MICK STEVENS: The River, seriously rare acid-folk LP - but there's a few flaws
£
23
$
30
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Description
HERE is a chance to own at modest outlay the ultra rare UK pressing of Mick Stevens' brilliant 1977 album, The River (Spaceward SRS 20), complete with the coveted double-sided lyric insert. Firstly, though, it has to be said that this copy has one or two serious flaws, and I offer it here only because the album is so rare (it has been stated that a mere 99 copies were produced, with only nine sales logged on popsike so far). Firstly, the front of the fragile unlaminated flipback cover has suffered water/damp damage. I would imagine that damp or water may have caused it to become attached to another adjoining cover, with the required separation (I am still guessing) resulting in the peeling away of several sections of the fabulous printed illustration, and the loss of part of the title, and most of the artist's name. There are also mould spots and a couple of tears at the opening edge. The rear of the cover has survived much better, and all the text is fully readable, with the white generally white and the photos clear and undamaged. But there are still numerous mould spots around the edges. The rare double-sided lyric inner has survived very well, with a little creasing here and there, but no tears or other damage, and no mould spots. At first sight the disc looks near perfect but it isn't. Both labels are virtually flawless, with hardly a spindle mark to be seen, while there's hardly a mark to be seen on the vinyl, even when examined under strong halogen lighting. However, there is what appears to be a slight pressing flaw, one little kink (or warp) at the edge of the vinyl, which renders the first five minutes of both sides of the record unplayable, at least on my deck. I have tried to show this kink in my final photo. You may know of a way of remedying this fault but I don't - I have always forgone the first five minutes of each side by placing the stylus about an inch into the record and enjoyed the music from thereon. And from thereon it plays beautifully. So there it is, a very rare record, flaws 'n' all, but at least it gives you an idea of what the fuss is all about concerning the talented singer/songwriter Mick Stevens. Good luck if you are bidding (postage cost is for UK only - if you are bidding from elsewhere please contact me for a quote or wait for invoice).
