FRANK ZAPPA Hot Rats EARLY Kinney Dual-Matrix N/M LP

	£		48
	$		64

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options – NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment.

Artist or Band: FRANK ZAPPA

Album Title: Hot Rats.

Producer(s): Frank Zappa who composed and arranged all songs.

Engineer(s): Dick Kunc.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Peaches en Regalia; Willie the Pimp; Son of Mr Green Genes.

Side 2: Little Umbrellas; The Gumbo Variations; It Must Be a Camel.

Label/Format: Reprise – tan format – not a first pressing but still a stunning record (Please see my label scan).

Label Conditions: Both almost as made: ultra clean, fresh and attractive with only a couple of very light and faint spindle marks.

Cat Number: K 44078.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: 128 grams. Around the average for this pressing.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: The actual album itself, moderate, this was Zappa’s most commercially successful album in the UK, although it failed to sell well in his native US. Any copy with a superb barely worn and hardly played record are harder.

Original Year of Release: 1969, this example is more likely to be from the early 70s.

Matrix Nos: Dual matrixes: RSLP 6356 A1 [K 44078 A1] / RSLP 6356 B1 [K 44078-B1] An early pressed Kinney example that included both original and new matrixes.

Musicians: Frank Zappa - Guitar, octave bass, percussion; Ian Underwood - piano, organus maximus, flute, all clarinets, all saxes; Captain Beefheart - vocal on ‘Willie the Pimp’; Sugar Cane Harris - violin; Jean luc Ponty - violin; John Guerin - drums; Ron Selico - drums; Max Bennett - bass; Shuggy Otis - bass.

Brief Artist & Album Info: The greatest moustache in rock history and the album that proved to the world that Frank Zappa was one of the greatest guitarists of all time – if not THE best. At the end of 1968 Zappa’s contract with MGM expired, he and his manager Herb Cohen set up Bizarre Records. This gave them total control over their own packaging and music. Major distribution was needed too, so they chose Reprise, Frank Sinatra’s label which had recently been acquired by Warner Brothers. Hot Rats was the second album to be just accredited to Frank Zappa, he used a 16-track recorder and state-of-the-art production techniques, making this a musicial extraganza with truly phenomenal sound and detail. This was quite a successful album in the UK, but mysteriously was a relative failure in his native US. This is a sublime jazz-rock, predominately instrumental album and (for me anyway) one of the greatest albums ever made - I simply adore this, and I have probably heard this album more times than any other (not this copy hasten to add, just the once for a mandatory play grade).

Here, Zappa called upon the services of some of the greatest musicians of the West Coast. Don ‘Sugarcane’ Harris features heavily on electric violin with some blistering solos as does French violin virtuoso Jean luc Ponty. Also featured are veteran bassist Max Bennett, John Guerin a young drummer who had been working with Tom Scott on fusing rock and jazz, also Shuggy Otis, Ron Selico and Paul Humphrey. Zappa supplied himself with the finest rhythm section money could buy. The other hugely important presence was Ian Underwood from the Mothers, who played keyboards and electric saxes. This is one of Underwood’s finest moments recording with Zappa, his blistering electric saxophone solo on ‘The Gumbo Variations’ takes the breath away. Last but not least there is a cameo performance from Don van Vliet, aka Captain Beefheart on vocals for ‘Willie the Pimp’ – now sadly left us – the lyrics of which are derived from an interview Zappa conducted with a New York-based groupie named Annie. Zappa himself plunges into an awe-inspiring guitar solo. His wah-wah pedal made the notes talk, but amongst the frenzy there remains a marvellous melody throughout. Frank dubbed in percussion, chains, castanets that added that extra fizz and Underwood is credited for playing ‘organus maximus’ which was actually a pipe organ. The cover is as famous as the music too, it features Christine Frka (Miss Christine) of the (in)famous GTO’s lurking inside a disused swimming pool in Beverly Hills: a striking image that was seen under many an arm in the heady days of the late 60s. She is often credited as the inspiration for the Alice Cooper look – both recorded on Zappa’s Straight label. A notably thin Czech girl, she she died in 1972. ‘Hot Rats’ charted at 9 in the UK and a lowly 173 in the US. A work of genius, even non-Zappa fans who simply never understood his music often appreciated this album. It has been said that some rock guitarists have been quoted as saying Hot Rats contains impossible to play guitar chords, well this great man played them, and how.

This easily ranks in my top 10 greatest albums ever made, I never tire listening to it and this copy is a real beauty. It plays practically as quiet as a CD with all the detail and dynamics of a master recording, this is gateway into Zappa’s recording studio and nothing – and I mean NOTHING will better it – this will at least equal a first pressed copy. As good as even the new Japanese card cover CDs are, they still do not compare to this record. The basslines are far less forward on the silver disc and some details seem slightly more muted, even lost. There will never be a better way to enjoy the king of the bizarre than on this record - I have seldom seen a much better overall copy of this timeless excusion into Frank’s world of jazz-rock, the word ‘masterpiece’ is often overused, but not in this case. If you have not experienced the wonderful world of Zappa, there is no better place to start – but be warned – this man’s music is seriously addictive and he has a vast catalogue.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High: seldom seen without ugly ringwear, fading, major surface rubbing and grubbiness.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(++): an unlaminated gatefold format with matt, smooth surfaces. Printed and made in England by MacNeill and has the Kinney credits and new Cat. number.

