RARE DYLAN "Villager"-DONOVAN "Reedy River" Set of 3 Vinyl LPs VG++

$

125

These two rare vinyl LPs are the Holy Grail to serious record collectors. Both are probably worth $100 each. On Amazon, this Dylan 1962 “Villager” LP is listed for $168. Donovan's “Reedy” live album lists between $30 and $100, depending on the color of the vinyl. His 1971 LP offered here is black; it also comes in red and yellow but those were released later. Donovan Leitch, a Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist, was initially labeled an imitator of Bob Dylan. He developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, rock, jazz, pop, psychedelia, even calypso. His Reedy River Live album is extremely rare and features 14 songs, including Mellow Yellow. What makes this set even more valuable is that both LPs were released by the same group of publishers – how they relate to each other is unknown to us at this time but we do know that Dylan's LP was issued on STEVE/KATHY Records and Donovan's LP was issued on VAN Records. The album art, even the typography, is exactly the same on both covers, which by the way are white foldouts – the Dylan LP is a double album. From what we know the Dylan album was recorded by Dave Van Ronk's wife who hooked into the Gaslight PA system with a reel-to-reel. It's curious to us that the Donovan LP was released on VAN Records. Could this be a link to Van Ronk's wife? We don't know. Anyone who had the pleasure of stepping down those uneven stone steps and entering the Gaslight at 116 McDougal St. in Greenwich Village in the early to mid-60s will rejoice when they relive those days again while listening to this Dylan LP. The “Bull Sessions” where Dylan talks to the audience are priceless. And by the way, hearing this early Dylan singing one of his first compositions – “Song to Woody” – is almost a religious experience. The vinyl on each of the records is in pristine condition, no scratches, no clicks, no grime. They were transferred to reel-to-reel early on for everyday listening and they were placed in climate-controlled storage for 35 years. The album covers are in good condition for being nearly 50 years old. =