Tea And Symphony : An Asylum For The Musically Insane (No EMI logo)

(1st press A-3U / B-3U // A1 / G1 Stampers!)

This is another rare and highly collectable psychedelic folk album that I am selling.  The vinyl is in superb condition and has been so well preserved over the last 50 years!  I have play tested every second of this classic and the vast majority plays with stunning clarity and there is only minimal interference.

This original first pressing was only issued in limited numbers and I'm not even sure there was a G1/G1 stamper first press.  This A1/G1 may be the first known issue and of course the G1 stamper is the one that any collector is after!  Being a genuine first press there is no EMI logo on the labels.

The fully laminated 'Pepperland' gatefold is very impressive with only a little shelf wear and the original Harvest inner is also in excellent order.

SHVL 761 // A - 3U / B - 3U // A1 / G1

The audio on Side One is Ex+ (NM for majority / track 1 intro Ex / track 3 VG+ for 30 seconds / tracks 4 & 5 Mint-)

The audio on S2 is Mint- (track 1 Ex- for 20 seconds)

The laminated cover is Ex- (very close to Ex)

The labels are Near Mint

The original inner sleeve is Ex-

Visual grading

This is visually stunning and has only a couple of very minor flaws.  It retains an immaculate glossy sheen and has not been overplayed judging by the spindle wear with only a couple of faint traces on S1 and just a little more on S2.  At first glance it looks as 'good as new' and it is only on closer inspection that you can detect one very tiny mark/scratch on S1 and a couple of very small marks on S2.  It really is a superb looking vinyl, not quite perfect but not far from it!  There are no obvious hairlines at all and this wonderful visual quality is reflected by the super impressive audio as detailed below.  The labels and run out grooves are also in fantastic condition.

Play grading  

'Armchair Theatre' plays with wonderful clarity and the only downside is a small number of very soft clicks on the intro.  That really is the only negative as the remainder is very impressive with only minimal 'background'.  There are 3/4 crackle sounds in the middle of the track during the silent section, a couple of other minor static ticks and minor static on the fade out.  What really stands out here though is the definition of the sound.  What do I mean?  Well aside from what I have already mentioned there is no other interference and literally all you can hear is the music.  There is no persistent static or crackle in the background, the overall sound is 'high end' indeed.  It is obvious this vinyl has hardly ever been played such is the stunning clarity on offer.

The super quiet intro on 'Feel How So Cool The Wind' is just amazing!  Apart from a couple of static ticks it plays with incredible clarity and is practically 'as new'.  For this highly collectable vinyl to play as 'cleanly' as this is such a rarity.  I am delighted to say it continues in much the same way.  There is the odd light dust tick but again the clarity of sound is absolutely astounding and the pub 'singalong' section at the end has only the lightest of static.

'Sometime' has a little static on the intro and then plays with superb clarity and depth.  Despite the passage of time there is no deterioration in sound quality and the definition is again of a very high standard.  There are some crackle sounds just prior to the mid instrumental section and this lasts for about 30 seconds although it isn't particularly intrusive as the actual music still plays very clearly.  From then on it plays 'as new' the acoustic guitars and melodic vocals play with superb depth and precision and the fade out is stunning.

'Maybe My Mind' is nigh on perfect!  It plays with impeccable precision from the very first groove.  Apart from three very light ticks at the start of the mid instrumental section this is audio of Mint- standard.  The super quiet flute interlude is incredible and provides a sublime example of the superb clarity on offer here.

'The Come On' is of the same immaculate standard and plays with fantastic depth and warmth.  The clarity is stunning and to think this record is 50 years old this year!  The guitar solo section is 'as new' as the day when it was first released and the same applies to every other note also!  You could not wish for a stronger finish to the side, there is just no interference whatsoever.  Even the fade out plays with perfect precision.  What an end to the side! 

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'Terror In My Soul' has a little static/light crackle on the 'dark' piano intro but it does not overpower the music in any way and still plays very clearly.  As the acoustic guitar comes in the audio is stunning and could not play any better.  It continues to play with the same superb definition but there are a few light click type sounds half way through.  You can hear them if you listen closely but they are largely lost in the 'loudness' of the music. Thereafter it plays without fault.  The playback is so powerful and clean and aside from that brief section of interference the audio is of a Mint- standard.

'Travellin' Shoes' performs to a level that is so rarely heard on this highly collectable first pressing.  There is no 'background' of any kind and I am confident of a Mint- grading here.  The sonic quality is 'high end' and the clarity and depth could not be improved upon.  Every groove plays with the same intensity and definition.  A sublime version without doubt.

'Winter' is of exactly the same quality and for a relatively quiet track to play so 'cleanly' is such a rarity.  There are no clicks or pops and no static or crackle either.  The super quiet fade out is immaculate with only a couple of mega light dust ticks.  This is audio of the highest calibre!

