Ben UK Vertigo swirl spiral progressive rarity
£
708
$
938
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Description
Ben "Ben" Vertigo 6360 052
This progressive-jazz LP was released on the highly collectable spiral / swirl Vertigo label in 1971 at a time when interest in Vertigo was at a low ebb resulting in many albums around this catalogue number not being big sellers - with the exception of Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" - albums such as Dr Z, Gravy Train and Mike Absalom.
Going by reports in the collecting press it is said that Ben only sold between 50 and 70 copies making it one of the rarest of the Vertigo albums for the collector to obtain.
An off-shoot of Keith Jarrett's backing band Ben recorded a totally instrumental LP with plenty of keyboards, sax, flute and, to my ears, excellent guitar.
Although there is nothing outstanding I find side 2 to be pretty good with some memorable riffs.
Right, I have just played the LP through to archive it and here follows my honest assessment:
Vinyl
Side A Matrix 6360052 2Y//1? 420 1 1 3
Plays all the way through with no jumps, sound is crisp and clear. There is quite a lot of dust crackle and the occasional pop as the groove is in need of cleaning.
There is a surface mark that follows the groove around for a few inches and some sleeve marks that do not affect play.
The label is clean and there is no spindle hole damage.
Side B Matrix 6360052 2Y//1? 420 1 1 1
Also plays all the way through with no jumps, sound is crisp and clear. Again, there is quite a lot of dust crackle and the occasional pop.
There are some sleeve marks that do not affect play.
The label is clean and there is no spindle hole damage.
Overall I would grade the vinyl as Very Good but this could be upgraded by a professional cleaning which may significantly improve matters.
It is definitely not Mint but is in pretty good shape for a record that in 38 years old and has been played regularly.
The sleeve is a bit grubby, most of which could be cleaned up if done carefully.
Structurally it is in great shape with no creases or tears.
The spine is intact with the printing still fresh.
There are 6 small staple holes around the edge of the front sleeve. Why or how? I don’t know!
The back sleeve is grubbier (see picture) and there is a Letraset E in the top left hand corner. Again why? Again, I don’t know.
Comes with the original spiral inner sleeve.
This LP does not come up very often so good luck with your bidding.
Postal Orders & Personal Cheques - UK buyers only.
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