ROD STEWART Never A Dull Moment NICE COPY 1st press 1Y1//2Y1

	£		19
	$		25

A BREAKDOWN OF THE ARTIST/S :-

Born Roderick David Stewart, 10 January 1945, Highgate, London, England. The leading UK rock star of the 70s started his career as an apprentice professional with Brentford Football Club (over the years Stewart has made it known that football is his second love). Following a spell roaming Europe with folk artist Wizz Jones in the early 60s he returned to join Jimmy Powell And The Five Dimensions in 1963. This frantic R&B band featured Rod playing furious harmonica, reminiscent of James Cotton and Little Walter. As word got out, he was attracted to London and was hired by Long John Baldry in his band the Hoochie Coochie Men (formerly Cyril Davies' All Stars). Stewart had also served time with the 5 Dimensions before they recruited Jimmy Powell. Without significant success outside the club scene, the Baldry band disintegrated and evolved into the Steampacket, with Baldry, Stewart, Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll, Mickey Waller and Rick Brown. Following a television documentary on the swinging mod scene, featuring Stewart, he collected his moniker "Rod the Mod". In 1965, he joined the blues-based Shotgun Express as joint lead vocalist with Beryl Marsden. The impressive line-up included Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and Peter Bardens. By the following year, Stewart was well-known in R&B and blues circles, but it was joining the Jeff Beck Group that gave him national exposure. During his tenure with Beck he recorded two important albums, Truth and Cosa Nostra-Beck Ola and made a number of gruelling tours of America.

When the group broke up (partly through exhaustion) Stewart and Ron Wood joined the Faces, now having lost their smallest face, Steve Marriott. Simultaneously, Stewart had been signed as a solo artist to Phonogram Records, and he managed to juggle both careers expertly over the next six years. Though critically well-received, his first album sold only moderately; it was Gasoline Alley that made the breakthrough. In addition to the superb title track it contained the glorious "Lady Day". This album marked the beginning of the "mandolin" sound supplied by the talented guitarist Martin Quittenton. Stewart became a superstar on the strength of his next two albums, Every Picture Tells A Story and Never A Dull Moment. Taken as one body of work, they represent Stewart at his best. His choice and exemplary execution of non-originals gave him numerous hits from these albums including; "Reason To Believe" (Tim Hardin), "I'm Losing You" (Temptations), "Angel" (Jimi Hendrix). His own classics were the irresistible chart-topping magnum opus "Maggie May" and the wonderful "You Wear It Well", all sung in his now familiar frail, hoarse voice.

In the mid-70s, following the release of the below average Smiler, Stewart embarked on a relationship with the actress, Britt Ekland. Besotted with her, he allowed her to dictate his sense of dress, and for a while appeared in faintly ludicrous dungarees made out of silk and ridiculous jump suits. At the same time he became the darling of the magazine and gutter press, a reputation he unwillingly maintained through his succession of affairs with women. Atlantic Crossing was his last critical success for many years; it included the future football crowd anthem and number 1 hit, "Sailing" (written by Gavin Sutherland), and a fine reading of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away". His albums throughout the second half of the 70s were patchy affairs although they became phenomenally successful, selling millions, in many cases topping the charts world-wide. The high-spots during this glitzy phase, which saw him readily embrace the prevalent disco era, were "The Killing Of Georgie", Cat Stevens' "The First Cut Is The Deepest", "Tonight's The Night" and "You're In My Heart". Other hits included "Hot Legs" and the superbly immodest but irresistible number 1, "D'Ya Think I'm Sexy", which was based on Brazilian artist Jorge Ben's track, "Taj Mahal". Stewart's "Ole Ola", meanwhile, was adopted by the Scottish World Cup football team, an area in which his popularity has always endured.

Stewart entered the 80s newly married, to George Hamilton IV's ex-wife, Alana, and maintained his momentum of regular hits and successful albums; his large body of fans ensured a chart placing irrespective of the quality. The 80s saw Stewart spending his time jet-setting all over the world, with the press rarely far from his heels (covering his marriage break-up, his long relationship with Kelly Emberg, and the unceasing round of parties). Behind the jack-the-lad persona was an artist who still had a good ear for a quality song, a talent which surfaced throughout the decade with numbers like "How Long" (Paul Carrick), "Some Guys Have All The Luck" (Robert Palmer) and, reunited with Jeff Beck, a superb performance of Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready". His biggest hits of the 80s were "What Am I Gonna Do", "Every Beat Of My Heart" and "Baby Jane".

