THE DOORS Soft Parade RARER ORIG UK 69 EX+ LP & INSERT.

	£		57
	$		76

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Artist or Band: THE DOORS

Album Title: The Soft Parade.

Producer(s): Paul A. Rothchild.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Tell All the People; Touch Me; Shaman’s Blues; Do It; Easy Ride.

Side 2: Wild Child; Runnin’ Blue; Wishful Sinful; The Soft Parade.

Label/Format: Elektra – original orange and silver format.

Label Conditions: Both very clean and highly attractive with only light, very few and mostly faint spindle marks that have modest visibility. A small chip around the hole on side two

Cat Number: EKS 75005.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Record: A very impressive 155 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams. Some records pressed around 1973 were very thin and light due an oil crisis and shortage around this time. Some records were even issued on recycled vinyl from this period and sounded poor with crackle and surface noise evident from the very first play. If any record I buy is deemed ‘recycled’, I will never offer it, I have a very simple test to detect these records if I suspect this to be the case other than audible imperfection. Some records from this period were even pressed on other materials the most notable was ‘Dynaflex’, used by RCA around this time. Although inferior to vinyl, this at least mostly sounded reasonably acceptable but pressings on this material were wafer thin and flimsy. Beyond the 70s, records often became thinner and lighter still but most played fine but were never quite the quality as from the ‘Golden Era’]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: This original EKS album is quite rare and I have always found this the hardest UK pressed Doors album to find. Finding one with even a decent cover is challenging enough but to find a lightly played record inside with a near mint insert is incredibly rare. Please do not underestimate this one.

Original Year of Release: July 1969.

Matrix Nos: EKS 75005-A1 / EKS 75005-B1.

Musicians: Jim Morrison - lead vocals; Robby Krieger - guitar, vocals; Ray Manzarek - keyboards, bass guitar, vocals; John Densmore - drums, percussion. Guests: Harvey Brooks and Dough Lubahn - bass; Curtis Amy - saxophone; George Bohanan - trombone; Champ Webb - English horn; Jesse McReynolds - mandolin; Jimmy Buchanan - fiddle; Reinol Andino - conga.

Brief Info: This was The Door’s fourth album and marked a slight change in direction moving away from the ‘Underground’ into a more commercial and popular sound. An album that received more mixed reviews at the time, its overall sound was probably a surprise. All the basic ingredients remained, but this album included brass and strings, and even includes a bluegrass song (‘Runnin’ Blue’). A lush production that took far longer to record than previously, and although this album is often rated as average within the Morrison era, I still personally consider it as another superb Doors set, notable too, it was the first not to be issued in both mono and stereo. Possibly slightly biased maybe, this legendary band have long been favourites of mine and they could do no wrong as far as I was concerned. This original group never made a bad song for me let alone album – this one is simply a little ‘different’. Most songs are less intense and easy to listen too, albeit, slightly short in playing time. This superb first pressing plays very well and is pressed on thick solid vinyl with impressive ‘first-press’ weight. The difference between a clean-cut original and a later repressing is significant, the details embedded into these vintage grooves will not be beaten. Although the cover has some fairly minor manufacture issues, it has little wear for a change – and few will ever avoid it – it’s still clean and attractive. The inside artwork is stunning and the same could be said of the rare lyric insert sheet. Guaranteed original, this is highly elusive and was only included in the original pressing. An example that looks barely even handled, this rare sheet could be the ultimate upgrade for serious collectors. The record plays lovely, a few low-level ticks were noted on side two, nothing to do with wear, but a very few, ultra tiny, near invisible pressing ‘bumps’ present. ‘Bumps’ being far too big a word, more like pin-heads and near impossible to even see, a minor blemish I just thought worthy of mention.

This Cover’s Potential for Wear: Very High+, and few will ever escape wear.

Cover Grade and Format: EX or very close too, and very difficult to find even like this. An unlaminated gatefold format that includes the rare original insert. This has the original EKS catalogue number of course. It was printed and made in England by Ernest J. Day.

Cover Front: In terms of this uncompromising cover, this has minimal traces of wear or rubbing and is practically devoid of creases. One of two very light and fine surface marks only. The right edges on both front view edges are a little untidy due to manufacture construction and trim. The cut edges are very slightly misaligned, a relatively common trait on some gatefold covers and of course, totally out of my control. It’s only a minor issue and most collectors will not even worry about it – the overall lack of wear more than compensates on one of rock’s most wear and rub-prone covers.

Cover Back: Quite similar to the front, with just a little corner rubbing, minor light surface creases near the spine edge and odd faint mark (but again, look hard). The lack of ugly ringwear is a huge bonus on this one, few avoid it.

Cover Inner Gatefold: Great artwork and this is near perfect and looks superb.

Top Edges: Little wear at all up to the corner tips.

Bottom Edges: Very light, patchy rub traces only, again up to the corner tips.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, reasonably sharp with little wear and no feathering. As stated above, slightly untidy due to lax manufacturing as the ends are not quite flush. I do not believe in trimming covers but it could be done by any winning bidder to easily tidy-up the very ends – your choice – mine is to leave well alone. Record entered on this right outside back edge.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight with only a little mild compression. Folded reasonably straight but right edge alignment is slightly unflush due to the aforementioned. One or two tiny surface chips and odd faint hariline crease only. All text is present, strong and unworn which again on this one, is a real bonus, and obviously, it has the EKS original Cat. No.

Corners: All corner tips have rubbed with odd tip crease or two. Nothing heavy, mostly light, a little more on spine ends. Most have retained decent and quite neat shape.

Cover Summary: An attractive all round example of this highly wear-prone cover – only rarely will any original EJD example be found in significantly better overall condition. This fine looking item should please many collectors but not the perfectionist of course.

The Insert: Near Mint and guaranteed original, this is clean, practically uncreased with razor-sharp edges. Odd minute corner tip curl being ultra critical, take another look as this will probably be seen quite like this again. Great band artwork one side and the song lyrics on the other. This only came with the first-made originals. The original unlined inner is also included in fine shape but has aged a little with some toning and glue darkening. Compensated by being fully intact with no edge splits or tears and a super neat window and no noteworthy creasing. This includes the ‘Patent applied for’ text and was also made in England.

The Inner Sleeve: More VG+. The original unlined inner is also included in fine shape but has aged a little with some toning and glue darkening. Compensated by being fully intact with no edge splits or tears and a super neat window and no noteworthy creasing. This includes the ‘Patent applied for’ text and was also made in England.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EX+ (not withstanding minor pressing blips that owes nothing to wear, these are minuscule anyway). This copy has a few tiny, almost minute pressing ‘bumps’. Again, I hate to use the word ‘bumps’ as they are microscopic and near invisible unless scrutinised under direct angled light. What other word can be used? This is the tiniest pressing issue only and effect on sound is minimal and most-all of this original record plays superbly. Any surface marks are few, light and faint and with NO effect on sound at all. Very clean, shiny and intense black and heavily pressed. A copy only lightly played for certain. Visually a lovely record that should please many 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 snippetts 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 and Audio Grading: A record that plays even above its visual grading for most-all. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. A strong production and clean sound this was a real pleasure to hear again via a vinyl source and they rarely sound a great deal better than this. A tiny few, low-level ticks were noted on side two but how many records over 40-years-old will not have the odd minor sound blemish or two. Nothing to do with marks, just the odd contact with the tiny pressing ‘pin-heads’. The lack of any distortion or groovewear more than compensates. Often the reeds and strings can clip and break up on less than fine copies which ruins this more fragile recording – this has none of that and this is a superior first pressing that will not be matched for sound on later examples. Few early pressed copies will beat this for clean and focused sound. Little of any real note spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful, and still unfairly underrated record and I can strongly recommend it. Any doubts however on any aspects I have clearly mentioned, do not bid.

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 Moth vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET - PLEASE SEE MY TYPICAL PACKING BOX PICTURE.

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 Moth 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 thick boxes (NOT Mailers or Cruciforms, these do not offer maximum protection). The record(s) 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 THREE or EVEN FOUR 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. 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. Please see my picture of a typical finished box packet that will now be used on ALL transactions as from now. 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. These boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners 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 6,000+ items sold in over 8 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 stiffners 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 FOUR 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: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance – it’s always worth asking.

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 [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); 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 [£39 maximum]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (insurance 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: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. 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 neccessarily 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’.