WATER INTO WINE BAND Hill Climbing UK Xian acid folk M-

$

115

Simply put, Hill Climbing for Beginners by Water Into Wine Band is one of the crown jewels of Xian psych folk LPs!  Every song is absolutely great, but highlights include the 11-minute “Song of the Cross” “I Have Seen the Lord,” and the title track.  The instrumentation includes electric and acoustic guitars, violin (played masterfully by Bill Thorp, who would later become a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), piano, glockenspiel, bass, drums, bongos, flute, recorder, and oboe.  In some quarters this pressing is dismissed because it is a remix of the U.K. pressing.  I’ve not heard the U.K. release so don’t know how much difference there is in the mix, but what I do know is that this version is totally brilliant in its own right, with a perfect balance of electric and acoustic instrumentation that skillfully combines folk, psych, and even prog; and features first rate vocals with sublime harmonies.  There’s certainly nothing accessible or commercial about it; it is a thoroughly creative and artistic work from start to finish.  So, unless you are only looking for the original U.K. pressing (and are prepared to pay $200-300 for a copy), do not cheat yourself out of the chance to own and hear this wonderful album!  (And if you buy the U.K. pressing that has this cover (group shot in front of building), you’d be getting the same version as what I’m offering (but would probably pay more for it!), as it was later released that way in the U.K. too.  Only the one with the cover of the group pictured in the countryside has the different mix.)

Released in the U.S. on the Myrrh label (no doubt that it was one of the better albums they ever released) in 1974.  The cover is in Ex- (small saw cut) and the record is in M- condition.  (Click on the “me” icon above for info on my grading system.)

This week I am mainly listing Christian (Xian) music and related albums.  This includes Jesus music, Christian rock, folk, psych, folk-rock, prog, pop, black gospel, country rock, contemporary Christian Music (CCM), etc.  To see more rare and collectable items, click on the “View seller’s other items” button above. 

Payment and Shipping Information

Winner pays postage (in the U.S., this would be about $4.58 for one LP sent by Media Mail).  Package insured upon request.  Winners outside of the U.S. will be notified of postal fees, but an approximate cost for one LP to many countries is $15.60 by airmail (but Canada and Mexico will be less than this for most single LP packages).  If you bid on and win more than one item, you WILL save on postage!  Note: I do not gouge on postage and packaging costs.  Record will be carefully packaged in a strong, oversized LP mailer.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  E-mail: david.o@jjldj.com.  International Customers: please DO NOT use the Checkout (Pay Now) option, or you may end up paying more for postage than is necessary, as eBay tends to calculate shipping and handling on the high side.  Instead, wait for me to contact you with an invoice and the correct total amount due.  I will do my best to contact you within a day of the auction’s end.