VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR The Least We Can Do… SCARCE UK 1970 B&C CREDIT EX LP.

	£		100
	$		133

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Postage: UK £4.75 (£1 per extra record). Europe (including Russia) £12.50 (£2 per extra record). Rest of World (including ALL parts of the USA) £16.50 (£3 per extra record). All boxes signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes that offer virtually no protection at all – in fact I think these things should be banned as records WILL arrive damaged in them at some time. Here, you get what you pay for – SAFE PACKING in BOXES using 7mm DOUBLE-WALL STIFFENERS. Full details nearer the end of the listing.

Posting to Russia: Yes, I do post to Russia. But delivery can take up to 4 to 6 weeks from the UK. So please be patient. I will submit a tracking number to the winning bidder, and when the packet arrives there it can be followed online using the Russian post website.

ALSO: I now apply the Ebay ‘2-day’ rule for non-payment to keep things moving – cash-flow is important for any small business. I will always keep my P&P prices as low as possible, and even after yet another Royal Mail price hike from April this year, I have NOT raised my prices and will never compromise on solid, safe packing that is invariably heavier than most you will get. My P&P offers probably the best value-for-money for vinyl records available, and I even will pay for full insurance on any record that sells for over £100 at NO extra cost – that is UK and abroad. Also I aim to post the very same day after payment is received. You WILL see the difference when my packet arrives.

FINALLY: Late payers, non-payers and ‘0’ bidders will now be blocked or cancelled at my discretion. As will any bidder who cancels a bid. I do not like this practice as it is most often used to phish out the price to beat. Ebay does not approve and neither do I – so only bid on my items if you want them.

Artist or Band: VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR

Album Title: The Least We Can Do is Wave to Each Other

Producer(s): John Anthony

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Darkness; Refugees; White Hammer.

Side 2: Whatever Would Robert Have Said; Out of My Book; After the Flood.

Label/Format: Charisma – Pink scroll matt format with matt smooth surfaces.

Label Condition: Generally clean, still quite fresh and attractive, minor dulling seen under light. Spindle marks are light, mostly quite fine and faint.

Cat Number: CAS 1007

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 120 grams. This copy pressed by EMI, they were lighter, but in many cases, better pressed than the very first examples.

Country of Manufacture: England

Rarity: Scarce.

Original Year of Release: 1970

Matrix Nos: CAS 1007 A-3U / CAS 1007 B-3U [large and deeply machine punched]

Mothers / Stampers: 1 R / 1 M

Musicians: Peter Hammill – acoustic guitar and lead vocals; piano; Hugh Banton – Farfisa organ, piano and backing vocals; Guy Evans – drums and percussion; Nic Potter – bass guitar and electric guitar; David Jackson – tenor and alto sax, flute and backing vocals. With: Mike Hurwitz – cello, Gerry Salisbury – cornet.

Brief Artist & Album Info: The first album issued in the UK, their debut proper was Aerosol Grey Machine that was issued in the US and some European countries only. For many these days, VDGG are the definitive UK prog band, for sure they were up there with the very best. Fronted by the eccentric and intense vocalist Peter Hammill, VDGG made some of the most complex and inspired sounds of the early 1970s. David Jackson, the saxophonist often played two simultaneously creating an intense and full-on sound. With multiple pick-ups and treatments, these dual saxes often sounded more like eight. Musically complex using constantly changing time structures and like fellow progsters, King Crimson their albums have great highs and lows in volume. This album remains one of my real favourites in the prog-rock genre and a strong rival to King Crimson’s debut. An album of blistering real hi-fi sound with immense levels of volume and some very quiet passages too. Pressing quality is often an issue on the earlier pressings. Over time I have found these second EMI pressings generally offer the quietest sound, but take nothing for granted, nothing is ever guaranteed until played. Several I have heard in the past included pressing rasps, distortions and less than quiet sound – invisible flaws, but very audible, this one has little to fault and was a joy to play, certainly none of the aforementioned factors, but the odd gentle crackle or click here-and-there is nigh-on impossible to avoid totally. A marvellous original band that were under-appreciated at the time, but adored by the few (myself included) – Hammill remains one of rock’s great exponents of originality and mildly extreme. This is real, exciting progressive rock for the connoisseur fan. The sound on ‘White Hammer’ still thrills, and played loud it can almost rip speaker cloth. That bass note and treated saxophones near it’s end simply leaves the body swathed in goosebumps – no digital format can really quite capture the drama and sound levels. As usual, the cover has some wear, this is easily as challenging as the record to find clean, but it still a very respectable one with most wear on the edges. A small few of the very first examples included a poster, this one being very slightly later does not have it – sorry.

Cover Grade and Format: VERY GOOD: one of the most intolerant of covers, this is rarely seen devoid of heavy ringwear that often grinds right into the artwork. An unlaminated gatefold format with matt, smooth surfaces. Printed and made by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd and it has the ‘Patents Pending’ text and with B&C credits on the back proving it a genuine first and correct for the pink scroll copies. Beware of substitutions with the phonogram credits that at first glance look the same – they are NOT. This includes the plain white inner sleeve, but no poster, this example would have never had it.

