TITUS GROAN - S/T 1970 EARLY UK ATMOSPHERIC PROGRESSIVE ROCK 180g SEALED RE LP

$

30

TITUS GROAN – Titus Groan. Lost Century 71009. UK release. FACTORY SEALED VINYL RECORD ALBUM. Originally issued in 1970 on Pye Records’ Dawn imprint. Also issued in the US on Janus Records (though stated as also being issued in 1970, it didn’t appear here until the spring of 1971). This edition issued in 2013, this is a straight album reissue, no bonus tracks. Comes in a heavy gatefold cover pressed on 180g vinly. MEMBERS:  Stuart Cowell, Tony Priestland, John Lee, and Jim Toomey. TRACKS:  It Wasn’t For You, Hall Of Bright Carvings:  Theme/In The Dusty High-Vaulted Hall/The Burning/Theme, I Can’t Change, It’s All Up With Us, and Fuschia. DESCRIPTION:  Titus Groan derived their name from the novel by Mervyn Peake, the first volume of the Gormenghast trilogy. The music evokes very well the dark atmosphere of this strange book. Peake's books have always remained in print, but the band Titus Groan disappeared from the scene. Their 1970 album, and their only album, exhibits all the characteristics of a debut of a promising rock band. The concept was very ambitious (multi-part complex pieces), which resembles the debuts of other English bands of the same period, such as Wishbone Ash and Gentle Giant. It makes one wonder what the next album would sound like. This replica edition comes in gatefold sleeve as did the original LP. Lengthy tracks, with flutes, searing guitars, and a psych edge. This was another of those groups/albums that I discovered back in my college radio days, which also included Gentle Giant and Wishbone Ash. Some dismiss this as peripheral, but, as I continue to give this turntable time over the years, its music and the band’s performance ranks this in the top tier of my early 70s UK progressive bands.   

For your further reading enjoyment and enlightenment I include an earlier description that I put together for this album (repeats some information, but offers a little deeper insight into their music):

Titus Groan, the book, formed the first part of Mervin Peake's imaginative, haunting Gormenghast trilogy, one of post-war Britain's finest literary achievements. Titus Groan, the group, arrived some 20+ years after its first publication, and embraced, in music, some of the novel's gothic atmosphere while adding their own slice of English progressive rock. By 1970, at least two divisions of underground music had emerged. One included the likes of Family, the Pretty Things, and Traffic; groups whose pedigree stretched back into beat and rhythm'n'blues. In their wake came a succession of newer bands whose histories were neither as long nor as detailed but who welcomed the new music as an opportunity to stretch. In common with several labelmates, Titus Groan first came to prominence at the Hollywood Pop Festival of the weekend beginning May 23rd 1970. Here, the Red Bus Company, a London Agency, masterminded three days of "love, peace, and music" on a site near Newcastle Under Lyme with a bill which included Ginger Baker's Airforce and the British concert debut of the Grateful Dead. The happening, however, is better recalled as the launching pad for Mungo Jerry, whose brand of goodtime skiffle was apparently received with wild enthusiasm; so much so that it carried their subsequent single into the charts. From there it soared to No.1 and became a multi-million seller, in turn providing their record label, Dawn, with its biggest success, a fact which was something of a paradox, as it was set up by Pye as an "alternative" outlet, on par with Harvest, Vertigo, UK Decca’s Nova, and RCA's Neon. Mungo Jerry were handled by Red Bus, as were several of the acts who appeared over the three days including Mike Cooper, Demon Fuzz, and Titus Groan, all of whom were either already signed to Dawn, or would be in the post-"Summertime" euphoria. Indeed, the first, most immediate plan was to compile a double set, Live At Hollywood, which was to feature part of the live sets from each of these groups and Loudmouth (?), but was cancelled, possibly, when permission for inclusion by non-Dawn acts, such as Family, wasn't forthcoming (I smell a potential issue from the vaults). Instead they began recording, and in October that year, Dawn announced a major release package with albums and/or maxi-singles by Demon Fuzz, Comus, and Heron, as well as the collection in question here, Titus Groan. The following tracks mentioned are for informational purposes and is not to imply that this release contains those tracks; the album on offer is a straight reissue of their album:  Three tracks, recorded early on in the album’s sessions, were released which made up the Groan's only (maxi) single, none of which were to be included on their album. The top-side was Open The Door, Homer, a Bob Dylan song also known as Open The Door, Richard, which the Groans may have picked up from the Great White Wonder bootleg. They do a nice folksy-cum-rock interpretation, emphasizing the chorus in the hope of the hit it deserved to be, while anticipating the kind of feel the group Coulson/Dean/McGuinness/Flint would find on the same kind of interpretation (on their own album, Lo And Behold). Woman Of The World continued an acoustic-mixed-with-rock perspective, sounding close to something Lindisfarne might have come up with, but the real meat of the single was Liverpool, a driving slab of pseudo-R&B with a horn and organ passage mirroring that of the Graham Bond Organisation and some S.F. Sorrow-styled vocal harmonies thrown in for good measure. It provided the perfect taster for what was one of Dawn's most exciting and eclectic albums. Titus Groan was released the same month as their maxi-single. Consisting of a mere five tracks, it was abundantly clear that the group intended to continue the progressive aspects found on Liverpool. They were extremely powerful instrumentally, Stuart Cowell's guitar and keyboard work combined perfectly with Tony Priestland's sax, flute, oboe, and assorted woodwind, creating, and indeed suggesting, the mock-medieval textures also found in Jethro Tull (albeit, heavier), while John Lee and Jim Toomey provided the supportive bass and drums, particularly on the album's epic, Hall Of Bright Carvings. Taking its title from the opening chapter of the novel which gave the band its name, it's here Titus Groan come closest to their inspiration as they wage a way through an ambitious, multi-part composition. The repeated theme adds a continuity as the piece shifts in mood, embracing a further Peake reference, The Burning on the way. The second side doesn't slouch either, Lee and Priestland offer contrasts on It Can't Change and Fuschia, while It's All Up With Us is a collective offering. "An interesting, listening format... effective in live performances... a promising first album" - such remarks contained in the relevant 'NME' album review can only be echoed here. Sadly, however, Titus Groan just seemed to slip from the tentative prominence they'd achieved, despite the obvious potential of the music enclosed here and by mid-1971 they were no more a band. Of the four members, Jim Toomey, who had earlier been in the group Jon, cropped up in several groups including the Tourists (with Annie Lennox and [the other] Dave Stewart), did some sessions for Uriah Heep’s Ken Hensley, and drummed in one of Larry Wallis' post-Pink Fairies exploits. Along with Stuart Cowell, Toomey wrote What Did We Miss for Still Life. The rest, unfortunately, appeared to keep up a less active profile. It was an unfortunate and undeserved demise; its suddenness belied the individuality and imagination of a band that seemed destined for greater things.    

