BLACK SABBATH - VOL. 4 Vertigo Swirl UK 1st Press EX+ PORKY/PECKO

	£		74
	$		98

BLACK SABBATH - VOL 4 

VERTIGO

6360 071

Machined First UK press matrices: 1Y//1 2Y//1

Porky and Pecko etchings in the deadwax indicating the prime first cut.

Up for auction is this absolutely gorgeous upgrade for this fantastic classic fourth Sabbath album. The vinyl is one of the best I have ever come across as a first press proper.

In June 1972, Black Sabbath reconvened in Los Angeles, California to begin work on their fourth album at the Record Plant Studios. The recording process was plagued with problems, many due to substance abuse issues. While struggling to record the song "Cornucopia" after "sitting in the middle of the room, just doing drugs", Bill Ward feared that he was about to be fired from the band. "I hated the song, there were some patterns that were just horrible", Ward said. "I nailed it in the end, but the reaction I got was the cold shoulder from everybody. It was like 'Well, just go home, you're not being of any use right now.' I felt like I'd blown it, I was about to get fired". However, the seeds were planted for what would eventually be the demise of the classic Sabbath lineup. As Butler told Guitar World in 2001: "Yeah, the cocaine had set in. We went out to L.A. and got into a totally different lifestyle. Half the budget went on the coke and the other half went to seeing how long we could stay in the studio... We rented a house in Bel-Air and the debauchery up there was just unbelievable." In the same interview, Ward said: "Yes, Vol. 4 is a great album, but listening to it now, I can see it as a turning point for me, where the alcohol and drugs stopped being fun."

Vol. 4 demonstrates Black Sabbath beginning to experiment with the heavy sound they had become known for. Although some of the album's songs are in their trademark style, others demonstrate a more sensitive approach which the band had never attempted before. This is best exemplified by the song "Changes". Written by Tony Iommi, it is entirely in the form of a piano ballad with mellotron. Although the band had used piano on some songs previously, it had played only a minor role in the songs.

At least two songs on the album reference the use of cocaine, with the lyrics and title of "Snowblind" being an example of this. "Cocaine" is whispered quite audibly after the first verse, approximately 41 seconds into the song. (During live performances Osbourne would typically scream the word at the top of his lungs after every verse.

 Gatefold Sleeve:  EX. Absolutely stunning gatefold sleeve with the photo pages in the middle!!!  This also has a period article and photo poster from a famous music mag from 1972 attached on the inside. This could be taken out if so wanted as it is only attached with tiny bits of blutack but it gives the album a very personal touch. The pictures tell all!!! For a matt sleeve it is amazing to have survived nearly 40+ years in such great condition. The spine is fully legible. Only moderate storage wear on the top and bottom edges This will satisfy most ardent collectors!!!

Vinyl: EX++  . A lovely vinyl with only light sleeve retraction wispy hairlines only visible under a very bright light.  One long wispy hairline on side one which is not audible at all. Without this it would have been close to NM. I doubt wether it has been played than maybe just a couple of times. I have played this through all the way and I am glad to report that the audio is stunning throughout with great channel separation. I played "Tomorrw's Dream" and "Snowblind" twice as they are personal favourites and they sounded out of this world. This is how this monumental album should be heard!! Of course, NO skips, NO jumps, NO clicks.

Inner sleeve: EX+. Again .. immaculate, there is, however, an owner's name written to the bottom of one side. Still, this does not take away from the gorgeous condition. Indeed it looks as if it was bought yesterday. NO creases, NO wear!!!

LABELS: EX+. 

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