FAMILY Music in a Doll's House RARER ORIG UK 68 STEREO

	£		69
	$		91

ONEADAYRECORDS – Simply Delivering Quality Music to the World.

Postage: UK £4.25. Europe (including Russia) £12. Rest of World £16. ALL signed for in quality, safe packaging – I NEVER use mailing envelopes.

NOTE: I now apply the Ebay ‘4-day’ rule for non-payment. I try to keep my P&P prices as low as possible after the very significant Royal Mail price increases and will never compromise on solid, safe packing.

Artist or Band: FAMILY

Album Title: Music in a Doll’s House.

Producer(s): Dave Mason.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: The Chase; Mellowing Grey; Never Like This; Me My Friend; Variation on a Theme of Hey Mr Policeman; Winter; Old Songs New Songs; Variation on a Theme of The Breeze.

Side 2: Hey Mr Policeman; See Through Windows; Variation on a Theme of Me My Friend; Peace of Mind; Voyage; The Breeze 3 x Time.

Label/Format: Reprise – Original tri-coloured steamboat format.

Label Conditions: Both in very fine and still quite attractive condition. Clean with around moderate (or less) spindle marks, these are a little more visible than some. Clearly this copy has been played a few times, but the playing surfaces are clean with lovely shine, and most importantly, this robust record plays superbly with very little unwanted at all. A plain fact is, some owners used the label to guide the spindle to the hole, and I feel sure this copy has been played only modestly.

Cat Number: RSLP 6312.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 155 grams. A typical heavyweight Reprise pressing from this time.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Scarce as a first issue. Available in both mono and stereo, but the mono cut is well documented for pressing faults and few will ever play without unwanted noises and distortion. The stereo issue does NOT suffer the same flaw.

Original Year of Release: 1968

Matrix Nos: RSLP 6312 A-3G / RSLP 6312 B-3G. The tiny stamper codes are: L 2 / H 2

Musicians: Roger Chapman - lead vocals, harmonica, tenor saxophone; John Whitney - lead guitar, steel guitar; Jim King - tenor, soprano saxophones, harmonica, vocal; Ric Grech - bass guitar, violin, cello, vocals; Rob Townsend - drums, percussion.

Brief Info: Issued in the UK in 1968 to great acclaim but it only peaked at 35 in Britain and it failed to even chart in the US at all. ‘Doll’s House’ is a classic album and one of the greatest UK debuts ever. Blending powerful rock with psychedelia and superbly produced by Traffic’s Dave Mason. Fronted by the slightly eccentric Roger Chapman with one of rock’s most powerful and expressive voices his vibrato voice remains distintively unique. A highly inventive and thrilling debut, the use of saxophones, cello and violin at this time was highly creative and gave Family extra profile – an album that thrills from beginning to end and still sounds as fresh and exciting as it did on issue. This is a very fine stereo copy and it plays equally well with little unwanted. The cover is hugely impressive with hardly any wear. It has the original stereo sticker on the back to obscure the mono number, clearly Reprise thought most sales would be in mono. A tiny few originals included an insert picture of the band, it is very rare indeed, seldom seen or offered. Hence I include for FREE, a superb repro taken from an original to make this one like ‘complete’. The insert is full size and actually looks little different to the original, many owners of this album have yet to ever see a real one and this is a super bonus for the winning bidder.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(+): and a real beaut, my grading being very conservative I feel. One of my favourite covers of the 1960s, this one does it very high justice. A single format with front laminate that wraps around the closed edges on to three large external rear flipbacks. The main back panel is matt and smooth. This was printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthouse and this has the original ‘Patents pending’ text. The back has the factory stereo sticker on the top right corner, just below the flipback to obscure the mono information. The insert is a superb repro taken from an original and is a FREE bonus to the winning bidder.

Lamination & Front: Not only one of the greatest albums of the late 60s, one of the greatest covers too – and that’s front and back. The lamination is still very clear, fresh and shiny and all is fully adhered which is never guaranteed. The famous artwork still looks fantastic and retains geniune freshness with only a very faint trace of rim impression and minor dulling around it, seen critically under angled light. A few half moon surfaces creases near the right edge and some fine hairline edge ones that few will ever avoid as a bare minimum. Now over 44-years-old, this is a splendid front to hold and enjoy with only scant clues to it’s considerable vintage.

Cover Back: One of my favourite back covers ever: the gorgeous doll on the tricycle looks fantastic, please see my close-up picture. Blemishes?, well barely any worthy of mention, just a tiny few hairline creases on the flipbacks but probably the least I have ever seen. The beautiful back panel is practically unworn and ultra clean and attractive with no rubbing, grubbiness or creasing – and certainly no ring wear. Overall, the flipbacks are in superb condition with no lifting, burring or damage – the ends crisp and flat and they even retain rich shine too. Their ends often a victim to plastic sleeve storage as their ends can stick and pull, removing the surface. This has avoided this totally and there are NO tip-ins. The stereo sticker has aged little and has minimal discolouration, I have no doubts it has never been removed or tampered with. Both front and back are age-defyingly lovely and most collectors will enjoy them – I consider this an exceptional cover and that extra (+) only a mere whisker away. I would truly grade the back alone Mint(-).

