NICO The Marble Index Orig UK 68 MONO N/M LP

	£		172
	$		227

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Artist or Band: NICO

Album Title: The Marble Index

Track Listing:

Side 1: Prelude; Lawns of Dawns; No One is There; Ari’s Song; Facing the Wind.

Side 2: Julius Caesar (Memento Hodie); Frozen Warnings; Evening of Light.

Label/Format: Elektra - Orange format with silver text and textured rough surfaces. (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: Both very clean and attractive with only light and very light faint spindle marks and no wear around the hole area. This quite stunning example looks hardly played with both playing surfaces in supreme condition. The faint spindle marks apart, this record could practically pass for new.

Cat Number: EKL 4029.

Mode / Speed: Mono / 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: 134 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 135 to 145 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, many records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 50 records from these eras.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Very rare: this did not sell at all well and mono copies are near impossible to find especially in near mint condtion. Rarely have the price guides looked more ridiculous in valuation, when was the last time you saw one of these in mono that looked and played almost like new? Few of these would have been sold and this title rarely gets seen or offered as an original.

Original Year of Release: 1968

Matrix Nos: EKL 4029 A2 / EKL 4029 B1

Brief Artist & Album Info: Is this a ‘Lost Classic’?, maybe, but was it actually ever found? What to classify this one under - I really do not know - the former German beauty queen and singer on the masterpiece The Velvet Underground & Nico. Her debut album was Chelsea Girl issued in 1967 in the US, it was an underground folkesque gem, backed by her former colleagues. No-one could have foretold what was in store on this follow up album. This is a strong contender for the darkest album ever made. It possibly invented the term Goth in music. The lady herself too had changed visibly: check out those early pictures in her glamour day and on the cover of the aforementioned Chelsea Girl. On here Nico had almost transmogrified into a ghostly figure - the heroin addiction had clearly kicked in alarming effect. The Marble Index is very dark, bleak and compelling - its not for pop music listeners - its truly scary - you have been warned. But amongst the dark gothic tones there is beauty: an album of haunting, sparse songs. She is joined by John Cale who is only credited with arrangements, but plays backing instruments too, his electric treated viola is distinctive. Nico plays harmonium, which gives the eerie soundscapes - this album should have been a big hit in Transalvania. Only my second experience of this album in mono, the sound is richer and more details seem apparent - I have heard the stereo version a few more times and the mix is very different. The sound is astonishing, devoid of mono worries, I doubt if this has been played more than 2 to 3 times most and certainly avoided abuse on vintage record players. The front cover is scary enough, and gives a stark warning of what to expect. It’s also a good advert to stay off drugs because this beautiful girl had changed almost beyond recognition - a sign of those heady days and the company she kept. For collectors of the rare (and in my opinion the essential) this record cannot be recommended highly enough. An incredibly rare album in mono with I am certain few even pressed, I regard this as one of the rarest albums I have put on Ebay. Any fan of the early Velvet Underground will adore this record. Even Lou Reed at his darkest best never, ever came close to the blackness of this Gothic masterpiece. A daring, brave record that simply was doomed to fail and rarely surface to be offered.

Cover Grade and Format: Mint(-), with one reservation: this has a moderate size laminate lift on the spine edge and the only other one I have had was exactly the same. A good friend has this album too and his is just the same - it seems all examples of this cover has this area of non-adhesion. A single format, laminated front and back. Printed and made by MacNeill Press Ltd, London. This has the important and rare ELK number on the back and spine, beware of stereo versions being substituted.

Cover Lamination – Front & Back: This is a supreme example of one of the bleakest and stark covers ever issued. In terms of wear and blemishes there practically none to mention. The few fine, faint, small surface creases and the odd tiny surface trace mark if critically viewed but few will ever match or better this. The main visible distraction, if you can it that, is a moderate blister on the front spine edge which seems to a trait of this rare cover. This is not wear or damage, simply a manufacture flaw. Here it’s totally uncracked or peeled, simply lifted from the cover’s surface. The back has only a fine line lift and hardly even shows as the artwork is paler. Of course I would prefer it if it was not present but I do not make the covers and if this blemish is prone, well it’s prone and nothing I can do about it. I would be absolutely certainly this and others were like this from new. Taling of ‘as new’, well this cover looks almost just that. The laminate is ultra shiny and clear and has a glass-like sheen. Nico’s portrait is almost disturbing with a thin pallid look with dried lips and stark features - the change in such a short time was almost shocking. There is no dulling or friction rubs and noteworthy creasing has been avoided. The opening edge sees the laminate end a little short of full width but this exposed strip is clean and ungrubbied or even chipped. This mono cover sets the standard and will prove near impossible to find better. A very rare mono format cover in amazingly preserved condition.

Top Edge: Unworn and very straight.

Bottom Edge: As above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, sharp with no wear or feathering. Record entered on this edge.

Spine and Text: Great spine too: Solid, straight with minimal traces of compression. all text is perfect and unworn under the solid and uncracked laminate.