Cover Front: For me, one of THE covers of all time, sadly somewhat wear-prone this one has stood the test of time more than well. The grubbiness is normally seen on the white bands near the bottom and bottom, here any are very light and faint and few will show less. Any surface marks on the classic graphic are few and very faint, only just seen with scrutiny under angled light., the same goes for any of the very scant crease traces. Retainins superb colour and a high degree of freshness, this will prove difficult to much better.

Cover Back: The back is little short of full Mint – any marks, creases or blemishes are minuscule. Not the lack of ringwear too.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Absolutely immaculate.

Top Edges: Both look new and ultra straight too.

Bottom Edges: Practically the same again.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Both very clean, mostly sharp with minimal traces of any wear and both guaranteed untrimmed. Record entered on the back, the front is closed.

Spine and Text: A spine that is known not to wear well, but this again looks almost like new. This delicate black spine is solid, straight, uncompressed and folded square, the edges meet up near perfectly together and parallel. This dark spine, which is very prone to rubbing and damage immaculate and all text pristine.

Corners: Very light tip rubs only, few will have less and all retain excellent or better shape.

Cover Summary: A very impressive cover – the only difference between this and the original is the catalogue number. This will delight most-all fans of this legendary artist.

The Inner Sleeve: MINT(-): a plain solid white unlined inner at includes the ‘Patent Applied For’ text. This is almost like new too with no edge splits, ageing or creasing – or repairs.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: MINT(-): I am struggling to find a noteworthy mark or blemish – any surface traces are minuscule as seen under my powerful viewing bulb. A superb visual copy that is super clean with lovely shine and lustre, intense black and solidly pressed. Not as heavy as a first pressing but this still offers superb dynamics and sonic delivery of the music. A copy hardly even played on all the evidence, a better looking and sounding first Kinney pressing will prove near impossible to find. Visually one of the best ‘Rats’ I have seen for some time. This beautiful record has clearly avoided any traumas from the past which is confirmed by truly breathtaking sound quality. So often found badly scratched or well worn, this copy is like a breath of fresh air. For the ‘early-bird’ Zappa fans who bought this from the early days, most played it into submission – imagine the thrill of hearing this masterpiece for the first time. Hardly any surprise this album as acquired ‘Classic Album’ status and it remains (for me) one of the greatest albums ever made bar none. With musicianship and composition of the highest possible standard and few would have even known the calibre of this man’s brilliance at this time.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality & Audio Grading – The Hot Rats Hi-Fi Experience: This astonishing record plays brilliantly with pristine sound, crank this up loud and prepare to be thrilled. No pops or clicks were noted and this is a superb pressing that’s even devoid of surface sounds. Both channels are crystal clear and the sound and production are up there with the very best from this period. This copy of Hot Rats will simply make your system fizz with totally distortion-free sound. The delicate high frequencies of the electric violins and winds are totally unclipped and simply rasp from the speakers. I have heard this album countless times on all formats but seldom a great deal better than this, so-much-so, I actually took a breather to take-in the sound still further while tapping out this piece. Zappa’s frenzied and blistering guitar work is heard to maximum effect and this will leave fans awe-struck. Played loudly enough, Underwood’s electric sax solo on ‘The Gumbo Variations’ is almost capable of ripping off the speaker cloth. What sets this analogue recording apart are the basslines which are rich and deep and fully focused and more importantly – present! The CD versions are leaner and lack that vital depth, grace and power. My LP12 gave this record real ‘pace’ and rhythm and it’s total realism will please even the connoisseur listeners. If only all vintage vinyl played like this, there would be no need to grade because the astonishing sounds embedded in these totally unworn grooves will rarely be heard better. Beefheart’s brief cameo role on ‘Willie the Pimp’ is famous as he shrieks Hot Meat, Hot Raaaaattttzzzzz, Hot Zitz, Hot Wrists, Hot Ritz, Hot Roots, Hot Sooooottts… this is the album’s only vocal track and it Fizzzessssss. This record is so clean and special it should appeal to all vinyl lovers and collectors - even discerning audiophiles reading this. For those not bothered about the label colour, this is a ‘keeper’ copy that will never need upgrading - if treated with the respect it deserves, this record will last indefintely if played on modern lightweight equipment. Nothing beats an original copy of course, I would never dispute that but this is no inferior second best be very sure of that too. The earliest Kinney ‘hybrid’ pressings are equally as good. If anyone still doubts the sound value of analogue records, well try listening to this. This is a very special album indeed – a gateway to his even more challenging works. They don’t make records like this anymore and the spirit of this musical genius lives on in this monumental work, my musical world has never been quite the same since his sad and untimely death. In terms of this record and sound, it’s unreservedly recommended.

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, a couple more at weekends if time permits, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story. I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested collector – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic, and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please as me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £10. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£46 maximum]) = £14. Add £4 per extra LP. (Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT necessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.