APHRODITE'S CHILD 666 RARE 72 Orig Vertigo Spiral EX LP

	£		79
	$		105

ANYONE WHO HAS INTELLIGENCE

MAY INTERPRET THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

IT IS A MAN’S NUMBER

THIS NUMBER IS

666

Artist or Band: APHRODITE’S CHILD

Album Title: 666.

Composser: Vangelis Papathanassiou.

Lyrics: Costas Ferris.

Producer(s): Vangelis Papathanassiou.

A Special Note about this Album: A highly controversial issue when first conceived, but ultimately one of the greatest, original and daring progressive classics ever issued and this ranks as one of my favourite albums of all-time. It just gets better and better on every listen and the details on an early pressed vinyl copy are unsurpassed. This was initially issued in tiny numbers on the Vertigo Spiral label and is very rare indeed and seldom seen or offered. Very little, for me on Vertigo is in the same league musically as this sublime creative album. A very late Spiral issue that was recorded in 1970 and due for release on Mercury Records at this time. Vangelis became deadlocked in a long fight with Mercury over the content of this record. The label particularly, objected to the song ‘?’ (infinity), which they considered obscene. It featured a Greek actress, Irene Papas chanting the words ‘I was, I am, I am to come I Was’ over and over again in various stages of orgasmic ecstasy, while Vangelis accompanied her on a barrage of intense percussion. This infamous, five-minute track was apparently cut down from a near 40-minute piece recorded in a single take. A second issue of contention was the lyrics in ‘The System’ with use of the ‘F’ expletive throughout – “We got the System to F*** the System…”. A third controversial aspect was the cover text which stated: ‘This album was recorded under the influence of Sahlep.’ Suspected to be either a drug or some form of Satanic ritual – in fact it is a drink popular around the eastern Mediterranean and made from the dried powdered roots of a type of orchid. Vangelis refused to change the album’s content and only after two years after the parts were recorded was it decided it could to be issued, not on Mercury but on the more contemporary, progressive Vertigo label – a very late one and one of the very last titles issued hence is great rarity. This has now become one of the most sort-after Spiral albums ever issued, genuinely rare, any example on the full Spiral label is near impossible to find – hence I have no hestitation in offering this equally elusive German-pressed Spiral. With the UK version that is little short of identical for looks and exactly the same for content and cover, fetching prices way out-of-reach for the ‘average’ collector or those who do not wish spend a king’s ransom on a record, this is a fantastic opportunity to own a very early pressed Swirl example. Quite how this band, who had previously issued two fairly standard ‘poppy’ albums, could change direction so dramatically – too dramatically for most of the band members – is little short of astonishing. The band split soon afterwards, Vangelis was now a master keyboard player and he had a successful career within his specialised field. Roussos was blessed with an amazing voice that works perfectly on this album, his eerie vocal could never be bettered by anyone but away from an album like this, it probably did not belong within the ‘progressive rock’ field, he went on to sell many records in popular music. This complex, innovative, daring and controversial album – even to this day – has more than stood the test of time. A brilliantly packaged, produced and performed album that no progressive or rock fan could fail to want or like – it’s a masterwork of inventive brilliance that gets the senses and pulse-rate soaring. Play the track ‘Infinity’ to hear sounds that are practically unique on record, the intensity of Papas’s vocals send shivers down the spine, I guess it did her’s too. The production, stereo mix and imagery have to be experienced and here it simply blew me away. I had to call a halt in typing and decided to listen to the entire album doing nothing but listen. This is top premier league in progressive music and only the recognised, far more well-known classics really offer a challenge for me. UK copies on the spaceship label are easier to find but any example including those famous swirly labels are a far different story.

TRACK LIST

Side 1: The system; Babylon; Loud loud loud; The four Horsemen; The Lamb; The Seventh Seal.

Side 2: Aegian Sea; Seven Bowls; The Wakening Beast; Lament; The Marching Beast; The Battle of the Locusts; Do it; Tribulation; The Beast; Ofis.

Side 3: Seven Trumpets; Altamont; The Wedding of The Lamb; The Capture of The Beast; Infinity Symbol; Hic and nunc.

Side 4: All the Seats were occupied; Break.

Label/Format: Vertigo – German Spiral formats that are no less easy to find. Note also, these are the immenely rare Philips credits at the 6 o’clock position (please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: All four very clean and attractive with only light and faint spindle marks that have minimal visibility. The white sides very white indeed and the Full Spirals look fantastic.

Cover Cat Number: 6673 001.

Label Number: 6333 500 / 6333 501.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Weight of this Records: 135 / 133 grams. Actually heavier pressed than the only Spiral copy I have ever had to offer.

