AXIS s/t LP Awesome Greek Prog Rock 1973 OG

$

100

Axis, a band from Greece, had three albums, but this self-titled LP (which is actually their third release, not their debut) is widely acknowledged as their masterpiece.  Here’s what Dave Wayne had to say about it, writing for Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock: “The music on Axis' self-titled LP from 1973 is an interesting hodge-podge of straight-up hard-rock with good vocals and lyrics in English ("Waiting a Long Time"), keyboard-dominated symphonic progressive rock ("Sewers Down Inside," "Pa Vu Ga Di"), avant-garde jazz / weirdness ("Asymphonia I and II," "Dancing Percussion"), and Soft Machine-ish / Crimson-ish / Brand X-ish jazz-rock ("Materializing the Unlimited," "Suspended Precipice," "Roads," "The Planet Vavoura"). Despite what I just said, none of Axis' music is derivative of anyone in particular. Though Axis remind me somewhat of Morris Pert's Suntreader trio with keyboardist Peter Robinson, this seems a purely coincidental consequence of the musical direction and basic multi-keys / bass / drums instrumentation. Some of the tracks seem to run together, giving the music a sense of continuity despite all of its strange stylistic transitions. The best thing about this LP is that the musicians are able to pull off each of the different styles in a convincing manner. The star of this particular show is keyboardist / vocalist Demis Visvikis.  He is a great player and a master of tweaking all sorts of unexpected sounds out of his keyboards (Fender Rhodes, Mellotron, organ) without resorting to clichéd synthesizer patches. Other members include drummers George Hadjiathanassiou and Christos Stassinopoulos, and bassist Alezandros Fantis. This LP was recorded in France, at the famous Chateau d'Hérouville, the production team is French and it was subsequently issued on a French record label (Riviera, a Barclay subsidiary). Drummer Christos Stassinopoulos later appeared on the second Clearlight LP (his name was misspelled "Stapinopoulos" in the credits). Certainly a must-have for all Mellotron fans.”  Released in France on Riviera in 1973, this comes in a gatefold cover.  The cover is in Ex-- and the record is in Ex+++ condition.  There’s an X written on one of the record’s labels.  (For more info on my grading system, click on the “me” icon above.)  For another album by Axis, see my other listings.

Up for auction this week is part of a very special collection—including many rarities—compiled over many years.  I will be listing many more items from this huge collection in the coming months.  This week I am mainly listing progressive rock, art rock, and related albums.   This includes symphonic prog, classical rock, neo, RIO, Zeuhl, Canterbury, fusion, progressive folk, Kraut rock, space rock, progressive electronic etc.  To see more rare and collectable items, click on “See other items” above.

Payment and Shipping Information

In the U.S., postage would be about $4.77 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 $16.20 by airmail (but Canada and Mexico will be less than this for most single LP packages).  Yes, I do combine shipping so 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.  Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges (typically collected upon delivery or pickup) are the buyer’s responsibility and are not included in the item price or shipping charges.  Please check with your country’s customs office prior to bidding/buying to determine what these additional costs will be.