FRANK ZAPPA Lumpy Gravy RARE SVLP ORIG UK 68 N/M LP

	£		152
	$		201

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Artist or Band: FRANK ZAPPA

Album Title: Lumpy Gravy.

Producer(s): Frank Zappa.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Lumpy Gravy Part I.

Side 2: Lumpy Gravy Part II.

Label & Format: Verve – Original matt intense black and silver format. This includes the original ‘Sold in UK’ etc text.

Label Conditions: Both in STUNNING conditions: these truly almost remind of new and remember the vast age of this record. Ultra clean, fresh and attractive, I can see one super-fine spindle trace on side two and struggling to find anything worthy of note at all on side one. This is a remarkable example that is the equal (at least) of the two stereo copies I own in my own collection. A copy all Zappa fans would want to own and this one of the most treasured in his entire catalogue. The original owner played most of his records once or twice only and simply stored them away and then only on a high quality stereo system. NO mono heavy-tracking blunt stylus have ever been anywhere near this fantastic copy.

Cat Number: SVLP 9223.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm .

Weight of this Record: 145 grams. A very good weight for this or any record.

Rarity: Rare as a stereo first pressing and even harder to find with a record that has avoided heavy playing and abuse from less refind equipment of the era. Frank Who?, many would have said when viewing this freaky looking man in the mid-60s – few would have forked out full album price for such a piece. This album did not chart in the UK and is very seldom found as an original in mono or stereo – the stereos for some reason are a just a little easier to find. Most that surface are worn or even trashed. Only a mere few Mothers of Invention fans would have brought initial pressings of this album – far too way out for most, and the number of SVLP originals found reflect this fact. Until reissued, this album included a laminated cover with two large inside flipbacks and an absolutely massive thick spine (as seen in close-up). Even these original issue covers had a subtle variation: the very first ones has the laminate ends inside the cover gatefold on the top and bottom. Just a few months after, the laminate was trimmed on the front bottom edge and only the top inside end remained. This is why I have two stereo ‘Lumpy Gravy’s in my own collection as I collect Zappa to specialist level. The Select Verve reissues had a plain matt cover, much thinner, standard spine, no flipbacks and a totally different catalogue number. The vinyl much thinner pressed too. It still amazes me how many early 70s reissues are offered as first pressings or ‘originals’. The geniune first pressings, whether stereo or mono, include that extra detail, dynamics and fidelity the thinner pressed reissues seem to lack – this is a highly complex record. When this elusive title does makes an appearance, its more often than not, unlistenable or even playable. It must be remembered this album was often bought by certain types of listeners and rarely hi-fi enthusiasts and only seldomly will copies be seen even Very Good. This record grades as a sublime Mint(-) (my highest grading for played records) and offers supreme sound that direct you directly into Zappa’s recording studio. The cover too, with its huge spine, possible one of the thicknest ever, are most usually totally flattened or badly crushed, worn and tatty. This has only minor traces of compression and still stands proudly erect and looks great. This one has not been rammed back into shape, those that have been, will only fall flat again within minutes. Now over 43-years-old, this indispensable classic will seldom be found much better and was a joy to hold, view and hear. The mothers and stampers below reitterate just how early this copy is, but being honest, I have never seen many that go too far beyond, simply because not that many were initially even pressed.

Original Year of Release: 1968 [in the UK].

Etchings and Matrix Nos: V6 8741 A-1G / V6 8741 B-1G

Stamper Codes: 1 G / 1 R

Brief Artist & Album Info: “The way I see it, Barry, this should be a very dynamite show” – the classic opening line of the Zappa’s first solo masterwork ‘Lumpy Gravy’ – one of his personal, prized and complex albums from his amazing catalogue that now spans six decades – it remained his own personal favourite and Zappa was not a man to dwell back on his previous albums in a big way.

