ZAPPA / MOI Absolutely Free RARER Orig UK 67 Stereo LP

	£		42
	$		56

ONEADAYRECORDS – Delivering the Underground Classics to the World

Please see my Detailed Packing Description Further Down & All Shipping Costs and Options.

Artist or Band: THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION

Album Title: Absolutely Free.

Producer(s): Tom Wilson.

TRACK LIST:

Side 1: Absolutely Free – Plastic People; a) The Duke of Prunes; b) Amnesia Vivace; c) The Duke Regains His Chops; a) Call Any Vegetable; b) Invocation and Ritual Dance of the Young Pumpkin; c) Soft-Sell Conclusion..

Side 2: The MOI American Pageant – America Drinks; Status Back Baby; Uncle Bernie’s Farm; Son of Suzy Creamcheese; Brown Shoes Don’t Make It; America Drinks and Goes Home.

Label/Format: Verve – early intense black and silver format with MGM credits. Also ‘Sold in the UK…’ text. (Please see my label scans).

Label Conditions: Both have moderately light and fine spindle marks and a couple of small chips on side one near the hole. These being far less than usually seen on these vintage labels. With two immaculate playing surfaces and pristine sound throughout, all evidence suggests a modest few very careful plays only. This scarce stereo copy matches my practically Mint personal copy for sound.

Cat Number: SVLP 9174.

Mode / Speed: Stereo / 33.3 rpm.

Warps: Assume all records I offer have no warping of any significance and all tracking is easy and effortless and should play on all turntables and even ‘budget’ decks.

Weight of this Record: 137 grams. Around average for this one.

Country of Manufacture: England.

Rarity: Quite rare: I found both mono and stereo copies of this one elusive and in terms of difference, both around the same. Finding the record in superb condition visually and audably is a tough ask. Although the cover back has some issues, the front looks fantastic and given the vintage and genre, this is a very fine copy.

Original Year of Release: 1967

Matrix Nos: V6 5013 A-1G / V6 5013 B-1G

Stamper Codes: 1 G / 1 M (‘1 G’ being the ultimate first stampers)

Brief Artist & Album Info: Zappa’s second classic: Freak Out! sold just 30,000 copies according to Frank - MGM deemed it a flop. He was reduced to a budget of $11,000 for it’s successor. He lost Elliot Ingber - the quintessential underground/psychedelic guitarist resurfaced as Winged Eel Fingerling in Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band - but he gained other musicians to add to his Estrada/Black rhythm section: drummer Billy Mundi, saxophonist Bunk Gardner and keyboardist Don Preston. Preston hadn’t played on Freak Out! because he apparently ‘couldn’t play rock ‘n’ roll’. Now, after gigging with a few rock bands, he was ready to join Zappa - and take avant garde music to the masses.This was again produced by Tom Wilson, all selections were composed, arranged and conducted by Frank Zappa.

Absolutely Free is a more challenging record than even Freak Out!. First-time listeners found it hard to believe that this wild melange of spoken-word, political jokes and tuneless vocalising could become a favourite, but repeated listens reveal wonders. ‘The Duke of Prunes’ and ‘Call Any Vegetable’ have terrific melodies, the latter was Zappa’s first long guitar work-out on record, and stunning it is too. The main centre-piece for this lies on side two: ‘Brown Shoes Don’t Make It’, it’s a song with bassoons, violins and electronics constructed into a seething mosaic of contemporary subjects and ills - it was again outrageous for the time and I am still surprised, even today, this was allowed to be issued uncut, taking into account the heavy censoring on the following album We’re Only it For the Money and the labels nervousness for anything Zappa did. The only censorship comes in ‘Call Any Vegetable’ where the word ‘joint’ (on the more familiar version) is replaced by ‘ham’ (or is it hand?) - an extraordinary decision considering the sexual nature and activity in ‘Brown Shoes’ (What would ya do Daddy?) and a full blown orgasm on Freak Out! (‘Monster Magnet’) - obviously drugs were more taboo in those days than teenage sex within the UK anyway. The cover varies immensely: this original was a single format with flipbacks - the more familiar Select reissue had a gatefold version which was never laminated. The condition on these old rare classics is the most critical factor: these were seldom purchased by hi-fi purists and most are seen badly scratched, dulled and clearly unlooked-after. The vinyl is exceptional, barely played and sounding perfect. Underground rock classics as early pressings seldom get seen as such. This has not been ploughed up with a blunt needled Dansette or cratered with a 10 gram+ arm drop. The back cover has a couple of issues but not too serious. The record more than compensates and was a delight to hear again. For fans of this legendary musician and early band, this is a record to savour.

