THE ZOMBIES: ODESSEY & ORACLE (ORIGINAL)
£
277
$
367
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Description
This is a rare original 1960s UK pressing of one of the greatest psychedelic albums ever made. Not a reissue but the real thing ... that's how I introduced my description of Introspection by The End (selling on Wednesday) and the same applies to Odessey & Oracle by The Zombies. But what can I say about this gorgeous album to do it justice ... that you don't already know? All I can say is if you're looking, you know your stuff. I adore this album and I adore The Zombies. So do you, probably ...
Only the very first pressings of Odessey & Oracle, which as you know inexplicably bombed on its release, feature the SBPG matrix prefix, and this is one of them. This is the very first textured label pressing of Odessey & Oracle featuring first pressing A2/B2 matrix endings, textured orange CBS labels and gold STEREO-stickered first pressing front laminated single sleeve.
This is one of the most amazing sleeves ever produced and certainly one of the most evocative of the late sixties psychedelic era, and this particular sleeve is one to treasure, with its mirror finish front laminate, straight edges and true corners. There is hardly a crease to speak about, and the text on the spine (CBS ... THE ZOMBIES: ODESSEY AND ORACLE ... 63280) is as clear as the day it was printed. The vulnerable unlaminated white-based rear sleeve is also in strong VG+ condition with just the odd fingermark on some of the white areas near the top of the sleeve, which could quite possibly be carefully erased if it troubles you. There are no rips, tears, nasty creases or even any half-moons; there is no writing inside the sleeve itself and the opening edge has not been guillotined, still retaining its 16th-of-an-inch or so of unlaminated edge (I do not sell guillotined or coloured-in sleeves or sleeves which have been doctored in any way).
The heavy first pressing vinyl is a lovely glossy black and a strong VG+ (Record Collector appraisal) with just a few light surface marks when examined under the unforgiving intensity of halogen light but none affecting play.
Both textured orange labels are in VG+ condition with no tears, stickers, marks, rubbing or writing. These textured labels are totally unforgiving when it comes to spindle wear, and probably show up every single play in the same way that carbon dating betrays the age of a tree. Only signs of a reasonable amount of play are shown here by the spindle marks and there is hardly any wear around the spindle hole itself, as you can no doubt see in the photos.
The heavy sixties disc plays beautifully on my Rega deck with the gorgeous warm sound of vinyl that's as close to the original masters as you can get, with no unwanted clicks or crackle. There is such a warmth and clarity to this first pressing vinyl reproduction.
There are some records you buy to play, and some you buy to treasure. This one comes into both categories. Good luck if you choose to bid.
And don't forget to check out Eric's other rare items coming up soon on eBay, including Marsupilami, Horse, Comus and so on ...
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