Kevin Ayers, John Cale (Autograph), Brian Eno & Nico - June 1,1974 (Autographed)

$

31

SYNOPSIS

• Kevin Ayers of the "Soft Machine"
• , Nico and John Cale of "The Velvet Undergrond" and
• Brian Eno of "Roxy Music"

Jacket is autographed by John Cale

It isn't just that the four credited lead players are together, it's also that Robert Wyatt and (if one is excited by such a thing) Mike Oldfield are helping out as well. The whole result should have been a mind-blowing example of one moment of twisted brilliance after another, captured for the ages. And is it? Well, close enough. The week's rehearsal mentioned in the liner notes seems to have gotten everyone more or less on the same wavelength for the chosen songs, but Ayers, who was the headliner, just sounded too laid-back in the end to match the chilling brilliance of his guests, even with old Soft Machine mate Wyatt along for the ride. The first half of the album is the real winner as a result, not least for the sharp song choices. Eno's two selections are inspired; "Driving Me Backwards" gets even more freaked out than the studio version, turning into a lacerating death crawl thanks to Cale's violin, while "Baby's on Fire" in contrast almost turns friendlier at the end. Both Cale and Nico make strong marks with two of their most notable and notorious cover versions. The former's "Heartbreak Hotel" keeps much of the spaced-out paranoia familiar from the studio cut, just ominous enough. Meanwhile, Nico's take on "The End" easily equals her own studio take, the song creeping with dread and fear. Ayers' selections take up the remainder of the album and they're, well, nice. But after the earlier shadows and psychosis, there's a little too much guitar mellowness and bongwater lounge grooves in contrast, aside from a wonderful, dramatic take on "Two Goes into Four." His between-song asides are fun, though, while his voice is in fine shape, even if the French part on "May I?" just makes him sound like a dirty old man instead of Serge Gainsbourg.

                                                       PAYMENTS

PAYMENT PROCESS: Following the auction's completion, eBay will send the buyer a draft invoice notification. In the case of a simple one item transaction the buyer can pay from that draft invoice. In the case of multiple items warranting a combined shipment with discounted postal costs (from that received from eBay) a manual invoice must be initiated by the seller in order to reflect the applicable discount.

PAYMENT METHOD: PayPal is the required payment method as it results in a more streamlined and expedited process for both the buyer and the seller

PAYMENT DEADLINE: The seller has thoughtfully committed to shipping within one day following payment. If would be appreciated if the buyer would reciprocate with payment by one day after receipt of invoice.

SHIPPING

Disclosure of Shipping & Handling (S&H) Fee: This fee ($1.40) is for the safe delivery of your purchase to your doorstep. It is a cost reimbursement for the following expenditures: (1) specialized lp mailer costing $.95, (2) polyurethane sleeve for vinyl jacket protection ($.20), inner sleeve if needed ($.09) and delivery confirmation of ($.20). No other costs are reimbursed only those that relate directly to a safe arrival of your product, please keep this in mind when considering the total shipping costs.  

Postal Calculation: I use the eBay/USPS postage calculation tool in order for determining postage costs. This tool calculates postage amounts based upon a shipments destination, shipping type, weight, options, and S&H fee.

Packing Procedure & Precautions: As many buyers, and prospective buyers, inquire and/or request details about the packing process I thought that I would disclose it upfront as follows: (1) Vinyl is removed from jacket to prevent seam splits, (2) Jacket is inserted into a 4 mil. polyurethane sleeve in order to reduce that chance of damage. (3) Vinyl is placed in an inner sleeve and placed inside the poly urethane alongside, and not within, the jacket. (4) Protected item is then shipped in a 200 lb. test "bend resistant" corrugated cardboard protective lp mailer with materia packed inside the mailer to ensure that the record does not slide side to side.

Shipping options: Buyer decides what shipping method he wishes to utilize which boils down to using the less expensive Vs the more dependable and quicker. Domestic shipping (United States ONLY) can use the less expensive Media Mail or the more dependable Priority Mail. For International shipping, the less expensive method would be First Classs International and the more dependable would be Priority International. International shippments due to extra paperwork and time involved will incur a $.45 fee. 

RETURNS

Buyers have a fourteen (14) day period, from delivery date, to exercise their option of returns. The only stipulation that I request is that it is for an objective, and not subjective, reason. Vinyl collectors and enthusiasts are well aware that grading is extremely subjective and in the end is simply just one persons opinion. A difference of opinion on a vinyl's "Proper" or "Correct" grade is a someething that is difficult to agree on. That being the case, gradine alone will not be grounds for a refund. I make a concerted efort grade (conservatively) each record the very best that I can ensuring a fair grade. I have no intention of taking advantage of any buyer which is also why I don't sell my vinyl that is less than VG+ condition (those get donated and many are very collectible). On the other hand, if the reason is objective such as I adverttised a "Original " release but it turned out to be a "Resissue" or if it was advertised as "Still Sealed", but arrived otherwise then those would also be returnable. Items not delivered, or delivered damaged, shoud FIRST be address with your local postal servce. 

GRADING SCALE

Vinyl is graded on a visual basis, primarily due to time constraints and the sheer volume (thousands) of records that I am selling. I use very bright lights and magnifiers to look for flaws and have been doing so for almost forty years. Grading scale is as follow:

Mint (M): - Still Sealed, if opened the grading should NOT be Mint

Near Mint (NM): - Looks like if just came from the retail store and opened for the very first time (i.e. nearly perfect). Shiny vinyl with NO visible defects. No writing, stickers, markings etc either on the jacket or vinyl. Near Mint records do not have to be "unplayed" as an used record can also be in Near Mint condition after many plays providing it had been properly cared for.

Excellent (EX) This is a record that appears to be Near Mint at first glance but upon thorough evaluation can be seen to have a blemish or minimal mark. As a Near Mint is in perfect condition, this grade is just a small step down in the grading level.

Very Good Plus (VG+): - These records will show some slight signs of wear, including scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK and can fall into this category. Minor signs of handling are OK also, such as telltale marks around the center hole where repeated playing could have enlarged or damaged the hole. There may also be light ring wear or discoloration, but is should not be overwhelming. Very Good Plus jackets should have minor wear such as a very minor seam wear or split (less than one inch long) at one of the seams most likely the bottom which iis the most vulnerable location. A VG+ may have some defacing such as cut-out markings (corner cut or punch holes).

Very Good (VG): - These records have more obvious flaws than their counterparts in NM, EX and VG+ condition. They may lack the original gloss found on factory fresh records, groove wear is evident as are light scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. The Very Good Plus record could have minor surface noise and some scratches may be audible most likely in the intros and space between songs but not at a level to overpower the music. - Minor writing, tape or sticker may exist on the jacket and/or label. These records remain a fine listening experience. Very Good Plus jackets will have many sings of human handling. Ring wear in the middle or around the edges of the cover will be obvious.