EX/EX,Steppenwolf,“Monster”,12”LP, 1969,Stereo,Dunhill,C062-90-764,1st Ed

$

27

EX/EX, Steppenwolf, “Monster” 12”LP, 1969, Stereo, Dunhill, C062-90-764, 1st Edition, EMI/Columbia pressed in Germany, in a fully laminated gatefold album cover. This great original example, little played and offering superb sound throughout, is one to please most collectors who simply want to treasure the analogue experience of this 1960s classic.

“Monster is an album by Steppenwolf. Released in 1969, it was their first LP with new lead guitarist, Larry Byrom instead of Michael Monarch. The album was Steppenwolf's most political one, making references to important issues at the time, such as the Vietnam War. The album was the first Steppenwolf album not to feature a US top ten hit, though two singles from the album cracked the top 40.”

"MONSTER" by Californian rockers extraordinaire Steppenwolf, were of course led by charismatic lead singer John Kay, who also penned most of their material, which is a great example of how rock music became a most potent weapon during the social / political upheaval in the US at the time of its release. Most of the songs on this album are full of bitterness and sarcasm and bear strong commentary on the American political system and of course its involvement in the then current, ongoing war….As to the music, it is as good as the other earlier Steppenwolf material at the time...Monster/Suicide/America" starts it off with what is suggested in the title - political criticism (largely Vietnam, of course) juxtaposed with pleasant, sometimes heavy and melodic melodies. Toward the end, it turns into something downright anthemic, complete with female co-vocals and sitar mixed in.” 

  The distinctive EMI//Columbia Blue colored label is in absolutely pristine condition with the base color extends into the unworn spindle hole and the black type is still perfectly crisp and readable in Mint condition. There is only the slightest of spindle rubbing on both sides of the hole which does not detract from the overall appeal of this superb vintage collectible. We purchased all of our vintage LPs new and always kept them in a climate controlled, smoke-free environment and were mostly handled and played by only knowledgeable, mature, and careful individuals.

 The vinyl is absolutely pristine and gleams like a brand new album and the stereo sound quality is as clear as a bell. There are no visible scratches or scuff on either side and this LP still plays through all the tracks with a excellent sound quality: no pops, sticking, jumps, but with some very faintly detectable crackle on Side-2 while Side one is perfectly clear, crisp and clean. Oddly, the crackle is only hear with headphones but not on my stereo speakers, played from the same turntable. Otherwise, the sound quality is simply Superb with no distortion and no groove wear, with only superb, clear and precise audio. It comes in its original EMI/Columbia international albums advertising inner sleeve.  

 The fully laminated “E.J. Day” gatefold sleeve is in Excellent condition, heavy card, slight ring wear and scuffing on the front flap, still has original price tag, with a small amount of shelf wear and folding at the front corners.  This cover is sturdy, clean, fresh and still lustrous and intact condition, with full lyrics to “Monster”, Side 1 & 2 songs listing and credits. The artwork, inside and out, are distinctly original, solid,  and crisp with 47 years of gentle aging and wear.

 Both sides are in the original brilliant condition with minor creases and edge rubbing on the front and back sides, normal spinal wear all around the edges, but no rips, tears, splits, and only some shelf-wear corner folds and scuffs, but still very flat looking. The opening edge is beautifully straight with barely any feathering.

  I use special made, secure record mailers and always ship vinyl outside of the jacket to prevent seam splits. We also have the Steppenwolfs' "At Your Birthday Party" original 1969 LP for sale(see last photo).