UNIQUE ODYSSEY AND ORACLE ALBUM. SIGNED ON THE BACK, "TO KENNY EVERETT - CHRIS WHITE ROD ARGENT."

You may have seen this listed recently, unfortunately I was messed around by a time waster when I first auctioned it and when I put it up again e-bay’s computer, for reasons best known to itself, suddenly switched the end time to the middle of the night and, consequently, anyone who intended bidding missed the chance. So here it is again, at a lower price as I’m desperate to pay my car insurance! But I’m not giving it away as it is a totally unique one off historical collector’s item, the 1st UK pressing of Odessey And Oracle by the Zombies. Signed on the back, "To Kenny Everett with thanks and things Chris White Rod Argent "

SIDE ONE MATRIX NUMBER   SBPG 63280 A2

SIDE TWO MATRIX NUMBER  SBPG 63280 B1

ORIGINAL UK 1968  CBS RECORDS CATALOGUE NUMBER 63280

ORIGINAL UK 1968  CBS RECORDS CATALOGUE NUMBER 63280 on the Orange with Black Printed Text, CBS Record Labels. Manufactured in the UK with original UK Manufactured E.J. Day & Co Ltd Picture sleeve.

I bought this at a benefit concert at London’s Roundhouse in January 1969 (I seem to remember it was to raise money for the “Release” organisation which had only recently started) Anyway, there were several stalls selling stuff that had been donated by the underground community as a whole and quite a lot from musicians, journalist and DJs. Hence this album with the dedication to Kenny Everett being there. I know I paid more than I would for a new copy but it was in a good cause and I got a genuine collectable rarity. I have no way of proving that this is genuine other than to refer you to this page on the John Peel Archive

http://www.johnpeelarchive.com/zombies/odessey-and-oracle

where you will find picture’s of Peel’s copy with a similar dedication and a copy of the covering letter that, presumably, arrived with it. In both cases the signatures match those on the back of my copy and, in the case of the record, are in more or less the same place. Which is, I think, sufficient to prove its provenance.

Overall condition is EXCELLENT

Sleeve EXCELLENT

The sleeve is still bright and glossy with no tears or splits but there is a slight creasing where the top edge of the record sits and very light wear to some corners but otherwise is in very good condition with the colours still very bright there isn’t any writing, taping or stickers; apart that is for the factory affixed “STEREO” label which in this case, unusually, is white - they were normally much smaller and gold. (The copy in the Peel archive has a similar white label)

Spine there’s only minimal edge wear and the spine is firm and totally legible.

Inner Sleeve EXCELLENT Original paper, orange and black CBS inner sleeve carrying pictures and details of other artists and albums. No marks, creases or tears and the paper is still crisp, clean and bright. I will also include the original plastic outer that I bought with it which still fits tightly and has successfully kept the dust off for all these years

Record EXCELLENT The record itself is clean and glossy and the disc retains its deep, black vinyl sheen. There are some faint marks on both sides but nothing ugly or deep to affect the sound quality

Labels EXCELLENT The labels show some minimal signs of use, have no writing and are clean with minimal spindle marking.

Audio Quality EXCELLENT  The record itself is clean and glossy. It plays really well apart from some very light vinyl crackle between tracks. On side 1 it can just be heard in some quieter passages, on side two it is slightly heavier in places but doesn’t detract from the overall sound, which is still amazing although deep cleaning would probably improve it. There is a minor pop near the start of track 1 and some louder ones at end after the music stops before track 2. Track 8 has four quiet pops at the start but again these are not a distraction and deep cleaning should get rid of them. It lays flat on the turntable without the needle sticking or jumping. 

Side One 1. Care of Cell 44 2. A Rose for Emily 3. Maybe After He's Gone 4. Beechwood Park 5. Brief Candles 6. Hung up on a Dream Side Two 7. Changes 8. I Want Her She Wants Me 9. This Will Be Our Year 10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) 11. Friends of Mine 12. Time of the Season.

The Zombies: Rod Argent (vocals, keyboards); Colin Blunstone (vocals); Paul Atkinson (guitar); Chris White (bass, background vocals); Hugh Grundy (drums).

Summary: this ICONIC, progressive rock masterwork  is a lovely piece of genuine memorabilia from a bygone time that changed the world and would grace any collection. If you haven’t heard it on vinyl this could be for you. It certainly doesn’t sound 49 years old. All the tracks on it are quite wonderful but the two that elevate this album into the realms of musical genius are Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) which is probably the most poignant musical telling of the horrors of trench warfare ever produced. The other outstanding track is Time of the Season, with its swirling soundscape collage echoes of Odysseus, the Lotus Eaters and endless summers. Not only is it the 1st UK pressing but the fact that it’s signed on the back, "To Kenny Everett with thanks and things Chris White Rod Argent " makes it a totally unique one off historical collector’s item (If it doesn’t sell this time, please don’t contact me with silly offers, I’ll put it in the cupboard and try in a few more months)

I’m not a dealer of any sort, but am just downsizing and having to clear things out and trying to survive on a poxy pension. I’m starting it at a sensible price so a genuine fan or collector can enjoy it without paying rip off prices Good luck with your bidding and feel free to ask any question.

A Word About Payment and Postage

Sorry but I accept Paypal only and it will be posted as soon as payment has cleared, which must be paid within 24hours of the end of the auction. This may seem harsh but I’m fed up with time wasters!

I use 12" Vinyl LP Record Cruciform postal mailers and protect them with an additional layer of bubblewrap. In the UK I use Royal Mail Signed For. If you require some other form of postage/delivery, I’m more than happy providing you meet the extra costs. If you are outside the UK, I will use Ebay’s own service.