Khan - Space Shanty EX DERAM EGG ARZACHEL 1st PRESS

	£		65
	$		86

KHAN - SPACE SHANTY

DERAM   SDL-R 11

First UK

 Press  1972

Matrices:ZAL-11366.P-1W  ZAL-11367.P-1W

!!!!A VERY HARD FIND THIS ONE!!!FOR ME ONE OF THE VERY BEST PROG ALBUMS, AT TIMES LEANING TOWARDS THE HEAVY PROGMETAL SPECTRUM!!!AND HEY.........  , THIS WAS ONLY 1972!!!!!

               Best known as the album that first brought the guitar playing talents of guitarist Steve Hillage to public prominence,  Khans's sole album is a splendid example of a fusion of Canterbury flavoured rock combined with jazz and space-rock influences,  sometimes veering into progmetal. This also reminds very much of "Egg" and "Arzachel", of course with Dave Stewart and Steve Hillage on board. Originally released in 1972 by Deram records, it can now clearly be seen as the blue print for Hillage's later solo success. Hillage has acknowledged that "Space Shanty" was the "dry run" for his classic "Fish Rising" album. The musicians include fantastic guitarist Steve Hillage (acoustic and electric guitar; vocals); incredible keyboardist Dave Stewart (organ, piano, celeste); Eric Peachey (Drums); and Nick Greenwood (electric bass and vocals). The musicianship on Space Shanty is top notch and there are loads of instrumental passages that show off some pretty dense ensemble work and fantastic soloing by Steve and Dave (they are impressive throughout). Eric and Nick are no slouches either and comprise an excellent rhythm section - in fact I would love to track down some other recordings by these guys but would not know where to start. The vocals and vocal harmonies are excellent by the way.

Although I have described the music as heavy (and believe me Steve Hillage rips it up on the electric), there are some very spacey and quieter sections that feature Dave's soft organ playing and Steve on acoustic guitar. In fact, some folks have described this album as space rock, although I think there is far too much going on each composition to call this space rock. In general, each piece features an excellent blend of heavy riffing played in unison on the bass and the electric guitar; intricate ensemble work; and more relaxed passages that feature vocals. The six pieces are highly melodic and it is clear that they spent just as much time on the vocal melodies as the fancier instrumental passages. The tracks are not too long (by prog standards) and range in length from 5'32" to 9'22" - they are all well put together and arranged. The last track "Hollow Stone" ends in a monumental slab of the heaviest progmetal riffs that would fit on any of Opeth's classic albums!! Did Mikael look at Khan for inspiration as well???

In all my years this is only the third time I have come across this PROGMONSTER of which only 1000 are rumoured to be about. How many would have survived after 40 odd years? Rare ... anyone?? This one is more desirable still as the vinyl does not appear to have been played much at all. Under an intense light there are hardly any lines to be detected. Only the wispiest ones that cannot be seen with the bare eye. A true EX vinyl!! This is probably the best copy of this album you are ever likely to find.

Sensational sound quality, I have played this through in its entirety and it was a great joy and reminded me a lot of Egg , but heavier!!! NO skips or jumps. NO clicks or crackle, this is really a stunning heavy glossy jet black vinyl .  Inspected under an intense lightsource and angled.

Vinyl: EX+!! A sensational find!!! I have played this in FULL twice over> The replay is ASTOUNDING!!! I first played for a general listen and a second time for a more detailed observation. I am very glad to be able to report that this is a fine slab of vinyl without any problems at all and as such worthy of inclusion of any great prog collection. The Deram vinyl is always a guarantee for quality audio!!!   The final riff on "Hollow Stone" is as heavy as a 10 ton  granite boulder!!!

Gatefold sleeve: EX. Matt sleeve and prone to wear esp on the edges, but this has held up very well. Minimal edge wear, nice spine, crisp opening and NO creases or writing. This is in nice shape indeed!!!

The original inner polylined sleeve is in EX condition.

This is a unique investment opportunity!!! Finding this album in any condition at all is nearly impossible!!! This is  a great and seriously collectable super album!!  You will buy into a piece of heavy prog core history.

Labels: NM!!!

Important : International Postage. This will be sent via Signed For service if over GBP30.00 , please wait for my invoice in this case.

UK postage. If over £100.00 this will be sent via Special Delivery at extra cost, please wait for my invoice in this case.

In my opinion a top copy which could only be bettered by utilising a time travelling device! As always I have a no quibble money refund option in place in case you are not 100% satisfied!!!