CRESSIDA FIRST UK VERTIGO VO 7 FULL SWIRL ORIGINAL RARE

	£		89
	$		118

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately below sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. This is followed by my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; it may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with a choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual gradings and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Album / Record Title: CRESSIDA (self titled debut album)

Rarity: REMARKABLY RARE - the last of the short list of albums to be released on the PHILIPS VERTIGO LABEL with the distinctive ‘VO’ status being catalogue reference VO 7. Following the launch of their exclusively ‘progressive’ Vertigo label in Autumn 1969 Philips catalogued the ‘springboard’ albums with the prefix ‘VO’, this was soon changed to a seven figure catalogue number starting with the number ‘6’, Cressida marked the end of the VO’s. Cressida only made two albums for commercial release, this one and ‘Asylum’ in my experience they are both equally extremely rare. The early Vertigo variants are generally rare and only seen from time to time, but the only way to be certain that you have the RAREST FIRST VARIANT which is this EARLIEST FIRST PRESSINGS is to make sure the ‘A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT’ credit is printed on the bottom of the ‘B’ side label between the outline VERTIGO name and ‘All Rights….’ text on the bottom perimeter - which was dropped after the FIRST ISSUE in each case with the VO series. In fact, in the case of ‘the’ Cressida album, there were relatively few sold and I am doubtful as to whether it made a second issue with the swirl, so the few that exist may all carry the Philips label credit. This key features along with the SWIRL INNER BAG and SWIRL LABELS - noting that the ‘B’ side has the large logo variant - are unique to the EARLIEST FIRST ISSUES and ONLY THE VARIANT WITH ALL OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS AND THE FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS LISTED BELOW ARE THE VERY EARLIEST TRUE FIRST PRESSINGS, THEY ARE ALSO PRESSED ON NOTICEABLY HEAVIER VINYL. This one is from EARLIEST ORIGINAL UK PRESS made just prior to the commercial release date in 1970 - AND JUST LOOK AT THOSE 1   1   6 MOTHER & STAMPER CODES, YOU WOULD BE HARD PRESSED TO FIND A MUCH EARLIER PRESSING THAN THIS.

There are a number of reasons why I consider this album to be remarkable, please note these comments. First, as I have stated, it is an album which is extraordinarily hard to find. Secondly, it is in my opinion an outstanding classic from the genre featuring great songs and music. Thirdly, although the gatefold has a number of flaws it is all original and has the feel and look of a good quality original. Finally, and possibly the most outstanding point, the vinyl has two noticeable stylus scratches, one running across the last three tracks on the ‘A’ side and the other completely across the ‘B’ side and, although they are also both tangible, they have surprisingly little consequence in play. The audio is delivered continuously with amazing clarity - only occasional surface sound and some light low level ticks which are neither repetitive nor intrusive. Vinyl enthusiasts will know that some vinyls can play well above their appearance, and this is one of them. I have seen much lighter and almost invisible marks on other vinyls that cause much greater interference in play. This is indeed a fine example of the durability of the top quality, superbly engineered vinyls produced during this era – I was highly impressed by this audio performance, it comfortably exceeded my best expectations.

The key features are listed below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM AND FIRST ISSUE
• A UK FIRST PRESSING FIRST MATRICES & FIRST STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN VERY GOOD PLUS CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL VERTIGO BLACK & WHITE ‘LARGE’ SWIRL LABELS
• ORIGINAL VERTIGO BLACK & WHITE SWIRL POLY-LINED INNER
• ORIGINAL TEENBURGER DESIGN UK NON-LAMINATED GATEFOLD
• EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND AS A VERTIGO FIRST ISSUE VARIANT

Artiste(s): CRESSIDA – Angus Cullen, John Heyworth, Peter Jennings, Kevin McCarthy, Iain Clark – Produced by Ossie Byrne

Disc Format: 12” LP

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL VERTIGO COMPLETE BLACK & WHITE SWIRL ‘A’ SIDE AND LARGE SWIRL LOGO & TITLES ‘B’ SIDE WITH ‘A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT’ CREDIT BOTTOM PERIMETER.

Catalogue Number: VO 7 847 904 VTY

Country of origin and first published date: UK 1969

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side A:     847 904 1Y // 1 6 420

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side B:     847 904 2Y // 1 6 420

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side A:    1   1   1   6

Vinyl ‘run off’ stampers side B:    1   1   6

Track Listing as per cover: SIDE A: TO PLAY YOUR LITTLE GAME / WINTER IS COMING AGAIN / TIME FOR BED / CRESSIDA / HOME AND WHERE I LONG TO BE / DEPRESSION / SIDE B: ONE OF MY GROUP / LIGHTS IN MY MIND / THE ONLY EARTHMAN IN TOWN / SPRING ’69 / DOWN DOWN / TOMORROW IS A WHOLE NEW DAY

My opinion and summary of condition: Contrary to the title of the last track on the ‘A’ side listening to this fills me with elation and pushes me in the direction of the more optimistically titled last track on the ‘B’ side. In fact, for me, this is a sensational album which never fails to delight me every time it visits my turntable. The musicianship is right out of the top drawer, unique and unsurpassed – incredibly tight rhythm section, just listen to that bass and drums, excellent lyrics, vocals and prodigious performances on guitars and keyboards - the album is a staggering display of virtuoso musicianship bar none. This is a GREAT EXAMPLE with FIRST MATRICES & STAMPERS, most likely to be ONE OF THE VERY EARLY FIRST PRESSINGS with all of the FIRST ISSUE CHARACTERISTICS. As I have made clear in the leader paragraph there are some flaws on the vinyl but although visually apparent they have no unpleasant affect on the audio delivery, and it produces near excellent audio quality. The GATEFOLD is prone to extensive wear and this one has not avoided all of the pitfalls, but it is complete, intact and a reasonably presentable original. This represents an EXTRAORDINARILY RARE OPPORTUNITY to buy a HIGHLY ENJOYABLE EXAMPLE of a GREAT ALBUM.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade).