As the 90s got under way Stewart, now re-married, indicated that he had settled down and found an enduring love at last (this was not to be the case). His new guise did not affect his record sales; in April 1991 he was high on the UK chart with "Rhythm Of My Heart" and had the best selling Vagabond Heart. Unplugged And Seated in 1993 boosted his credibility with an exciting performance of familiar songs. A new album in 1995 was his best for years and during the launch Stewart undertook some interviews which were both revealing and hilarious. The once seemingly pompous rock star, dressed to the nines in baggy silks was really "Rod the Mod" after all. Rod Stewart, one of the biggest "superstars" of the century, turned 50 without his audience diminishing in any way. His credibility as high as it had ever been, Stewart then released When We Were The New Boys, debuting at UK number 2 in June 1998. On the album Stewart covered newer material by 90s bands including Skunk Anansie ("Weak"), Primal Scream ("Rocks") and Oasis ("Cigarettes & Alcohol"). He also revisited the Faces on the single "Ooh La La", originally sung by Ron Wood on the album of the same name. Stewart subsequently moved to Atlantic Records, although his debut for the label was delayed by voice-threatening throat surgery. Easy and smooth, Human was his most soulful album to date. It received only lukewarm reviews from the critics, yet was loved by the cognoscenti.

In February 2002 Stewart left the WEA conglomerate after 25 years, signing a new recording contract with Clive Davis' J Records. The first project was a stab at the great American songbook, previously defined by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Stewart's fans may disagree, but somebody who possesses a natural rock/soul voice should not go down that road. Despite this, the album was a huge commercial success in America and prompted further instalments. The third part, 2004's Stardust ... The Great American Songbook Volume III, returned Stewart to the top of the US charts for the first time in 25 years.

Discography:
An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down (Vertigo 1970)****, Gasoline Alley (Vertigo 1970)****, Every Picture Tells A Story (Mercury 1971)****, Never A Dull Moment (Mercury 1972)****, Smiler (Mercury 1974)***, Atlantic Crossing (Warners 1975)***, A Night On The Town (Riva 1976)****, Foot Loose And Fancy Free (Riva 1977)**, Blondes Have More Fun (Riva 1978)**, Foolish Behaviour (Riva 1980)*, Tonight I'm Yours (Riva 1981)**, Absolutely Live (Riva 1982)*, Body Wishes (Warners 1983)*, Camouflage (Warners 1984)*, Out Of Order (Warners 1988)**, Vagabond Heart (Warners 1991)***, Unplugged And Seated (Warners 1993)****, A Spanner In The Works (Warners 1995)***, If We Fall In Love Tonight (Warners 1996)***, When We Were The New Boys (Warners 1998)***, Human (Atlantic 2001)****, It Had To Be You ... The Great American Songbook (J 2002)**, As Time Goes By ... The Great American Songbook Volume II (J 2003)**, Stardust ... The Great American Songbook Volume III (J 2004)**.

THE HISTORY OF THE RECORD :- It became a UK number-one album (for two weeks) and reached number two on the US Album chart the same year. The track, "You Wear It Well", co-written by Stewart and classical guitarist Martin Quittenton, was a smash hit (another UK No. 1; in US No. 13), as well as "Twistin' the Night Away", a song originally recorded (and written) by Sam Cooke.

Other guest musicians included Ray Jackson of the band Lindisfarne on mandolin, Spike Heatley on upright bass, Gordon Huntley on steel guitar, Dick Powell on violin.

"Mama You Been on My Mind" is a cover version of a Bob Dylan song. Stewart's version is one of the songs featured in Nick Hornby's book 31 Songs.

THE COVER :- Triple gatefold textured top loading sleeve

THE LABEL :- Mercury Black labels

THE VINYL VISUALLY :- On initial inspection of this piece of vinyl I cannot see any areas of immediate concern. The vinyl sits perfectly flat on the turntable so there are no nasty warps to worry about. The vinyl still retains its just pressed quality, full of deep shine and lustre. I have only noted a couple of very fine hairlines that do not affect play. A lovely piece of vinyl. Graded as Excellent Plus condition visually.

THE VINYL PLAY GRADED :- The playgrading of the vinyl reveals hardly any lessening in the sound quality. It lives up to its visual grading. There is very minimal surface noise. What there is can be only heard on the run in and run out of tracks and extra quiet areas of the album. The sound quality is high with a full dynamic range and very detailed sound. I feel certain this album has been played carefully and stored well over the years. I would grade the audio playback as Excellent Plus condition.

THE SLEEVE FRONT CONDITION :- This is the very earliest 1st press textured Howards Printers sleeve. The front of the sleeve is free from writing, free from stickers or evidence of previously removed stickers. The sleeve reveals no ringwear. There are a couple of light creases one in each of the bottom two corners which stop this from being perfect but to be honest they are not even that visable. The colours are still bright and crisp with no grubbiness atall. I would grade the front cover as a strong Excellent condition.

THE INNER TRI-FOLD CONDITION :- All the inner covers are in great shape with no stickers or damage. Excellent Plus condition.

THE SLEEVE REAR CONDITION :- The rear of the sleeve is free from writing, free from stickers or evidence of previously removed stickers. There is no ringwear on the rear. Just some very light corner wear and one very light crease in the top left corner. Again the rear still retains its original crisp colours and just pressed feel. I would grade the rear as Excellent Plus condition.

