VAN DER GRAAF CHARISMA UK ORIGINAL WITH ELUSIVE INSERT

	£		161
	$		213

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual grading and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Specific notes concerning this album: This section highlights specific aspects regarding condition of the album(s) offered. These comments will still appear in the dedicated sections below but I hope that this ‘headlining’ will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. This particular album has been played occasionally over the years, but it has avoided excess wear and tear. The original Garrod & Lofthouse ‘Patents pending’ unprotected matt surface finish, and consequently vulnerable, gatefold has a few minor blemishes. There is a small piece missing from the inside bottom right centre spread (please see photograph), a discreet signature ‘woven’ into the ‘white lightning’ static discharge on the back cover (barely noticeable – please see photo), some light surface rub wear and the spine is compressed and slightly scuffed. The superb heavyweight  (166 gramme) first press vinyl has some light surface ‘brush’ lines, caused by bag movements and light stylus contact (they are very fine and even with these it still grades a comfortable excellent); they have no significant audio consequence. The vinyl also, ironically, has a slight ‘edge wave’ but it plays beautifully with absolutely no detriment to the audio reproduction or delivery. The side ‘A’ label has a small semi circular piece missing from the edge which would have occurred during the original pressing process and there are a few tiny scattered lift trails on the ‘B’ side consistent with the early presses which produced these deep textured labels. The elusive double sided psychedelic poster / lyric sheet has an extra light crease line through having slipped across the gatefold but other than that it is not marked, not damaged and in generally outstanding condition. This is a thoroughly near excellent or better example of one of the all time great classic prog-rock albums.

Album / Record Title: THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS WAVE TO EACH OTHER

Rarity: ONE OF THE RAREST ALBUMS OF THE GENRE AS A COMPLETE UK SECOND PRESSING WITH THE ELUSIVE DOUBLE SIDED PSYCHEDELIC POSTER / LYRIC INSERT - Van Der Graaf’s 'The Least We Can Do....' album on the original UK Charisma pink with black scroll label was, anecdotally, one of the most complex of the era in engineering and production terms presenting the group, producer and engineers with considerable difficulties. It was pressed up to four times on this original pink label with four sets of matrices which were the cat. no. followed by +A & +B, +A+G & +B+G, A-2U & B-2U and A-3U & B-3U (although there are doubts about the existence of A-2U & B-2U, it is assumed to exist because of the sequence but I have never met, or even heard of, anybody who has seen one). The first attempt +A & +B was short lived apparently because the audio quality was unsatisfactory; improvements were made with this A+G & B+G, and some of both of these earliest variants contained a psychedelic poster with lyrics on reverse but inclusion appears to have been limited and somewhat random. Of the few posters that were distributed few have survived the passage of time and consequently good quality originals are now extremely rare and highly collectable. In fact all variants sold in very small quantity on first commercial release in 1970, even the final mix on the pink Charisma and the later Mad Hatter Label pressings are rare.

THE UK ORIGINAL SECOND PRESSINGS, LIKE THIS ONE, WITH +A+G & +B+G MATRICES ON SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT (166 GRAMME) VINYL WITH THE DEEPLY TEXTURED PINK LABELS HOUSED IN UK FIRST ISSUE GARROD & LOFTHOUSE ‘PATENTS PENDING’ GATEFOLDS AND INCLUDING THE POSTER / LYRIC INSERT ARE EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND IN THIS VERY GOOD PLUS TO EXCELLENT CONDITION THROUGHOUT.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, SECOND PRESS, FIRST ISSUE
• SECOND MATRICES, NO MOTHER OR STAMPER CODES SHOWN
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN A FULL EXCELLENT CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL CHARISMA TEXTURED  PINK & BLACK SCROLL LABELS
• ORIGINAL GARROD & LOFTHOUSE PATENTS PENDING GATEFOLD
• ORIGINAL DOUBLE SIDED PSYCHEDELIC POSTER LYRICS INSERT
• HIGHLY PRESENTABLE EXAMPLE OF A BRILLIANT & RARE ALBUM

Artiste(s): VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR – Hugh Banton, Peter Hammill, Nic Potter, Guy Evans, David Jackson

Produced By: John Anthony and Engineered by Rob Cable

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 12” LP & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL CHARISMA TEXTURED PINK LABEL WITH BLACK SCROLL WHITE NAME TEXT AND BLACK TITLES / CREDITS PRINT

Catalogue Number: CAS 1007

Country of origin and first published date: GT. BRITAIN 1970

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side A:     CAS+1007+A+G

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side B:     CAS+1007+B+G

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper codes side A:    none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper codes side B:    none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side A:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side B:  none visible

N.B. Please note that all matrices, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method next to them.

