Colosseum - Valentyne Suite * VERTIGO SWIRL * UK 1st Press " A PHILIPS RECORD "

	£		47
	$		62

Colesseum – Valentyne Suite

I am pleased to offer for sale this superb UK 1st pressing of Colesseum’s second studio album, Valentyne Suite.

Considered as the first band to fuse elements of jazz, blues and rock, Colesseum are widely acknowledged as playing a pivotal role in the commercial acceptance of jazz-rock in the UK. The album is particularly noteworthy as the first to be released on the Philip’s new Vertigo label.

Album Details:

Serial number: VO 1 847 900 VTY

Matrix number: 1Y X 1 420 / 2Y X 1 420

Stamper codes: 1 1 1 / 1 1 6

Vinyl Weight: 165g

The matrix numbers confirm that the record is a true UK first pressing. The mother & stamper codes communicate that the record was one of the first 1000 produced. Consequently, the audio reproduction is fantastic. Take a listen yourself below!

The sought after ‘Vertigo swirl’ labels are the first variant as is evident from the text “A Philips Record Product” at the bottom of the B side label. This was removed from subsequent variants.

This non-laminated gatefold sleeve is the first variant as is evident from the text “A Philips Record Product” at the bottom of the B side label. This was removed from subsequent variants.

The album is complete with the original white and black swirl inner sleeve.

Condition Report:

In addition to my own conservative grading, I include high-quality, comprehensive photographs as well as a complete audio recording in my listings to enable you to make an informed decision on the condition of this record yourself.

Disc: VERY GOOD +

Labels: VERY GOOD +

The labels are clean and retain rich, vibrant colours. There are initials written in ink of the B side. Only a small collection of dull spindle trails can be seen around each centre hole.

Visual: EXCELLENT 

Both sides of the record retain superb deep gloss playing surfaces that are blemish free in bright daylight. Under the glare of a halogen desk lamp only a handful of light paper hairline marks are visible alongside an iridescent rainbow shine.  

Sound Quality: VERY GOOD +

Please note: the eBay app does not facilitate playback. Please use the internet site to enjoy the audio clips.

A side:

B side:

As can be heard in the recordings, the audio playback is great. The centre-hole is slightly off-centre which causes some stylus wobble within the groove – as a result a ‘brushing’ can be heard during the dead wax and quieter sections. In general, it does not bleed into the tracks which if graded on their own would be a comfortable ‘excellent’.

Sleeve: VERY GOOD +

The sleeve is in great condition. All four sides are clean and bright. The cover art retains vibrant colours. There is only minor wear to the corners, spine and edges. A small area of damage (pictured) is present to the bottom edge of the right hand side of the gatefold.

Inners: EXCELLENT

The original inner sleeve is clean and bright. There is minimal creasing and no discolouration.

Additional Details:

Before the audio recording, the vinyl was cleaned first by an Okki Nokki vacuum cleaner and then an Audio Desk ultrasonic cleaner.

After cleaning, the vinyl was placed inside a brand new mobile fidelity anti-static inner sleeve.

The vinyl will be packaged outside of the sleeve, both of which are stored inside an archival quality polypropylene outer sleeve.

The record will be sent via an insured courier in a padded vinyl mailer.

Please see my other listings for more Vertigo rarities.

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