Corners: Tiny tip rubs only and all retain superb shape and definition.

Cover Summary: A superb all round example of this mega rare late 60’s cover. The non-adhesion of the spine edge appears to be a trait of this cover and will it ever be found without it? With barely any other noteworthy blemishes and true freshness that defies its great age, this is a truly outstanding example and possibly the best that will ever be offered.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: Mint(-) An astonishing copy with just the odd faint surface hairline, but look hard - anything is superficial, tiny and nothing sounds. Super clean and shiny, intense black and pressed on thick vinyl. A copy with minimal plays on all the evidence. What a joy to find something so rare and in such stunning condition. One for the connoisseur collector.

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 snippetts 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 miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: What an experience this is: a mono record that plays like new, no pops or clicks and no surface sounds worthy of note, this is unlikely to be bettered and few will ever match. A record of high intensity sound and content. My play-grade left me aghast, I actually had to stop tapping this advert until it has finished, I simply could not concentrate on what I was doing. My wife came in, stayed for a minute and had to leave the room, finding it all too intense - as I said, not for musical lightweights (I hope she does not read this advert). Groove wear is zero, this plays like a virgin copy, all the complex, high intensity sound is crystal clear and devoid of distortion or high frequency clipping, a trait mono records often are left with after abuse from worn or chipped needles from the distant past. Visuals never give a true reflection of what to expect. But this one plays right up to its stunning looks - as close to perfect as they get. I must mention the final track ‘Evening of Light’ which is incredible: Cale plays what sounds like a fuzz bass, its grinds and growls through the speaker cloth with Nico’s deathly vocal desperately trying to keep atop of it. This comes close to an industrial sound the likes of art-rockers Throbbing Gristle would have been proud of. The previous song too is achingly haunting and has real beauty. The sound here has to be heard, this is a fairly short album and the groove widths are quite wide which always is a sure sign of real hi-fi sound. A pure collectors and connoisseur piece and a very rare opportunity to own what is a breathtaking copy. Unreservedly recommended unless the laminate is an issue.

End Piece: You want rare, you have it here. I would imagine this one would make mono copies of Pink Floyd and Doors albums look common - they did at least sell quite well. This is a super rare item and such albums in mono often had to be specially ordered. A non-charting obscurity like this would probably never have been stocked in most record shops. Just how many of these exist and will be offered - with a NEAR MINT record and cover - few, if any? Over time this album has gained a cult following, as stated it almost single-handedly invented the Goth sound, at times this almost reminds me of one of my favourite bands - Dead Can Dance, Nico is no Lisa Gerrard, but the musical overtones at times are similar. I was amazed to see this album actually made into a highly regarded list of all-time greats as voted for by the buying public, not critics - so there may just be a little more interest in this than I first thought. Good luck to anyone with an ear to listen to a dark masterpiece - hear it once and you will immediatly want to hear it again - the mono experience is here and it might be one of the few chances you ever get.

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 with Ittok Mk IV arm and Ortofon Samba Moving Coil cartridge (tracks at 1.8 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

POSTING & PACKING: What You Get: I now offer the fastest possible posting, mostly the very next day after payment is received or within 48 hours maximum. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT mailers) with the record(s) 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 TWO thick stiffners for even extra protection. The cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW heavy duty soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my Moth Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. Printed address labels are used for clarity and well as sender label. 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. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but NOT surface mail abroad. I never make profit on posting and offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends, with the total costs including ‘standard’ or ‘optional extra insurance’ P&P – ALL UK and Russian packets go out non-negotiable Recorded Delivery. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than 0.1 per percent based on over 4,000+ items sold in over 7 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional.

PLEASE NOTE: I will now only send packets to Russia with Recorded Delivery at a cost of £7 per single LP. If this is unacceptable to Russian collectors, please do not bid. I only want my records to arrive safely and this gives packets a better chance to do so. Also ALL UK packets will be sent with either Recorded or Special Delivery as standard (both have to be signed for). All shipping costs and rules can be found after my description. If they are not acceptable, please do not bid.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & OPTIONS:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (First Class Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4 (OPTIONAL).

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: ALL EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA (NOT RUSSIA, see below) (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £5.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £9 (OPTIONAL).

Posting & Packing: RUSSIA (Recorded Only, if this is unacceptable, please do not bid):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ only £7) = £9 (OPTIONAL extra insurance as above).

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (any part); Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet Standard with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) = £8.

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with included Insurance to Item’s ‘Sold’ Value, £500* Maximum) = £13 (OPTIONAL).

* If Rules allow for that country.

PLEASE NOTE: I always get a Royal Mail ‘Proof-of-Posting’ receipt for ALL packets that are sent out and I am happy to prove this to any customer who wishes to see it via email.

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders.

The customer can choose their method of shipping with the exception of second class or surface mail overseas – these I will NOT use. The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£39).

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. 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 minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help.

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 neccessarily 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’.