If you have any questions or if you have additional information, especially corrections, to the description, please e-mail me.   

All LPs are removed from their jackets and placed outside of the jacket for shipping. If an album comes sealed (and will be noted as such in the above description), it will be shipped whole unless you request that I open it up to place the disc outside of the jacket for shipping. Both jacket and disc are placed inside of an outer plastic sleeve before packing for shipping. I use professional corrugated record mailers.

PLEASE CHECK OUT MY OTHER CURRENTLY LISTED ITEMS AND EBAY STORE. There is also a section of additional LP titles in my eBay Store 

TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS:

SS or SLD:  Still Sealed or Sealed (or some variation of sealed depending on how many characters I have left in the title line). This item is new and unplayed. Also appears in the listing description as Sealed LP or Factory Sealed LP.

NEW LP:  This item is new and unplayed, but was received from a supplier without being shrink wrapped or cellophane wrapped; more common on imports but also many of the smaller independent US labels do not seal their LPs.

GFC:  Gate fold cover.

LTD EDT:  Limited, as in limited edition. If I know the press run number it will be included in the above description.

#'D:  Numbered edition. I will include the number of this item if it is visible to me.

CV:  Colored vinyl.

S/T:  Self-titled.

RE:  Reissue

OOP:  Out Of Print.

TERMS OF AUCTION/SALE: 

Buyer pays for POSTAGE & HANDLING:

Shipping rates are as of January 28, 2013; any subsequent rate increase will take precedence over the listed rates.

U.S. Shipping: 

$4.00 via USPS media mail for the first single LP or double disc LP set (excluding box sets). All US packages are shipped via eBay's USPS processing and include tracking.

Shipping of additional items of a multi-item purchase will be determined by weight. Please wait for my eBay invoice before making payment.

See U.S. Customers below for additional shipping services and payment method.

INTERNATIONAL Shipping (I ship worldwide; all packages shipped via first-class package international service and do not include tracking):

Prices will vary slightly due to the weight of the disc(s) and jacket. The amount listed in the shipping details is for this item only. Multiple item purchasers will need to wait for my invoice before making payment. On multiple item purchases the base rate for shipping will be the price of the highest/heaviest item to ship. Additional items will ship by weight.

