HEAD MACHINE - ORGASM rare 1970 UK prog rock 1st press, MAJOR MINOR SMLP 79, VG+

	£		256
	$		339

HEAD MACHINE - ORGASM

Impressive copy of this original and extremely scarce 1970 UK prog rock "under the radar" first pressing, on the rare MAJOR MINOR record label, STEREO SMLP 79

"Head Machine" was a one-album side project of "The Gods" ("Genesis" & "To Samuel a Son"), initially intended to become their 3rd album, but which was recorded and released in 1969/70 under the moniker "Head Machine". The album was produced by David Paramor (producer of "The Gods"). Both Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake - soon to become Uriah Heep stalwarts - are on the album together with band mates John Glasscock - bass, Brian Glasscock - drums, and David Paramor - vocals, but under pseudonyms. Paramor is also credited as composer, although the songs have the magical touch of Hensley. The album was released before Hensley joined "Toe Fat". It is as heavy as they come, and might be considered as a prototype of the hardest side of future "Uriah Heep". 

 Matrix Numbers :

  Side 1  SLP-079.A-2L with stampers "1" and "G"  at 9o'clock and 3o'clock respectively  Side 2   SLP-079.B-2L with stampers "1" and "U"  at 9o'clock and 3o'clock respectively

The condition of the heavy duty vinyl is VG+. Each side of the vinyl has retained most of it's original sheen and has an impressive appearance. Under a bright light a good number of wispy hairlines and light surface scuffs come into view but there's nothing that's obviously below the surface, and nothing to really detract from the overall lovely appearance in normal daylight.

Each label is pristine. All writing remains perfectly defined with no nicks or markings. No discolouration, no unwanted writing, no nicks, not even the usual few faint spindle traces. Perfect!

The iconic West Brothers front side laminated sleeve is VG. There is barely any scuffing on any of the edges which remain well defined, including the spine which is also rigid and with all writing perfectly legible. Each corner has just a little rubbing. There is some laminate creasing adjacent to the edges, however, with most of the creasing taking the form of 1-2cm creases perpendicular to the edge - there are a number of these. There is also some further more prominent laminate creasing towards the opening edge particularly towards the top of this edge. The reverse side has a little ring wear (more obvious towards the opening edge), along with some minor creasing and a small 0.8cm tear half way up the opening edge.

Finally, the quality of the audio is an overall VG+. 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 each side and occasionally during the quieter moments/interludes but this barely affects the quality of play back. The slight exception to this is track 2 on side 1 where the interference is a little more noticeable - still relatively background but it is there and it is noticeable : a professional clean may cure this. There is also the occasional mild click (less than 10 in total) but no skips. A great listen with some brilliant guitar work - a real early 70's "under the radar" album which has become a cult classic. 

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. CLIMAX - YOU TRIED TO TAKE IT ALL

2. MAKE THE FEELING LAST

3. YOU MUST COME WITH ME

4. THE GIRL WHO LOVED, THE GIRL WHO LOVED

Side 2 :

1. ORGASM

2. THE FIRST TIME

3. SCATTERING SEEDS

Comes in poly-lined inner with no tears or splits and still fully functional. This inner may not be the original one.

In summary, an impressive first pressing copy of this totally underrated, almost forgotten and extremely scarce 1970 UK prog/rock classic.

 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 signed for  : UK £4.00, continental Europe £8, and Rest of the World £12. 

 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.