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Colosseum : Valentyne Suite 1Y1 / 2Y1 2nd Press Vertigo

This classic Vertigo album plays to a superb standard with only three seconds of interference as described below.  Apart from that the sonic quality is stunning and it is hard to put into words just how strong and powerful the music is!  The depth of sound is truly on another level and the clarity is incredible also.  The first in the Vertigo catalogue and a must have really.  I've never been a fan of jazz rock but I do love this album this as it has a genuine progressive 'feel' to it.

The gatefold is the cleanest I have ever seen and Near Mint is well and truly deserved.  The original Swirl inner is also in superb condition.

This is a second pressing because it has no A Philips Record Product on the labels or the gatefold.  

VO 1  847 900 VTY // 886 775  1Y*1  420  1 1 2 4 // 886 775  2*Y*1  420  1 1 2 4

The audio on S1 is Mint(-)

The audio S2 is Mint(-) (Part 1 VG for three seconds)

The gatefold is Near Mint

The Vertigo Swirl Inner is Near Mint-

The labels are Near Mint-

Visual description

The vinyl is in great condition and still has a lovely glossy sheen with hardly any marking.  There is one very small radial scratch on S2 but it is faint and you would not know it is there when you first look at the record.  Aside from that the vinyl is in superb shape with only some light hairlines which have no affect on the audio.  There is no 'bag rash' or groove wear and the run out grooves are very clean.  The iconic Vertigo labels are unmarked and have only a little spindle wear.

Play grading

'The Kettle' plays with stunning quality from the very first note.  The intro is deep and strong with no interference and the opening vocal section is perfect.  It continues to play 'as new' which is impressive for this 'frenetic' track.  There is so much going on and yet you can hear each note easily, the original sonic quality is still very much in evidence.  Litherland's voice may not be his strongest feature but his guitar work certainly is and it is stunning here!  Hiseman's powerful drumming adds so much more also and this is a definitely a Mint start to the album.

With complete silence in the dead wax the intro on 'Elegy' has no background and the clarity of sound does not decrease as you progress further.  This is audio of the highest calibre - no ticks, clicks, pops or static - the playback is so clean and Mint is again deserved.

The long intro on 'Butty's Blues' is superb with not even a dust tick and the opening vocal is equal to that.  The mid instrumental is as 'fresh' as it was back in '70 and that applies to the entire side!  From then on every vocal and instrumental passage plays with sublime quality, I cannot fault it.  The 'busy' high octane finish is stunning.  Another Mint track.

'The Machine Demands A Sacrifice' ends  the side with superb audio throughout.  From the very first note it plays with impeccable clarity and nowhere is that more obvious then during the almost silent section which plays beautifully with only a couple of very quiet statics.  As it builds out of this section the playback is 'as new' and the final instrumental section is stunning!  The 'machine' end - so powerful and I have never heard better.  I will grade as Mint- although that does seem a little mean!

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The quiet intro on 'January's Search', the first part of the 'The Valentyne Suite', has no background land and as the volume increase the audio is incredible!  This standard is kept up - the playback is so strong and dynamic and I played it loud so as to hear every subtle nuance in the music.  Believe me the sonic quality is phenomenal!  The quieter piano section has no intrusion and then the instrumental passage just after does have three scratchy click sounds but because the music is quite loud here you don't notice it too much.  The organ section has only a couple of minor statics and then the fast pace final section has never played better!  It's a stunning finish and the vast majority is Mint with just a three second VG section.

The intro on 'February's Valentyne' has just two minor ticks and from then on plays with great clarity and with a power and depth that is on another level.  The audio right at the end is 100% immaculate!  Not sure how they created that powerful sound but the effect is so strong and deep.  Mint-

'The Grass Is Always Greener' ends this superb instrumental with no interference.  The opening section is perfect and as the quieter mid section has no intrusion either.  As the pace and volume pick up Litherland's solo work is the real star of the show and wow does it play well!  This high octane section is so powerful and dynamic and it just demands to be played loud - the music just envelops the room!  You can turn it up to max without fear of distortion and the brief quieter section near the end is flawless as is the finale.  A superb Mint version in every way.

In summary this album plays with stunning quality with only three seconds of interference on S2 detracting from what would otherwise be the perfect record.  The clarity of sound and the sheer depth of the music is astounding and it is clear the vinyl has only been played on high end equipment and not that often.  If you're after superb sonic quality and a Near Mint cover then this is the one to own!

The Gatefold & Swirl Inner

The Keef cover is in fantastic condition and has to be the best I have ever seen.  What you first notice is just how strong and robust it is, it has retained its shape, structure and 'feel' perfectly.  The edges are so clean with only one very small bottom edge rub next to the right corner and the wide spine is stunning with barely any wear on the corners.  The opening edge is pristine as is the front cover, it just has one tiny corner crease top right.  The back cover is just as impressive and the inside of the gatefold is in lovely condition also with just the usual crease next to the spine on the right panel, you always find this.  A superb example that could hardly look any better.

The original Vertigo Swirl inner (dated 1070) is unbelievably clean with no age related marking, no side splits or tears and hardly any creasing.  Just a couple of minor spots.

Play tested on my Rega P2 with AT VM95EN Cart / Denon PMA-520AE Amp / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

VO 1  847 900 VTY // 886 775  1Y*1  420  1 1 2 4 // 886 775  2*Y*1  420  1 1 2 4

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Postage & Packaging

I will only send items items worldwide via tracked shipping.  This provides 'peace of mind' in case of loss or damage.  The shipping costs are shown below and combined shipping is always offered.  Any over-payment will always be refunded.

The Royal Mail only insure up to a value of £250 so if an item sells for more it may be wise to use a courier service (e.g. Parcelforce or DPD).  An extra insurance premium will be required but I will not know the exact amount until the final sale price is known.  Because of this I will sometimes have to estimate the cost and this will be shown in the listing.  Please wait for the invoice before making payment and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Many thanks.

All vinyls are packaged in strong over-sized custom made mailers with plenty of extra cardboard protection.  They are placed inside separate poly-lined inners outside the cover so as to avoid seam splits in transit and then placed inside a PVC sleeve to provide even more protection.  I pride myself on my high quality packaging as my feed confirms and if any customer has any specific requirements I am more than happy to help.

The mailers I use cost £1.00 each and I will use anything between 3-5 cardboard stiffeners which cost approx £0.18 each.  There is also the cost of the poly-lined inner and PVC sleeve to consider, it all adds up!  Not forgetting that eBay take 10% of the shipping fee also!!

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REST OF WORLD (Tracked - Max 2kg)  

LPs/12" singles : £21.95 then £2.50 per extra

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase please contact me before leaving feedback and I will always resolve any issue, 100% guaranteed.  If you would prefer to send the item back I will also pay the return shipping cost if I am at fault, I am only human after all!!