THE ARTWOODS Art Gallery Orig 70 Scarce STEREO EX++ LP

	£		39
	$		51

Hi, I am Mike, now 48 and have been a music collector and enthusiast for over 34 years now. We all wish we could turn back the clock and buy those wonderful brand new records from the 60s and 70s, but alas, this is not possible; so I always try to offer the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. No vinyl/music lover really would choose to buy second-hand, but this is only way now to own these valuable, prized and elusive items now. I pride myself on offering a variety of genres to keep my site as interesting as possible. I will rarely offer any record that falls below a true Excellent grading, unless its of a certain rarity which will justify offering a lesser grade. I try, to the best of my ability to describe as accurately and as honesty as I can all items I offer for sale with all the relevant information I can think of to help any potential bidder and collector. You may notice I only submit records sparingly on Ebay - on average ONEADAY, hence the name - time rarely allows for more as I Play-Grade virtually every record I offer in their entirety, not just bits to guess a grade (on a Rega 3 deck with Ortofon cartridge) - visuals alone do not always tell a true or full story - I will mention any defects or flaws no matter how small that I notice to be fair as possible to any interested reader – I am very fussy and my buyers have the right to be too. Every record I offer, whether it be a common or rare item deserves the same respect as far as I am concerned and will be treated the same - just because an item is rare does not always mean its good. I get just as much pleasure offering a relatively common record in stunning near mint condition as the real rare items. All the pictures I use for your guidance are taken with a digital camera or scanned - they are NOT improved, cleaned-up or made better looking than they are with camera trickery or enhancing with digital programmes. What you see is what you get. The only thing I cannot guarantee one hundred percent is exact colour matching - this depends on the lighting at the time and that is out of my control, but I feel sure most items will be very close to the actual real item. Variation can sometimes occur too in colour of the label scans and labels taken next to the sleeve with a digital camera, the scanned full label pictures should be the most accurate. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert. I hope the item below is to your liking - any questions can be emailed and I will do my very best to answer you. I am enthusiastic , and have a fair degree of knowledge about many genres and I promise quality items - bid with confidence - excellence comes as standard and so does Near Mint regularly. Please assume all records I offer have NO jumps or sticks or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Album Title: Art Gallery.

Producer(s): Mike Vernon.

Engineer(s): John Mackswith.

Track Listing: Side 1: Can You Hear Me?; Down in the Valley; Things Get Better; Walk on the Wild Side; I Keep Forgettin’; Keep Lookin’. Side 2: One More Heartache; Work, Work, Work; Be My Lady; If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody; Stop and Think it Over; Don’t Cry No More.

Label/Format: (Decca) Eclipse – Please see label pictures.

Label Conditions: Both almost as new: very clean and highly attractive with barely a spindle mark to be seen and no wear around the hole area. This records looks little handled or likely played reinforced by superb, clean sound.

Cat Number: ECS 2025.

Mode: Stereo.

Weight of this Record: 135 grams. [These days, many modern Audiophile reissues are pressed on super-heavyweight 180 gram vinyl. Only a small percentage of ‘vintage vinyl’ was ever pressed this heavy. Records pressed in the 1960s averaged around 140 to 150 grams. Records pressed in the 1970s were usually lighter and averaged more around 115 – 125 grams]. (This was based on ‘average’ weights for 20 records from these eras. Later pressings were usually lighter still).

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: The original is very rare indeed and will be near impossible to find that will play perfectly and was only available in mono. This reissue is hardly common either and try finding a much better record than this – I would bet few originals will look even half as good or play half as well. This version was also available in mono but this the first opportunity to hear this title in stereo – real stereo – and this sounds amazing.

Original Year of Release: 1966. This reissue is from 1970.

Matrix Nos: XZAL 7481-1W / XZAL 7482-1W

Stamper Codes: 1 B / 1 B

Musicians: Art Wood – Vocals; Derek Griffiths – Guitar; Malcolm Pool – Bass; Keef Hartley – Drums, Jon Lord – Organ.