I am always delighted to be able to offer the rare early titles from this great composer and musician, one of the greatest musical minds of all-time. Lumpy Gravy has a special place in the Zappa catalogue; ‘Civilization Phaze III’, that was written in his final years, was meant to be it’s completion. This was actually recorded in February 1967 and is one of Zappa’s earliest recordings. It also constitutes Zappa’s most extreme refusal of conventional formats. Although commissioned by Capital Records to ‘write something for an orchestra’ - to the tune of $40,000 - Zappa also included eerily bizarre arrangements of jolly melodies, 30,000 bursts of guitar distortion, sped-up interludes, and bizarre discussions by people who had been placed inside a piano. This was a sure-fire recipe for commercial failure, and pretty much was, it failed to even chart in the UK. Although many of its procedures - collage, fragmentation, parody, humour, documentary - have since become requisites in the ‘postmodern’ academy, Zappa’s writing was too brash and severe for contemporary classical recognition. The back cover showed Zappa in tuxedo and top hat, he is seen leering into the camera - asking ‘Is this Phase 2 of We’re Only in it for the Money?’’Lumpy Gravy’ was designed as a companion volume to the next classic release, working as its subtle counterpart. Towards the close we hear the words ‘Cos round things are... are boring.’ Then he exhales, as if blowing out smoke. The listener is spiked with discontent, pondering a list of ‘round things’ (smoke rings, circular logic, records...). Despite his repeated condemnation of drugs, Zappa’s attack on the mundane was universally interpreted as dope-fuelled fantasy. In fact, no dope-head could summon the skill and energy to construct Zappa’s surrealist extremes. When the slogan ‘Round Things are Boring’ reappeared on the covers of One Size Fits All in 1975. Zappa’s dedicated, no detail-missed, fans felt contented. This album appeared in the US album charts for just one week - at 159 (but only in stereo). It’s failure to chart at all in the UK make original pressings rare – very rare in top conditions – the run of pressings on this was very small indeed, I have never seen a stamper go beyond ‘A’ which means within 1,000 copies, but I feel sure more were made here. This album will always be a cornerstone of any Zappa collection and fans will only demand a top copy, well it’s here with all the glorious sound and details totally intact with practically the sound of the mastertape itself – this was the genius that was Frank Zappa.

Cover’s Potential for Wear: Moderate in theory as originals were laminated on both sides and the very first printing had the closed edges protected by laminate. These give the originals that huge extra boost in ‘class’. This is a lavish cover with its distinctive and massively thick spine, but is delicate and is usually seen badly crushed or even totally flattened. That wonderful spine often causes laminate issues too, as the spine flattens it causes the laminate to lift and crack, often forming huge blisters and vast creases that creep into the cover. Also, rarely seen with laminate that can be considered shiny, most become dulled and with considerable rim impression from the thick record. When this classic sleeve is seen somewhere near it’s best, it is a thing of beauty and art.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(++): and an exceptional example. A gatefold format, and laminated front and back. This first made example has the laminate covering all the closed folds and ending inside on the top AND bottom edges. The second format has the laminate trimmed on the front bottom edge and only ends on the top. Apart from the laminate, the real beauty of this original cover is the spine which is massively wide (but fragile). The inside has two large external flipbacks on the top edges (these disappeared along with the laminate and wide spine on the Select reprintings). These first covers were printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse and include the SVLP Stereo catalogue number. Note: this album was also issued in mono which are extremely elusive.

Lamination – Front & Back: Although a poor seller initially, this cover over the years has become one of the rock classics – the younger Zappa wearing the famous PIPCO tee shirt – it will seldom be seen a great deal better than this, and my own two prized stereo copies are little better than this one on offer. The laminate both sides is very shiny, fresh and clear and devoid of the major issues some are seen with. Under light, only a very mild trace of dulling around the rim shape on the back but barely even a hint on the front at all. Adhesion is often a serious issue on this cover, any large lifts or blisters will ruin the visual appeal of the artwork. So glad to state this has near total contact to the card, just a tiny (and I do mean TINY) list on the top corner on the spine on both sides (but look hard), few I have ever seen have had zero traces and this is close as they ever get. There are few marks at all and any creasing is minimal and very light. Indeed, the back has barely any at all and only a small few, mainly fine and very light on the front on the spine edge – only one, still small, can be considered anything close to moderate. The opening area edges (front right, back left) sees the laminate end several millimeters short of full width. But the exposed strips barely show any wear at all and remain devoid of grubbiness or chipping of any real note. These outside faces are difficult, make no mistake, at their best they look fantastic, but not so when worn, dulled, creased and grubby. This is very much the former and it will take a very special one to better this significantly.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Very impressive indeed and barely aged at all with any blemishes tiny, few and faint. I state again, this one has the laminate ends top and bottom, not all do, some fail to cover the bottom edges and end on the front. The two top flipbacks are in superb condition and have minimal traces of pulling from end tack – this is seldom avoided. Minimal handling traces and the lack of grubbiness, creasing and ageing is always a delight to see.

Top Edges: Both superb, fully laminate retention with no scuffs and still ultra shiny and smooth to the fingertip. These seldom remain this straight either.

