INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE BAND (GRAM PARSONS) - 1968 - "Safe At Home"

$

72

SYNOPSIS

Safe at Home, Gram Parsons' first full-length album (and the only LP he would record with the International Submarine Band), today sounds like a dry run for the country-rock he would later perfect with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers; it's also a major changeup from the psychedelically shaded pop/rock of the ISB's hard to find debut singles. In many ways, the album sounds more purely "country" than Parsons' best-known work; the Burritos' crucially important R&B edge had yet to make its presence felt in Gram's music, and on these sessions the rock influence is often more felt than heard (probably due in part to the presence of Nashville session veterans who pitched in on piano and pedal steel). But Parsons' considerable gifts as a songwriter were already evident on tunes like "Blue Eyes" and "Luxury Liner," and while there's a touch less grace in Gram's vocals than on his best work, his passion, understated wit, and deep love for country music are always in the forefront. And while Gram is the star of this show, his bandmates -- John Nuese and Bob Buchanan on guitars, Jon Corneal on drums, and future Burrito Chris Ethridge on bass -- are solid, soulful, and firmly in the pocket throughout. If Safe at Home sounds like a rough draft for Gram Parsons' later triumphs, it's also a fine record on its own terms, and leaves little doubt that the International Submarine Band's leader had something special right from the start

PAYMENTS

PAYMENT PROCESS: Following completion of the auction, eBay will send the buyer a draft invoice notification. In the case of a simple one item transaction the buyer can pay from that draft invoice. If there are multiple items purchased and combined discounted shipping is required then a manual invoice must be initiated by the seller.

PAYMENT METHOD: PayPal is the required payment method as it results in a more streamlined and expedited process beneficial to both the buyer and seller. bother                                                                               

PAYMENT DEADLINE: The seller has thoughtfully committed to ship within one day of payment receipt. It would be much appreciated if the buyer would reciprocate with payment by one day after receipt of invoice (this is much appreciated so time is not wasted chasing down payments). The absolute deadline for payment before eBay becomes involved is 96 hours (4 days) after auction completion. Please be thoughtful and make payments in a timely manner.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                               SHIPPING

SHIPPIPNG & HANDLING FEE (S&H): This fee is directly related to the safe delivery of your item to your residence. It is a cost reimbursement for the following items: (1) specialized LP mailer ($.92), (2) polyurethane sleeve for jacket protection ($.28) and delivery confirmation ($.20). Therefore no other costs  (e.g. supplies, time, gas, etc.) that are reimbursed instead they are absorbed by the seller. Shipping costs can be mitigated by purchasing multiple items.

POSTAL CALCULATION:  I use the eBay/USPS postage calculation tool in order for determining postage costs. This tool calculates postage amounts based upon the shipments destination, shipping type, weight, options, and S&H fee. During some promotional times, I offer free shipping for  domestic media mail only. In these situations the seller will be paying the shipping costs so if there are any returns that result in refunds the seller will withhold the shipping amount from the refund.

PACKING:: As many inquire and/or request about the packing process I thought that I would disclose it upfront as follows: (1) Vinyl is removed from the jacket/cover in order to prevent seam splits, (2) Jacket /cover is inserted into a 4 mil. poly sleeve for jacket/cover protection. (3) Vinyl is also placed in this poly sleeve outside,  but next to, the jacket/cover.  (4) The 4 mil. poly sleeve, containing the vinyl and the jacket/cover are then placed in a 200 lb. test "bend resistent" corrugated cardboard protective LP mailer with packing material inside to ensure that the record does not slide side to side.

SHIPPING OPTIONS: Domestic Shipping is normally accomplished by "Media Mail". This is the least expensive method of shipment but it can also be the least dependable. At the other end of the spectrum, some buyers select"Priority Mail" which is a little more expensive but it is also a quicker delivery, a more dependable delivery and has better tracking capabilities. Either way, the selection of the items shipping method will be the responsibility of the buyer. International Shipping  is normally accomplished via "First Class International",  This is he least expensive method but it is also the most undependable, weak tracking systems and no opportunity to purchase guarantee for ease of mind in the situation of an expensive item. The more dependable method of international shipping is "Priority International" which has improved tracking systems and increased odds of a safe delivery. Like Domestic shipping, the method of international shipping will be the responsibility of the buyer. 

RETURNS

Buyers have a fourteen (14) day period, from delivery date, to exercise their option of returns. The only stipulation that I request is that it is for an objective, and not subjective, reason. Vinyl collectors and enthusiasts are well aware that grading is extremely subjective and in the end is simply just one persons opinion. A difference of opinion on a vinyl's "Proper" or "Correct" grade is something that is difficult to agree on. That being the case, grading alone will not be grounds for a refund. I make a concerted effort grade (conservatively) each record the very best that I can ensuring a fair grade. I have no intention of taking advantage of any buyer which is also why I don't sell my vinyl that is less than VG+ condition (those get donated and many are very collectible). On the other hand, if the reason is objective such as I advertised a "Original " release but it turned out to be a "Reissue" or if it was advertised as "Still Sealed", but arrived otherwise then those would also be returnable. Items not delivered, or delivered damaged, should FIRST be address with your local postal service. That being said, I can also make an error in grading therefore some situation  will need to be discussed.

GRADING SCALE

Vinyl is graded on a visual basis, primarily due to time constraints and the sheer volume (thousands) of records that I am selling. I use very bright lights and magnifiers to look for flaws and have been doing so for almost forty years. Grading scale is as follow:.

MInt (M): -  Still Sealed, if opened the grading should NOT be Mint

 Near MInt (NM): - Looks like if just came from the retail store and opened for the very first time (i.e. nearly perfect). Shiny vinyl with NO visible defects. No writing, stickers, markings etc either on the jacket or vinyl. Near Mint records do not have to be "unplayed" as an used record can also be in Near Mint condition after many plays providing it had been properly cared for.

Excellent (EX): This is a record that appears to be Near Mint at first glance but upon thorough evaluation can be seen to have a blemish or minimal mark. As a Near Mint is in perfect condition, this grade is just a small step down  in the grading level.

Very Good Plus (VG+): - These records will show some slight signs of wear, including scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK and can fall into this category. Minor signs of handling are OK also, such as telltale marks around the center hole where repeated playing could have enlarged or damaged the hole. There may also be light ring wear or discoloration, but is should not be overwhelming. Very Good Plus jackets should have minor wear such as a very minor seam wear or split (less than one inch long) at one of the seams most likely the bottom       which iis the most vulnerable location. A VG+ may have some defacing such as cut-out markings (corner cut or punch holes).

Very Good (VG): - These records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in NM, EX and VG+ condition. They may lack the original gloss found on factory fresh records, groove wear is evident as are light scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. The Very Good Plus record could have minor surface noise and some scratches may be audible most likely in the intros and space between songs but not at a level to overpower the music. - Minor writing, tape or sticker may exist on the jacket and/or label. These records remain a fine listening experience. Very Good Plus jackets will have many sings of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or around the edges of the cover will be obvious