Track Listing as per label: SIDE A: DARKNESS (11/11) / REFUGEES / WHITE HAMMER / SIDE B: WHATEVER WOULD ROBERT HAVE SAID / OUT OF MY BOX / AFTER THE FLOOD

Background and summary of condition: I have given brief details of the production of the album in the rarity section at the head of this listing and anybody who is seriously acquisitive will have access to the information that is of interest to them from other sources, so there’s nothing for me to add. In terms of summarising the condition I am happy to say that this is a highly presentable and thoroughly enjoyable example of remarkably rare album.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side A: EXCELLENT, some superficial surface movement lines and marks caused by bag movement and light stylus contact - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side B: EXCELLENT, some superficial surface movement lines and marks caused by bag movement and light stylus contact - not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side A: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines, slight evidence of handling and a small neat semi circular piece removed due to ‘pick-up’ during the original pressing process, but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side B: EXCELLENT, some light spindle lines, slight evidence of handling and tiny scatter trail caused by ‘pick-up’ during the original pressing process, but no marks, no scuffs, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks or slight shrinkage marks / lines on labels caused in original pressing; they are quite normal and in my opinion are individual characteristics – not defects.

Outer Cover: VERY GOOD PLUS, the distinctive original gatefold designed by VDGG in conjunction with Jim Flynn of CCS, photography by Ged Grimmel, printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse, with the earliest ‘Patents pending’ notation, of mid-weight rigid card construction with a matt surface finish which is unprotected and is prone to wear. The best way to assess the condition is to take a good look at the ‘zoom and enlarge’ images in the photo gallery but I will also point to its strengths and flaws. There are some minor short superficial line indents and surface rub wear which in places mimics the outer edge of the record. There are a few small short superficial surface creases adjacent to the seam at the back edge of the front and back cover adjacent to the spine and a few similar short traces at the top edge. There is minor corner and of edge rub wear. There are some mini-dents and slight pick-up at the leading entry edge, and slight linear indents which are barely visible. The photo and track titles and credits centre spread shows slight evidence of handling and a few minor marks. There is a small piece missing from the inside bottom right centre spread and a discreet signature ‘woven’ into the ‘white lightning’ static discharge on the back cover (barely noticeable), Overall this is a clean, highly presentable and impressive gatefold – better than the few others you might see in the unlikely event that they pass your way but, I repeat, please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: VERY GOOD, downgraded to allow for some minor scuffs and compression but this continuous theme gatefold does not carry any text so the negative affect is minimised – it may well deserve a better grade but please take a close look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD PLUS, original era specific original plain white paper with centre window, non-lined and without text, in physically good shape, slightly discoloured and lightly creased. This album will also be supplied with a new good quality paper inner and ‘Nagaoka’ antistatic loose poly-liner for transit and added protection of the vinyl surfaces.

Psychedelic Poster / Lyric Insert: EXCELLENT, the original printed on plain paper with semi-gloss surface finish about 24 x 18 inches (60 x 45 cms.) creased on the fold lines and where it has crossed the fold of the gatefold, slight edge rub, tiny fray at seam edges and minor evidence of handling but no significant marks, no tears, no seam separation, no writing, no pinholes; in thoroughly excellent or better condition – the photos show it clearly and accurately.

Vinyl Warp: there is a slight edge wave when eye tested on a moving turntable but it has no affect on play using my standard settings, described in the general notes section below, and no consequence to the audio delivery which is superb throughout.

Vinyl Weight: 166 grammes (a charismatic CHARISMA heavyweight)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: NEAR EXCELLENT

Audio Performance: THIS IS AN ALBUM THAT WAS ENGINEERED AND PRODUCED TO DELIVER A COMPLEX BODY OF SOUND – AND THIS VINYL ACHIEVES THAT RESULT IN AN IMPRESSIVE AND ACCOMPLISHED MANNER IMPOSING ITS PRESENCE FROM THE START UNTIL THE LAST NOTE OF THE LAST TRACK ON SIDE B. A TRULY AMAZING ALBUM AND A SUPERB TOUR DE FORCE FROM THIS IS A BRILLIANT VINYL - BRIGHT, FULL BODIED, PRODUCING AUDIO OF GREAT DYNAMISM AND CLARITY. THE REASON I HAVE LOWERED THE ‘CLEAN’ GRADING SLIGHTLY IS DUE TO SOME MINOR UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND AND OCCASIONAL LOW LEVEL LIGHT CRACKLE IN THE NON RECORDED AND QUIET SECTIONS BUT IT IS NOT INTRUSIVE, NOT REPETITIVE, NOT IRRITATING AND FOR ME IT DOES NOT IN ANY WAY SPOIL THE ENJOYMENT AND PLEASURE OF LISTENING TO EXCELLENT PROG-ROCK MUSIC FROM THE BEST POSSIBLE MEDIUM. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS IS SPLENDID AUDIO - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL AS IT SHOULD BE - CAPTIVATING, CRYSTAL CLEAR AND POWERFUL - IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO FIND A MUCH BETTER ONE.

Other: A rare opportunity to acquire a very good plus to excellent grade example of one of the most powerful and important albums of the genre in highly presentable and enjoyably excellent condition – with that poster!

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and early ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A61 & B61 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Please Note: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play a ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. I will only dispatch using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. As stated in the previous paragraph for overseas deliveries I will also only dispatch to UK destinations using a fully insured Signed-for delivery service; if this is not acceptable please do not bid on any of my listings.

Postal insurance is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance such as premiums to cover non-standard risks or consequential losses are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.