
	$		74

Hi, I am Mike, now 50 – yes the big FIVE-O! Old enough to remember the golden era of original, high quality music, bands, artists.

Also records from the 1960s and 70s bought from the shops from new, I have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 37 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 elusive 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, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, 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 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 and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching for covers - 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. 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 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortophon 520 Mk II cartridge (tracks at 1.75 grams). Amps: Arcam 2 x 125W Pre-Power. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) 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 TWO massively thick stiffners for even extra protection and bubble wrap if deemed necessary. These stiffners are the thickest possible and custom supplied for ‘Oneadayrecords’ – these are NOT commercially available and you will not have seen thicker protection anywhere. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used as well as ‘Fragile’ tape for that extra professional touch for the packet. 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. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but NOT surface mail abroad. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the cheapest and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with the total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional extra insurance’ P&P – ALL UK and Russian packets go out non-negotiable Recorded Delivery. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 3,500+ items sold in over 5 years of Ebay trading (I am now one of most established sellers via Ebay) and I consider that pretty exceptional.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

Album Title: Solar Fire.

Producer(s): Manfred Mann.

Track Listing (Album): Side 1: Father of Day, Father of Night; In the Beginning, Darkness; Pluto The Dog.

Side 2: Solar Fire; Saturn, Lord of the Ring – Mercury, The Winged Messener; Earth, The Circle Part 2; Earth The Circle Part 1.

Track Listing (Single): Side 1: Joybringer. Side 2: Can’t Eat Meat.

Label/Format: Bronze – The ‘Age of Man’ format (manufactured and distributed by i Island Record Limited, please see scan).

Label Conditions: Two super examples: Ultra clean and fresh looking with only very light and faint spindle marks that show little.

Cat Number: ILPS 9265.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 141 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Moderate in theory, but this one seems more elusive these days especially with a near perfect playing record and immaculate cover. An early pressed example in stunning condition, including the cover (for a change), this prog rock classic will seldom be found better.

Original Year of Release: 1973

Matrix Nos: ILPS 9265 A-2 / ILPS 9265 B-1U

Musicians: Colin Pattenden – bass; Chris Slade – drums and vibes; Manfred Mann – organ, synthesiser, vocals and Mick Rogers – vocals, guitar.

Brief Artist & Album Info: After 60s pop and then a brief excursion into jazz-rock on Vertigo, Manfred Mann formed his Earth Band that now played progressive rock and this album is his true classic. A brilliant album based on the planets, this has always been my personal favourite within this man’s catalogue and it’s status as one of the greatest ever prog albums is undiminished. A fantastic early copy too, beautifully packaged, this will be nearly impossible to find much better. My only minor criticism for this album is it does include the hit single ‘Joybringer’, I would guess the restrictions of vinyl length was a factor here. This copy has been stored away within a protective cover hence the overall lack of storage wear. From the very opening seconds of the first track the brilliance of the album is apparent: The delicate, haunting choral vocals for Dylan’s classic ‘Father of Day: Father of Night’ fades in before the full band kicks-in hard. No progressive rock lover can fail to enjoy this fabulous album and copy. Recently reviewed in the ‘Record Collector monthly’, in the Island (and related label) reviews, the critic rated this album as his favourite of all time. I can hardly believe myself the age of this record, but yes its around 35 years old now, but almost looking bought yesterday, if only all albums could be found looking and sounding like this. The cover especially is highly intolerant of wear and ringwears and rubs freely if not kept carefully. This has little traces of anything and my pictures barely do it real justice.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High+: [Unlaminated covers are always the most vulnerable for rubbing, fading, sticker tears and ringwear, gatefolds are more prone still and the darker they are, the more this type of wear occurs and shows. Some sleeves have a textured finish or die-cut shaped edges or ‘windows’. These are even more delicate and the hardest to find in top condition. Fully laminated covers are more resistent to wear but often the laminate ages with dulling, creases and blistering. Many 60s covers have outer flipback construction, these are very vulnerable to damage]. (US covers are the most fragile of all, very rarely laminated and made with thick brittle card that rubs and ringwears badly. Seams and edges split easily). Please see format below to access this cover’s potential for wear and damage.

Cover Grade and Format: Mint(-) or as near as this cover actually ever gets. A gatefold format and not laminated making it very prone to all forms of unsightly wear. Printed and made in England by Island Records and includes the lyric insert which was printed by G&L. This elusive inner was not included with all copies.

Cover Front: Apart from the utmost fine and faint surface mark towards the right edge, this front is immaculate and looks truly beautiful. Virtually crease-free bar the odd faint hairline near the spine edge and with no rubbing or grubbiness, this retains the ultimate just-printed freshness and for sheer good looks this is near unbeatable. Incredible rich and vibrant colour and very few surface marks, any present only show with close angled viewing. This front will please most collectors.

Cover Back: More of the same: there is the faintest of faint record impression marks top and bottom but I stress these are as light as they ever get and these have not developed into what I deem as ‘ringwear’ – few of these will escape it totally and this is as light as it will get. Baring in mind also, this is a heavy pressed example of this record, and indeed the heaviest I have ever had, most weigh-in around 20 grams lighter. Devoid of creasing and barely a mark of significance this even more vulnerable back looks fantastic too. With so many deeply ringworn with white penetrating circle marks and major rubbing and grubbiness, finding an example like this is out of this world.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Immaculate, practically as new – rich and dark, exactly as made.

Top Edges: Unworn.

Bottom Edges: And again.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with barely a trace of any wear and no feathering. Record entered on right outside back edge.

Spine and Text: Superb, reference standard and as new: Solid, dead straight, uncompressed and perfectly square, both right edges meeting up perfectly square and parallel. NO wear at all and all text is pristine perfect. This one unusually, has the text inverted e.g. the base of the text faces the cover’s front instead of the usual top-to-front. This has even avoided any hairline surface creasing where the cover opens – how unusual is that?

Corners: Tiny tip rubs but little else.

Cover Summary: A fantastic Solar Fire cover which with so little wear will be hard to beat. This vintage cover should please most-all collectors.

The Inner: EX as new bar edge splits near the central areas. This insert is included from a later copy as the original Island examples, as per this never included it.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: Mint(-) A superb visual copy. Ultra clean, shiny, jet black and heavily pressed, much more solid and robust than even slightly later pressings. Barely a noteworthy mark to be seen bar ultra faint fine hairline traces under angled light. A copy barely even played – I know this for a fact, the hole rims even have a few pieces of flash residue still attached which is always a good indicator it’s hardly been on a spindle. Visually a super record that should please most collectors again.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [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 snippetts 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: This prog classic plays up too its high visual grading with nothing to fault. Strong sound, free of distortion and all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high indeed with a wide dynamic range and very rich and detailed sound. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and bear in mind the quiet moments this album in places, and few copies will realistically play better than this – no pops or clicks were noted. The very opening to side one is ultra delicate and quiet with just a fragile, angelic choral opening and this plays very with little unwanted before the band kicks in. Both channels are clean and sharp and fully focused throughout. Little handled and caringly looked after within in a non-smoking environment. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this popular title. This copy will prove very difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

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 unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. 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 – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & OPTIONS:

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

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. US; Australia; Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. 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 (£35).

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. 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 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. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

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 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. 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 ‘the real thing’.