PETE BROWN & HIS BATTERED ORNAMENTS HARVEST RARE VINYL

	£		212
	$		281

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) 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 comprehensive Returns Policy for added reassurance which is clearly 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.

Album / Record Title: A MEAL YOU CAN SHAKE HANDS WITH IN THE DARK

Rarity: All of Pete Brown’s albums are RARE, the originals were produced in limited quantity, but this one may be amongst the RAREST. Please note this is quite possibly a FIRST PRESS, because it has all of the features consistent with a first, and the stampers indicate that this may well be the case. Also, I have never seen A-1 matrices on any of the few examples I have had, and there’s no evidence that there was a second pressing, so it’s reasonable to suppose this is a first. However, as the matrices are A-2, B-2, I am only describing it as very early press - just in case there are any A-1’s out there. Here are some of the key features of this particular example:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK RECORDING & VERY EARLY ISSUE
• VERY EARLY PRESSING WITH EARLY MATRICES & STAMPERS
• HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
• ORIGINAL HARVEST LABEL NO EMI BOX / LOGO
• ‘SOLD IN THE UK..’ TEXT TOP LEFT CENTRE OF LABEL
• ORIGINAL ERNEST J DAY GATEFOLD - EXCELLENT PLUS
• Relatively few produced and these days rarely offered for sale

Artiste(s): PETE BROWN AND HIS BATTERED ORNAMENTS who are, Nisar Ahmed Khan, Chris Spedding, Charlie Hart, Pete Bailey, Butch Potter, Rob Tait, Dick Heckstall-Smith

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL HARVEST LABEL WITH MID GREEN LOGO ON LIME GREEN BACKGROUND - AND NO EMI BOX / LOGO…..’SOLD IN THE U.K……’ text on label left of centre and ‘THE GRAMOPHONE CO. LTD.’ text around top perimeter

Catalogue Number: SHVL 752

Country of manufacture and first published date: Made in Gt. BRITAIN 1969

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     SHVL 752  A-2

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     SHVL 752  B-2

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 1:    1   P

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side 2:    1   O

Track Listing as per label: SIDE 1: DARK LADY / THE OLD MAN / STATION SONG / THE POLITICIAN / SIDE 2: RAINY TAXI GIRL / MORNING CALL / SANDCASTLE / TRAVELLING BLUES

My opinion and summary of condition: Pete Brown, Surrey born poet and writer who became a prominent part of the Liverpool Beat movement in the sixties, but perhaps best known in the Rock world for his song writing collaboration with Jack Bruce of Cream. Originally asked by the group to work on some lyrics with Ginger Baker he went on to pen many noteworthy songs with Bruce - perhaps the best known were ‘I Feel Free’, Sunshine Of Your Love’ and Politician. The latter mentioned features on this album as the last track on side 1 in its ‘pure’ form. Pete Brown managed to work with some of the most exceptionally talented musicians and writers of the era - but not for long it seems as his collaborations seemed to peak instantly and end almost as quickly. After ORNAMENTS came PIBLOKTO with whom he made three commercial albums, the best of which I also have listed for sale, and in and out of all this was some fine ‘solo’ work - I also have one of these albums listed for sale. This first, and ORNAMENTS only, album is very much in demand by Pete Brown and Harvest collectors alike and one like this, where no component falls short of EXCELLENT, is unlikely to be offered again in the near future - so strong bidding is a distinct possibility. There are almost no negatives, this is an exceptional album of outstanding quality. In my experience these originals are very difficult to find in any condition, and one like this with SUCH EARLY PRESS credentials and quite possibly FIRST PRESS is almost UNIQUELY RARE.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM (based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’)

Vinyl Visual side 1: EXCELLENT, no marks or lines of any consequence; just some superficial, wispy movement lines; glossy black shine.

Vinyl Visual side 2: EXCELLENT, no marks or lines of any consequence; just some superficial, wispy movement lines glossy black shine.

Label Visual side 1: EXCELLENT+, almost as new, no marks, no tears, no scuffs, just a few minimal light spindle lines which are hard to see.

Label Visual side 2: EXCELLENT+, almost as new, no marks, no tears, no scuffs, just a few minimal light spindle lines which are hard to see.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT and quite possibly on the near mint side of excellent because the only flaws, which are very minor indeed, were probably caused in manufacture - slight laminate surface shrinkage on the front cover and a small laminate only crease where it was not put on absolutely flat from new, but it’s very small and inoffensive. Externally laminated classic gatefold cover with Cartoon story centre spread, Printed and made by  Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London W11. Almost as new

Spine: EXCELLENT+, light crease line down the centre through opening and closing over time but clean, clear and fully readable - almost as new

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT original standard white paper with black printed notes, slight light creases, near new.

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

Vinyl Weight: 150 grammes (a superb HARVEST heavyweight)

Play Grade: EXCELLENT+

Audio Performance: PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. HOWEVER, THIS VINYL DELIVERS A SUPERB AUDIO PERFORMANCE. FROM TIME TO TIME THERE’S LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM VINYL, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND SOME LIGHT CRACKLE BETWEEN TRACKS AND DURING THE QUIETER MOMENTS - BUT IF ANYTHING SORTS OUT SURFACE SOUND IT’S A SPOKEN WORD TRACK AND THIS HAS ONE - IT WAS NEAR PERFECT FOR ME - AMAZING. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT OF THIS - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL AS IT SHOULD BE - ABSOLUTELY CRYSTAL CLEAR AND BRILLIANT.

Other: Highly collectible, few and far between in the market and becoming harder to find by the day - you may not find another one as good as this in the foreseeable future.

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 ‘Premium Quality 600 Micron Card Mailers’ with ‘Ultra Safe’ double 3.5 cm. wide latex strips across the whole of the mailer which provides excellent adhesion and protection. 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.