?RARE UK 1972 Orig ? THE GOSPEL OAK ? WEST COAST HIPPIE BLUES ROCK ex HORSES LP
$
68
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Description
SUPERIOR BRITISH LAMINATED 1970 ORIGINAL
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GOSPEL OAK
GOSPEL OAK ..|/\|...............................................|/\|.. "Made In England" ~ UNI RECORDS - 6369603
RARE, CLEAN, FINAL COLLECTION COPY ...
Almost 50 years of age, this is an early UK progressive underground rock/blues & West Coast blends with pastoral edges. Quite unique and pleasingly different from the usual London prog/psych bands during the turning of 1970
...Always been hard to find ...ORIGINAL superior U.K. 1970 original pressing in outstanding laminated gatefold, the layout & color schemes fit Gospel Oak perfectly. These guys were actually a San Francisco band who relocated to London, playing with all the "head" bands.
The great cover of GOSPEL OAK depicts newly minted "English" hippy guys poised in a beatific rural setting (the oak tree picture on the cover is stunning - especially the rich vibrant colors you get in the UK pressing, blowing away the USA release on "Kapp" records.).
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Gospel Oak's Matthew Kelly was a Californian who'd previously attracted attention playing blues harmonica and touring with the likes of Mel Brown, John Lee Hooker, and T-Bone Walker. The man clearly had some chops to be supporting names like that. Kelly soon found himself caught-up in San Francisco's exploding rock scene. He added electric guitar to his repertoire and started playing with Chris Herold and Dave Torbert. In 1969 the three of them were hired to play in the band Horses which was fronted by sometimes actor and lead singer Don Johnson (yep, the Miami Vice guy). Horses recorded one self-titled album before collapsing. Kelly's next move found him headed for the UK. At the same time drummer Kerry Gaines, keyboardist Cliff Hall, pedal steel guitarist Gordon Huntley, lead guitarist Bob Le Gate, and singer/bassist John Rapp found themselves in England. Originally from Indiana, they somehow managed to attract the attention of Beatles publicist Tony Barrow. Barrow signed on as manager and used his connections to get the band a record deal with Kapp Records. The label then decided to ship the group to London where they hooked up with fellow ex patriot Kelly. Musically "Gospel Oak" has a nice mix of memorable melodies with tracks like 'Recollections of Jessica' and 'Big Fat White Man' are 'nice' listening, complete with well executed group harmonies. Showcasing Kelly's harmonica and Le Gate's lead guitar 'Brown Haired Girl', 'Common Expressions' and 'South Bleach' offers up a harder edged blues sound, while 'Go Talk To Rachel' and 'O.K. Sam' finds the group taking a stab at an accessible rock attack. Propelled by some excellent Le Gate guitar, best of the lot is the album-closer 'St. Anne's Pretension'. The album is never less than enjoyable, and with these ingredients the guys could have been a major act had they received a strong backing from their label.
(side 1)
Brown Haired Girl
Common Expressions
Recollections of Jessica
Big Fat White Man
South Bleach
(side 2)
Why We Came
Go Talk To Rachel
O.K. Sam
St. Anne's Pretension
CONDITION: The cover: rated: near M- and stunning, the gatefold UK press is very rare especially so clean after near 50 years. Rich colors enhanced by full lamination. The USA release can't compare! This is a beauty and not to be missed as most likely will be more than hard to find another so clean. There are no delete marks, no split seams, no bends, and no writing ...
The vinyl: Rated: "EX" (excellent) to M- very clean sides reflect beautiful audio results. As well, the thick quality U.K. Uni Records deluxe issue is far superior in every way over subsequent releases in the same, no contest!
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 NOTE: All Items backed by money back guarantee! IF you have a problem PLEASE let us solve for you BEFORE leaving ANY negative feedback. Thanks! GRADING SCALE: M, M-, EX, VG++,VG+, VG, VG- M Completely clean, no marks M- Carefully used, looks clean, plays clean, shiny gloss, no marks EX Faint scuff or superficial mark, near M-, high gloss, plays clean VG++ Glossy with minimal scuffing or light mark playing very nice, clean VG+ a bit more scuff or markls still plays well with very minimal surface at worse VG more marks/scratches only minor, nothing deep, no loud clicks or pops this grade is abused by many, VG here does not mean "trashed" VG- surface noise present, will not have skips or jumps ALL PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE WITHIN 5 DAYS Of AUCTIONS END BIDDERS PLEASE = Do Not Bid If You Are Not Serious About Following Through The Transaction! ALL ITEMS GUARANTEED FOR WINNING BID - LESS SHIPPING!
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