Top & Bottom Edges: Both practically unworn and retaining full laminate that is still very smooth to the touch, these also very straight as well.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, reasonably sharp with little wear and no feathering, viewed end-on, some thickening is seen on the front, mostly near the centre where record location for removal usually happens. A cover that seldom avoids thickening on the these edges mainly due to the thick heavy record inside that puts more ‘stress’ on the opening. This one is guaranteed untrimmed or enhanced in any way and is still neat overall with no chipping to the exposed strip on the front where the laminate ends a little short of full width.

Spine and Text: A very strong spine too that retains unpeeled laminate that still shines as well. Solid, straight with minimal traces of compression, the ends very gently tapered in manufacture. All text is perfect and unworn under the solid and clear laminate as seen on my close-up pictures. Note: the mono number is quite normal for usage with stereo covers, until reissued, all copies were issued with the RLP number.

Corners: Light to near moderate tip rubs, again a cover that rarely escapes lightly – in terms of it, this one pretty much has. Very fine to excellent shape is retained.

Cover Summary: A very impressive and pleasing all-round example of this classic original cover, one that will prove very difficult to find much better. This attractive item should pleasemany, if not most collectors. The back especially is absolutely magnificent, and as stated already, this would grade practically Mint(-) on it’s, that is taking little away from the rest either.

The Family Insert: I reitterate again: this is a REPRO insert at full size taken from an original. Originals are immensely scarce and seldom seen or offered, when they do surface they are invariably in poor shape. This high quality repro is absolutely superb and of course gives that more ‘complete’ satisfaction.

The Inner Sleeve: EXCELLENT(++): this came to me with a heavy-duty polylined inner that is UK patented and has ‘Foreign Patents Pending’ text. This has barely aged at all with a super-clear lining as seen through two immaculate window circles. Barely any creasing, clean and all edge unsplit with no repairs.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: NEAR EXCELLENT: a very fine visual copy that is clean with fine shine, intense black and heavily pressed. Side one has three or four light marks, these being surface scuffs that have NO sound and a small mark on the very short final song ‘Variation on a Theme of The Breeze’ that does emit a few very faint ticks. But that being the only significant sound issue and in terms of a 44-year-old record, this is pretty minor. Side two has little to fault, the odd minor hairline and the usuall ultra fine and faint surface traces seen with scrutiny under bright angled light. This is still a lovely record and most importantly, it plays terrific. As per the majority of the records I buy, I had the chance to audition this prior to purchase to be sure if delivered on sound – and it really does. Most of any visual marks or blemishes are superficial and non-sounding – the tiny mark on the very short last song on side one apart – this has little else to fault. And unless visual perfection is mandatory, this is a very impressive early pressed original that many collectors will cherish.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [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: This classic album even exceeds it’s high visual grading with very little to fault bar a few light clicks on ‘Variation on a Theme of The Breeze’, the song only last around 40 seconds anyway and most of the clicks near the the very beginning, any others are more obscured by the track’s volume before disappearing altogether. This brief blemish apart, this has little else unwanted and offers strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear. Sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Any surface sound traces are minimal, very gentle and very infrequent, very well pressed with no sound degrading at all in terms of sound clarity and focus. A complex recording with plenty going on, some difficult instruments, but all totally unstressed and precise, this disc sounds magnificent with all the detail and dynamics only an original can truly offer. No pops or other clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing overall. Such a shame the mono version, that does offer different sound, rarely, if ever plays to this standard. That version has a documented pressing fault but did not affect the stereo version. Few copies will outperform this very early pressing significantly I feel sure. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played fairly modestly and it generally, has survived the ravages of time and early playing equipment well. Okay, one small mark that does (very briefly) sound, but little else. These heavyweight, thick RSLP Reprise records are tough and this has largely resisted any careless usage. Nothing of any real note spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy will prove difficult to find much better and merits strong recommendation for all bar the perfectionists.

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 Terrarium Black terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too. Pictures taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR Digital Camera.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

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 new VPI-17 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 boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are 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 at least TWO, 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. When larger boxes are used, 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. 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. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffeners 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 8,000+ items sold in over 10 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 stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 2 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). All postage costs are below and at the top of the listing.

NOTE: First Time Bidders: Please ask me first.

PLEASE NOTE: I now exercise my right to open a dispute after the Ebay rule of FOUR days if no payment is received. I will then cancel the dispute to end the, again after the mandatory FOUR days and then offer the item to the runner-up or relist. The non-payer will also be blocked from my Ebay site and they take the Ebay consequences (a strike or removal from the system). Small businesses need prompt payment to trade and these strict rules WILL be applied.

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] = £4.25

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £8. (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 [£50 maximum]) = £12 (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an optional extra £3). Add £3 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; 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 [£50 maximum]) = £16 (£17 for double sets). Add £3 per extra LP. (enhanced Royal Mail insurance is an 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: I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. 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 necessarily 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’.