Vinyl Visual side A: VERY GOOD PLUS, a fair amount of easily noticeable lines and light bag marks restricted to the surface, and a stylus scratch across the last three tracks which is slightly tangible but has surprisingly little audio consequence (please see photograph).

Vinyl Visual side B: VERY GOOD PLUS, a fair amount of easily noticeable lines and light bag marks restricted to the surface, and a stylus scratch across all tracks which is slightly tangible but has relatively little audio consequence (please see photograph).

Label Visual side A: EXCELLENT, just some light spindle lines and slight evidence of handling but no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side B: EXCELLENT MINUS, the only reason I have adjusted the grade with ‘minus’ is due to the fact that I have placed a small plain white adhesive label to the right hand side of the Vertigo swirl logo to cover initials (see photograph), but otherwise just some light spindle lines and slight evidence of handling but no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Outer Cover: VERY GOOD the iconic original surface printed, non-laminated gatefold cover of stiff mid weight card construction, designed by ‘Teenburger’. It is highly prone to wear, you will rarely see one offered for sale which grades excellent or better; and this one has plenty of minor flaws – but, make no mistake, it’s still a respectable gatefold. Surface rub wear, caused by movement in and out of storage, is clearly evident on the front and back, rub wear is also a feature on all corners and eges – although it has not spread. There are a few small scuffs front and back and some opening edge creases on the back. There’s a faint remnant of a name and address in blue ink back top right, which may recede with time, a very faint ‘89’ written close by and slight fraying of the leading edges where the vinyl enters; but it’s all there, intact and in all its glory. The centre spread alone grades better than excellent, no marks and just a little light rub wear. In my opinion a 38 year old gatefold in above average condition but please take a close look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: VERY GOOD, and better than it looks on first sight, the colour does not help. In physically good order with strong square shoulders and the usual and unavoidable light fold line down the centre caused by careful opening and closing over time. Plenty of light rub wear on the shoulders with the front and back and small scuffs - but it’s actually almost fully readable.

Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT, a genuine VERTIGO DOUBLE SIDED FULL BLACK ON WHITE SWIRL original with advisory note box, patents and Made In England, fitted with original antistatic poly-liner; slightly creased and a little discoloured

Vinyl Warp: just the slightest deflection visible when eye tested on a moving turntable – absolutely no affect on play and no audio consequence.

Vinyl Weight: 144 grammes (a virtuoso VERTIGO heavyweight)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

THIS ALBUM PLAY-GRADES: EXCELLENT & VERY GOOD PLUS

Audio Performance: I APPROACHED THIS PLAY GRADE WITH A LITTLE TREPIDATION DUE TO THE TWO STYLUS SCRATCHES – ONE ON EACH SIDE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE – BUT AS CAN HAPPEN SOMETIMES WITH TOP QUALITY VINYL PRESSINGS FROM THIS ERA THESE SCRATCHES HAD RELATIVELY LITTLE AFFECT ON THE AUDIO DELIVERY WHICH IS DELIGHTFUL. THERE IS SOME OCCASIONAL LIGHT UNDERLYING SURFACE SOUND, THE ODD BIT OF LIGHT CRACKLE AND LOW LEVEL TICK BUT NONE OF THIS IS INTRUSIVE OR UNPLEASANT. THE AUDIO IS DELIVERED WITH GREAT PRESENCE AND CLARITY - THIS REALLY IS A SUPER SOUNDING VINYL - POWERFUL, CLEAR, FULL BODIED AND POSITIVE WITH NOTHING SIGNIFICANTLY DISTRACTING. I LISTENED TO THIS THROUGH TWICE AND ENJOYED EVERY GROOVE; IT IS NOT PERFECT BUT IT IS GREAT AS ONLY EARLY PRESSINGS ON VINYL CAN BE. AS REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT I WAS ABSOLUTELY ENTHRALLED BY THIS - REAL SOUND FROM VINYL AS IT SHOULD BE - A DIVERSE, DYNAMIC AND CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE FROM CRESSIDA.

Other: Not for the overall excellent to mint buyer but if you don’t already have a genuine first press, first issue example of this album to play and enjoy then this is the one for you and it comes highly recommended.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: This has become something of a ‘fashion accessory’ for many of the albums listed on eBay and, as with fashion, there are many imitators. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings but otherwise this was not usually the case. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’, are well documented now but there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. This weight difference can also be indicative where different symbols were used in the matrices. For example some record companies first denoted early pressings with A61 & B61 and then soon after changed to A // 1 & B // 1, in these cases weight of the vinyl is often very helpful with identification. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Finally: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs below to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Larger Picture’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.