Cover Grade and Format: EXCELLENT(–): (taking into account the front is nearer EX++). A single format with a laminated front, this wraps around the closed edges and ends on three rear external flipbacks. This is the original stereo cover with it’s SVLP 9174 cat. number. It was printed and made in England by Garrod & Lofthous with the early ‘Patents Pending’ text. The back also has the ‘Mothers Teach You’ text by Mike Raven.

Lamination & Front: Always harder to grade a cover with a superb front and back issues. On it’s own, this front grades more Excellent(++) and looks fantastic. A few edge fine creases and a tiny few faint ones away from that show little. The laminate retains super shine, freshness and clarity and all bar a tiny blister near the bottom right corner, is fully adhered. Even under light, minimal traces of friction rubs or dulling and the intense blackness of the artwork looks lovely to the eye. Aged little and an attractive front for this classic early Zappa album.

Cover Back: Three issues that have to be mentioned: firstlym, and most noticeably is a smudge mark a couple of inches in from the left edge and just below halfway down. I would think a mark was applied that has tried to be erased, this has rubbed awa one word of text from the Mike Raven piece with a grubby mark. All other text is fully readable with just ac couple of other words a little ‘faded’. Far less evident are three tiny pink prick hole just below the lower black rule line – these are minimal and have little visual impact. Lastly, a smallish surface scuff on the bottom flipback end, hardly unusual on cover’s of this type and age, the rest of the flipback areas are in very fine condition with clean ends with any toning or burr traces very light indeed. Any creasing are mainly fine hairline type on the flipbacks are most will have these days. So one grubby mark rub, but any other discolouration mild and light and overall, a very respectable back. The rub mark may be an issue for the more discerning collector but all considered, many will have far more horrendous problems I am sure. The top right states: ‘File under POPULAR : Pop Groups’. Well these mothers were not pop or popular, I am delighted to say.

Top & Bottom Edges: Both nigh-on unworn and straight with rock solid laminate that’s mostly smooth and unscuffed to the fingertips.

Right Edge(s), and Type: Remaining sharp with littled wear and no feathering or trimming. Record enters on this edge.

Spine and Text: A fine spine too with minimal wear. Solid, straight with minimal compression and just a few light and fine surface hairline cracks. All text is perfect and unworn.

Corners: All corners are impressively shaped with minimal traces of wear or creasing.

Cover Summary: A very impressive clean and hardly aged front. The back has one issue that does detract, there is no denying that, all else is minor and in context, this too is very respectable. These early Zappa classics were bought by a minority of a certain type and few survive unscathed or aged a little. This underground classic should please many collectors but not for the perfectionist this time… however the record might. If the issues on the back cover make you uncertain, do not bid.

The Inner Sleeve: NEAR EXCELLENT: a plain white unlined inner with open windows. These neat – odd tiny nick or two only. Edges secure with no repairs and creasing mild with fine crinkle. Faint toning or tone spots, just enough to remind of the great age of this inner and album.

Vinyl Condition/Visual Grading: EXCELLENT: or very close to. A very fine visual copy that is clean, shiny, intense black and very solidly pressed. A copy with very fine and faint surface marks/hairlines seen under light, simply compare to the worn out and badly scratched examples of this that normally get seen. No penetrating scratches at all and this vintage stereo record offers very clean, little short of superb sound throughout. These very fine surface blemishes have no sound at all and are only seen under angled light, being honest, how many records of this type will ever been found with none? Visually a super record that should please many, if not most collectors.

Album Played For Grading: Yes. [I play ALL records I offer before submitting to Ebay, also the record is played in its entirety unless clearly stated otherwise. I do NOT play snippets or joining grooves to check for sound quality and quietness – I play from the beginning to end via clinically revealing B&W speakers that include the legendary tweeter from their awesome Nautilus range that reveals every blemish or miniscule sound present on any record.]

Sound Quality and Audio Grading: This lovely example almost takes you into Zappa’s recording studio and plays even above it’s impressive visual grading. Strong, distortion-free sound, all frequencies are sharp and clear - sound quality is very high with a wide dynamic range and very detailed sound. Tom Wilson put his reputation on the line producing Zappa’s first three Verve albums and even with the lesser budget, this still has marvellous sound and effects. Incredible and vast amounts of information amongst the weirdness – I absolutely love this album, and this does it near maximum justice. Any surface sounds barely even register and this on a critically revealing system, no pops or clicks were noted and this is an exceptional clean pressing for a very challening and complex album. Few copies will match or outperform this early pressing significantly I feel sure, 1G matrixes are highly prized and the earliest issued. Both channels are clean and sharp, I am certain this record has been played modestly and it appears quite carefully. Nothing spoilt my pleasure when play-grading this wonderful set. This record will prove difficult to find better and can be strongly recommended.

End Piece: All The Mothers Verve titles were issued in mono and stereo (‘Mothermania’ the compilation seems very doubtful in mono) and never easy in top playing conditions and this copy really delivers. The back of the original (S)VLP covers included text by Mike Raven which states:

“Listen to the songs the Mothers teach you. Out of the crawing compost of a heap of rotting plastic flesh the sweet and sour stench of the great American nightmare will steal upon you blind mind’s nose. While shrieking vegetable sounds born of necessity tear through your brain. Leaving their train of shining slime and painfully disturbing images of thought like painted discords electronically projected from the womb-world where the Mothers drift. Excreting comment on the passing show of iridescent rubbish that surrounds their lives. And yours and mine and mine deeper and deeper into the empty cess-pits of our souls. Our souls are cheap today but values may be found. Unlooked for in the wreaths of smoke blown through the almost uncorrupted minds of those society rejects. The voice is here for those with ears to hear. The plastic people will hear nothing but a noise.”

Now one of the most established sellers on Ebay and still offering the finest and most accurately described and graded records I can find. 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, a couple more at weekends if time permits, 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 - 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 collector – 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 and scanned labels will give a more accurate representation of the genuine colour than flash photography where light is variable. I cannot guarantee total accuracy for colours however but most will be very close. If any picture I take looks more flattering than the actual item for any reason, I will clearly state the fact in the advert and vice-versa. 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, sticks, warps or writing on covers or labels unless clearly stated to the contrary. Thanks for your interest and Good luck – MIKE.

Deck: Linn LP12/Hercules/Cirkus with Ittok Mk II arm and Ortofon Rondo Red moving coil cartridge (tracks at 2 grams). Amps: Naim Nait 5i with Project USB phono stage and Chord interconnects. Speakers: B&W 704 Floorstanding 3-way Monitors (bi-wired with QED Silver terminated cable). All records I offer on Ebay are cleaned on a professional VPI-17 vacuum machine before play-grading for the cleanest and best possible sound and will include a brand new lined inner and protective cover too.

First-time, zero-rated bidders, who do not ask permission to bid, will be cancelled immediately and blocked – NO exceptions. For winning bidders who I consider excessively slow to make contact or submit payment, I will use my right to block future bids. If any bidder who wins in the final seconds is present to do so, surely they can at least email me to inform of intention and payment method? If swift or promp payment is a problem, please do not bid.

