Taj Mahal Self-Titled Debut Vinyl LP Ry Cooder Columbia CS 9579 2-Eye 1st Press

$

30

Taj Mahal Self-Titled Debut Vinyl LP Columbia 2-Eye CS 9579 (1968) First Pressing, featuring Ry Cooder 
Condition: Very Good Vinyl and Cover. Vinyl was play-tested thoroughly on both sides and plays very well. Occasional light background noise, no skips, no annoying pops.Original cover is fully intact with only mild wear.
Matrix / Runout (side A): XSM119802-1B Matrix / Runout (side B): XSM119803-1D
Taj Mahal is the debut album by American blues man Taj Mahal. Recorded in 1967 with musicians including guitarists Jesse Ed Davis and Ry Cooder (credited as "Ryland P. Cooder"), it was released by Columbia Records in 1968.
The album contains mostly updated versions of early blues songs by Sleepy John Estes, Robert Johnson, and Sonny Boy Williamson II. Also included is Taj Mahal's blues rock adaptation of Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues", which inspired the popular Allman Brothers Band recording.
Music critic Bruce Eder gave the album five out of five stars. In his review for AllMusic, Eder described it as "as hard and exciting a mix of old and new blues sounds as surfaced on record… in what had to be one of the most quietly, defiantly iconoclastic records of 1968."
In a music review of Taj Mahal reissues for Entertainment Weekly, Tony Scherman gave the album an "A" and wrote that the album "explodes with high spirits; of Taj’s 30-plus albums, it might be the best."
Track listing
Side One "Leaving Trunk" (Sleepy John Estes) – 4:51 "Statesboro Blues" (Blind Willie McTell) – 2:59 "Checkin' Up on My Baby" (Sonny Boy Williamson II) – 4:55 "Everybody's Got to Change Sometime" (Estes) – 2:57
Side Two "EZ Rider" (Taj Mahal) – 3:04 "Dust My Broom" (Robert Johnson) – 2:39 "Diving Duck Blues" (Estes) – 2:42 "The Celebrated Walkin' Blues" (Traditional) – 8:52
Musicians Taj Mahal – vocals, guitar, harmonica, slide guitar, music arranger Jesse Ed Davis – lead guitar, slide guitar Ry Cooder – rhythm guitar, mandolin Bill Boatman – rhythm guitar James Thomas – bass guitar Gary Gilmore – bass Sanford Konikoff – drums Chuck "Brother" Blackwell – drums
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I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects.

MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint.

NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects. 

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear. 

VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits. 

GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage.

GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft.

Feel free to contact me with any specific questions.