WINGS London Town GIANT POSTER NM Audio AWESOME COPY

	£		20
	$		27

A BREAKDOWN OF THE ARTIST/S :-

Paul McCartney's first post-Beatles music venture, Wings achieved eight Top 10 albums in both the UK and US and "Mull Of Kintyre' remains one of the biggest-selling singles of all time. The band was formed during the summer of 1971, Paul and wife Linda being augmented by Denny Seiwell (drums) and Denny Laine (Born Brian Hines, 29 October 1944; guitar/vocals, ex-Moody Blues), who, as Denny And The Diplomats, had supported the Beatles at the Plaza Ballroom, Dudley on 5 July 1963. Wings" debut Wild Life, intended as an "uncomplicated" offering, was indifferently received and is regarded by McCartney himself as a disappointment. Guitarist Henry McCullough (ex-Grease Band) joined at the end of 1971, and the early part of 1972 was taken up by the famous "surprise" college gigs around the UK. Notoriety was achieved at about the same time by the BBC's banning of "Give Ireland Back To The Irish" (which nonetheless reached number 16 in the UK, and 21 in the US). Later that year "Hi,Hi,Hi" (doubled with "C Moon") also offended the censors for its "overt sexual references", though it penetrated the Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic.

Early in 1973 Wings scored a double number 1 in the USA with Red Rose Speedway and "My Love", taken from the album (both were credited to Paul McCartney And Wings), and later in the year enjoyed more transatlantic chart success with the theme song from the James Bond movie Live And Let Die. Shortly before they were due to travel to Lagos to work on the next album, McCullough and Seiwell quit, officially over "musical policy differences". There is much to suggest, however, that McCartney's single-mindedness and overbearing behaviour were the real reasons, and that "physical contact' may have taken place. Ironically, the result was Paul McCartney And Wings" most acclaimed album Band On The Run, with McCartney taking a multi-instrumental role. Band On The Run topped the album charts in the UK and USA, and kicked off 1974 by yielding two transatlantic Top 10 singles in "Jet" and "Band On The Run" (the latter topping the US charts). Towards the end of 1974, under the name the Country Hams they released "Walking In The Park With Eloise", a song written 20 years earlier by Paul's father.

At the end of the year Jimmy McCulloch (Born 4 June 1953, Glasgow, Scotland, d. 27 September 1979, London, England, ex-Thunderclap Newman, Stone The Crows) was added on guitar and vocals, and Joe English on drums (the latter following a brief stint by ex-East Of Eden drummer Geoff Britton). Subsequent recordings were credited simply to Wings. The new line-up got off to a strong start with Venus And Mars, another number one in the UK and USA, the single "Listen To What The Man Said' also topping the US charts and reaching number 6 in the UK. Wings had become a major world act, and, riding on this success and 1975's Wings At The Speed Of Sound (UK number 2, US number 1) they embarked on a massive US tour. The resulting live triple Wings Over America was huge, becoming Wings" fifth consecutive US number 1 album and the biggest-selling triple of all time. Meanwhile, "Silly Love Songs" topped the US singles chart for five weeks in summer 1976. Success did not bring stability, McCulloch and English both leaving during 1977. In a repeat of the Band On The Run phenomenon, the remaining Wings cut "Mull Of Kintyre', which stayed at number 1 in the UK for 9 weeks. London Town broke Wings" run at the top of the US album charts and was poorly received, despite featuring the number 1 single "With A Little Luck'. Laurence Juber and Steve Holly were added to the band, but 1979"s Back To The Egg failed to impress anyone in particular, "Getting Closer" not even hitting the UK Top 50. McCartney was busted for drug possession in Tokyo at the start of their tour of Japan. This was the last straw for the loyal and resilient Laine, who quit in exasperation. By this time McCartney had also started recording under his own name again, and Wings were effectively no more. A live version of "Coming Up" belatedly topped the US single chart in 1980.

In retrospective much of Wings material, although catchy, was flakey, although loyal fans would disagree. The litmus test would be to choose the 20 best ever McCartney songs, and the likely result is that 19 of them would be with his "pretty good little band", the Beatles.

Discography:
Wild Life (Apple 1971)**, as Paul McCartney And Wings Red Rose Speedway (Apple 1973)***, as Paul McCartney And Wings Band On The Run (Apple 1973)****, Venus And Mars (Apple/Capitol 1975)****, Wings At The Speed Of Sound (Apple/Capitol 1976)***, Wings Over America (Parlophone/Capitol 1976)***, London Town (Parlophone/Capitol 1978)***, Back To The Egg (Parlophone/Columbia 1979)***.

THE HISTORY OF THE RECORD :- After the commercial zenith of 1976 with Wings at the Speed of Sound and its well-received Wings Over the World tour, leader Paul McCartney planned on making 1977 a similar year. However, things did not quite work out as planned.

