AMON DUUL II Carnival In Babylon RARE Orig UK 72 N/M LP

	£		47
	$		62

Hi, I am Mike, now 51. Old enough to remember the golden era of original, high quality music, bands, artists.

Also records from the 1960s and 70s bought from the shops from new, I have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 37 years now. We all wish we could turn back the clock and buy those wonderful brand new records from the 60s and 70s, but alas, this is not possible; so I always try to offer the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. No vinyl/music lover really would choose to buy second-hand, but this is only way now to own these valuable, prized and elusive items now. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested reader – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching for covers - this depends on the lighting at the time and that is out of my control, but I feel sure most items will be very close to the actual real item. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortophon 520 Mk II cartridge (tracks at 1.75 grams). Amps: Arcam 2 x 125W Pre-Power. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: I post all my UK items on FRIDAY every week, most will arrive Saturday to make signed-for delivery easier. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with TWO massively thick stiffners for even extra protection and bubble wrap if deemed necessary. These stiffners are the thickest possible and custom supplied for ‘Oneadayrecords’ – these are NOT commercially available and you will not have seen thicker protection anywhere. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used as well as ‘Fragile’ tape for that extra professional touch for the packet. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but NOT surface mail abroad. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the cheapest and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with the total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional extra insurance’ P&P – ALL UK and Russian packets go out non-negotiable Recorded Delivery. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 3,500+ items sold in over 5 years of Ebay trading (I am now one of most established sellers via Ebay) and I consider that pretty exceptional.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

Album Title: Carnival in Babylon.

Producer(s): Olaf Kubler and Amon Duul II.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: C.I.D. In URUK; All Years Round; Ballad of the Shimmering Sand.

Side 2: Kronwinkl 12; Tables Are Turned; Hawknose Harlequin.

Label/Format: United Artists – Original Cream format (Please see label scan).

Label Conditions: Two supreme examples with very light and faint spindle marks, side one has barely any at all.

Cat Number: UAG 29327.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 122 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 135 to 145 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, many records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 50 records from these eras.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Scarce, seldom found these days. These vintage Krautrock gems were not bought in great numbers but cherished by the few who did. A copy like this with a near mint cover and record will be rare.

Original Year of Release: 1972

Matrix Nos: UAG 29327 A-1 and UAG 29327 B-1

Stamper Codes: 1 G / 1 A

Musicians: John Weinzierl - guitars, vocals; Chris Karrer - guitars, violin, soprano sax, vocals; Lothar Meid - bass, vocals; Renate Knaup-Krötenschwanz - vocals; Danny Fichelscher - drums, congas; Peter Leopold - drums, tambourine; Karl-Heinz Hausmann - keyboards. Guests: Joy Alaska - backing vocals; F.U. Rogner - organ; Olaf Kübler - soprano sax

Brief Artist & Album Info: Carnival in Babylon was the band’s fourth album, following three other superb albums after breaking away from the original Amon Duul band due to musical differences and direction. Sometimes compared to Hawkwind, Amon Duul II made some of the most stunning progressive and sometimes heavy rock sounds from the early 70s. More intricate songs and less ‘basic’ than the early raw sound of Hawkwind, Amon Duul II even had a female vocalist (Renate Knaup-Krotenschwanz) and her voice is used more often on this more acid-psych workout. Personally I love all their early albums and this is yet another great work which is sometimes unfairly not as appreciated as the earlier titles. Less guitar-frenzied improvisations and very slightly more commercial sound within the six songs on offer. The importance of Amon Duul II within the ‘Krautrock’ genre is so often understated when compared to other classic bands like Can, Faust, Neu and Kraftwerk – it’s long time that record was put right. A stunning, beautifully laminated cover that looks breathtakingly near new. The record is pristine, played only a couple or three times and could easily pass for new. A world-class example that will remind those around at the time what a brand new record once looked like.

Cover Grade and Format: Mint(-) and apart from a crease near the top right corner front, I would have been tempted to grade full Mint. A gatefold format and FULLY laminated on all surfaces. Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. An absolute peach of a cover that will rarely be matche or beaten these days. The centrefold laminate is so fresh and tight I could not open it out fully to photograph the spread. It creaks and crackles with defiance when opened even a short distance. The laminate on the fold hinge is unbroken or split, how many will survive like this some 37 years after being manufactured? A thing of rare beauty, this cover exudes class and looks simply gorgeous.

Lamination: Front & Back: Quite stunning: very deeply glossy with no friction rubs or dulling. Visually spectacular with bright, vivid and fresh artwork seen to maximum advantage on all faces. Great to say to, this is fully adhered with no lifting or blistering, yes even spine edges are totally solid with just a very few hairline creases present on this most vulnerable area.This is so clean and fresh it almost appears sprayed on with only ultra fine surface hairlines visible under angled light and no indentations or press marks. There is a crease near the top right corner area on the front and a finer one on the top edge, the only blemishes of real note on the entire cover which. The laminate ends slightly short of full width on the back and inside faces but even these exposed strips are clean and neat with no chipping or grime-line formation – there is no peeling at all. Rarely does laminate get seen much newer looking and vibrant than this – magnificent.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Wow look at this one, what a great band picture! This centrefold looks brand new, and I doubt if anone has seen this better since being purchased back in 72. My finger-test along the spine hinge reveals NO breaks to the laminate surface, hence the creak and reluctance to open out fully and lie flat. Clearly, I wanted this remain like this and did not force or apply any pressure to risk damage to this delicate but beautifully preserved spine. I took the pictures separately with the cover only partially open. Again the laminate has a mirror-like shine and looks amazing.

Top Edge: Unworn, fully laminated and very straight.

Bottom Edge: As above with a very small, faint surface graze trace on the back.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, very sharp with no wear or feathering. Record entered on this back edge.

Spine and Text: Near perfection: Solid, thick and robust, dead straight, totally uncompressed and folded dead square with no wear bar one very fine surface hairline crease. All text is pristine perfect under very solid, unpeeled and still shiny clear laminate.

Corners: The odd tiny tip rub or laminate chip but all are little short of as-made. All very neat and attractive with lovely shape retained by all.

Cover Summary: A really exceptional all round example of this truly beautiful early 70’s cover, one that will prove immenstely difficult to find better. This amazingly preserved item should please most all collectors.

The UA Inner: EX. Pale orange-brown unlined and only came with a few of the early copies of this album. Only a neat bottom edge split and minimal ruffling and no real creasing. Clean with few marks or ageing, overall a very attractive example

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: Very tempted to put Mint on this one, but let’s say undergraded at Mint(-). A superb visual copy that is super clean, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed. Barely a blemish to be seen with two immaculate playing surfaces, these look really incredible. A copy with just two or three plays again and from the same collection as their classic ‘Yeti’ I am also offering at the moment. Visually a super record that should please all collectors again.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippetts or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This super record plays up to its high visual grading with nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Any surface sounds barely even register and no pops or clicks were noted, few copies will even get close to this. Clearly this has been very well stored and caringly looked after and hardly even handled – the way connoisseur and sound purists want them. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this Krautrock classic. This copy will prove near impossible to find significantly better and is strongly recommended.

Final Summary: Rarely will albums this age and genre be seen or heard quite like this – again please check other similar albums I am currently offering – many are near the same amazing quality. The heavily made cover and record are little short of perfect and are unlikely to be found better these days. Any discerning vinyl (and cover) collector who enjoys top quality progressive rock should enjoy this exciting German band and album – do not let this beauty slip the Net.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & OPTIONS:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. US; Australia; Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£35).

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.