'Nothing Will Come Of Nothing' is another fine example of a record so well preserved.  The flute/harpsichord intro quite simply plays 'as new' the definition is breathtaking.  As the vocal begins there is no decrease in quality and continues in the same way to the very end.  The bass heavy instrumental section is 100% stunning and never have I heard better.  There are a number of quiet sections and yet they all play with the same astounding clarity.  Has this last track ever been played before?!  It easily qualifies as Mint- in my opinion.  The final vocal plays in impeccable style to the final 'note'.  A sensational end to this psych folk classic.

In summary this rare and collectable first pressing plays with very impressive clarity and only minimal interference.  A little more on S1 perhaps but in the main it is non-intrusive and the vast majority still plays with superb clarity and depth.  S2 in particular is absolutely stunning with only one brief section of interference.  This rare psychedelic folk album is highly sought after today and will impress any avid collector.  The Harvest gatefold is also in lovely condition with only a little shelf wear.

The Gatefold

The original laminated gatefold is in excellent condition with only a little shelf wear.  The edges are in superb shape and only the bottom edge of the back cover has one very small area of rubbing.  The other edges are in remarkable condition with no wear at all.  The spine is very clean with only a couple of small creases and a little corner wear.  The right hand corners also have some wear albeit minor.  The opening edges have some handling wear and this is a little more obvious towards the bottom of the opening edge on the front cover.  The laminate throughout has no splits or lifts (such rarity!) and the front cover has only one small crease on the front itself and a couple next to the spine.  The back cover is super clean with only a couple of very minor creases.  The colours remain strong and vibrant on both sides and the black and white inside of the gatefold is in great shape with no obvious marking, just minor 'print' here and there as is common.  Overall a fine example of this rare cover.

Inner sleeve

The original Harvest inner is in excellent condition with only one small 1cm split on the bottom edge.  There is also some writing on one bottom corner.  However, there is no marking and very little creasing.

The labels

The yellow/green labels are in fantastic condition and have lost none of their original colour.  They have no marking or writing and as stated there is very little spindle wear.  There is no EMI logo on either side.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

SHVL 761 // A - 3U / B - 3U // A1 / G1

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

Recent Feedback

Very happy with this item, and special thanks for perfect packing!

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Postage & Packaging

I SHIP WORLDWIDE BUT WHEN SENDING ITEMS TO ITALY, RUSSIA/UKRAINE AND SOUTH AMERICA I WILL ONLY SEND THEM VIA TRACKED SHIPPING AND THIS COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £5.00.

WHEN ITEMS SELL BETWEEN £50.00 AND £250.00 AND ARE TO BE SENT TO ANY INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION TRACKED SHIPPING IS AGAIN NECESSARY AND COSTS AN ADDITIONAL £7.50 AS EXTRA INSURANCE IS REQUIRED.

FOR ITEMS OVER £250.00 PLEASE CONTACT ME AS THERE WILL BE A HIGHER INSURANCE PREMIUM AND WILL HAVE TO BE SENT VIA A COURIER SERVICE AND THE COSTS CAN VARY.  THE ROYAL MAIL ONLY INSURE UP TO £250.00 HENCE THE NEED FOR ANOTHER SERVICE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT AND THEN WAIT FOR THE INVOICE.  PLEASE ONLY BID IF YOU AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, MANY THANKS.

COMBINED POSTAGE IS ALWAYS OFFERED WHEN MORE THAN ONE ITEM IS WON.

ALL VINYLS ARE PACKAGED IN STRONG CUSTOM MADE OVER-SIZED MAILERS WITH EXTRA CARDBOARD PROTECTION. THEY ARE PLACED IN SEPARATE POLY-LINED INNERS OUTSIDE THE COVER IN ORDER TO AVOID SEAM SPLITS IN THE POST. EVERYTHING IS THEN PLACED INSIDE A PVC SLEEVE TO PROVIDE EXTRA PROTECTION. I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY HIGH QUALITY PACKAGING AS MY FEEDBACK TESTIFIES AND IF ANY CUSTOMER HAS ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS I WILL ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO HELP.

UK Postage Rates (First Class)

LPs/12" singles : £5.45 (recorded) up to 1kg then £0.95 per extra item 

7" singles / CDs : £1.95 then £0.35 per extra

EUROPE (Standard)

LPs/12" singles : £8.95 then £1.75 per extra 

7" singles / CDs : £5.45 then £0.95 per extra 

REST OF WORLD (Standard)  

LPs/12" singles : £12.45 then £2.50 per extra

7" singles / CDs : £6.95 then £1.45 per extra

I WILL LEAVE FEEDBACK ONCE I HAVE RECEIVED IT.  THIS IS SO I KNOW THE ITEM HAS BEEN RECEIVED SAFELY AND THAT YOU ARE HAPPY WITH IT. IF YOU ARE NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE LEAVING FEEDBACK AND I WILL ALWAYS RESOLVE ANY PROBLEM, 100% GUARANTEED.  I WILL ALSO PAY THE RETURN POSTAGE COST IF I AM AT FAULT - yes this can happen as I am only human!!