1970 1st IF SILVER FOIL COV Hard Prog Fusion Psych

$

44

RARE 1970 Original with *silver foil* cover ~ In Original Factory Shrink Wrap!    

                           IF

                         ONE

\                                     USA - lime green Capitol Records - ST 539

The artwork  and the "IF" logo, was an award-winning design, were by CCS Advertising Associates. 

CLEAN in original factory shrink wrap = ORIGINAL 1970 first pressing of hard to find clean very first "IF" album with its eye-popping silver foil cover ... 40 year old silver foil covers are SO hard to find clean ...this one has NO scuffing & wear normally found providing as a nice (rare) collectible on the highly collected lime green Capitol Records which pressed lime green labels only some 18 months.

IF was a long running prog/jazz/psych underground band that delivered several fine albums ... The band consisted of very talented musicians who really knew how to play off one another and included guitarist Terry Smith, very underrated ...if you ever have the chance to see their early 70's German 'Beat Club' performance (avail on dvd)  you'll know by hearing & seeing this cat was a phenomenal guitarist when 'unleashed'...      

In 1969, Melody Maker poll winners Dick Morrissey (reeds and flute) and Terry Smith (guitar) were invited to form a group. What they came up with was something quite different and absolutely unique - the jazz more modern, the rock more progressive - it keeps the listener constantly surprised and wondering where the ideas came from. Vital in this was the writing and arranging of Morrissey and fellow reed-man Dave Quincy, who, along with the rest of the band, showed a feel for both jazz and rock that was extremely rare at the time. IF had no brass players in the band, relying solely on the reeds of Dick Morrissey and the flute of Dave Quincy. But what really gave IF its unique sound were the vocals of J.W. Hodgkinson and the guitar of Terry Smith. Hodgkinson's vocal timbre was unusual — smooth, flexible, and strong in the high end, sounding like no other vocalist. 's trebly guitar sound was also unique, combining a rocker's use of sustain and echo-plex. The material on If provides plenty of room for reedmen Dave Quincy and Dick Morrissey, plus guitarist Terry Smith, to stretch out. Though not particularly deep or profound, the lyrics nonetheless express the positive, optimistic sentiments prevalent at the time. J.W. Hodgkinson's unusual tenor vocal timbre fits like a lead instrument in the mix, soaring above and within the arrangements. "What Can a Friend Say" kicks the album off in fine style, setting the parameters within which the band works throughout the rest of the disc, with the arrangement complementing Hodgkinson's rendering of the verses, which wrap around excellent, extended sax and guitar solos. The instrumental "What Did I Say About the Box, Jack?" showcases Morrissey's high-octane flute work and the speedy fingers of guitarist Smith. The album continues in the same consistently excellent vein, with the ballad "Dockland" providing a beautiful respite toward the end of the album.

1. "I'm Reaching Out on All Sides" – 5:44 (Quincy/Fishman)
2. "What Did I Say About the Box, Jack?" – 8:22 (Dick Morrissey)
3. "What Can a Friend Say?" – 6:56 (Dave Quincy)
4. "Woman Can You See (What This Big Thing Is All About)" – 4:12 (J. W. Hodgkinson)
5. "Raise the Level of Your Conscious Mind" – 3:16 (Fishman/Marsala)
6. "Dockland" – 4:45 (Runswick)
7. "The Promised Land" – 3:44 (Dave Quincy)

CONDITION: The Cover: Orig factory shrink wrap is near "EX" (exellent) and would be rated Mint but for a few age spots on the silver foil (underneath the wrapper), otherwise MINT ... Hard to find old 60's and early 70's silver foil covers in decent condition ...this one real solid and without scuffing on the 40 year old silver foil cover that you will always see. No seam split, no bends, no writing and very collectible

The Vinyl: is all glossy clean M- top level and playing beautiful ... CLEAN lime green Capitol lsbels too.

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record