Eric Matthews "It's Heavy in Here" US ORG Vinyl LP Sealed New MINT Cardinal

$

40

One of the finest debut albums of the 1990s, It's Heavy in Here brings forth to the public a new artist fully grown, refined, and with an undeniable attitude of exploration. Indeed, a heady combination, but Eric Matthews delivers in grand style with 14 gems that sparkle like rare tiaras. Mixing elements of classical, pop, jazz, and a bit of folk, the songs are well-crafted mosaics, and grab the listener with a slightly narcotic tug of the sleeve. Influences ranging from Colin Blunstone (the vocals) to Bernard Herrmann (string arrangements) give the entire affair a stately grace. "Three Cornered Moon" is a great example of this, with its waltz-time feel and arrangement that crosses chamber music with an almost Chet Baker, West Coast cool jazz flavor. Other tracks, such as the brilliant "Fanfare" (which one writer described as "the 'Penny Lane' of the 1990s"), are more direct and immediate in their mellifluousness, yet retain an air of mystery, with Matthews using words as musical instruments, juggling insights with a wonderful sense of style that is slightly reminiscent of Van Dyke Parks. In the end though, despite all of the influences mentioned, Eric Matthews is his own man and artist, and this album is a seamless cornerstone to a catalog that is (one can only hope) unfolding.  Personally, this is one of my all-time favorite records.  I actually own five copies in fear I'd need to replace them from overplaying them.  Decided to let one of them leave the nest.  Take care of it.  It's a splendid record.  Eric and I exchange correspondence on occasion.  He lives in a secluded part of the state I live in.  
Tracks:
1. Fanfare 2. Forging Plastic Pain 3. Soul Nation Select Them 4. Faith To Clay 5. Angels For Crime 6. Fried Out Broken Girl 7. Lust Takes Time 8. Hop And Tickle 9. Three-Cornered Moon 10. Distant Mother Reality 11. Flight And Lion 12. Poisons Will Pass Me 13. Sincere Sensation 14. Fanfare (Reprise)

Pricing.  Here.  I'll do your homework for you.  First there's a copy listed on eBay from Japan.  It's new and unopened.  They are charging $69.99 USD with "no shipping fees". HOWEVER, if you closely at their entire post... there is a section that spells out that in certain countries, including the U.S., there's an additional $18.99 for shipping & handling.  So, Japan/New = $88.98.

Head on over to AmazonUS.  There are two used copies selling for $35.98 and $53.98.  A new copy is listed at $203.97.

Now let's look at Discogs.  Currently there are two used copies available.  Once from Germany, the other from Switzerland.  Germany's not a bad deal. Unless there are hidden fees I don't see, it appears you can score a used copy for $31.84.  Switzerland:  used at $53.19.

So, my MINT copy that doesn't even show any ringwear through the shrink wrap can be delivered to your home and hands in perfect, unplayed condition. Another distinguishing feature is that my copy is a copy that includes liner notes and photos and lyrics.  Others from other countries, I believe, only have white paper sleeve (unless they bought the American version).