BEATLES (Brit Invasion) 7" 45 RPM Rare Capitol Pic Sleeve, Paperback Writer/Rain

$

27

                                                                                                                       SYNOPSIS

"Paperback Writer" was a number one single in 1966, and as was habitual on Beatles singles, pushed the group into new lyrical and sonic terrain. This tough mod rocker featured more assertive guitar chords, leads, and especially bass than any pre-1966 Beatles recording had. Paul McCartney, the song's lead vocalist and principal author, had been fighting for some time to get a heavier, more prominent bass sound on Beatles tracks, and succeeded in truly doing so for the first time here. Just as clever and innovative on "Paperback Writer" were the vocal arrangements, gripping the listener right from the first bars. On top of everything these were lyrics about a struggling novelist which that fit in well with the ethos of swinging London, and like "Nowhere Man" a few months before, served notice that the Beatles were going to write songs about the world of their time that had nothing to do with romantic love. It may be that it was John Lennon that generally made the first step in broadening the Beatles' lyrical views throughout their career, but it must also be noted that McCartney was extremely quick to pick up on them and follow that path brilliantly as well. "Paperback Writer" would be typical of much of McCartney's non-love song work in that it wittily set out an observational story, situation, or character that seemed to have little to do with his own deep personal emotions or experience (as Lennon's songs usually did). That's not a criticism, just an observation; there are few songwriters that can do that as well as McCartney, and "Paperback Writer" was a superb trailblazer in that field.

"Rain," the B-side of "Paperback Writer," which also charted in the top 25, coming in at 23, was like its companion a sonic groundbreaker for the Beatles, although lacking the kind of melodic hooks that made the A-side a number one tune. John Lennon delivered the sing-melody with a laconic nonchalance, although (as on "Paperback Writer") the Beatles sang high counterpoint harmonies that recalled the Beach Boys and greatly enhanced the attractiveness of the tune. In hindsight -- and maybe even at the time, for those in the know -- this apparent out-of-focus sluggishness seemed motivated by the hallucinogenic drug experience, with changes in sensory input and perception resulting in altered states and temporal elasticity. "Rain" was their first effort in which the words were not just about different subjects, but downright enigmatic. The wildest effect is saved for last: the instrumental fade is dominated by one of the first uses of backwards vocals in a pop recording, in a gentle swirl that reinforces the suspicion that the song's inspiration was partially chemically derived.

The key factor to understand when purchasing picture sleeve 45 rpm's is that the item of value is the actual picture sleeve and not the piece of vinyl which can be easily replaced on the other hand, replacing the picture sleeve can be very difficult.

                                                             PAYMENTS

PAYMENT PROCESS: Following auction completion, eBay will send the buyer a draft invoice notification. In the case of a simple one itme transaction the buyer can pay from that draft invoice. In the case of multiple, combined, purchases where discounted postal costs are warranted a manual invoice must be initiated by the seller to reflect the applicable discount.

PAYMENT METHOD: PayPal is the required payment method as it results in a more streamlined and expedited process for both the buyer and the seller

PAYMENT DEADLINE: The seller has thoughtfully committed to shipping within one day following payment. If would be appreciated if the buyer would reciprocate with payment by one day after receipt of invoice (this is much appreciated).

                                                                                                                    SHIPPING

 POSTAL CALCULATION: I use the eBay/USPS postage calculation tool in order to determine postage costs. This software tool calculates postage amount based upon destination, shipping type, weight, delivery options, and S&H fee.

SHIPPING OPTIONS: Buyer determines shipping method that will be used. Decision is usually based upon price Vs time, tracking and dependability.(1) Domestic shipping (United States ONLY) normally use the less expensive Media Mail or the faster and more dependable Priority Mail. Likewise based on the same factors (2) International shipping, normally use the less expensive First Class International Mail or the faster and more dependable Priority International Mail. 

DISCLOSURE OF S&h FEE:  This fee ($1.40) is strictly related to the safe delivery of your purchase. This is not an increase to profit and is actually the opposite as there are many other costs that are not passed on but instead I absorb. This fee is to reimburse for the following (1) specialized 200 lb. test "bend resistant" corrugated cardboard mailers, (2) polyurethane sleeve(s) for vinyl & jacket protection and (3) delivery confirmation.

