GNIDROLOG Lady Lake VERY RARE UK RCA 1972 Prog Orig LP

	£		90
	$		119

Hi, I am Mike, now 48 and have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 34 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, 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 (on a Rega 3 deck with Ortofon cartridge) - 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. The only thing I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching - 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. Variation can sometimes occur too in colour of the label scans and labels taken next to the sleeve with a digital camera, the scanned full label pictures should be the most accurate. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert. 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 or sticks or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Album Title: Lady Lake.

Producer(s): Dick Parkinson & Gnidrolog.

Track Listing: Side 1: I Could Never Be a Soldier; Ship; A Dog With No Collar. Side 2: Lady Lake; Same Dreams; Social Embarrassment.

Label/Format: RCA Victor – Original orange format.

Label Conditions: Both in astonishing, as new condition. Pristine smooth surface with that certain freshness the early RCA albums always had. Barely a spindle trace to be seen.

A Special Note About This Record: When I include a ‘Special Note’ about any record I offer it’s usually for positive reasons, alas this time the opposite is the case – but I regard myself as a very honest seller I will explain why I have to include this highlighted note for this item. This rare record when I bought it was a hardly played copy in the most fantastic, near Mint(-) condition. Around four weeks ago when preparing it for the Net, a freak gust of wind blew into my window and the curtain tipped it off the edge of the unit it was resting on – suffice to say, not happy – it left a mark across the first track on side one and a couple of scuffs on side two – the window now remains closed when preparing records. The mark on side one does sound briefly at the very start and again towards the end of the track, but most inbetween has nothing or is obscured on a loud passage nearer the end – the start is noticeable. Near the track’s end, for a few revs only, on a brief solo bass part a few can be heard clearly. There is little unwanted on side two. After this time and sufficiently ‘cooled down’ about it now, I decided this record is still good enough to offer on the net – very much so – it’s just a shame because this was an exceptional copy. Indeed this is the very first ‘accident’ I have had since offering records on the Net, which has been some time now. Like a dropping a record (or anything really), it’s over in a second and nothing can be done, but annoying nonetheless. Okay it now has a visual flaw with some clicks, not that many in reality and as stated, most are obscured by the volume and not as bad as dared feared. If these can be lived with, it still is a very fine copy and with its genuine rarity, it simply HAS to be offered. I never enjoying offering less than nearer perfect playing records, but I could live with this as the music is brilliant too, a superb progressive set that just gets better on every listen. For those who cannot tolerate any mildish and fairly brief clicks – don’t bid – but those who want a rare and brilliant album with minor flaws, then this stunning record is still worthy of consideration – it may well end up a real bargain, I will start the bidding really low, you the collector decide its value. I have clearly mentioned the mark and clicks, I can do no more than that, it’s your choice now, but even with them, this copy will still be hard to find much better and finding it at all is never easy – Mike.

Cat Number: SF 8322.

Mode: Stereo.

Weight of this Record: 140 grams. A real heavyweight for a 70s pressing. [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 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Quite rare, seldom seen and before the accident maybe the best copy you would ever wish to see.

Original Year of Release: 1972

Matrix Nos: BGBS 1118-1E / BGBS 1119-2E

Stamper Codes: A1F / A1G

Musicians: Peter Cowling - bass, cello; Colin Goldring - guitar, vocal, sax; Stewart Goldring - guitar; Nigel Pegrum - drums, flute, oboe; John Earle - vocals, winds; Charlotte French - piano; John Knightsbridge - guitar.

Brief Info: Gnidrolog made just the two albums, this being the second and a brilliant progressive album it is too. Quite why this short-lived band failed to be as successful as other similar type bands remains a total mystery For those who love Van der Graaf Generator, Jethro Tull and Gentle Giant this band are for you. This was a band that toured with far more familiar names, acts like Colosseum, Wishbone Ash and Greenslade, Gentle Giant, Soft Machine, King Crimson and even French obscurists, Magma. So why do only the prog connoisseurs know this band with the unpronounceable name? It’s a question that is impossible to answer. The first album was a little more challenging to break into but this album is a pure prog classic. A record that added a little folk and medieval touches with heavy use of reeds. Quality music that is fairly complex and highly skillful, strong vocals that at times remind the lister of Peter Hammill. The lengthy opening song is brilliant and has an inbuilt catchiness that gets lodged in the mind quickly. Like VDGG too, this has slight jazz elements with rasping saxes that ebb and flow throughout. A record that simply failed to sell and is one of the genuine classic ‘lost’ prog albums. It was probably one of the best copies you could ever wish to own and even after the freak accident it’s still a fine one. It’s long overdue for the recognition it deserves and even with the mark is a worthy addition to even discerning record collections.

