VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR - H to He Who Am .. 1st UK Press 1970 Pink Scroll EX

	£		39
	$		52

VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR - 

H to He Who am the Only One

Charisma

1st UK Press 

 1970  Heavy vinyl

Machined  matrices: A-1U  B-1U

Mother stampers: "H" and "RM"

 "The actual story of the pioneers is something I rarely get asked, but which is all there...they're the first 'astronauts' to try to go over the speed of light (c) - no explanations for motive power, but then, my job is portraying human situations rather than mechanical. This is according to contemporary logic and theory, an impossibility and if (when) it is done, nobody'll really know what's going to happen the first time (...'controls still unknown'). In this particular case, my hypothesis (I reserve the right to other time/eventuality options) is that the pioneers go into a time warp, endless living death, the void: unable to get back to earthly reality at all.  I say earthly reality because they still exist, but not for us as people...the intention is there that they can manifest themselves as 'ghosts' - but that's another option to explore which is barely touched on in the song/narrative (...'I am the one you fear'). You'll see that the time thing explains the tensing of the lyrics, the 'statue' bit in particular. 
...the best way to go about it is just to think it out for yourself - guaranteed to blow the mind, time-void: it's the same as trying to think about 'eternity' both backwards and forwards, God, whatever -  I haven't got it together at all yet, but getting it together is what we're all here for!" 

- Peter Hammill in a letter to Jem Shotts, dated 21st February 1972

I have played this in FULL> The replay is ASTOUNDING!!! There are not any jumps or skips. Some light static here and there but never intrusive at all!! Very remarkable for this 1970 vinyl!!! The heavy vinyl with high groovewalls provide a fantastic audio experience with channelling not equalled by the later re-issues. I played this on my Technics turntable with a Linn cartridge and through my very revealing B&W three way speakers!!! A beautiful CLASSIC with supreme songcraft, a joy to listen to!!!! The labels have a few age spots mainly to side B which are visible only at a certain angle.

Vinyl: VG+ to EX.  Both surfaces retain their original deep, glossy sheen.  There are a couple of the usual sleeve retraction paper scuff traces.. There are no marks. There are just a couple of very wispy hairlines on each side.This has clearly not been played much at all!
 Outstanding audio delivery in all respects with a crystal clear, deep, rich, warm and detailed sound and on playback at a loud volume (which is how I always listen to my LPs prior to listing and it's always an immense pleasure to return to this one). This is a beautifully clean pressing (and I must emphasise again how difficult it is to find a copy which plays this well). The whole LP sounds  great and plays to a high standard with superb clarity, no groove-wear and no distortion. As played on my Linn Sondek/Rotel/B&W system with Ortofon cartridge. Light spindle traces. Of course, NO skips, NO jumps.

While this is the third album in the Van der Graaf Generator catalogue, it is really the second proper album by the band and also the second released in the UK. Their first album, The Aerosol Grey Machine had been written and recorded as a solo record by singer and main songwriter Peter Hammill, but because of a deal with the record company, was released under the Van Der Graaf Generator name. This first album was not released in the UK but just in Germany and the USA.

 Gatefold Sleeve: VG+ to EX.  A great example of this very hard to find LP. A great well looked after copy without any major issues. The main colour is navy blue and the sleeve is of course matt making it very hard to preserve without wear. This copy is definitely a lot better than most copies found. Edges with only moderate wear to the bottom and top edge and an extremely crisp opening. The spine is 80% legible. It will be a tough task to still improve on this copy. Of course NO creases, NO tears, NO writing.

Important : International postage will be registered and insured if over GBP 20.00.  These fees in England have gone up significantly last May. Please wait for my invoice before paying. Postage will be according to Royal Mail rates. Postage is NOT a money spinning exercise for me.

***This is a unique prime investment opportunity!!! Finding this classic album in any condition at all is nearly impossible!!! This is  a great and seriously collectable super album!!  You will buy into a piece of  superb prog history.***