PACKING PROCESS: Packing is always a concern of buyers therefore I receive inquiries, and requests, regarding this all the time. Hopefully this will alleviate a questionable concern with an understanding of my process. (1) Vinyl is removed from inside the jacket to reduce the probability of seam splits, (2) jacket is then inserted into a 4 mil. polyurethane sleeve in order to lessen the chance of cover damage. (3) Vinyl is also place into the polyurethane between the back cover and the polyurethane (4) Item is packed, and shipped, in the protective specialized lp mailer. This mailer is 200 lb. test "bend resistant" and is very dependable. While packing if there is any space (in the mailer) that may result in the record being able to slide around in the mailer then material will also be put inside the mailer to prevent any record movement. 

                                                                                                                       RETURNS

Buyers have a fourteen (14) day period, from delivery date, to exercise their option of return. I do ask for objective reasons for return and not the subjective "You graded the vinyl as Excellent and I think that it is Very Good +". Enthusiasts and Collectors realize that grading is extremely subjective and in the end is simply just one persons opinion. A difference of opinion on a vinyl's "Proper" or "Correct" grade is a something that is difficult to agree on.  I make a concerted effort to grade (conservatively) each record the very best that I can ensuring a fair grade. I have been doing this for over 35 years and I have no intention of taking advantage of any buyer which is also why I don't sell my vinyl that is less than VG+ condition, they all get set aside. Maybe in the future I will grade some of those very collectible lps and graded them as VG, but that grading will be upfront for all to see. That being the case, grading alone will not be grounds for a refund, but if the reason is objective such that I advertised a "Original " release that turned out to be a "Resissue" or advertised as "Still Sealed", but arrives otherwise, or I advertise a US release but it turns out to be an import. These are obviously objective and will a return is surly warranted.

Items that are not delivered, or delivered damaged, should FIRST be addressed with your local post office as they are in the best postion to deal with that problem. 

GRADING SCALE

Vinyl is graded on a visual basis, primarily due to time constraints and the sheer volume (thousands) of records that I am selling. I use very bright lights and magnifiers to look for flaws and have been doing so for over thirty-five years. Grading scale is as follow:*

Mint (M):  Still Sealed, if opened it "could" have been played therefore logically would fall out of the "Mint" grade. 

Near MInt (NM):  Looks like if just came from the retail store and opened for the very first time (i.e. nearly perfect). Shiny vinyl with NO visible defects. No writing, stickers, markings etc either on the jacket or vinyl. Near Mint records do not have to be "unplayed" as an used record can also be in Near Mint condition after many plays providing it had been properly cared for.

Excellent (EX) Very minor scuffs which are only slightly visible. There can be a few scuffs but NO scratches. The artwork on the jacket is still as close to perfect as can be. Some impression to the cover (minor outer ring wear) but NO ink wear. Some slight creases to the corners, but not wrinkled and obtrusive to the eye. No seam splits or Writing on the cover or taped repairs can makes this grade. To this grader, the grade should be just a minor step down from the Near Mint grade. 

Very Good Plus (VG+):  These records will show some slight signs of wear, including scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK also. Minor signs of handling are OK also, such as telltale marks around the center hole where repeated playing could have enlarged or damaged the hole. A Very Good + jacket  should have minor wear such as a very minor seam wear or split (less than one inch long) at one of the seams most likely the bottom which iis the most vulnerable location. A VG+ may have some defacing such as cut-out markings (corner cut or punch holes).

Very Good (VG): Will have the many of the defects found in a VG+ record but will be more pronounced. Surface noice will be evident upon playing but will not overpower the music. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Jackets may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. A VG will not hae all these problems at the same time, only two or three. 

Good (G): Good does NOT mean Bad!! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping, but will have signifiant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear. A cover will have seam splits, especially at the bottom of the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object.. (General Practice: If the record is a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually so pass it up. But, if it's a record that you have been seeking for years or one very difficult to find then get it if the price is reasonable)

*Per Goldmine and Vinyl Records Collectors Guide