Cover’s Potential for Wear: High, unprotected with a very heavy record inside, few will ever escape ring marks and rubbing totally.

Cover Grade and Format: Around EX. An unlaminated single format. Printed and made in England by Clout & Baker Ltd. A fine overall example and including fine artwork too.

Cover Front: Some fairly light rubbing at top and bottom with the usual ring arcs, these are far lighter than can be expected on a cover like this and the lack of major creasing is a bonus. Still attractive: clean with a certain freshness with no indentations or serious marks and no sticker tears. A highly respectable example for a delicate cover.

Cover Back: A very light top edge crease but hardly any wear to the cover’s surface at all. The lack of ringwear is a major bonus and this looks lovely.

Top Edge: Very light and faint rub traces only.

Bottom Edge: Light rubbing.

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

Spine and Text: Solid, straight with sight compression in places with faint surface ripples. All text is near perfect and unworn.

Corners: All have tip rubs but retain very fine shape overall.

Cover Summary: A very strong all round example of this rare and wear-prone cover, one that could prove quite difficult to find much better. This still very attractive item should please many collectors.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: This is tricky: Four weeks ago I would have graded this as EX++, close Mint(-). Now side one has a mark across side one and side two has a couple of small, mild non-sounding surface scuffs. Any other marks are ultra fine and faint surface traces or hairlines. So I guess a definitive grading is difficult. Minus the ‘accident’ marks, a superb visual copy that is super clean, shiny, jet black and heavily pressed. A copy hardly even played but now with visual blemishes of course. Only bid if these flaws can be lived-with – they are not too bad overall, but present nontheless.

Album Played For Grading: Yes.

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This ex-wonderful record (but stunning album for content) still plays well – most superbly of course where the mark is absent. Side two has practically nothing to fault still. Side one has a few brief audable clicks at the start and towards the end of the first song [I have outlined this already above and don’t want to keep repeating myself, if anyone has not read the details now, they simply have not read the advert]. There are NO jumps or sticks and this still tracks effortlessly. A record with strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Surface sounds are minimal and is an exceptional clean pressing for a fairly difficult album. The clicks are a shame but they are pretty brief and most obscured by volume, ‘Soldier’ gets loud at the critical scratch part which is good news as most is ‘lost’. A rare record for sure and overall this still pleased me immensely (but not quite as much as previously). When you know what to expect after the first play, the blemishes can be lived-with for probably the majority of listeners. For those who want little less than perfection, well the search will have to continue – sorry it would have been possible – but alas accidents can and do happen. For sure, it won’t happen again via this route anyway. It could have been worse I guess, it could have been a Mint Beatles stereo gold – aaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!

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’.

My Terms For Bidding

Debutant Bidders: Many sellers refuse first time buyers: I do not follow this practice (everybody has to start somewhere), but I would appreciate any first timer letting me know their intentions for payment method and very prompt communication, preferably before any bid or soon after the auctions ends. This gives confidence that their intentions are honourable, and I in return guarantee extra special good feedbacks to get zero rated Ebayers off to a flying start to help them with future transactions.

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. Item wants are always welcome - email me with anything needed, you never know - I may just have a copy in stock. I buy quality single items and collections also (I am regularly told I offer the best prices – please Email me if you have items for sale).

Payment Details please read carefully - I know its boring but essential:

UK First Class: = £3 or Special Delivery (Next day, fully insured), the best service available = £7.00

Europe Air Mail: = £4 Insured & Signed For: £8.00.

Overseas, non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Australia etc. Airmail:= £7; Insured & Signed For (where available) = £11.00. Doubles add extra £1. Reductions for multiple items for all.

Any item that sells for over £75 will be sent Special Delivery in the UK at no extra cost. Items over £100 get the same service Overseas. This gives peace of mind for the winning bidder and myself for valuable items. Reduced postage of course for multiple items.

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 (£30).

Mailing Details: Please note I do NOT profit on postage, in fact I lose money on most packets (my packing standards are very high and the package weighs a little more - I simply refuse to compromise with poor packing. All records are sent in plastic covers with the record taken OUT of the sleeve and sent in professional mailers with FOUR proper stiffners for extra protection (if space allows). More expensive items are also inserted into a de-luxe heavy duty padded bag AS WELL to give that extra protection. I truly want ALL my items to arrive to their destination in the same condition they leave me. I will also include in most cases a brand new inner, but will include the original inner if available.

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

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.