In February 1977, sessions began at Abbey Road Studios and continued until the end of March. McCartney's initial plan of touring the US again was thwarted by wife Linda's discovery that she was pregnant with the couple's third child (Mary was born in 1969 and Stella in 1971). With the knowledge that they had time at their disposal - and always looking for different locales to record in - Wings found themselves moored on a yacht called "Fair Carol" in the Virgin Islands during the month of May where several new songs were recorded. Reflecting the nautical locale, the album's initial working title was Water Wings. As Linda's pregnancy progressed, McCartney called a halt to the sessions for the album, save for the recording of a track called "Mull of Kintyre" that August and the completion of an already-begun song entitled "Girls' School", which would be Wings' one and only release in 1977.

Before the single's release came two defections from Wings. Drummer Joe English had become homesick for America and returned home. Lead guitarist Jimmy McCulloch left to join the Small Faces that September; ironically, the man who warned listeners against the indulgences of drugs and alcohol in earlier Wings songs "Medicine Jar" and "Wino Junko" was found dead at age 26 two years later of a suspected drug overdose. For the first time since 1973's Band on the Run, Wings were down to the core three of Paul, Linda and Denny Laine.

In November, two months after the birth of son James, and shortly after sessions for London Town resumed, the Scottish tribute "Mull of Kintyre" was released to enormous commercial success, becoming the UK's biggest-selling single (even outstripping The Beatles' largest seller "She Loves You"). Although it would be topped in 1984 by Band Aid, "Mull of Kintyre" still ranks as the UK's fourth biggest selling single and the largest selling non-charity single.

After some final overdubbing in January 1978, London Town was completed and preceded by the US #1 "With a Little Luck" that March, while the album was released a week later. The album also features the song "Girlfriend" which was also recorded by American pop star Michael Jackson, who featured it on his 1979 album Off the Wall. London Town generally fared well with the critics and in the charts, reaching #4 in the UK and #2 in the US where it sold over one million copies and went platinum. But after its strong start, it did not have the staying power of Wings' previous releases, with subsequent singles "I've Had Enough" and the title track becoming small hits. Although the advent of punk music (which sent the music industry into a period of change) would certainly have contributed to the slightly smaller sales of London Town, the album is now considered to mark the end of Wings' commercial peak and the beginning of a minor commercial slump for McCartney.

Paul McCartney was reportedly displeased with Capitol Records in the US, where "Mull of Kintyre" flopped (its B-Side, "Girls School," did make a modest dent in the Top 40, reaching #33), and was further dismayed at what he viewed as lacklustre promotion for London Town. With his contract at an end, he promptly signed up with Columbia Records for North America only (remaining with EMI worldwide) and would stay there until 1984, before returning to Capitol in the US.

In 1993, London Town was remastered and reissued on CD as part of "The Paul McCartney Collection" series with "Mull of Kintyre" and its B-Side "Girls School" as bonus tracks

THE COVER :- Single Textured sleeve

THE LABEL :- Parlophone labels

THE VINYL VISUALLY :- On initial inspection of this piece of vinyl I cannot see any areas of immediate concern. The vinyl sits perfectly flat on the turntable so there are no nasty warps to worry about. The vinyl still retains its just pressed quality, full of deep shine and lustre. The vinyl has no marks or scratches at all, it is flawless. A stunning piece of vinyl. Near Mint visually

THE VINYL PLAY GRADED :- The playgrading of the vinyl reveals no lessening in the sound quality whatsoever. It lives up to its visual grading. There is no surface noise exept for the tiniest bit of static here and there, you may not even notice this but there is the occassional static click. The sound quality is high with a full dynamic range and very detailed sound. I feel certain this album has been barely played, if atall and if so carefully and stored well over the years. I would grade the audio playback as Near Mint condition.

THE SLEEVE FRONT CONDITION :- This is the very earliest 1st press textured sleeve. The front of the sleeve is free from writing, free from stickers or evidence of previously removed stickers. The sleeve reveals no ringwear and no creases. I would say there is some slight ageing in places with one or two tiny areas appearing slightly grubby but I may be being a bit picky here. Nevertheless the front of the cover is in exceptional condition and grades as Excellent Plus condition visually.

THE SLEEVE REAR CONDITION :- The rear of the sleeve is free from writing, free from stickers or evidence of previously removed stickers. There are no creases on the rear of the sleeve and no ringwear. Being picky there is some light rubbing of the top surface near the top seam but for a textured sleeve nearly 40 years old it is in superb condition and grades as Excellent Plus condition visually.

THE LABEL SIDE ONE CONDITION :- Original Parlophone label in excellent order free from stickers or writing and no damage at all, no signs of play around the spindle hole. Near Mint condition.

THE LABEL SIDE TWO CONDITION :- Original Parlophone label in excellent order free from stickers or writing and no damage at all, no signs of play around the spindle hole. Near Mint condition.