Country of Manufacture: Germany.

Rarity: The UK Spiral original is rare and seldom seen or offered and commands huge prices, one recently fetched nigh-on £1,700. This German Spiral example is still scarce and elusive and gives the more average collector wanting a Swirl copy a better opportunity. Briefly issued on the famous cult collector’s label but a poor seller, it was repressed on the Spaceship label soon afterwards. For vinyl lovers who want the classics but are not prepared to pay massive prices, this is not just a compromise, it’s almost the same.

Original Year of Release: This album was due for issue in 1970 on Mercury Records, but was not released until 1972 due to its controversial content and label switching and nervousness.

Matrix Nos: 10 AA6333500 1Y / 10 AA6333500 2Y / 10 AA6333501 1Y / 10 AA6333501 2Y (these are large and upright punched in the familiar German style).

Musicians: Vangelis Papathanassiou: Organ, piano, flute, percussion, vibes and various others, vocal backing; Demis Roussos: Bass, vocal backings, lead vocal on ‘The four horsemen’, ‘Babylon and Hic et nunc’; Lucas Sideras: Drums, vocal backing, lead vocal on ‘The Beast’ and ‘Break’; Silver Koulouris: Guitars and percussion. Guests: Harris Halikitis – Bass, tenor sax, conga drums, backing vocal; Michel Ripoche – Trombone, tenor sax; John Forst – Narration; Yannis Tsarouchis – Greek text; Irene Papas – Vocal on ‘Infinity’.

Brief Info: Originating from Greece, unusual in itself for a rock band at this time. Including two members – Vangelis and Roussos – that fast became well known, one within progressive rock, one for more mainstream popular music. Aphrodite’s Child had previously issued two respectable popular music albums on Mercury Records before the recording of this amazing album. This double set was an amazing departure from the previous style and no-one could have predicted what was to follow. A monumental, highly intelligent concept album about the end of the world according to the Book of Revelations. The music is a truly amazing combination of progressive rock, psych, and even ethnic Greek influences. Controversial right from the very outset, ‘The System’ has a crowd chanting repetitively ‘We got the system to f*** the system’ over and over before the music for track two fires in with real venom. Rock guitar music, vocals and some short narration follows, this is nothing like the previous works and prog fans will revel in this. I do not wish to give too much away for any potential collector who has yet to hear this phenomenal album. But special mention has to be made for ‘Infinity’, the most amazing and remarkable piece on the whole album and one of the greatest female vocals ever put to record within this genre. A vocal extravaganza with Vangelis backing on powerful percussion. Starting quietly but building up to the most powerful ‘climax’ possibly ever recorded. The erotic orgasmic sounds scared the wits out of Mercury and this was the main reason why this album was not issued until some considerable time after completion – and then on Vertigo, not Merucury. This is a totally extraordinary album throughout with supreme musicianship, sound, production, effects and sheer entertainment guaranteed, all in great packaging too. A genuine masterwork and a strong copy too. The cover is the same format as the UK version, later UK ones had a different design with a predominately black sleeve. Aphrodite’s Child were hardly the most famous name in rock music, but after the release of this album, they became immortal. After hearing this again it makes you ask yourself – ‘Where has all the creativity in music gone?’

Cover’s Potential for Wear: Even though laminated, this is a flimsey cover and they do not wear too well. All the usual laminate issues can apply here, dulling, non-adhesion, creasing and peeling, this gem has little to fault with any blemishes small and few. The controversial ‘Sahlep’ reference is included.

Cover Grade and Format: Near Excellent. A gatefold format with laminate on front and back. This has the UK catalogue number (6673 001) on the back AND spine and the famous Spiral logo on the front and back. The inside of the gatefold has no laminate but all edges are laminate protected. This was printed and made in Germany.

Lamination: Front & Back: Both sides look impressive with clear, shiny, fresh and fully adhered laminate that is devoid of lifting or blistering. Being a thin card and flimsy cover, this is far from guaranteed but his has remained solidly attached and unpeeled too. Slight dulling around the record’s rims is near unavoidable on such a thin cover but any friction rubs are minimal and any present only really seen under light. Creasing is also very light and few with most of any present on the edges are the usual fine hairline types. The red colour is as bright and vivid as when made and this will not prove easy to find much better.

Cover Inner Gatefold: The laminate wraps around the edges and ends on the top edges, but these have not stuck or pulled which again can never be taken for granted. There is a little light rubbing to the black and some fairly mild ringwear. Being so thin this again is near unavoidable unless the records were stored outside the cover, but few ever did that. Some light evidence of handling marks to the edge (handling) areas, again being matt black, very difficult to avoid but again only really seen to any degree under light. Overall, this unprotected centrefold, that includes the famous Citroen crashing into the wall artwork, looks fine but is a slightly more unusual case of not being as fine as the outside faces.

