EXECUTIVES Smokey Atmosphere 1967 TRIPPY EASTERN HOOKAH RUBBLE PSYCH 45 LISTEN

$

50

THE EXECUTIVES "Sensations" b/w "Smokey Atmosphere"

Original 1967 45 on the UK CBS label

Vinyl plays VG++ to EXCELLENT

IN ORIGINAL CBS SLEEVE!

SELLING FOR $190 BUY IT NOW ELSEWHERE!

PHENOMENAL UK Rubble popsike and English freakbeat from March 1967 by the Executives, “Sensation” b/w “Smokey Atmosphere” on the UK CBS label.  Yes, this is the same band who gave us the Rubble classics “Tracey Took a Trip” and “Gardena Dreamer” (recording as the singular “Executive” after a corporate downsizing, I guess), as well as the mock-Japanese freakout “Ginza Strip”.  This particular single doesn’t get the same wide-eyed admiration, for some reason, but then again, it shows up for sale about as often as a signed Syd Barrett photograph (trust me, I searched YEARS for this one I’m selling now).  The Sweet Floral Albion website called it “way under-rated”, and that’s true, assuming it was ever rated to begin with, since I can’t find anyone who’s actually heard it.  Here again, as in many obscure popsike singles of the era, a flipping of the two sides might’ve resulted in a much better mythical status for this rare single – since plug side “Sensations” is basically Gary Lewis and the Playboys’ “She’s Just My Style” with a British mod pop art flair, and that’s a nice improvement.  “Flashing colors,” they sing, “and sounds that mystify me.”  Which, actually, speaks more about the flip, and sure enough, “Smokey Atmosphere” more than lives up to its hazy psychedelic mystical title.  It almost seems like a dry-run for the Alice in Wonderland exotica of “Ginza Strip”, creeping in under a haze of mystical purple smoke, riding a Pink Floyd “Pow R Toc H” rhythm of rolling drums and tribal percussion, before exploding into a classic slice of chunky English heavy freakbeat, much like the Open Mind or the Onyx.  Quite possibly the band’s greatest mindblower, and that’s saying a lot, but sadly, this one’s been neglected by the compilers-that-be, proving once again that the best songs in a band’s discography are often the hardest ones to find.  Here’s a rare chance to make your very own Executive decision.

HEAR IT!

UPDATE: SORRY, I NO LONGER SHIP TO ITALY DUE TO A CORRUPT POSTAL SYSTEM (THERE, NOT HERE).

(THE LESS EXCITING STUFF...)

First class shipping is $4.00 in the US, with each additional record only $1 additional shipping.  Delivery confirmation included in the shipping costs.  US International postal rates just shot up nearly double this past week, so please take note of the new rates.  I don't make a profit on shipping costs - these are what the post office charges me.  Air mail shipping to Canada starts at $10 US, each additional record $3 shipping.  Air mail shipping everywhere else in the world starts at $13 US, with each additional record only $4 shipping.  

I try to grade as best as I can, and I list as many blemishes/imperfections I can find (writing, ringwear, scuff marks, etc.) – Also, please note that I DO listen to these albums – I may not listen to every track, but my grades are based on LISTENING, not just looking at it, since chances are you’ll be listening to the record you buy, not just looking at it.  Most of the albums I sell are the ones I’ve enjoyed for years – and I treat my records with kid gloves.  But sounds speak louder than words, so check out the sound clips below – they’re from the actual record you’re bidding on. 

SHIPPING AND PACKAGING

Listen, I buy a bunch of records too (when I’m not getting outbid at the last second, which is more often than not) – and I know what it’s like to get a rare, one-of-a-kind album packaged dangerously in a flimsy bubblewrap package.  I hate that too.  So rest assured, I ALWAYS package albums with stiff cardboard reinforcements, same for 45s.  And yes, the records are removed from the sleeves (for albums).  I ship out once a week, every Friday, because I have a regular day job.  But I’d be willing to give that up if you’d all be so kind as to bid my items up to stupidly high amounts. 

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN…

I will always leave positive feedback for successful transactions, and would appreciate the same in return.  All I ask of you is the following – please pay for your items within 14 days of the close of auction.  Compared to other sellers, that’s a generous amount of time, so if you don’t pay within 2 weeks, then I have to assume something’s wrong.  You’ll get an Ebay payment reminder at that point, and possibly a decapitated horse head in your bed.  If, after 30 days, you still haven’t forked up the cash, I’ll relist the item and yell at you if I ever see you in town.