CRESSIDA UK VERTIGO EARLIEST FIRST FULL SWIRL ORIGINAL

	£		311
	$		412

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by 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 ‘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; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a 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.

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 gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: CRESSIDA (self titled debut album)

Rarity: EXTREMELY RARE FOR A NUMBER OF VERY GOOD REASONS – First is the obvious one – there were not many of these UK FIRST PRESS, FIRST ISSUE ORIGINALS MADE IN 1970, and there are very few left in circulation today. Of the few that do remain most are in ‘safe’ hands coveted by enthusiastic collectors who are never likely to release them onto the market. Of the scarce remainder that are available there are only a tiny quantity that grade NEAR EXCELLENT FOR THE GATEFOLD & EXCELLENT TO PLUS AND BETTER FOR THE VINYL AND AUDIO DELIVERY – THIS IS ONE OF THEM – SO THE EXTREME RARITY IS IN NO DOUBT.

This was the last of the short list of albums to be released on the PHILIPS VERTIGO LABEL with the distinctive ‘VO’ status, being catalogue reference VO 7. Following the launch of their exclusively ‘progressive’ Vertigo label in Autumn 1969 Philips catalogued the ‘springboard’ albums with the prefix ‘VO’, this was soon changed to a seven figure catalogue number starting with the number ‘6’, Cressida marked the end of the VO’s. Cressida only made two albums for commercial release, this one and ‘Asylum’ in my experience they are both equally extremely rare. The early Vertigo variants are generally rare and only seen from time to time, but the only way to be certain that you have the RAREST FIRST VARIANT which is this EARLIEST FIRST PRESSINGS is to make sure the ‘A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT’ credit is printed on the bottom of the ‘B’ side label between the outline VERTIGO name and ‘All Rights….’ text on the bottom perimeter - which was dropped after the FIRST ISSUE in each case with the VO series. In fact, in the case of ‘the’ Cressida album, there were few sold and I am doubtful as to whether it made a second issue with the swirl, so the few that exist may all carry the Philips label credit. This key features along with the SWIRL INNER BAG and SWIRL LABELS - noting that the ‘B’ side has the larger 4 centimetres diameter logo variant - are unique to the EARLIEST FIRST ISSUES and ONLY THE VARIANT WITH ALL OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS AND THE FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS LISTED BELOW ARE THE VERY EARLIEST ORIGINAL FIRST PRESSINGS, THEY ARE ALSO PRESSED ON NOTICEABLY HEAVIER VINYL – IN THIS CASE AN IMPRESSIVE 147 GRAMMES.

THIS EXAMPLE IS FROM THE EARLIEST ORIGINAL UK PRESS MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE FIRST UK COMMERCIAL RELEASE DATE IN 1970, AND THE 1   1   6 & 1   1   7 MOTHER & STAMPER CODES EVIDENCE THE PROVENANCE OF THIS OUTSTANDING PRESSING.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, EARLY PRESS, EARLY ISSUE
• FIRST MATRICES, FIRST MOTHERS AND VERY EARLY STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL EXCELLENT TO PLUS CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL VERTIGO ‘LARGE’ SWIRL PHILIPS CREDITED LABELS
• ORIGINAL UK TEENBURGER DESIGN NON-LAMINATED GATEFOLD
• ORIGINAL VERTIGO BLACK & WHITE SWIRL POLY-LINED INNER
• ONE OF THE HARDEST TO FIND FROM THE VERTIGO CATALOGUE

Artiste(s): CRESSIDA – Angus Cullen, John Heyworth, Peter Jennings, Kevin McCarthy, Iain Clark

Produced By: Ossie Byrne

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

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL VERTIGO COMPLETE BLACK & WHITE SWIRL ‘A’ SIDE AND LARGE SWIRL LOGO & TITLES ‘B’ SIDE WITH ‘A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT’ CREDIT BOTTOM PERIMETER.

Catalogue Number: VO 7  &  847 904 VTY

Country of origin and first published date: UK 1970

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side A:     847 904 1Y // 1 ? 420

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side B:     847 904 2Y // 1 ? 420

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side A:    1   1   6

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side B:    1   1   7

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 1:  none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 2:  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 cover: SIDE A: TO PLAY YOUR LITTLE GAME / WINTER IS COMING AGAIN / TIME FOR BED / CRESSIDA / HOME AND WHERE I LONG TO BE / DEPRESSION / SIDE B: ONE OF MY GROUP / LIGHTS IN MY MIND / THE ONLY EARTHMAN IN TOWN / SPRING ’69 / DOWN DOWN / TOMORROW IS A WHOLE NEW DAY

Background and summary of condition: I have borrowed the following review by Marcel Koopman because his description of Cressida and this album is concise, and brilliantly written.