Brief Info: Formed in London in 1964, the Artwoods were a highly popular live beat band in the mid-60s, unfortuntely that was not reflected in record sales and original copies of this album sold a mere handful of copies which is reflected in its value and huge rarity. The new record price guide cannot even put a definite figure on its worth hence this reissue copy is highly sort-after by collectors of classic 60s beat and in itself, is hardly common either. Art is the elder brother of Ronnie Wood and Hartley later found solo fame and played with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Jon Lord later joined Deep Purple via The Flowerpot Men, and was a stalwart member for many years and albums, even on this vintage set, his keyboard sound is hugely evident already and includes some superb ‘Purplesque’ solos that gave this band a more unique sound – already ahead of the time. This is highly evident on the superb ‘Walk on the Wild Side’. The Artwoods gained a high reputation as one the hardest working R&B bands on the beat circuit. They performed on the first ‘Ready Steady Goes Live’. The Kinks and Donovan played live and the Artwoods promoted their first single ‘Sweet Mary’. The group was very popular in the clubs around London but even their singles or EP failed to sell and also are hugely valuable and rare. This is a stunning album, as 60s beat connoisseurs will already know, and this early reissue copy sounds superb and is a rare chance to experience this elusive band’s material via vinyl and in great sounding stereo too. The word ‘rare’ is genuine for any original copy of this one, and what are the likely condition and price tag if one ever does become available? This copy is not a compromise record, the originals are literally out-of-sight for finding and pricing, so enjoy The Artwood’s only 60s album with a 1970 pressing, still on Decca, and ask yourself, just why this failed to sell at all originally.

Cover’s Potential for Wear: Moderate+ no flipbacks but the predominately white back is highly prone to grubbiness and marks.

Cover Grade and Format: Around EX, probably (-) but wear and blemishes are small and minor overall. It’s a front Clarifoil laminated single format that includes the mono/stereo peep-hole indicator on the back. The blue inner fills this hole to indicate this is a stereo copy. It was printed and made in England by Robert Stace. This reissue has a different cover to the original and looks wonderful.

Lamination & Front: This splendid front, with a rare and quite superb colour band picture, shows little wear apart from a very small sticker pull near the top right corner area – this really is small. The laminate is still very shiny and crystal clear to show off the beautiful artwork below. Few traces of any dulling or friction rubs and remains very solid with just a fine line lift on the spine edge, but in this case it hardly even shows and is almost the minimum amount possible on these type of covers. The surface is very clean and devoid of marks, indentations and cracking, even fine surface marks are largely absent. Very few creases too, with just a very few light edge examples that most all will have as the very least. The 4mm uncovered strip on the right edge is totally unworn and has avoided any grime-line as has the back laminate end which wraps around the spine for 14mm. This truly beautiful front looks pretty amazing and is home for one of the rarest and best beat albums of the 1960s.

Cover Back: The unprotected mainly white back has some mild traces of grubbiness, mainly around the edge areas. A few light marks, but in context these are minimal and light and any press or ringmarks are modestly light too and this side has few creases at all. The peep-hole is pristine with no burring or damage at all. A splendid back to complement the wonderful front.

Top Edge: Practically wear free.

Bottom Edge: And again.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Clean, quite sharp with little wear and no feathering. Record entered on this right outside edge.

Spine and Text: Solid, straight, minimal compression and including manufacturer’s nipped ends. All text is perfect and unworn under the solid and uncracked laminate.

Corners: Very little, tiny tip rubs only, all retain very neat and pointed shape.

Cover Summary: A very fine example that still retains it’s vintage look and feel – all just right for the contents. In the perfect world, collectors would and should want both versions of this beat classic – the covers are totally different. This beautiful item should please many collectors.

The Inner: Mint – no messing on this one – if anyone has a better one of these – well sorry, not possible. This fully lined blue stereo indicator inner is pristine perfect. As clean and white as new and not even a crease. No splits or tears and the lining is clear and solid with a razor sharp window. No even a hint of any gum browning or darkening and both the flipback type seams are perfect. Simply the best Decca inner I have ever seen and proof this record has hardly ever been handled.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EX+/Mint(-), Side one has a couple of very fine lines, one ultra fine and near invisible. Both are mere surface marks, light and faint, totally superificial and non-sounding. Side two is near pristine as is side one bar the fine surface mark. A superb visual copy that is super clean, shiny, jet black and quite heavily pressed. A copy hardly even played on all the evidence confirmed by practically perfect sound – and in real stereo too. Visually a super record that should please most collectors.

Album Played For Grading: Yes.

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This mid-60s classic beat album plays superbly, practically perfect infact with nothing to fault. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality and stereo imagery is astonishing with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. The advantage of a slightly later copy, apart from the stereo option, is the fact its likely to have avoided heavy use on heavy decks which wrote-off so many albums like this. No surface sounds, no pops or clicks were noted and this is a superb clean pressing, just what you would expect from Decca. This is no budget reissue, heavy pressed, deep and wide grooves for maximum quality sound, one for the 60s connoisseur RnB fan. Few copies will match or outperform this first pressed reissue significantly I feel sure. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful record. This copy could prove very difficult to find significantly better and could be a scarce opportunity to here this near ‘lost’ recording.

