WIGWAM - 'Fairyport' - Original LP on 'Love' - V RARE

	£		101
	$		134

Wigwam - ' Fairyport ' Double LP - First Pressing -In 'Great ' Condition !!!

Original Love Records ( Finland ) 1971 seminal release with original rare 8 page booklet insert  !!!

Probably the 'holy grail' of Wigwam's album releases featuring a 'who's who' of the very best in Finnish prog - PEMBROKE-GUSTAVSON-POHJOLA-OSTERBERG and TOLONEN.

N.B : The opportunity to own an item of this rarity and quality does not present itself often !!!!

SEE http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=657

Finland's WIGWAM were truly one of the pioneers of early progressive rock. The history of WIGWAM can be subdivided into two separate eras: the original or "old" WIGWAM of 1969-1974 and the "new" WIGWAM of 1974-1977. The two were dramatically different, in terms of personnel and overall sound. The music of this unique band is dominated by the piano and organ sounds, all of those wrapped up in a sometimes dark music filled with typical Scandinavian influences. There is some great interplay between all the musicians.

Though not a classic album, "Tombstone Valentine" was the first WIGWAM album that seems to show the band members getting to grips with each ones individual musical desires. In many ways, "Fairyport" was a continuation of "Tombstone Valentine", but it is a bit more experimental and progressive. Nowadays, this album is considered a classic within progressive rock circles and it has a number of features that make it stand out as one of the great progressive albums of the seventies.

N. B.  : I will not offer a formal grading of records, as I have had several experiences of sellers, either intentionally or unwittingly, grading records well above their actual status,  i.e. 'excellent'  - when there are numerous surface marks etc. Instead I will attempt to offer as comprehensive and honest description of each aspect of the item for sale as I can, with the explicit statement that you can always contact me for further details should my descriptors appear insufficient or unclear. Additionally, my returns terms allow for items to be sent back to me if they do not reflect my listings evaluation and descriptions !!! 

Record Condition ;   The vinyl is in very good to great condition on all four sides , with generally only light hairlines evident when evaluated visually against bright light. There is around a 1/4" light surface graze on Side 4, which does not impact on playback .

Label Condition ;  Excellent  !!! No spindle markings - nice and clean and clear ( see photographs ! )

Booklet Condition ; Excellent - as new - no creasing, tearing or real discolouration -well looked after !!! ( see photographs ) !!!

Cover Condition ;  Very good - textured style gatefold with some mild discolouration and wear due to age and storage,. ( see photographs ! ) Some ring wear in the black areas of the cover and some creasing and very mild edge wear. Spine is nice and strong with some mild creasing and wear ! 

Aural Evaluation ; 

Side 1 : Being the most played this has some surface noise / crackles, particulary early in the side and in quieter passages. I REALLY BELIEVE THIS MAY BE A CLEANING ISSUE AS THERE DO NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY CONTRIBUTING SCRATCHES, SCUFFS OR GRAZES ! I HAVE AN MP3 SAMPLE OF THIS WHICH I COULD E-MAIL IF REQUIRED AS I DO NOT WISH THIS TO BE AN ISSUE AFTER PURCHASE IS MADE !!!

Sides 2 & 3 : Superb clean sound and clarity, with only the lightest of crackle in evidence !

Side 4  : Superb sound again, with only light crackle in quieter passages, of which there are few, in this really rousing and robust 'rave' session.    

The album, sleeve and cover scents very MILDLY of some musky odour consistent with storage time - adds to the authenticity in my opinion !!!

Due to the lenght of time in storage, I have manually cleaned this album with very high quality vinyl cleaning materials, but there may be some areas of the vinyl that would ultimately benefit from a more 'industrial / professional' cleaning process ! 

TRACKLISTING ;

Side 1 -

1. Losing Hold (7:06)  Pohjola, Gustavson, Pembroke 
2. Lost Without A Trace (2:29)  Pembroke 
3. Fairyport (6:56)  Gustavson

Side 2 -
1. Gray Traitors (2:54)  Gustavson
2. Caffkaff, The Country Psychologist (5:22) Gustavson  
3. May Your Will Be Done Dear Lord (5:29) Gustavson

4. How To Make It Big In Hospital (3:03)  Pembroke

Side 3 -
1. Hot Mice (3:19)  Pohjola
2. P.K:S Supermarket (2:20)  Pohjola
3. One More Try (2:45)  Pohjola
4. Rockin' Ol' Galway (3:13)  Pembroke
5. Every Fold (3:06)  Pembroke

Side 4 -
1. Rave-Up For The Roadies (17:20) Tolonen, Gustavson, Pohjola, Osterberg - Recorded live at the Hamis Club Helsinki on 6th June 1971.

Musicians ;

Ronnie Osterberg - drums, congas, percussion, vocals

Jukka Gustavson - vocals, piano,organ,electric piano

Jim Pembroke - vocals, harmonica, piano

Pekka Pohjola - bass, violins, acoustic guitar, piano, celeste, harpsichord

Featuring ;

Jukka Tolonen - guitar

Ilmari Varila - oboe

Tapio Louhensalo - bassoon

Hannu Saxelin - clarinet

Risto Pensola - clarinet

Unto Haapa-aho - bass clarinet

Eero Koivistoinen - sax

Pekka Poyry - sax

Studio Album, recorded and released in 1971

Record Label - Love Records Finland

Record Number - 2-LRLP 44/45                                                                                                         Matrix No's

Side One - LRLP 44 A

Side Two - LRLP 44 B

Side Three - LRLP 45 C

Side Four - LRLP 45 D

DUE TO THE RELATIVELY RARITY OF THIS ALBUM I HAVE SET A MODEST RESERVE PRICE !!!

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ;

I want ALL prospective buyers to be as confident as possible regarding their purchase and my service, therefore if you have any questions, or details requiring clarification / greater detail ,  please do not hesitate to contact me !!! Also, my albums will be delivered well packaged, in sturdy, well sealed cardboard sleeves with reinforced stiffeners. The actual vinyl will come in a white cardboard sleeve and the original sleeve will also come with the album, cover and any listed additions, posters, booklets etc. THIS SPECIAL CARE PLUS  POSTAGE BY RECORDED DELIVERY WILL COME AT A REDUCED COST OF £2.99 TO THE BUYER !!!! ADDITIONALLY, I WILL OFFER A NEXT DAY ( BY 1PM ) SPECIAL DELIVERY AT A REDUCED COST OF £5.99 TO THE BUYER !!! 

Postage Rates ;

Within UK = ( see above )

Europe / European Union = Airmail Small Packets = £3.99

                                                             Airmail International Signed For = £9.99

Rest of the World = Airmail Small Packets = £5.99

                                                 Airmail International Signed For = £13.99

FROM A SMOKE AND PET FREE HOME !!!

VERY REASONABLE STARTING PRICE !!!

HAPPY BIDDING!!!