Bottom Edges: Exactly as above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: The closed front edge is little short of pristine. The back entrance edge is crisp and clean and mostly sharp. Any thickening or burr traces are very small and faint. Both edges are guaranteed untrimmed – the definitive proof being the wide unprotected band on these front and back edges – all these covers should show around 5 to 6 mm width on this area.

Spine and Text: The star part of this original cover, as thick (at least) at the Jethro Tull ‘This Was’ debut album on Island. This one has not been crushed or flattened but does have a very mild semi-crease near the centre. To find one in ‘as new’ condition is beyond difficult. Even with careful storage, these thick, but fragile spines flatten and ‘break’, losing their ability to stand upright. You can always spot one rammed back into shape, these will invariably soon flatten again as the folds lose their ‘spring’ and ability to support the wide area. This has not been flattened but appears mild pressure has been applied, probably within a storage rack over the years – this is still a very impressive spine and way above average as I hope my pictures show. Still solid and straight with no laminate peels or tip-ins. The laminate is fully adhered to the wide surfaces and all the huge text pristine perfect. Both folds, apart from a fine surface crease on each, are superb and devoid of the chipping many are seen with.

Corners: Any tip rubs are tiny and these are very neat and crisp and dink-free. A minuscule scuff trace on the spine top is almost nit-picking tiny and I feel finding all these corners this neat and nigh-on devoid of wear will prove a massive task again. All retain excellent to near mint shape.

Cover Summary: A rare stereo original and these are never easy to even to find. This is a very attractive example with blemishes few and minor. For looks, it totally blows away the standard unlaminated reissues and this should please most collectors.

The Inner Sleeve: MINT(-): a plain white unlined inner that has barely aged at all. Uncreased with barely any marks and all edges unsplit with no repairs.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: MINT(-): and I am truly tempted to put a full Mint grading on this record that I am sure was played no more than once. A supreme example of this most prized and complex recording. Ultra clean with very fine shine, intense black and heavily pressed with deep wide grooves for maximum sound fidelity. A copy barely run-in in vinyl terms and offering mastertape audio quality – especially when played on a worthy system. As stated, mostly purchased by certain music fans of the time, and many really did not take care of these valuable and rare gems. Both playing surfaces look incredible with any surface traces tiny, very few and ultra faint as seen critically under bright, angled light. This has not suffered any old needle traumas and sounds wonderful, it should please all collectors.

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 minuscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: The bedrock of any Zappa collection, this amazing record plays up to it’s high visual grading with practically nothing to fault. Powerful dynamic sound with maximum fidelity from these unworn deep and wide grooves. Sound quality is as good as it will ever get from this record with a full dynamic range and all the fine details. A difficult and complex title – it includes dialogue and high-tech sound that rarely will be heard ‘silent’ on vinyl. Here these parts play supremely well with any surface sound minuscule, gentle and faint – barely any in fact. Although the very beginning sounds a little unclear, this is quite intentional, correct and normal on this recording – even the CD version sounds the same. An intricate and complex work, the vast majority of these would have been damaged or trashed by heavy thick stylus from the past. This rare Zappa classic was a joy from start to finish and will rarely be heard this clean, clear, precise and focused. Highly technical, beautifully produced and engineered and still has amazing sound values. No pops or clicks were heard, and with some very quiet passages, this is a huge plus. A very early issue, this one will prove immensely difficult to match, let alone find better. I have a heard several disappointing copies of this album in mono and stereo – I refuse to offer them. This record is just how Frank wanted it to be heard and nothing else will do for me.

End Piece: Zappa himself cherished this album and he was a guy who rarely looked back at his own catalogue. The laminated cover is strongly and attractively impressive and makes the US and UK Verve select reissues look drab in comparison. The cover states ‘Francis Vincent Zappa, conducts Lumpy Gravy, a curiously inconsistent piece which started out to be a ballet but probably didn’t make it.’ It includes Abnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (with maybe even some of the Mothers of Invention) – What the cover does NOT state is: a brilliantly bizarre and original record from one of the greatest musical minds of the 20th-century – but it really should have done. The cornerstone of any Zappa vinyl collection, but possibly not the best place to start if you are unfamiliar or about to start a Zappa collection for the first time – this is an uncommercial and complex work – maybe better to try the ‘easier’ material and work your way into the mind of a genius. A challenging album, one of around 60 essential records he made. For those who need this title or have an ear and mind to try him out, this is a super original copy. It merits my highest possible recommendation – do not lose this one.

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’.