Top Edges: One tiny surface chip on the back, both straight and laminated.

Bottom Edges: Pretty much as above.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, both very sharp with no traces of wear or feathering, both untrimmed. Records entered on these right outside edges which are very vulnerable to wear again with the rich red colour being totally unaffected with no noteworthy chipping.

Spine and Text: One tiny surface crack only and the laminate is unpeeled and solid, that is somewhat unusual on a cover like this and a major bonus. Solid, straight with slight compression and a natural opening crease (or recess). Folded square, both right edges meet up very closely together and parallel. All text is perfect and unworn.

Corners: All very neat and attractive with just tiny tip rubs or chips, again incredibly hard to avoid as the bare minimum.

Cover Summary: A really fine example, one that justifies the importance of this album. The laminate gives this real class and finding a better red example will prove difficult with any form of Spiral records inside – it will please many collectors but not the highly discerning with the record rim rubs inside.

The Inners: German Spirals had plain white polylined inners and both are included here. They are mirror-image with identical numbering and codes, the last being .72 which is possibly the year of issue. Both clean and aged little with ultra neat windows and linings firmly attached. Still clean and white with few marks and barely any creasing.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Gradings: Near Excellent with light surface marks, mostly hairlines or ultra faint whispy surface traces and these have no sound. One tiny mark on side one emits four or five light clicks, those being the only noteworthy blemishes on this lovely double swirl set. A very fine visual pair that are clean, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed – actually heavier than the Spiral example I had a couple of years ago. A copy modestly played and few records of this vintage and type avoid some minor surface marks. Visually fine records that should please many collectors but again not the absolute connoisseurs who only want visual perfection at any cost.

Album Played For Grading: Yes – and what a pleasure to do so. [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 snippets 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: Both records play above their splendid visual grading with practically nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is fantastic with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. This gave the me the rare ‘tingle’ factor several times when play-grading. The details, power and sheer brilliance of the music makes this one of the best records I have ever heard. Any minor sound blemishes vinyl gives simply washed over me, I was far more interested in the music and that outweighted any minor sound issues. My Linn excelled revealing fine details that even the latest high quality CDs seem to lack. Praise indeed for this astonishing set. The production is smooth but dynamic and the stereo imagery is breathtaking. I know I keep mentioning the track ‘Infinity’, but this is truly worthy of such praise. The vocal dexterity of Irene Papas is awesome as are the channel-to-channel effects, Vangelis’s percussion has an in-the-room quality. All the complex sounds, vocals and instruments are fully focused with no stressing to the unworn grooves. Any surface sounds are minimal indeed with just the brief few low-level clicks mentioned above, there are few others, and this too, an album with a fair number of quiet passages. Overall a very clean pressing for a fairly challenging album, finding an example with these labels much better will prove difficult (and I would be sure, massively expensive), this was a genuine thrill from start to finish. Few copies will outperform this quality German Spiral easily. I feel very sure both records have been played mostly and have been generally well stored and mostly carefully handled, almost certainly in a non-smoking environment. The fine surface marks are light abrasions and not scratches, possibly from dry cloth cleaning, they are all pretty much superficial anyway and nothing of any real note spoilt my pleasure when play-grading these amazing records. This set will prove very difficult to find significantly better with Swirl labels from anywhere in the world and can be highly recommended.

End Piece: Rarely do I ponder so long before offering a record, this was a difficult one for me to put up for sale, but it’s done now. ‘Classic’, ‘Masterpiece’, ‘Groundbreaking’, ‘Essential’, ‘Innovative’, ‘Rare’ – are words all overused, and, hands-up, sometimes I am guilty too. But I make no excuse for using these words for this album. This is a stunning landmark recording within the ‘progressive rock’ genre – and even any genre quite honestly. No rock fan could not enjoy this groundbreaking album. Okay it’s not a UK Spiral copy but how often do these get seen or offered and if so, for how much and what condition? This is still a very elusive set and the positives far outweight any minor negatives. An inspired album from a band that almost progressed too quickly. Controversial, even slightly unsettling, for sure totally original, brave and compelling. The best Spiral album ever made? – Without any shadow of doubt – The best progressive album ever? – well a strong contender – do NOT lose this one unless absolute perfection in all departments is paramount. If so, don’t hold your breath and then take out a second mortgage, this could be the best value-for-money example with these labels that will be offered for some time.

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’.