ELMER GANTRY'S VELVET OPERA - RARE ORIG UK 1968 PSYCH LP, DIRECTION 8-63300 EX+

	£		99
	$		131

ELMER GANTRY - ELMER GANTRY'S VELVET OPERA

Gorgeous copy of this original and increasingly rare 1968 prog/psych classic on the rare DIRECTION record label, S-63300

 Matrix Numbers :

  Side 1  S8-63300 A1    Side 2   S8-63300 B1                       

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. Even under a bright light I am unable to make out the usual  wispy hairlines and paper scuffs...clearly this record has not been played and handled many times at all. Brilliant!

Each label is EXCELLENT+. All writing remains perfectly defined with no nicks or markings. No discolouration, no unwanted writing, no tiny blemishes and not even the usual faint spindle traces. Perfect!

The iconic UPTON front-side laminated outer sleeve is EXCELLENT. All edges remain rigid and nicely defined, including the spine where all writing is perfectly legible. There is no scuffing on either the top or bottom edges and the spine remains rigid. The corners are still well defined right angles with barely any rubbing at all. The reverse side has the occasional hint of age discolouration but this is nothing really. On the front side there is just 3cm of light laminate lifting at the top right corner, a further little light laminate lifting in the centre (you have to hold the record at the right angle to identify it), and eight 1-2 cm laminate creases adjacent and perpendicular to the spine, one of which does slightly impinge upon the spine just vefore the "ELMER..." text.  There is nothing of any real significance to detract from the overall quality and condition of this iconic sleeve - it's difficult to imagine that this is 49 years of age.                                                                   

Finally, the quality of the audio is EXCELLENT+. Great tone and clarity throughout with no distortion either at higher volume or on the higher frequencies. Just the occasional nano second of static but overall the quality of the audio is difficult to fault. Just sit back and enjoy this 60's psych classic!

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

 1. Intro

2. Mother Writes

3. Mary Jane

4. I Was Cool

5. Walter Sly Meets Bill Bailey

6. Air

7. Lookin' For A Happy Life

Side 2 :

1. Flames

2. What's the point Of Leaving

3. Long Nights Of Summer

4. Dream Starts

5. Reactions Of A Young Man

6. Now She's Gone

Comes in original white poly-line inner with no tears or splits and still fully functional, but with just the hint of some minor age discolouration towards the edges.

In summary, a truly brilliant UK 1st pressing of this increasingly scarce 1968 prog/psych 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 and signed for  : UK £4.00, continental Europe £9, and Rest of the World £13. 

 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.