End Piece: I am not saying a reissue is better than an original, that rarely, if ever is the case. But what I am saying is the original is so rare and near impossible to find that will play perfectly or even well this is a fantastic alternative. This too is the first stereo example and another supreme Decca pressing and quite honestly it sounds FANTASTIC. No poor quality reissue cover either, this again is alternative and looks Superb too – take another look. For those who choose not to want spend a king’s ransome on an elusive original, this beautiful stereo 1970 reissue is perfect for you and it too is essential.

SOME GENERAL GUIDES TO WEAR AND CONDITIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE

My Use of Description Terminology: Surface Marks = Superficial, usually light marks, hairlines or light scuffs that rarely sound. Scratch = a needle mark that goes below the record’s surface, some will sound, some will not, my play-grade will inform. Original = a record that has been pressed with the first label design which does NOT neccessarily mean a very first pressed record. First Pressing = A record that I believe or know to be a genuine very first pressed record. I do not claim to always know for sure, and that’s why I state the stamper and matrix numbers if at all possible, for those who claim to know what they all mean, the information is there for the collector to decide. I prefer to use terms like ‘Early Copy’ rather than ‘First Pressing’ if I am not totally sure. Surface Sound = Mild, light sound, usually light crackle or similar. Distortion = Break up of the actual sound caused by groove wear or damage from a chipped stylus – the most undesirable form of unwanted sound, vintage mono records were the most prone to this happening but not exclusively so. The symptoms of distortion are high frequency clipping, moderate constant crackle or an echo type sound quality. Violin, piano and vocals are most prone to groove-wear distortion. Feathering = Fraying or softening of the entry edge of a cover. Covers with feathered entrance edges are more likely to have had the actual record inserted and removed more than a non-feathered, sharp-edged cover which are always far more attractive. Set Off, actually a printer’s term for dark ink leaving mild residue on pale or white ink when rested upon. e.g. when a gatefold cover has black ink closed against white, this can leave some black residue on the pale area – this is mostly unavoidable or course.

The Argument for Vinyl Original sound and mix (mono mixes are rarely available on CD), high quality sound on clean copies (played on a hi-end dedicated analogue system – breathtaking sound!), beautiful, large format covers, artwork, inserts and even full size posters etc; huge investment potential, and the pleasure of owning ‘the real thing’.

My Terms For Bidding

Debutant Bidders: Many sellers refuse first time buyers: I do not follow this practice (everybody has to start somewhere), but I would appreciate any first timer letting me know their intentions for payment method and very prompt communication, preferably before any bid or soon after the auctions ends. This gives confidence that their intentions are honourable, and I in return guarantee extra special good feedbacks to get zero rated Ebayers off to a flying start to help them with future transactions.

Please Note: I will now offer any item to the runner-up after the mandatory Ebay 3 days if no contact is made by the winning bidder unless prior notice of any delay is given beforehand. The same applies if no payment is received within the mandatory 7 days so any bidder who has just lost out can still email me to reserve the item as priority second chance. Item wants are always welcome - email me with anything needed, you never know - I may just have a copy in stock. I buy quality single items and collections also (I am regularly told I offer the best prices – please Email me if you have items for sale).

Payment Details please read carefully - I know its boring but essential:

UK First Class: = £3 or Special Delivery (Next day, fully insured), the best service available = £7.00

Europe Air Mail: = £4 Insured & Signed For: £8.00.

Overseas, non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Australia etc. Airmail:= £7; Insured & Signed For (where available) = £11.00. Doubles add extra £1. Reductions for multiple items for all.

Any item that sells for over £75 will be sent Special Delivery in the UK at no extra cost. Items over £100 get the same service Overseas. This gives peace of mind for the winning bidder and myself for valuable items. Reduced postage of course for multiple items.

The winner bidder chooses his/her posting method and if uninsured is chosen, its their decision and they have to stick with it, I can accept no responsibility if an item is lost in the post. I can only try to claim at standard levels if no enhancement is chosen (£30).

Mailing Details: Please note I do NOT profit on postage, in fact I lose money on most packets (my packing standards are very high and the package weighs a little more - I simply refuse to compromise with poor packing. All records are sent in plastic covers with the record taken OUT of the sleeve and sent in professional mailers with FOUR proper stiffners for extra protection (if space allows). More expensive items are also inserted into a de-luxe heavy duty padded bag AS WELL to give that extra protection. I truly want ALL my items to arrive to their destination in the same condition they leave me. I will also include in most cases a brand new inner, but will include the original inner if available.

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal or IMO’s from overseas bidders.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are timewasters. A maximum 3 days for communication and 7 days for payment to arrive - if not I will relist the item or offer to the runner-up. Fast deals get great feedback from me. Any questions - please ask and thanks for looking.

My Guarantee: If any winning bidder is not satisfied with their purchase I will offer a complete refund minus the Posting and All Ebay costs as long as the item detail has been read and understood. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer.