THE ELECTRIC PRUNES  FORTH ALBUM - RELEASE OF AN OATH - USA IMPORT COPY - RS6316

	£		30
	$		40

THE ELECTRIC PRUNES FORTH ALBUM - RELEASE OF AN OATH - USA IMPORT COPY - RS6316.
Condition is "Used".  Dispatched by Royal Mail "Signed For" 2nd Class Service. In professional protective package (As shown), with additional card inserts.
From the sellers private collection an album for american psychedelic connoisseurs. 
THE ELECTRIC PRUNES - FORTH  ALBUM - RELEASE OF AN OATH  -  USA IMPORT COPY
  Again I purchased this USA Import copy in 1968 from the excellent “One Stop Records”  40,South Molton Street London. The record was not originally released in the UK until many years later.  It is in Excellent condition and plays perfectly without any pops or crack noises. The outer sleeve again reflects its age of 52 years with various surface wearing. The cover was not unfortunately,laminated.
This particular disc was mastered in the USA by Customatrix, a subsiduary of Columbia Records & CBS, producing masters & stampers, not only for themselves, but other record labels, including Elektra, Reprise, Warner Brothers, A&M, & Epic ETC.  There may have been 24 plus variants of this album. The albums identification is as follows :-  Original Tan and orange two-tone steamboat original label, Reprise pressing "Stereo".  RS - 6316 appears on spine & back of sleeve. RS6316 appears on record labels & 6316 appears on front of sleeve . Matrix / Runout (Runout Side 1, Etched): Indecipherable mark possibly o  30815   RS-6316 - A    1G.   Matrix / Runout (Runout Side 2, Etched): Indecipherable mark possibly  o 30816   RS-6316 - B   1C.     
The Record is graded between Excellent (EX) to Very Good (VG)  It has no visible scuffmarks & will play excellently through, without issue or noise.  The label information is perfect and there is no hole distortion. It is in superb condition for its 52 years of age. 
RCM Valuation is at (EX) £96 to (VG) £60. I have observed this variant  available at over £150 from sources other than ebay.
The cover is graded Good (G) to Fair (F)  It is unfortunately non laminated, but has the thicker cardboard utilised on the Americian releases .There are some blemishes on the surfaces but thanks to the thicker card, no major creases to the cover.  The spine has unfortunately split & the top & bottom edges have partially separated.  As to be expected with a cover of 52 years there is some ring wear on its faces as shown in the images. The cover was once displayed on a board & has 2 pin holes in the rear face.  Overall, a cover that has been well used in it existence, but has served excellently  in its function as a protective sleeve.  
The paper inner sleeve is unblemished but has a split down both sides. it is a product from the period, on one side it  depicts artists in square images from the Reprise label in visual form. On the reverse is a selection of circular portraits of various artists again from the Reprise label.  Overall an interesting period artifact, fulfilling its function, but has been replaced with a modern sleeve.
The Engineer was the veteran master, Richie Podolor with input from Bill Cooper.
The Art director was the prodigiously talented Ed Thrasher & the Cover Photographs were by the equally talented Sid Avery.
The Liner Notes were by Jules B Newman  (Unknown)
The musicians who plyed on this album were :-  Richard Whetstone (Lead Vocals), Howard Roberts (Lead Guitar), Don Randi (Keyboards), Lou Morell (Guitar), Carol Kaye, (Bass & Guitar), Earl Palmer (Drums, Percussion)
Released in November 1968 and recorded at “The Sound Factory” 6359 Selma Avenue, Hollywood. LA. Although credited to the Electric Prunes. It was composed and arraigned entirely by David Axelrod and followed on from the previous “Mass” album. The first track is based loosely upon the “Kol Nidre” prayer  (That begins the order of service Of Yom Kippur in the cycle of Jewish religious observance). The rest of the album is an amalgam of Christian and Jewish Liturgies.  Unfortunately, none of the original group members participated in this recording. It being created by such notable session musicians including:- Howard Roberts, Carol Kaye, Don Randi, Lou Morell, Earl Palmer and Dick Whetstone (Vocals). Less psychedelic than “Mass”, it follows on as a natural successor to it. Viewed as a showcase for the excellent ability and talent of composer David Axelrod, which is highlighted by the musical capabilities of the exceptional session musicians he chose. 54 years on, this album still has an increasing number of admirers.
Richard Whetstone reverted to his role of Drummer & Lead Vocalist for Dave Hassinger's next manifestation of the Electric Prunes, along with members of Colorado band Climax. Mark Kincaid (Guitar Backing Vocals),  Ron Morgan (Guitar), John Herron (Organ) & Brett Wade (Bass, Flute & Backing Vocals). In June 1969 They released  the LP "Just Good Old Rock & Roll"  & toured throughout 69 & 70.  In early 1971, The Electric Prunes officially disbanded. 
Some observations on Grading :-
MINT (M) The Record is in brand new condition, no surface marks, no sound quality deteration. Records designated sealed or un-played qualify as mint.  EXCELLENT (EX) The RECORD shows some signs of being played, but with minimal lessening of sound quality. The COVER &/or packaging may show slight wear &/or creasing.  VERY GOOD (VG) The RECORD has obviously been played many times, but manifests no sound quality deterioraton. Despite noticeable surface marks &/or light scratching.  Visible wear & tear on the COVER or additional items, without major defects, is acceptable.  GOOD (G) The RECORD  has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, pehaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The COVER and contents may suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.  FAIR (F) The RECORD is still just playable, but has not been cared for propery and displays considerable  surface noise; it may even jump. The COVER and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.