CURVED AIR Second Album CLASSIC UK 1972 PROG-ROCK EX++ LP with SUPERB COVER.

	£		64
	$		85

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World in Quality, Safe Packing.

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 arrived damaged in them at some time. More details on my packing 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 ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment to keep things moving – cash-flow is important to 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.

Artist or Band: CURVED AIR

Album Title: Second Album.

Producer(s): Curved Air & Colin Caldwell.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Young Mother; Back Street Luv; Jumbo; You Know; Puppets.

Side 2: Everdance; Bright Summer’s Day ’68; Piece of Mind.

Label/Format: Warner Bros – original green format with matt, smooth surfaces.

Label Conditions: Both very clean, fresh and attractive with only light, fine and faint spindle marks and no wear around the hole area. Side one has hardly any at all, but does have three small surface pulls that not doubt were there from new. A faint adhesive trace is seen near them, so this stuck prior to purchase. This far from uncommon and a small blemish I have seen many times on other labels.

Cat Number: K 46092.

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: 112 grams. This quite typical of this record, my own copy is just as light and most all are similar. Made at a time when vinyl was short and better this than being mixed with meltdowns.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Moderate: but, and a sizeable BUT, this is very rarely found with a decent cover. Again, this is one of the most fragile, delicate and damage-prone covers of the entire 1970s. A multi-foldout cover with die-cut windows revealing the multi-coloured faces of the lower surfaces. Few are found clean, unworn, fresh and attractive – that is why this copy is my first on offer for many years. It took me an age to find a top copy for myself, finding another that approaches it has proved equally difficult. Simply check out others seen and compare, this will rarely show up this attractive and with a record that plays almost perfectly. I also consider this a prog-classic that includes their wonderful single ‘Back Street Luv’. Indeed this cover alone, could prove a major upgrade for many, the record as well.

Original Year of Release: 1971

Matrix Nos: K-46092-A3 / K-46092-B3

Musicians: Sonja Kristina – lead vocals; Ian Eyre – bass guitar; Francis Monkman – guitars, keyboards, VCS3 synthesiser; Florian Pilkington-Miksa – drums; Darryl Way – violin, piano, backing vocals.

Brief Info: Following the gimmickry of the picture disc debut album, although a great album, it was let down badly by pressing quality with even black copies often affected as well. This second album was only available on a standard, better-pressed standard black record. However it did include an elaborate multi-foldout cover, when found in very fine condition, it is a thing of beauty. But most suffer damage, tears, ring wear and grubbiness, as stated further up, this is incredibly hard to find even a lovely excellent. I have been a huge fan of Curved Air from the early 70s, I own all their albums on vinyl. Fronted by the gorgeous Sonja Kristina, she set many a red-blooded male prog-rock fan’s heart racing. They always put on a great show live and I still think their importance within the genre is still a little under-appreciated – but not here. Great musicians and quite varied music, this is still one of their best for me. More unusually, they featured an electric violinist as lead instrument over a guitar, and maybe at the time, not quite so appealing for some? The surprise hit single ‘Back Street Luv’ attracted a few new fans back in the day, and this album can be found for sure. This classic single always sounds so much better on it's 'home' album rather than compilations or scratched, noisy singles. This is so rarely found this clean and attractive, one not to be missed, this is a lovely example as I hope my pictures show. A likely upgrade for many based on the very poor dirty-looking examples I have seen before.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(+): a multi-opening unlaminated format with 12 matt surfaces, four of the six squares having shaped die-cut windows that are reveal the lower surfaces. This opens out fully as seen in my picture. Printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse.

Cover Front: As seen fully folded-up. Superbly clean, fresh and attractive with (for a massive change) no damage to the outer circle quadrant which is very sharp and burr-free. The cover has a crinkle, as all layers are single thickness card, they are very prone to this, but only quite gentle and little detracts from this unusually attractive front. No sticker marks, grubbiness and practically crease-free. The edges crisp and neat also, just the odd small corner tip burr being critical. It will prove VERY difficult to find better and at last, one to hold, admire and enjoy.

Cover Back: A little tip rubbing with any marks tiny, very few and faint. The lack of grubbiness and especially ring wear is great news, and seldom seen as such. Again, hardly any creasing at all on this flimsy cover.

The Inner ‘Layers’: All clean, fresh, with barely any creasing or marks of any real note. Any burring to the exposed (via the front window quadrant) edges are tiny and faint. The high-quality of this fragile cover is maintained throughout.

Top Edges: All crisp and sharp with minimal thickening or burring.

Bottom Edges: As above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, all mostly sharp with very little wear. Any thickening or burring again minimal and light as seen viewed end-on. Record enters on the back edges, ALL edges are guaranteed untrimmed or enhanced in any way.

Spine and Text: Superb right down to the bottom corner that has a light rub. Solid, straight with minimal compression and folded square, so the edges meet up very closely together and parallel – this absolutely crucial for a cover like this where multi-layers must meet up flush and square for have maximum visual satisfaction. This is achieved on this example. A plain spine with no text at all, the surface clean with barely any rubbing or discolouration. Even the folds have largely avoided wear with just a rub again near the bottom. This fragile part will seldom be seen stronger or better.

Corners: Any tip rubs are mild and light, most on top right but still only small. Fine to very fine shape largely retained.

Cover Summary: A very strong all-round example of this very fragile 1970’s cover, one that will prove VERY difficult to find much better. With such thin, pale surfaces, the outer faces are incredibly revealing, so the lack of grubbiness is immense for the discerning collector. Combine that with no tearing, or damage to the windows and lack of ring wear, this beautiful item should please many, if not most collectors. It has been cover-protected for most of its existence, there lies the difference.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(+): a plain white open unlined inner that has aged little. Two crisp and untorn window circles, just one light corner crease and all edges unsplit with no repairs.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT(++): with just light traces of inner dulling seen under angled light that is totally harmless and faint. The careful one-owner-from-new stored the record inside a Decca polylined inner to protect the surfaces, so this can happen. A very fine visual copy that is very clean with fine shine, intense black and quite solidly pressed. A copy with minimal plays on all the evidence with any surface trace marks few, very light and faint as also seen critically under bright angled light. Visually a super record that should please many, if not most 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 minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This superb prog-rock album plays even above it’s high visual grading with barely anything to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed and this is an exceptional clean pressing. Few copies will outperform this early green label pressing significantly I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played very lightly and has been generally well stored and carefully handled, almost certainly in a non-smoking environment. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy will prove very difficult to find significantly better and can be strongly recommended.

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 - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, 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 its 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. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. 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 Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with Terrarium 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 and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap 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 less than one in two thousand+ based on over 10,000+ items sold in over 12 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. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 2 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. 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 FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, 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 and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). 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] = £8. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 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 £3 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’.