Rare Alco "Threads of Life" LP, signed by cover artist
$
1,868
Favourite Auctions
To save auctions to your favourites, please login
If you don't have an account, please register
Description
You are bidding on a vinyl LP of Alco’s 1972 album “Threads of Life,” signed by cover artist Debora Coombs.
Alco were a psychedelic/prog rock group formed in Southampton, UK. Bandmates Tim and Julian Caesar, Paul Fidlin, and Ben Brooke were high school seniors at Itchen College. Their first and only album, “Threads of Life,” was a limited private pressing produced as a school project. Side 1 of the record is particularly notable: Alco collaborated with the Itchen Orchestra on a three-part “synthesis” of classical and rock styles that is absolutely beautiful. Side 2 features four more stripped-down sounding 70’s Brit-rock tunes, and a selection of a capella tracks by the band’s side project, the Itchen College Barbershoppers.
The cover artwork was one of the first design jobs for my mother, renowned stained glass artist Debora Coombs. Ms Coombs, who has created works for churches, Cathedrals, public buildings and private residences on both sides of the Atlantic, signed the inner paper sleeve of this record in 2010. This is the only copy in existence which for which she has done so. The combination of the of the unique cover art, the beauty of the rock symphony on Side 1, and the immense scarcity of the record has made “Threads of Life” highly sought after by record collectors today.
The cover of this copy is in good condition. As one can observe from the photos, there are some minor creases around the edges, and along the right edge, on both sides, is a thin stripe of dried adhesive. However, the record label and the vinyl itself is in impeccable condition - this record was played only something like four times in the past forty years. The track listing and personnel are as follows:
Side A: Alco and the Itchen Orchestra
1. When I Was a Child...
2. Rain Upon My Mind...
3. In My Dreams...
Side B: Alco
1. Waiting to Be Born
2. Look at the Clouds
3. Linda
4. Hello Love
The Itchen College Barbershoppers
5. The Chordbuster March
6. Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
7. De Animals
8. Humble
9. Bill Grogan’s Goat
10. Ashmolian Band
Tim Caesar - keyboards and lead vocals
Paul Fidlin - bass/lead guitars and vocals
Ben Brooke - lead/ bass guitars and vocals
Julian Caesar - drums, synthesizer and vocals
The Itchen Orchestra conducted by Jonathan Palmer
Recorded with the University of Surrey Music Dept. Mobile Studio
Tonmeister: Dick Hobbs
Engineer: Steve Smith
Musicians’ statement, from back cover:
“‘Threads of Life’ evolved as a result of the group Alco being involved in a concert containing both rock and classical music. The idea of juxtaposing these different idioms was novel, but not as exiting as the decision to amalgamate the two in a new work to consist of three songs. Existing original material by the group was used as a base onto which additional material was superimposed for the orchestra, which here contains saxophone, six timpani, amplified harpsichord, and synthesister. Both the group and the orchestra are heard separately as well as together and climactic sections are contrasted with passages for solo display. Although the scoring of a work for rock group and orchestra is by no means a new idea, previous attempts have often resulted in the two forces remaining separate. We hope you will enjoy our combined attempt at such a synthesis.”
![ANNETTE HANSHAW - IT WAS ONLY A SUN SHOWER/WHO'S KNOCKING ON MU DOOR PATHE [78]](https://www.popsike.org/php/thumbnail.php?url=https://www.popsike.pics/pix/20171227/122883146230.jpg)