THE LABEL SIDE ONE CONDITION :- Original Mercury first press label in excellent order free from stickers or writing and no damage at all, lightish signs of play around the spindle hole . Excellent Plus condition.

THE LABEL SIDE TWO CONDITION :- Original Mercury first press label in excellent order free from stickers or writing and no damage at all, lightish signs of play around the spindle hole . Excellent Plus condition.

THE SPINE CONDITION :- There is no real spine to this album because of the way it is constructed.

THE INNER SLEEVE CONDITION :- Generic white inner in Excellent condition

THE EXTRAS :- No extras were given with this album

THE CATALOGUE NUMBER :- 6499 153

THE YEAR OF RELEASE :-  1972

THE LABEL :- MERCURY

THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN :-  UK

PLAYING FORMAT :- STEREO

THE MATRIX NUMBERS :-  6499153 1Y1  &  6499153 2Y1

TRACK LISTING :-

SIDE ONE :-

1. TRUE BLUE
2. LOST PARAGUAYOS
3. MAMA YOU BEEN ON MY MIND
4. ITALIAN GIRLS

SIDE TWO :-

1. ANGEL
2. INTERLUDINGS
3. YOU WEAR IT WELL
4. I'D RATHER GO BLIND
5. TWISTIN' THE NIGHT AWAY

WHAT WE PLAY THE RECORD ON :- 

We use a Project 6 Perspex Turntable to play grade our records which delivers a rich authoritative sound and achieves a rich and weighty vibrancy unrivalled by the majority of decks within its price range

HOW WE CLEAN YOUR RECORD :- 

We use a V.P.I. HW-16.5 record cleaning machine to clean your vinyl. "A highly recommended machine" as quoted by Stereophile magazine. This removes any excess dirt before playing

HOW WE PACKAGE YOUR RECORD :- 

Your record will be package very securely to minimise any risk of damage during transit. We remove the record from the outer sleeve unless asked not to do so. This helps to minimise the risk of seam spliting. We use a high quality record mailer which is designed to give superior protection for your vinyl record. We place stiffeners either side of the record for added protection. The album will also be placed in a 450 gram Poly outer sleeve for even extra added protection

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING CHARGES FOR UK CUSTOMERS :-

We advise that items reaching over £50 in price to be insured and sent by Special Delivery. This protects both of us and ensures better handling of the parcel during transit.We are in no way out to make money from postage. The postage price includes the record mailer, stiffeners and plastic sleeve. We just want your item to reach you in the best possible condition. A breakdown of insured postal services are listed below. Please choose to use the relevant postal service for your own protection as once these rare records are lost they can quite often seldom be replaced

SECOND CLASS RECORDED (INSURED UP TO £50) :- FREE

FIRST CLASS RECORDED (INSURED UP TO £50) :- £0.45

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY UPTO 500g :- £3.80

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY FROM 500g - 1000g :- £5.00

(SPECIAL DELIVERY INSURES YOUR ITEM UPTO £500)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION :-    

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the European Union by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £6.22 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :-  £11.37 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :-  £13.97 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE USA AND CANADA :- 

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the USA & Canada by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £8.78 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £13.93 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.53 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN AND ROW :- 

All records reaching under £15 are sent to the Australia & Japan by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS :- £9.06 (For items under £15)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £14.21 (For items £15 - £50)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.81 (For items £50 - £500)

(These prices are based on a package weight of no more than 500g and can vary for heavier packages)

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT PROFIT FROM POSTAGE, THE PRICES WE QUOTE ARE QUITE ACCURATE AND INCLUDE THE PACKAGING MATERIALS AT COST PRICE

NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:

PLEASE AWAIT AN INVOICE BEFORE PAYING SO WE CAN WORK OUT THE CORRECT POSTAGE/SHIPPING CHARGES

BUYERS OF MULTIPLE ITEMS :- 

Postage prices and courier methods for multiple purchases will be calculated after the auction end. It is impossible for us at the pre auction stage to determine these prices as the final weight is unknown.If you are the winner of multiple items the please await contact from us or alternately contact us yourself for a breakdown of the shipping costs.You will only pay the stamp price + relevant packaging charges so there are big savings to be made with multiple purchases

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR RECORD :-

We can accept the following payment methods

UK BUYERS :- 

• PayPal
• Personal cheque (Please allow to clear)
• Bankers Draft
• Postal Order

OVERSEAS BUYERS :-

• Paypal only

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :-

We always try to appraise the record for sale as openly and honestly as possible and provide plenty of pictures for you to look at but please be aware that errors however rare do occur and not everyone has the same audio  equipment. There is no problem that cannot be worked out in a civilised manner. We urge you to contact us so that we can discuss any small problems that may occur. We offer a refund of the purchase price for returned items within 7 days of purchase and are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have during the auction

SAVE US TO YOUR FAVOURITES LIST AS WE INTEND TO LIST MANY MORE RARE VINYL TREATS OVER THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS