TONTON MACOUTE RCA NEON N-MINT UK FIRST DOGFEET TRAFFIC

	£		190
	$		252

An Important Foreword Regarding Condition & Grading: Regular visitors to my listings will know that I offer albums that range from very good to near mint in terms of condition. I don’t restrict my offerings to just near mint, and I don’t just call everything great or excellent plus regardless of condition. Occasionally a rare album turns up which in some respects grades very good plus but in other ways is  outstanding so providing each of the features are individually and accurately graded, and I take great care with this, I am happy to offer it for sale. However, all vinyl albums I offer are at least highly presentable and deliver enjoyable audio, and most are much better than that – if you are intending to bid please read the individual grading and check that you are satisfied before placing your bid.

Specific notes concerning this album: I have changed the format of my listings slightly in order to highlight specific aspects of the condition of the albums I am offering for sale. These comments will still appear in the dedicated sections but I hope that this ‘headlining’ will prevent bidders from overlooking key points in their evaluation. Apart from the usual light bag marks and barely visible movement lines this record has two small superficial scuffs – one on each side - which merely brush the surface and do not in any way detract from the delivery of near mint audio; not tangible, not audible and do not impede play in any way. The notable gatefold cover has a few mini-scuffs and light surface wear but no significant flaws or blemishes.

Album / Record Title: TONTON MACOUTE (self titled first, and only, album)

Rarity: ULTRA RARE – very few UK originals pressed for the first issue in 1971, rarely seen these days and hardly ever with a VINYL IN NEAR MINT CONDITION LIKE THIS. Small sales volumes were the norm with almost all ‘NEON’ label releases, so they are all HIGHLY COLLECTABLE in their own right. The distinctive gatefold cover with its superb surrealistic design and photography by ‘Keef’ is also an outstanding excellent grade. You are unlikely to find one better than this - that is if you can find another one! A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF AN EXTREME RARITY.

PLEASE NOTE: The only reasons I mention ‘DOGFEET’ in the title is due to the similarity of the centrefold photograph to that of the ‘Dogfeet’ album cover, and the extreme rarity which both albums share. I mention Traffic because in my opinion there is a distinct similarity in the musical style and arrangement to some of Traffic’s early compositions.

The key features are summarised below:

• COMPLETE ORIGINAL UK ALBUM, FIRST PRESS AND FIRST ISSUE
• FIRST MATRICES, FIRST MOTHERS AND FIRST / ONLY STAMPERS
• SUPERB HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL IN VERY NEAR MINT CONDITION
• STEREO RECORDING FORMAT DELIVERING SENSATIONAL AUDIO
• ORIGINAL UK RCA NEON ‘SEA NYMPH’ BLACK LABELS NEAR MINT
• ORIGINAL UK KEEF DESIGNED E. J. DAY MADE GATEFOLD COVER
• ERA SPECIFIC ORIGINAL BLACK NON-LINED ‘PATENTED’ INNER
• ONE OF THE HARDEST ALBUMS TO FIND AND RARELY LIKE THIS

Artiste(s): TONTON MACOUTE – Chris Gavin, Dave Knowles, Paul French, Nigel Reveler

Produced By: Tonton Macoute

Disc Format & Playing Speed: 12” LP & 33 1/3 r.p.m.

Recording Format: STEREO

Record label: ORIGINAL RCA NEON BLACK WITH ‘SEA NYMPH’ / SHELL IMAGE SIDE 1, AND WHITE RCA & TITLES / CREDITS SIDE 2.

Catalogue Number: NE 4

Country of origin and first published date: ENGLAND 1971

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 1:     AGBS 0519-1E (machine imprinted)

Vinyl ‘run off’ matrices side 2:     AGBS 0520-2E (machine imprinted)

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 1: A I E (hand etched)    

Vinyl ‘run off’ mother / stamper side 2: A I J  (hand etched)

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 1: none visible

Vinyl ‘run off’ initials / cryptic / other side 2: none visible

N.B. Please note that all matrices, mothers and stampers quoted in my listings are machine imprinted except where I state an alternative method next to them.

Track Listing as per labels: SIDE 1: JUST LIKE A STONE / DON’T MAKE ME CRY / FLYING SOUTH IN THE WINTER / SIDE 2: DREAMS / YOU MAKE MY JELLY ROLL / NATURAL HIGH Part I. / NATURAL HIGH Part II.

Background and summary of condition: Quite what happened to this group of talented musicians is something of a mystery to me. The cover notes read ‘This album, although an end product in itself, is at the same time a beginning’. This was, to the best of my knowledge, their only album - which considering it is such a brilliant piece of work, implies that the world of progressive jazz-rock was deprived of some potentially great albums. However, on a positive note, the fact that there was only this one makes it all the more special. This is a fine example of a deservingly highly acclaimed collectable album; a FIRST UK PRESSING COMPLETE IN ALL ORIGINAL FORMAT AND SUPERB CONDITION - A TRULY GREAT GENRE CLASSIC.

MY GRADING OF THIS ALBUM based on Record Collector ‘Rare Record Price Guide 2008’ (**n.b. please note that I grade accurately backed up by a description. I neither over-exaggerate nor under-exaggerate. I see no point in grading an item with multiple ++++ marks, or under-grading it and then stating that it should be graded better - I consider these methods to be confusing. I use the Record Collector system with either a PLUS or a MINUS to indicate slight variations either side of a grade). I always include a full set of super-sized photographs to provide bidders with the best possible opportunity to make their own visual assessment of each album in conjunction with my detailed descriptions.

Vinyl Visual side 1: NEAR MINT minus, some light superficial surface lines and slight marks caused by bag movement, one light surface brush scuff, not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Vinyl Visual side 2: NEAR MINT minus, some light superficial surface lines and slight marks caused by bag movement, one light surface brush scuff, not tangible, no significant audio consequence.

Label Visual side 1: NEAR MINT, a few light spindle lines which are barely visible, and some minor evidence of handling but no marks, no tears, no scuffs, no visible spindle hole wear.

Label Visual side 2: NEAR MINT, a few light spindle lines which are barely visible, slight scuff at the edge of the spindle hole caused in pressing from new, and some minor evidence of handling but no marks, no tears, no visible spindle hole wear.

N.B. Please note that I make no adjustment or allowance in grading for minor marks, slight shrinkage marks / bubbles or misalignment on labels caused in manufacture; they are benign, quite normal and, in my opinion, original individual characteristics – not defects.

Outer Cover: EXCELLENT TO PLUS, a remarkable eye catching surrealistic gatefold, designed and photographed by ‘Keef’, contrasting an avant-garde photo-art external surface with a down to earth ‘scrap yard’ or ‘car graveyard’ centre spread – it is a brilliant piece of work, one of the most distinctive covers from the era and highly collectable in its own right. This is a heavyweight rigid card construction non-laminated gatefold which despite the minor blemishes easily makes the grade. There are a few minor, superficial surface creases towards the edges, one slightly longer but all relatively insignificant. There are some small chips and tiny scuffs, but they are very small as can be evidenced by the photographs and there’s the slightest of surface rubbing on front and back of cover and a small amount of edge and corner rub. The centre spread has the slightest of interface pick up and is not far from as new condition. Generally and genuinely very difficult to find faults and, in my opinion, easily makes the grade; but please take a look at the super-sized photographs and make your own assessment as well.

Spine: EXCELLENT, this is a lovely wide spine by original design with square shoulders, the only reason it falls short of an excellent plus grade is due to the unavoidable light fold line down centre caused by careful opening and closing over time, the minor end rub wear and the few small chips or tiny scuffs - all shown clearly in the photographs – all text is clean, clear and fully readable.

Inner Sleeve: VERY GOOD PLUS, era specific black with small patent bottom left corner, no original liner – but a new removable antistatic liner will be provided - lightly creased but fully intact.

Vinyl Warp: none visible when eye tested on a moving turntable.

Vinyl Weight: 142 grammes (a remarkable RCA NEON heavyweight)

Play Grade: I consider all aspects of an albums condition and grading to be highly important and I place particular emphasis on the quality of the audio delivery; superior audio performance is, above all, the main reasons for listening to vinyl. For this reason I have decided to extend my play grade to rate separately how ‘clearly’ and ‘cleanly’ the sound is received. It is quite possible with vinyl to experience great ‘clarity’ and reality without the sound being exceptionally ‘clean’ - that’s ok with me, but it may not satisfy the audiophile. So, a NEAR MINT & NEAR MINT will be the best grade with VERY GOOD PLUS & VERY GOOD PLUS or better being highly satisfactory.

For CLARITY the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

For CLEANLINESS the audio from this vinyl grades: EXCELLENT PLUS

Audio Performance: AN EXQUISITE PERFOMANCE EXACTLY WHAT MOST ENTHUSIASTS EXPECT FROM TOP QUALITY VINYL, UNCOMPROMISING AUDIO OF SUPERB CLARITY AND QUALITY WITH THE REASONABLE MINIMUM OF SURFACE SOUND, WHICH IS ONLY NOTICEABLE ON THE NON-RECORDED SECTIONS. IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO PRAISE THIS TOO HIGHLY AS IT IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. REGULAR VISITORS TO MY LISTINGS WILL KNOW I ALWAYS SAY PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS SECTION AND THE GRADING IS BASED ENTIRELY ON MY PERSONAL OPINION AND AUDIO PERCEPTION BELONGS TO THE INDIVIDUAL. WITH VINYL CLARITY THERE IS ALWAYS LIGHT TRANSITIONAL SURFACE SOUND WHICH IS INEVITABLE FROM THIS MEDIUM, EVEN WHEN NEW, AND OCCASIONALLY A LITTLE LIGHT CRACKLE WHICH IS OFTEN STATIC; OR EVEN A RANDOM SOFT TICK - BUT THIS WAS A DELIGHTFUL, A JOY TO LISTEN TO AND I RECOMMEND IT WITHOUT RESERVATION.

Other: This may well be your only opportunity to add a top quality original example of this album to your collection.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY OTHER LISTINGS BY CLICKING ON THE ‘VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS’ IN THE TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER BOX OF THIS LISTING - THANK YOU.

GENERAL NOTES

Thank you for visiting my listing. The section immediately above sets out information specific to the particular album / record offered in this listing. Below are some of my general comments about vinyl which you may want to browse through if you have time. Please feel free to email me with any related comments or observations; particularly if you have any reliable information which contradicts any of my descriptions as I am always interested in adding to my knowledge on this subject. When preparing my listings I use a combination of facts from reliable sources, more than forty years of personal experience and, occasionally, music industry anecdotes. Just a visual inspection of used vinyls is almost always misleading so I play grade every vinyl I offer, before listing, on a Project III deck fitted with an Ortofon OM 5E cartridge down-force set at 17.5 mN (1.75 g), fitted with a first grade stylus which I renew at intervals according to manufacturers specification, through a manufacturers pre-set Rega Brio amplifier with sound delivered by Focal Chorus 706 loudspeakers, which is unforgiving where there are surface imperfections. If I think a vinyl will benefit from professional cleaning I use my ‘Moth’ RCM2, but I do not clean vinyls for the sake of it - many I offer for sale have had little use and although there can be slight contamination in the grooves, even when new, that is the original authentic sound. I believe in cleaning only when my ‘ear’ tells me that the audio performance has deteriorated by exposure over time and will obviously be returned closer to the original sound by cleaning. Although it is extremely rare, there can be a difference between my descriptions, and opinions, and an individual buyer’s expectations so I have a clearly stated Returns Policy for added reassurance which is detailed at the bottom of all my listings. In the unlikely event that you want to use this facility please read the details carefully first, and then contact me to agree the procedure. There really will never be a reason to have any problem with an item you purchase from me. Before bidding please take a careful look through my terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

First Issues, First Pressings & Originals: Please note that when I refer to a First Issue I mean that the evidence suggests that the album offered is from the first batch that was issued for commercial release in the country of origin stated in the listing. Where I state First Press I mean that based on a reasonable interpretation of the matrices and stamper codes the vinyl comes from the first batch pressed using that particular ‘mother’; these statements alone do not always mean that the vinyl is from the very first ’stamper’ ever made. However, where I state First Issue and First Press it is likely that the album offered includes one (or more) of the early vinyl(s) produced in the country of origin from the first ‘mother(s)’ and early ‘stamper(s)’. Original means that the record bears the first label design for that particular pressing and, in the case of the cover, it is from the first cover manufacturer for that pressing; the label and / or cover may have very slight changes, if they were made within the first production run or, if the album was issued with an ‘in run’ label change or choice of cover designs or colours on first release, but in these cases I will try and explain the differences. This is not an exact science and anomalies will occur where I may make a mistake but I believe this will not happen very often - if it does then all of my buyers have the unequivocal reassurance of my Comprehensive Returns Policy.

My definition of a rare vinyl: Generally there is agreement that to qualify for the description rare there should not be too many of the type offered, available on the market at the time. With my listings that will be the main criterion however I will also occasionally claim rarity based on excellence of condition, or some other key feature, or an accompanying item such as an insert, which is not often found with similar vinyls.

UK first and early pressings: In many cases inexperienced sellers claim first pressing status without knowledge or evidence in the hope of achieving high prices – experienced buyers will know better and avoid those offers. Of course with the more popular huge selling albums, where the record companies were fairly sure of major sales from the outset, there were many first pressings. Also, in cases where demand was sustained or emerging the first press run was maintained over an extended release period; in other cases the first press run was specific. Generally the lower the numbers in the matrices and stamper codes on the vinyl ‘run off’ areas, on both sides of a record, the earlier the pressing therefore ‘A1’ & ‘B1’ are most often first or early pressings, but there are variants and exceptions to the rule. The most notable ones, for example where the ‘1’ matrix was only used for test, promo or industry pressings so the commercial releases started at ‘2’ or even higher, and there are a few more observations which are worth noting. There are low numbered matrices which belong to second and even third pressings (in these cases the record companies gave similar numbers to the first press of a re-issue) you can normally identify these by, examining the labels which are often different in texture and/or design, and by checking the weight of the record as the earlier pressings were normally heavier. Sometimes different symbols were used in the matrices; these may indicate an earlier pressing, a contract pressing or just simply a change of format. For example some records have A61 & B61 others A // 1 & B // 1 others A-1 & B-1 and so on. In these cases the mother and stamper references can help with establishing the proximity of an individual record to the original recording – each different record company had their own coding system, some using letters from words to indicate numbers, others just using numbers. Better known examples include GRAMOPHLTD & BUCKINGHAM – used by EMI and DECCA respectively. Occasionally there are high numbers on first pressings, but this is unusual. Other points to note are the manufacturer of the ‘cover’ or ‘outer sleeve’ and various characteristics or design variants. The ‘inner sleeve’ or ‘bag’ can also be an indicator. However it is not wise to rely on details beyond the matrices and labels as the covers and sleeves can easily be interchanged. ‘Made Up’, Swapped’ or ‘Doctored’ sets are not uncommon, particularly with high value albums which have inserts and special text, so the best advice is to try and make sure that everything matches the criteria thus eliminating most of the risk (a good look at the photographs on the listing, if they are of the actual item offered as they are on all of my listings, is always advisable – hopefully the sellers will also include the ‘zoom’ and ‘enlarge’ photograph facility which only costs pennies to include and it remains a mystery to me as to why many avoid this service?). As a general rule I suggest that you don’t pay hundred’s or thousands of pounds unless you are buying from a reliable source who provide you with comprehensive information and have a clearly stated ‘Returns Policy’ - or unless you’ve got money to throw away (and in that case there are any number of far more deserving charities)

Audio reproduction on vinyl: In my experience there is always an element of surface or background sound with audio reproduction on vinyl, even when new - very hard to imagine how there could not be when two solid surfaces come into contact with each other and are then amplified! In my opinion anybody who claims there is no surface sound, or ‘silence’, is hard of hearing, has not turned the amplifier on, or is using very poor quality audio equipment. Almost all used vinyl has at least light surface scratches which are always visible when viewed under a bright halogen light - which is what I use for inspection. So if you are uncomfortable with a bit of light crackling it’s probably best not to buy vinyl. In my opinion the light surface sound is more than compensated for by the clarity and ‘reality’ of the overall sound reproduction. I listen carefully to every album I list, before listing it for sale.

Please Note: All of this comment contained in this listing is subjective, it is based only on my opinion and your expectations may not necessarily correspond with my standards. If you receive an album from me and you have some differences please remember to use reasonable communication as a first option. I have a comprehensive non confrontational ‘Returns Policy’ which is clearly set out below and providing there is no abuse, or use the negative feedback system, I will always reimburse you in full for your direct costs if you return the album correctly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

DESCRIPTIONS: Are given in good faith, but they are based on my opinion and standards.  Bidders should note that they offer at their own risk and must satisfy themselves that they have sufficient information about the item before they enter the bidding process.  Please ask questions before you become involved with the auction, NOT afterwards! Where I list sizes/dimensions they are either as stated on the item/label by the supplier/manufacturer or reasonably accurately hand tape measured; however, they are not necessarily precise, should be taken as approximate and not relied upon where absolute precision is required. This clause does not in any way affect your rights under the terms of my ‘Returns Policy’, it is stated to prevent unnecessary inconvenience to both parties.

INFORMATION: Whilst I take care to try and provide accurate information on the original listing it is possible that new information may become available to me afterwards. I therefore strongly recommend that all bidders read any revisions and the ongoing questions / answers section of the listing before bidding as they may contain updated information which could affect your valuation of the item(s). In the event that new information is published, after the time you have become the high bidder, which adversely affects your valuation of the item(s) and you wish to withdraw from the bidding process please email your request and I will use the cancel bid option with no ongoing liability to any of the parties involved in the auction.

PHOTOGRAPHS: All photographs contained within this listing show the actual item (s) offered – they are not catalogue, archive or library photographs.  Furthermore they are direct images and not re-touched or modified in any way. I try to make good and comprehensive use of images on the listing in order to give the prospective bidder the best opportunity to evaluate the item(s); however it is possible that in some circumstances the photographs can enhance the appearance of the item(s) due to compression so please take this into account before bidding and do not hesitate to ask for more images or information which I am happy to send by attachment to email. This is particularly recommended with overseas buyers where returns are often not a viable option.  

OVERSEAS BUYERS WELCOME: I am pleased to deal with buyers from anywhere in the world. My method of LP packaging reduces the risk to your valuable vinyls & covers in transit. Makes no sense to me to buy something important and then play the ‘high risk of damage game’ when having it shipped around the world – I hope you feel the same. Unless the prospective bidder / buyer states a preference I always quote Airmail as Surface Mail does not usually cost much less and takes a long time (again more risk of damage or loss I think). Also please note that for British Pounds £3.30 extra you can have an International Signed for service which includes insurance up to £32. Insurance quotations to a value you specify in advance of shipping are available on request.

PACKING & POSTAGE:  Vinyl’s are removed from covers and placed in separate transit sleeves. All components are then placed side by side in a polythene inner for extra safety and water resistance and then secured between two corrugated card stiffeners. I use Heavy Duty Mailers Specifically Designed for Vinyl Albums, which provide excellent security and protection, in conjunction with my own Ultra Safe reinforced sealing and packaging method. Internally I use 2 of the highest grade ‘B’ flute corrugated card stiffeners to prevent bending, deformation or edge/corner creasing. Packing & postage prices are NOT negotiable on items dispatched individually or separately. However, if you are a similar time multiple buyer where all items purchased are being sent to the same address and they can be combined safely, you can ask for a discounted quotation before bidding. I will always try to be fair with buyers on p&p costs but if you do not want to pay the prices on the listings or quotations please do not bid.  I am not interested in hearing from successful bidders afterwards questioning and complaining about cost of packing and postage! I always keep proof of posting but unless you pay for Recorded Delivery, International Signed For, Special Delivery or Full Insurance I may not be able to assist you with recovery of the item or any of the costs.

Where postal insurance is included it is subject to Royal Mail Standard Terms & Conditions. Quotations for other insurance or premiums to cover increased values are available on request.

PAYMENT: For Buyers WITHIN the UK: PayPal, or Pound sterling cheques / money orders, with minimum 7 days to clear before despatch.

PAYMENT: For Buyers OUTSIDE of the UK: Payments by PayPal only please.

CANCELLATION: The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid, entirely at his discretion and without giving prior notice, in the following circumstances:

They have reason to believe that the bidder has not complied with the terms of their offer as set out on the listing.

The bidder’s feedback is of such limited quantity that it cannot be regarded as reliable.

The bidder’s feedback is of dubious quality and/or gives the seller any indication or reason to doubt the credibility of the bid.

MY FEEDBACK POLICY: I leave feedback for buyers after they inform me that they have received the item(s) and have left me their feedback. As I have a clearly stated Returns Policy, which does not expose the buyer to any direct loss whatsoever, I see no reason for either side to indulge in negative feedback. Providing the buyer does not engage in threats, abuse or use of negative feedback I will resolve any problem in a fair and reasonable way. If you have a problem or complaint about any transaction you have made with me contact me on somemightsell_e@btinternet.com and we will find a solution that is acceptable to you.

SUPERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHS: I have super-sized the photographs above to provide prospective bidders with the best opportunity to make their valuation before entering the bidding process, please just click on the ‘Zoom or Enlarge’ and arrows to use this facility. Sometimes due to reflection these images can appear slightly distorted, ‘graining’ can appear and dust particles can be exaggerated by the light - in reality there are no defects of this kind.