The MIKE STUART SPAN 'DEAR' UK Mod Beat Psych RARE 45
£
31
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41
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Description
NO RESERVE , will be sold to highest bidder
THE MIKE STUART SPAN 'DEAR' / 'INVITATION' on the original COLUMBIA RECORDS DB 8206 from (June 2nd release date) 1967 - RARE!!
This their 2nd release, is a Cat Stevens track, backed by a better, Mike D'Abo-written number. Like their debut ('Still Nights'), it was a 'northern soul' effort aimed at the burgeoning MOD scene still thriving in Brighton and the coast areas.
A great group who made several good singles in the 1960's - one of their most MOD treatments,a 'northern soul' effort, and 'should' have made some impression sales-wise (but didn't, obviously).
The band were from Brighton, and managed by the owner of a used-record store 'Exspantions'. This single followed-up the excellent 'Come On Over To Our Place", one that is rare, and not least for including Brighton as a theme! After the two Columbia efforts and the untimely death of one of their members, they then recruited the guitarist from Tonbridge band Tony's Defenders. Their most prestigious gig was a few yards down the road from the record shop, at Brighton Dome, when they were on the bill with The HERD and Scott Walker! A big-time opportunity for exposure, for them. They even filmed it, as featured on 'Day In The Life of a Band', a promo film.
As with so many bands then and now, the disappointments of showbiz were as big as the hopes and dreams, and acrimony with their management soon caused a rift. Their first couple of singles were total flops, so they tried a Howard Blaikley (top songwriter of many 1960's hits) single release on Fontana (a poor effort, it must be said) after one R.G.M. Studio limited-pressed freakbeat/prog psychedelic gem 'Children Of Tomorrow' on Jewel(which currently sells for £350 up). They had ousted the manager, but also changed name to Leviathan and signed for Elektra Records, for probably their most consistent period, musically. They did record an LP-worth of material intended for release - a heavy progressive record, but it didn't get further than the acetate stage... until it was bootlegged in Germany! The three singles though, made little impact, despite being excellent early progressive records.
This comes from a great era in British pop and mod-psych music, and is now a rare collectible.
The vinyl is EX, only few and very light marks, plays and sounds great!
The lables are bright and clean.
Winner please add post/packing £2.50 UK, £3.50 EU, £5. Worldwide.
SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR MORE RARE GEMS
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