I ship world wide. If your country is not covered with the listed rates please e-mail me before your purchase for the cost of shipping to your country. 

See International Customers below for additional shipping services, requirements, and payment method.

U.S. CUSTOMERS:

Payment for U.S. customers using credit cards can be made via Paypal or pay direct from your Paypal account to mine. If this is a problem please e-mail me for acceptable alternatives. Priority mail is available upon request, please wait for my invoice with the appropriate shipping total via Ebay before making payment. Payment must be received within 7 days from the close of bidding or date of purchase. If you can not meet my payment schedule please e-mail me with your needs. I only ask that you keep me informed. Items are shipped in professional corrugated mailers. If there are any other needs of your purchase please e-mail me and I will do my best to accommodate them.

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: 

I have been shipping records and CDs around the world for over 25 years, so purchase with confidence. Items are shipped in professional corrugated mailers. Payment using credit cards can be made via Paypal or pay direct from your Paypal account to mine. If this is a problem please e-mail me for acceptable alternatives before you bid or purchase. All international payments are due in US $ only. Payment must be received within 7 days after close of bidding or date of purchase. If you can not meet my payment schedule please e-mail me with your needs. I only ask that you keep me informed. All packages are shipped via first class mail international (air); this is the least expensive method of shipping internationally, but does not necessarily meet all the conditions of Paypal’s buyer/seller protection plan. First Class Mail International does not offer tracking. If security is a major concern then please request Registered Mail, available upon request and at your expense, this is the least expensive method of meeting the conditions of Paypal’s buyer/seller protection plan; actual postal charge for registration is $12.95 in addition to the shipping total (required on all bids/purchases totaling $100 or more; this will be included with the invoiced shipping total). Priority Mail International and Express Mail International are available upon your request and at your expense. If you have any special needs of your purchase or you have any questions please e-mail me. 

*ALL CUSTOMERS*  

HANDLING TIME:  

Packages are usually shipped in less than 72 hours. NOTE:  This is not the same thing as delivery time, which begins once a package is turned over to the post office; averaging 3-7 business days for US delivery and 5 days to 3 weeks for international delivery (Italian customers it is not unusual for your package to take 4 weeks for delivery). International delivery is largely determined on how long it takes your local customs to process its mail. I will confirm receipt of payment and shipping date via my personal e-mail, adjust your filters accordingly. If you do not hear from me within the first three days after your payment, most likely my attempts to e-mail you have failed. Please keep me posted on your payment plans or any special requirements/needs of your purchase. 

RETURN POLICY:

Please e-mail me with specific details and I will get back to you with your options. I ask that if there is a problem with the item that you contact me as soon as possible after receiving it. Any item that must be returned is done so at the buyer’s expense. Any refund, exchange, or substitution/credit will be at the buyers choice, but not made until the original item is received back by me; in the condition as stated in the item description.  

NON-ARRIVAL OF PACKAGES: 

US Customers:  Please wait at least two weeks from my confirmed shipping date before contacting me about the non-arrival of your package. Packages are not shipped with confirmation; this service is optional and available upon request at your expense, e-mail me before making payment so I can invoice you accordingly. It has been several years since I’ve had a package not make its US destination, so risk is minimal.

INTERNATIONAL Customers:  Please wait at least 3 weeks from my confirmed shipping date before contacting me about the non-arrival of your package. If security is your concern please have your package registered (see above for fee). I do my best to quickly post packages, but once the package is in the hands of the world’s postal systems it is beyond my control. With first class mail international my only option for investigating the loss of your package is to verify that it left this country to its destination country. Most all delayed/lost packages have disappeared/been delayed after they have reached their destination country. NOTE:  Based on recent buyer feedback, International packages have been moving much slower these days; it is not unusual for a package to take over three weeks for delivery (especially to Italy), though normally packages should arrive in 7 to 15 business days.  

MULTI-ITEM PURCHASERS:

Multi-bid winners/purchasers:  If you combine various formats such as LPs, 7" singles, and CDs, please wait for my eBay invoice for the shipping total before making payment. For example, US customers purchasing an LP with a 7” single and/or CD, as LPs ship via media mail, your package will ship as media mail. All international purchases are shipped via first-class package international service so discounting will be determined by weight. Shipping discounts apply only to multi-item purchases that are paid for in one single payment and shipped in a single package.