TRAFFIC MR FANTASY UK ISLAND ORANGE EYE MONO RARE VINYL

	£		51
	$		68

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular master disc; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first master ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered is one of the earliest produced in the country of origin from the first master or masters. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Album / Record Title: MR. FANTASY

Rarity: There are several variants of this brilliant, iconic album and there’s a good case for describing all of them as RARE; however an ORIGINAL UK FIRST PRESS in the MONO FORMAT with FIRST MATRICES and NO STAMPER CODES on HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL which delivers OUTSTANDING AUDIO with the ORIGINAL ISLAND BLACK/ORANGE EYE LOGO on the PINK LABEL with a presentable gatefold cover like this is EXCEPTIONALLY RARE. This really does have all the indicative features of one of the EARLIEST FIRST PRESSINGS. The album is not without a few minor flaws which I detail below, but nothing unexpected after 40 years of careful use, a superb example which sounds brilliant. The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM & FIRST ISSUE
• A UK FIRST PRESSING WITH FIRST MATRICES & NO STAMPERS
• SUPERB ISLAND HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL NEAR EXCELLENT
• MONO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL ISLAND PINK LABELS WITH BLACK/ORANGE EYE LOGO
• UK ORIGINAL EXTRNALLY LAMINATED CENTRE LOAD GATEFOLD
• ORIGINAL PLAIN WHITE PAPER PATENTS APPLIED FOR INNER
• EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ALBUM

Artiste(s): TRAFFIC - Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, Dave Mason

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: MONO

Record label: ORIGINAL ISLAND PINK LABELS WITH BLACK & ORANGE ‘EYE’ OR ‘BALL’ LOGO & BLACK PRINT

Catalogue Number: ILP 961

Country of manufacture and first published date: Made in England 1967

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     ILP 961 A

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     ILP 961 B2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:    none present - in my experience this is consistent with earliest Island pressings

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:    none present - in my experience this is consistent with earliest Island pressings

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: HEAVEN IS IN YOUR MIND / BERKSHIRE POPPIES / HOUSE FOR EVERYONE / NO FACE, NO NAME AND NO NUMBER / DEAR MR. FANTASY / SIDE 2: DEALER / UTTERLY SIMPLE / COLOURED RAIN / HOPE I NEVER FIND ME THERE / GIVING TO YOU

My opinion and summary of condition: Mr. Fantasy is a truly remarkable album in every way and by any standard. As a debut album it is superb, to some extent setting and certainly capturing the mood of the time reflecting the popular social culture and embodying the ‘fantasies’ of the youth of the day. To this extent it is a unique piece of psychedelic and progressive rock history and must figure in any related collection as it defines the era. But more than all of this it has over the years taken on a life of its own - almost a charismatic presence amongst albums. All of this is due to the gifted and highly talented quartet who made the music headed by Steve Winwood who, it seems, only had to touch an instrument and sing in order to make an unforgettably brilliant song. For me he is the ultimate musician of his genre and the undisputed master of the hook line and melody - Mr. Fantasy is the feature track here but, I’m A Man, Keep On Running, Gimme Some Loving and dozens more since - they just spring to mind as a few examples of his unique ability. Mr Fantasy is my selection for all time best song from the era and genre, surely there’s never been anything better. Anyway apart from my enthusiastic opinion we have this particular album. There have been several variants released over the years, including the later Island ‘i’ and then ‘pink rim’ which are slightly more accessible - but in my opinion none of them compare in vinyl or audio quality with the first pressings and this is a fine example of the earliest and rarest. They are hard to find in any condition, and it’s very difficult to find a decent example, BUT this is one of the few that I have come across worth owning. The big problems normally start with the single layer front, centre loading, externally laminated gatefold. If anybody ever wanted a case study for how not to construct an album cover this type would be ideal but this has survived the test of time very well. The vinyl has had a lot of use but the audio quality remains at least excellent. Overall not without a few minor flaws and blemishes, which I explain in the grading, but nothing that should spoil your enjoyment. I have been fortunate enough to see these songs performed live on a number of occasions since 1967 with several different Traffic line-ups, including the original one, and this is the only other way to hear it - VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual side 1: VERY GOOD PLUS at least, a fair amount of light movement lines and some which are more noticeable, but none of which are tangible and they have no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: VERY GOOD PLUS at least, a fair amount of light movement lines and some which are more noticeable, but none of which are tangible and they have no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1: VERY GOOD PLUS at least, a fair amount of light spindle lines which are hard to see and otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side 2: VERY GOOD PLUS at least, a fair amount of light spindle lines which are hard to see and otherwise no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: VERY GOOD PLUS, at least and perhaps deserves a better grade but I am being careful. The iconic, classic gatefold with single layer front fold of mid-weight card construction, externally laminated, back fold over flaps and centre loading - design by Chris Wood and CCS Advertising Associates. A few light surface creases adjacent to the spine front and back, a short narrow line of laminate lift adjacent to the spine at the front but not broken, light surface rubbing front and back but hard to see. Small bruise bottom left corner and short surface tear from this on the back corner. There is some burring over on the top edge of the single layer front and less of the same on the bottom. For those visitors who are not familiar with this original album the hand written ‘In memory of Len Tibbits Brother of Harry Tibbits he died shuvling gravel’ is an original feature of the album - it is an intrinsic part of the design NOT a defect. The centre spread has a couple of small light brown marks which are not obvious and is as good as you are ever likely to find with a first issue example of this album. Overall this is a top quality original; please take a careful look at the super-sized photographs, which include close ups of the small cover defects, and make your own assessment.

Spine: VERY GOOD PLUS, physically in excellent shape, and would easily grade excellent except for the rub wear at each of the ends - shown in the photographs - and the short laminate break on the shoulder with the front - approximately 20 millimetres from quarter way down, clean, clear and fully readable.

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD+ early original white paper with Patents Applied For and Made In Great Britain in light lilac text - lightly creased and slightly discoloured.

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 149 grammes (an impressive ISLAND heavyweight)

Play Grade: EXCELLENT to +

Audio Performance: THERE’S NO DOUBT TO MY EAR THAT THE MONO FORMAT HOLDS SWAY OVER THE STEREO WITH THIS ALBUM. THE AUDIO DELIVERY FROM THIS VINYL IS SUPERB, THERE ARE TRACES OF SURFACE SOUND IN THE USUAL PLACES, ON THE LEAD IN, LINKING GROOVES AND RUN OFF BUT GENERALLY IT’S SENSATIONAL. THE VINYL HAS BEEN WELL PLAYED OVER THE YEARS BUT WITH CARE, ON TOP QUALITY EQUIPMENT, AND THESE MONO GROOVES CONTINUE TO DELIGHT.  I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC, OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS IS A PLEASURE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED - MR. FANTASY ON VINYL THE ONLY WAY TO HEAR IT OTHER THAN LIVE - ABSOLUTELY REAL, CLEAR AND ALMOST ‘LIVE’ SOUND.

Other: A lovely example of an absolutely superb album, highly collectible and a really great vinyl to play and enjoy.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use ‘Premium Quality 600 Micron Card Mailers’ with ‘Ultra Safe’ double 3.5 cm. wide latex strips across the whole of the mailer which provides excellent adhesion and protection. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.