Cover Front: Most all the wear on this front is seen on the edges and corners – mainly on the spine fold, the actual main surface still looks nice. A mild sticker dull is seen near the top right under light, but no surface tear at all. A little gentle and fine creasing near the bottom right, elsewhere, minimal, fine and faint. A real positive, is the deep vibrant colour, these also have a tendency to fade. Overall a fine, and more than respectable front.

Cover Back: Similar again with any ringwear traces gentle and light as seen. Moderate corner wear and a dink to the top right.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Little to fault inside, generally clean with the odd small crease or two.

Top Edges: Both straight, flush and flat, patchy light to moderate rubbing. The back centre had very cleanly split, so this I repaired as neatly as possible.

Bottom Edges: Patchy, mostly moderate rubbing on these unforgiving storage edges, no splits.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, mostly sharp with little wear. Any thickening or burring minimal and light as seen viewed end-on. Record enters on the back edge, both untrimmed or enhanced.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight with any compression mild. Folded square, so the edges meet up closely and parallel. No text was printed, the graphic flows around and a high percentage is intact. However, there is some moderate patchy rubbing, mostly near the ends and central area as seen.

Corners: Moderate and some above tip rubbing with decent shape retained with a dink to back top right as mentioned.

Cover Summary: Not putting to finer a point on this: a VERY difficult and challenging cover that very rarely withstands the test-of-time or poor storagel. Yes it has edge and corner rubbing, also a little general wear and blemishes, but still a very decent example, and an original of course. Not for the purists or more discerning, but sometimes for ones like this, a little give-and-take has to be made sometimes. It will still please many collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: NEAR EXCELLENT: a plain white unlined inner, a little aged with some mild darkening around the edge seams and general light discolouration. Minimal creasing, two neat window circles and no edge splits or repairs. It has ‘PATENT APPLIED FOR’ text.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT: and arguably better. A very fine visual copy that is very clean with fine shine and solidly pressed. The EMI pressings were in most cases lighter, but invariably used purer vinyl, thus sound always had a better chance, and they had less inherent pressing flaws and issues. No mottle or dulling within the vinyl is seen which is a common trait on the textured label copies. A few light surface marks seen under bright angled light but no penetrating scratches – a more visible, but small surface mark on side one has NO sound. Visually a lovely record that should please many collectors.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This is a very difficult record that I truly consider one of THE most challenging within this field-of-music, but a very rewarding listening experience if a fine copy can be found, I think I could search forever to find any copy that will play absolutely perfect with any label included. An album of massive highs and lows and this plays very well with little unwanted. The odd contact sound trace or sporadic click being nigh-on impossible to avoid at best. I have heard some that can make you cringe with horrendous distortion – this not the case on this copy that overall lacks any significant pressing issues and tracks easily*. The sound remains sharp and focused, the pressing quality significantly above average overall. Dave Jackson’s brilliant electric reeds send a shiver down the spine and Hammills vocals have ‘in the room’ qualilty. The explosive bassline midway through ‘White Hammer’ has stomach wrenching slam and if played loud enough I am sure it could remove glass from windows. I have rarely heard such depth and power in sound and it shook my room when play-grading. Another noteworthy moment of hi-fi nirvana, amongst many moments is the blood-chilling distorted scream of ‘Anihilation’ on the brilliant final song ‘After the Flood’ – this never fails to generate that rare ‘tingle factor’ I experience with the real classic moments in sound. There is no distortion or groove pressing sounds on these crucial and very critical areas - believe me, they are all too common. Many inferior sound-systems can literally fall-apart playing this massive wall of sound. Unfortunately pressing issues and groove wear can never be seen, only heard. So personally, I would not buy any copy of this album that has not been fully play-tested. This I always do, and I will always mention any issues heard or present. So many examples of this album can disappoint in a huge way and on all the songs, this sets a high standard and plays up to and mostly above its visual grading. For sure, the digital versions will offer clinical silence, but they will never offer those ultimate details and massive dynamic range only the analogue format can – also the mix is often changed and interferred with. The cover may have some wear, but the record has few blemishes, it proved an exhilaring listen and I can strongly recommend it as long as perfection is not demanded. This has to be one of the greatest prog-rock albums ever and this still very early copy does it strong justice. If absolute silence is mandatory, the search continues – and good luck, but this record will take a lot of beating and will send worthy systems into overdrive.

* As played-graded on a high-end Linn LP12 Sondek turntable with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge tracking at 2.2 grams.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay as I Play-Grade every record I offer in their entirety – also on higher-end equipment – not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean it’s good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. Room light factors can make things vary sometimes, that is hard to control, especially in winter. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Quintet Black moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2.2 grams). Amps: Naim Supernait 2 with Project USB phono stage and Tellerium Black interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Tellurium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting, better quality packaging costs, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is minuscule in over 14 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE – they offer next-to-no-protection, and should be banned, no ‘professional’ should consider using them in my opinion. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of TWO days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the bid, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site as will any suspicious bids or bid withdrawals. Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.75

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £1 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £12.50 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£50 maximum]) = £16.50 (£17.50 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.