SOFT MACHINE 1st .ORIGINAL U.S. LP K.AYERS, R.WYATT. M.RATLEDGE MOVING COG COVER
£
53
$
70
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Description
SOFT MACHINE 1st LP. Featuring KEVIN AYERS, ROBERT WYATT & MIKE RATLEDGE.
WITH THE ORIGINAL U.S. PROBE LP MOVING COGS COVER
This is the much talked about original Soft Machine 1st L.P Stereo CPLP-4500 released in 1968 on ABC Probe records U.S.A. It’s the original American pressing on a substantial lump of vinyl with the original black label with ‘colour spectrum’ abc-probe logo. It was produced by Chas Chandler (formerly of the Animals and then manager of Jimi Hendrix) and Tom Wilson (producer of Dylan, Zappa and the Velvet Underground amongst others)
I bought it in 1968 as a U.S. import from the legendary Musicland at 44 Berwick Street Soho – as it wasn’t available in the UK until a couple of years afterwards and then it didn’t have the amazing moving cover.
The cover is made from strong card, is in very good condition and the colours are still bright. The famous moving cogwheel on the front still works and is in good condition. However, there is a small split in the top edge of the record sleeve, which you should be able to see in one of the photos. I think it could be repaired with strong glue but didn’t want to risk making a mess myself! The seams and spine are ok too. The record is still in the original inner sleeve, which is in good condition apart from some minor creasing to the two bottom corners – but not enough to reach the actual disc. I will also include the original heavy plastic outer that I bought with it, although it is starting to split slightly at the top, it still fits tightly and keeps the dust off.
The record itself is clean and glossy and plays well apart from some crackle between tracks that unfortunately IS noticeable in the quiet passage at the start of Hope For Happiness and Joy of a Toy but, in both cases, vanishes after the first few bars. There are also a couple of ‘pops’ in the quiet passage at the start of Lullabye Letter, but, again, these don’t detract from the overall sound.
If you’ve never heard of the Softs or this album, you’ll discover why it was voted one of the Critics Choice: Top-200 albums of all times for its innovation and lasting influence. It was the first meaningful merging of modern music (Rock/Blues) with older forms (Jazz/Classical) played frantically at full power and more English than tea and a bowler hat! It is a lasting tribute to band’s founder, the late Kevin Ayres, who died a true Rock’n’Roll death only last month. (If you need to know more there’s loads on the net….)
Even if you don’t have a record deck and can’t play it, this album is a lovely piece of genuine memorabilia from a bygone time that changed the world and would grace any collection. I’m not a dealer of any sort, but am just downsizing and having to clear things out, so I’m starting it at a low price so a genuine collector can enjoy it without paying rip off prices.
Good luck with your bidding and feel free to ask any question.
Sorry but I accept Paypal only and it will be posted as soon as payment has cleared.
P+P is £5.50 for Parcelforce UK standard track and trace ‘two day delivery’ (Mind you given the Post nowadays that could be two Jovian days!) In the unlikely event of this selling for more than £50 the postage will be a bit more to cover the cost of insurance. If you require some other form of postage/delivery or worldwide, I’m more than happy providing you meet the extra costs.
Good luck
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