THE SPINE CONDITION :- The writing on the spine is crystal clear, no spine splits at all just very very light signs of shelfwear in the two corners. Near Mint condition

THE INNER SLEEVE CONDITION :- Lyricinner is in Near Mint condition with no splits or damage or ringwear. The odd tiny mark

THE POSTER :- The poster is in pristine condition. I may have been the first person to actually unfold it. No tears or creases and the folds are razor sharp. Near Mint condition. 

THE CATALOGUE NUMBER :- PAS 10012

THE YEAR OF RELEASE :-  1978

THE LABEL :- PARLOPHONE

THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN :-  UK

PLAYING FORMAT :- STEREO

THE MATRIX NUMBERS :-  YEX-975-1  &  YEX-976-3

TRACK LISTING :-

SIDE ONE :-

1. LONDON TOWN
2. CAFE ON THE LEFT BANK
3. I'M CARRYING
4. BACKWARDS TRAVELLER
5. CUFF LINK
6. CHILDREN CHILDREN
7. GIRLFRIEND
8. I'VE HAD ENOUGH

SIDE TWO :-

1. WITH A LITTLE LUCK
2. FAMOUS GROUPIES
3. DELIVER YOUR CHILDREN
4. NAME AND ADDRESS
5. DON'T LET IT BRING YOU DOWN
6. MORSE MOOSE AND THE GREY GOOSE

WHAT WE PLAY THE RECORD ON :- 

We use a Project 6 Perspex Turntable to play grade our records which delivers a rich authoritative sound and achieves a rich and weighty vibrancy unrivalled by the majority of decks within its price range

HOW WE CLEAN YOUR RECORD :- 

We use a V.P.I. HW-16.5 record cleaning machine to clean your vinyl. "A highly recommended machine" as quoted by Stereophile magazine. This removes any excess dirt before playing

HOW WE PACKAGE YOUR RECORD :- 

Your record will be package very securely to minimise any risk of damage during transit. We remove the record from the outer sleeve unless asked not to do so. This helps to minimise the risk of seam spliting. We use a high quality record mailer which is designed to give superior protection for your vinyl record. We place stiffeners either side of the record for added protection. The album will also be placed in a 450 gram Poly outer sleeve for even extra added protection

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING CHARGES FOR UK CUSTOMERS :-

We advise that items reaching over £46 in price to be insured and sent by Special Delivery. This protects both of us and ensures better handling of the parcel during transit.We are in no way out to make money from postage. The postage price includes the record mailer, stiffeners and plastic sleeve. We just want your item to reach you in the best possible condition. A breakdown of insured postal services are listed below. Please choose to use the relevant postal service for your own protection as once these rare records are lost they can quite often seldom be replaced

FIRST CLASS RECORDED FOR RECORDS INSURED UP TO £46  :-   £4.50

SECOND CLASS RECORDED FOR RECORDS INSURED UP TO £46 :- £4.00

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY UPTO 500g :- £7.15

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY FROM 500g - 1000g :- £8.35

(SPECIAL DELIVERY INSURES YOUR ITEM UPTO £500)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION :-    

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the European Union by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £6.22 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :-  £11.37 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :-  £13.97 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE USA AND CANADA :- 

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the USA & Canada by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £8.78 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £13.93 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.53 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN AND ROW :- 

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the Australia & Japan by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS :- £9.06 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £14.21 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.81 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT PROFIT FROM POSTAGE, THE PRICES WE QUOTE ARE QUITE ACCURATE AND INCLUDE THE PACKAGING MATERIALS AT COST PRICE

NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:

PLEASE AWAIT AN INVOICE BEFORE PAYING SO WE CAN WORK OUT THE CORRECT POSTAGE/SHIPPING CHARGES

BUYERS OF MULTIPLE ITEMS :- 

Postage prices and courier methods for multiple purchases will be calculated after the auction end. It is impossible for us at the pre auction stage to determine these prices as the final weight is unknown.If you are the winner of multiple items the please await contact from us or alternately contact us yourself for a breakdown of the shipping costs.You will only pay the stamp price + relevant packaging charges so there are big savings to be made with multiple purchases

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR RECORD :-

We can accept the following payment methods

UK BUYERS :- 

• PayPal
• Personal cheque (Please allow to clear)
• Bankers Draft
• Postal Order

OVERSEAS BUYERS :-

• Paypal only

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :-

We always try to appraise the record for sale as openly and honestly as possible and provide plenty of pictures for you to look at but please be aware that errors however rare do occur and not everyone has the same audio  equipment. There is no problem that cannot be worked out in a civilised manner. We urge you to contact us so that we can discuss any small problems that may occur. We offer a refund of the purchase price for returned items within 7 days of purchase and are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have during the auction

SAVE US TO YOUR FAVOURITES LIST AS WE INTEND TO LIST MANY MORE RARE VINYL TREATS OVER THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS