THE MANDRAKE MEMORIAL “Puzzle” orig w/platter insert

$

30

THE MANDRAKE MEMORIAL “Puzzle” orig w/platter insert!

1969/USA/Poppy PYS-40006….. here’s a rare original pressing of their highly regarded final lp. The cover is in strong VG++ condition, there is light corner wear, light shelf wear, otherwise clean and sharp with no splits, delete or other issues. The vinyl is in VG to VG+  condition with some light scuffs/scratches, there are also a couple of very light feelable scratches as well, there is a little crimp on the edge of the record, it doesn’t really qualify as a warp and I think it’s probably there since new. The record plays well with a very low thump at the start of side one and two, side one starts quietly and there is minor light noise until the music gets louder into the second song, at that time the thump noise is not noticeable, there is occasional intermittent light noise/crackle and the odd light pop/tick. There are no skips or sticks and the record is still very enjoyable with good fidelity! The labels are clean with a couple of light spindle marks. Includes the original Pletter Mat insert which is in perfect like new condition. Please check my auctions for other rock, and psych lp’s. Good Luck and thanks for looking!

From the opening track "Earthfriend Prelude" and throughout this magnificent artistic album, "Puzzle" blends tripped out orchestral experimentation with quasi-religious music.
"Puzzle" is really a mood piece, with plenty of strange moments including one track devoted to a choir of children praying while "Whisper Play" has, you guessed it, whispers amongst a classical backdrop.
"Randy Monaco" croons throughout the album and there is the occasional guitar freakout, one heard at the end of the 9 minute instrumental "Bucket of Air".
The reoccurring theme, "Just a Blur" is a nice, short trip piece of acoustic music that hints at a concept.
"Ocean's Daughter" is another great, menacing song, being a Psychedelic ballad with studio trickery and light orchestration.
The song characterizes the album itself: confused, dark and unsettling on one hand but alluring and full of beauty on the other.

Please DO NOT bid if you don't plan to follow through with the transaction Satisfaction Guaranteed. I have been selling records by mail order for 25+ years. Check my feedback and bid with confidence!

///GRADING///

MINT: as stated with no defects

M- or Mint Minus, very clean with no defect to sound or visual appearance, one scuff or mark may be permitted but it will be mentioned in the description, a near Mint record looks and plays very clean. Same for the cover. Very clean with no delete or other issues.

EXCELLENT: between VG++ and M- , still very collectable, visually and sonicly clean.

VG++ still a very nice copy with minimal wear, the vinyl will retain it's original gloss and can have some minor scuffs/scratches that don't affect play very much.

VG+ the vinyl will still retain much original gloss with a bit more scuffs and/or scratches I may list a very rare or desirable item with a lower grade, I will try to list all defects.

AIR POSTAGE TO USA IS $11 ...OR $9 SURFACE IF THE PACKAGE WEIGHS LESS THAN 500 GRAMS(one regular weight pressing).........USA AIR POSTAGE FROM 500 GRAMS TO 1 KILO IS $16 AND SURFACE MAIL IS $13(usually 1-3 lp’s depending on individual weight)

Combined auctions of up to 8 lp’s will ship to the USA by expedited surface mail, this option includes a tracking number. I can send up to 8 lp’s combined postage of $24 and that includes your tracking number and full insurance.

INTERNATIONAL AIR POSTAGE(depending on destination) UNDER 500 grams is $18 to $24 depending on location(one regular weight lp), OVER 500 grams UP TO 1000g is $34 to $40 depending on location(usually up to 3 lp’s depending on individual weight), INTERNATIONAL AIR POSTAGE BETWEEN 1000g AND 2000g (usually between 3 and 6 lp’s depending on individual weight) is $52 to $60. I will send via surface as well. Ask for rates.

IN CANADA..postage is $10 to $14 depending on location for 1-8 lp’s fully insured with tracking. I will give an accurate price with a postal code.

NOTE: when purchasing some of the new deluxe re-issues are well over 500 grams, if you need to know postage on a certain lp please drop me a line just to be sure!

I REMOVE RECORDS FROM THE COVERS FOR SAFE SHIPPING, IF IT'S SEALED I WILL LEAVE IT SEALED UNLESS YOU LET ME KNOW OTHERWISE.

 PLEASE PAY WITHIN 7 DAYS UNLESS DISCUSSED BEFORE AUCTIONS END, IF NO CONTACT OR PAYMENT IS MADE THE ITEM WILL BE RE-LISTED AND I WILL FILE A NON PAYMENT CLAIM TO RECOVER MY COSTS, PLEASE DO NOT USE E-BAY CHECK OUT, I WILL CONTACT YOU AFTER THE SALE, PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO DO THE SAME!, THANKS AND GOOD LUCK!!