“Both Cressida albums can be used as an example of what is interesting and worthwhile about UK progressive rock. Although freely borrowing from almost any style imaginable, the band manages to create a unique atmospheric blend of seriousness and light-heartedness, more often than not with a melancholic touch. The music on the first album is slightly more song-orientated it simply spills over from memorable and simultaneously sad and beautiful melodies. Singer Cullen possesses one of the few agreeable voices from the prog-rock scene, totally devoid of any style-bound mannerisms. The music is intelligently played throughout, most notably on the title track and the aching "Down Down", although it's hard to choose any favourite tracks.”

IN MY OPINION ‘CRESSIDA’ IS IN THE TOP TIER OF THE BEST PROGRESSIVE ROCK ALBUMS EVER MADE. THIS ONE IS IN EVERY WAY AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE. THERE ARE MINOR FLAWS WHICH YOU CAN SEE IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS OR READ ABOUT IN MY DESCRIPTION – BUT THEY ARE REALLY MINOR TO THE POINT OF BEING INSIGNIFICANT IN THE FULL CONTEXT OF THIS GREAT CLASSIC COLLECTABLE. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS ALBUM LOOKS, FEELS AND SOUNDS RIGHT – OVERALL I HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS A BETTER COPY.

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 lines and light bag marks caused by movement in and out of the inner sleeve over time, and there are three light surface ‘brush’ lines across the first two tracks - no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side B: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, some superficial surface lines and light bag marks caused by movement in and out of the inner sleeve over time, and a few that are slightly more noticeable - no tangible depth and no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side A: NEAR MINT, just a few light spindle lines and slight but no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear (slight crease caused in original pressing – please see photograph and note below).

Label Visual side B: NEAR MINT, just a few light spindle lines and slight but no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

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

Outer Cover: NEAR EXCELLENT the iconic original surface printed, non-laminated gatefold cover of stiff mid weight card construction, designed by ‘Teenburger’. It is highly prone to wear, you will rarely see one offered for sale which grades near excellent or better; but this one only has a few minor flaws which, in my opinion, do not detract in any way from its underlying high quality and overall excellence. There’s slight surface rub wear, caused by movement in and out of storage, mainly restricted to corners and edges – although it has not spread. There are a few tiny scuffs front and back. There is a compression crease on the front which is restricted to the surface, it has not broken through and in reality is not very noticeable. The centre spread is superb, almost as new, with just a little interface pick-up. This is a gatefold that looks and feels elegant - BUT THE BEST WAY TO ASSESS THIS EXCELLENT AND IMPRESSIVE GATEFOLD COVER IS TO TAKE A CAREFUL LOOK AT THE COMPREHENSIVE AND CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH I HAVE INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING.

Spine: NEAR EXCELLENT, a mid width spine by original design in physically excellent shape with well formed strong square shoulders, there is end and shoulder surface rub wear but all text is clean, clear and fully readable. PLEASE SEE PHOTOGRAPHS.

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT, a genuine era specific VERTIGO DOUBLE SIDED FULL BLACK ON WHITE SWIRL original with advisory note box, patents, Made In England and reference numbers consistent with the release date; fitted with original antistatic poly-liner; slightly creased and a little discoloured

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 147 grammes (a virtuoso VERTIGO 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 PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT

Audio Performance: THIS IS A SHEER DELIGHT AND JOY TO LISTEN TO – PURE AUDIO PLEASURE. I AM TEMPTED TO SAY THAT IT’S PERFECT BECAUSE THAT’S THE WAY I FELT AFTER LISTENING TO IT, BUT THAT WOULD BE TO FOLLOW MY HEART AND MIND RATHER THAN MY PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT – SO I AM SEARCHING FOR MINOR FLAWS. PERHAPS THERE IS SOME OCCASIONAL LIGHT UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND AND A LOW LEVEL TICK OR TWO BETWEEN TRACKS BUT CERTAINLY NOTHING INTRUSIVE OR UNPLEASANT – THAT IS IF YOU NOTICE IT AT ALL! THE AUDIO IS DELIVERED WITH GREAT PRESENCE AND CLARITY - THIS REALLY IS A BRILLIANT SOUNDING VINYL - POWERFUL, CLEAR, FULL BODIED AND POSITIVE. 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 I WAS ABSOLUTELY ENTHRALLED BY THIS - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL AS IT SHOULD BE - A DIVERSE, DYNAMIC AND CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE FROM CRESSIDA.

Other: This is not a near mint example, but the flaws which prevent it making that grade are very minor indeed, and it is as close as you are likely to find these days – a superb and outstanding album.

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.

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: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. 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 but otherwise this was not usually the case. 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 pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but 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. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. 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). 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.

Finally: 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 the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

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. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values 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 ‘Larger Picture’ 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.