KINKS - 1968 - "Something Else"

$

32

SYNOPSIS

Face to Face was a remarkable record, but its follow-up, Something Else, expands its accomplishments, offering 13 classic British pop songs. As Ray Davies' songwriting becomes more refined, he becomes more nostalgic and sentimental, retreating from the psychedelic and mod posturings that had dominated the rock world. Indeed, Something Else sounds like nothing else from 1967. The Kinks never rock very hard on the album, preferring acoustic ballads, music hall numbers, and tempered R&B to full-out guitar attacks. Part of the album's power lies in its calm music, since it provides an elegant support for Davies' character portraits and vignettes. From the martial stomp of "David Watts" to the lovely, shimmering "Waterloo Sunset," there's not a weak song on the record, and several -- such as the allegorical "Two Sisters," the Noël Coward-esque "End of the Season," the rolling "Lazy Old Sun," and the wry "Situation Vacant" -- are stunners. And just as impressive is the emergence of Dave Davies as a songwriter. His Dylanesque "Death of a Clown" and bluesy rocker "Love Me Till the Sun Shines" hold their own against Ray's masterpieces, and help make Something Else the endlessly fascinating album that it is.

                                                                              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

Disclosure of Shipping & Handling (S&H) Fee: This fee ($1.25) is for the safe delivery of your purchase to your doorstep. It is a cost reimbursement for the follow: (1) specialized lp mailer costing $.92, (2) polyurethane sleeve for vinyl jacket protection ($.14) and delivery confirmation of ($.20). Therefore no other costs are reimbursed only those that end up on the buyers doorstep. Postals cost can be mitigated by combining purchases thereby reducing both the fixed and variable costs. Please keep this in mind when you are pondering the cost of shipping and the necessity of these items to ensure satsifaction.

Postal Calculation: I use the eBay/USPS postage calculation tool in order for determining postage costs. This tool calculates postage amounts based upon a shipments destination, shipping type, weight, options, and S&H fee.

Packing Procedure & Precautions: As many buyers, and prospective buyers, inquire and/or request details about the packing process I thought that I would disclose it upfront as follows: (1) Vinyl is removed from jacket to prevent seam splits, (2) Jacket is inserted into a 4 mil. polyurethane sleeve in order to reduce that chance of damage. (3) Vinyl is placed in an inner sleeve and placed inside the poly urethane alongside, and not within, the jacket. (4) Protected item is then shipped in a 200 lb. test "bend resistant" corrugated cardboard protective lp mailer with materia packed inside the mailer to ensure that the record does not slide side to side.

Shipping options:

Domestic: Buyer decides upon method of shipment that he prefers which is normally either Media Mail (cheaper) or Priority Mail (quicker & more dependible. Buyer's priority of time over money is the determinant.

International (non-U.S. includes Canada): Buyer decides on method he prefers normally either First Class International (cheaper) or Priority International (quicker, more dependable and traceable)

RETURNS

Buyers have a fourteen (14) day period, from delivery date, to exercise their option of returns. The only stipulation that I request is that it is for an objective, and not subjective, reason. Vinyl collectors and enthusiasts are well aware 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 someething that is difficult to agree on. That being the case, gradine alone will not be grounds for a refund. I make a concerted efort grade (conservatively) each record the very best that I can ensuring a fair grade. 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 (those get donated and many are very collectible). On the other hand, if the reason is objective such as I adverttised a "Original " release but it turned out to be a "Resissue" or if it was advertised as "Still Sealed", but arrived otherwise then those would also be returnable. Items not delivered, or delivered damaged, shoud FIRST be address with your local postal servce.

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 almost forty years. Grading scale is as follow:

MInt (M): - Still Sealed, if opened the grading should NOT be Mint

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) This is a record that appears to be Near Mint at first glance but upon thorough evaluation can be seen to have a blemish or minimal mark. As a Near Mint is in perfect condition, this grade is just a small step down in the grading level.

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 and can fall into this category. 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. There may also be light ring wear or discoloration, but is should not be overwhelming. Very Good Plus jackets 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): - These records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in NM, EX and VG+ condition. They may lack the original gloss found on factory fresh records, groove wear is evident as are light scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. The Very Good Plus record could have minor surface noise and some scratches may be audible most likely in the intros and space between songs but not at a level to overpower the music. - Minor writing, tape or sticker may exist on the jacket and/or label. These records remain a fine listening experience. Very Good Plus jackets will have many sings of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or around the edges of the cover will be obvious