CLEAR BLUE SKY - S/T rare 1970 UK prog rock gem 1st press, VERTIGO large swirl

	£		311
	$		412

CLEAR BLUE SKY - CLEAR BLUE SKY

Impressive copy of this original and extremely rare 1970 UK prog rock first pressing on the coveted VERTIGO large swirl record label, V0 6360 013

Clear Blue Sky were a London based band consisting of John Simms, Ken White, and Mark Sheather and this was their one and only Vertigo label album, released in 1970 to considerable acclaim with the tracks being a mix of progressive and heavy rock. The gorgeous, iconic gatefold art work was one of Roger Dean's first album covers. This first pressing is now highly sought after by vinyl collectors, and having sold only minimal quantities upon it's first release has increased it's rarity and collectability value immensely in recent years.

 Matrix Numbers :

  Side 1  6360013 A//1  11  1    Side 2   6360013 2Y//2  11  1                         

The condition of the vinyl is truly EXCELLENT. Each side of the vinyl has retained it's original beautifully lacquered sheen and is a joy to hold. Under a bright light I could make out one small (5mm) surface scuff on the final track on side 1, and on the penultimate track on side 2 one surface only wispy hairline and a 1cm hairline which results in 9 very minor background clicks - you have to listen for them to notice them.

Each label is EXCELLENT. All writing remains perfectly defined with no nicks or markings. No discolouration, no unwanted writing, no nicks, just a few very faint spindle traces adjacent to the centre hole on each side. 

The iconic Howards Printers gatefold sleeve is again EXCELLENT. All edges remain rigid and nicely defined, including the spine where all writing is perfectly legible. There is some occasional mild scuffing on each edge, however but nothing of any real significance. Similarly the corners remain true right angles though there is a little buffing on the bottom right corner and the at the top of the spine. There are 3 very light, 1cm surface creases on the front cover perpendicular and adjacent to the spine but barely impinge upon the spine itself. The reverse side is in great shape with just a little hint of mild fraying in a couple of places on the opening edge. The inside of the gatefold is faultless - iconic and brilliant. All of the colouring remains intact and vibrant. This cover is non-laminated and therefore more prone to damage, making it very, very difficult to get hold of this original gatefold in any type of reasonable condition, let alone condition as good as this.          

Finally, the quality of the audio is an overall EXCELLENT. Great tone and clarity with no distortion either at higher volume or on the higher frequencies. There is just a little background crackle at the beginning of side 2 and occasionally during the quieter moments/interludes but this barely affects the quality of play back. Note the aforementioned 7 mild background clicks on side 2, track 3 - you really do have to listen out for them in order to notice them. A great listen with some brilliant guitar work - a real early 70's prog rock cult classic. 

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

 Journey to the Inside Of the Sun

(a) Sweet Leaf

(b) The Rocket Ride

(c) I'm Comin' Home

Side 2 :

1. You Mystify

2. Tool of my Trade

3. My Heaven

4. Birdcatcher

Comes in original poly-lined Vertigo swirl inner with no tears or splits and still fully functional, but with some obvious creasing in one corner.

In summary, a truly impressive first pressing copy of this extremely scarce 1970 UK prog/rock gem.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other listings for more 50's, 60's and 70's classic vinyl.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 48 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but over the years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boots, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I never intended selling any of my records but now I am retired and a combination of space requirements (caused partly by duplication) and a need to help fund my retirement has prompted me to "rationalise" my record collection and sell many of my much loved gems. 

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in removing the record from the outer sleeve in order to prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail 1st class tracked and signed for  : UK £5.00, continental Europe £10, and Rest of the World £15. 

 I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding! Richard

Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines :

Mint

Description: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

Description: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packag­ing might have slight wear and/or creasing.

Very Good

Description: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable sur­face marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

Description: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

Fair 

Description: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for prop­erly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor

Description: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

Description: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.