MELLOW CANDLE Swaddling Songs LP DERAM SDL7 'repress' + 1972 Decca inner sleeve
£
73
$
97
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Description
Regrettably is not the bonkers expensive original 1972 issue but is a doppelganger copy with the hand inscribed matrices ZAL 111 41 P A/B. Look on the internet and the info and hype you get ranges from a Deram repress to unauthorised collectors' edition and everything in between with dates ranging from the 1970's to 1990's. All I know is I've had it in my collection for about twenty years and I acquired it used but can't remember how.
What I can say is that whatever the origins of this example, some effort was put into its' production. The glossy non-laminated gatefold cover is of thick card and quality as witnessed by the clarity of the printing and inside colour photos. Overall the cover is in great shape with a modicum of corner wear and grubbiness to illustrate its' age whatever that is! Has to be 9/10 for condition.
To me, the labels although clean and initially impressive don't quite have the expected sharpness and definition. The 'MADE IN ENGLAND..........' writing on the top rims is faint against the brown. And Side 2 label is printed off-centre and has a slightly raised press around the spindle hole.
From the lack of much spindle tracking at the holes the vinyl doesn't seem to have had many spins. At window daylight it looks shiny and respectable but under a strong light it shows marks and scuffs which must be as a result of poor handling by a past user. I cleaned the dust off and played it on the hi-fi (Linn deck, Naim system). Plays pretty good with the odd pop so both aurally and visually I'll give it a rating of 6.5/10.
Included is an original blue and white Decca poly lined inner sleeve dated 7-72, the year of the first pressing of this album. My belief is that someone in the past added it for 'pseudo authenticity' which is fine as far as it goes because the disc is obviously not an original pressing.
That's it folks. If you can't stretch to a four figure sum for an original then this will make an interesting alternative and conversation piece. I've been as honest as I can with the description and should the buyer disagree then no problem to return of course. 99p start, no reserve, free postage in the UK and auction will run to the finish.
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