PACKING - THIS IS WHAT YOU GET.

What You Get: To confirm to the strict Ebay rules on shipping, I must now send ALL my packets ‘Signed-For’ with NO exceptions. Both buyers and sellers want their packets to have a safer journey and this is not a bad thing.

I now offer the fastest possible posting, often the very next day after payment is received or within two to three days maximum (unless on holiday). I only use FIRST-CLASS Mail. The record’s cover will be placed within a BRAND NEW soft protective sleeve and the actual record will be professionally cleaned on my new VPI-17 Pro vacuum system to give ultimate clean grooves and playing surfaces and the best possible looks and ultimate sound quality. You will NOT get tired, dull looking, dust infested records inside worn and foggy covers with tatty inners from this seller and that’s a promise and guarantee. All records are posted in professional boxes (NOT Mailers, these do not offer any real protection). The record(s) are REMOVED from their main cover to avoid edge splits and placed within a brand new polylined inner. The record’s original inner will be included if available. The boxes are then reinforced with at least TWO, ULTRA THICK stiffeners for maximum extra protection – these are FOUR TIMES thicker than commercial stiffeners and are custom-made for oneadayrecords. Really rare and expensive albums will even be Double Boxed if deemed necessary and possible. When larger boxes are used, the thick record and stiffener ‘sandwich’ is then thickly embedded into bubble-wrap to bulk out the record inside the box to centre the item inside to reduce the risk of damage still further. Printed address labels are used for clarity as well as a sender label. Customers requests or special needs for P&P will be respected if at all possible but ‘Signed-For’ posting is NOT an option anymore. I do not profit on posting and the cost of this lavish packing is NOT even charged for, I offer probably the best-value and safest shipping possible for ultimate confidence. The boxes and ultra thick double-wall stiffners and bubble wrap make a near impregnable fortress for safe shipping and this is used inland and overseas for ALL my records, not just the rare and expensive. I will invoice any winning bidder as soon as possible after the auction ends. My ‘loss’ or ‘damage rate’ is less than one in two thousand based on over 7,000+ items sold in nearly 10 years of Ebay trading and I consider that pretty exceptional. The only damage rate acceptable for this seller is ZERO and I think my packets will offer just that. It would take a vicious postman or postal service to damage these for sure. Even one of these stiffeners cannot be bent by hand, so what chance 3 or 4 inside a box? Oneadayrecords is a MAILER-FREE ZONE. I discount of course for multiple purchases with a maximum of FIVE records per box (one double can sometimes be included subject to total weight). I will not respond to questions on shipping costs as all the details are included here and on ALL of my adverts. Details below:

NOTE: First Time Bidders: I will cancel ALL first-time bidders with no feedbacks or excessive negatives who do not ask me if its OK to bid first – NO EXCEPTIONS.

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 – it’s always worth asking.

SHIPPING COSTS & CONDITIONS – THESE comply with EBAY’S RULES - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Posting & Packing: UK & CHANNEL ISLANDS all now sent via Recorded Delivery:

1 LP (FIRST-CLASS Recorded Delivery with Standard Royal Mail Insurance) [Signed For] = £4.

1 LP (Special Delivery with Standard £500 Maximum Insurance) [Signed For, Next Day] = £7.50. (this includes insurance of £500). Add £2 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA. (Airmail Only):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£40 maximum]) = £9. (insurance optional extra £3). Add £2.50 per extra LP.

Posting & Packing: ALL OVERSEAS (non-European) e.g. USA (ANY PART OF); South America; New Zealand; Australia; Canada; Japan and other Far East; (Airmail Only: I NEVER use Surface Mail):

1 LP (Small Packet ‘Signed For’ with Standard Royal Mail Insurance [£39 maximum]) = £13. Add £4 per extra LP. (insurance optional extra £3)

Payment Conditions:

I prefer PayPal or cheque from UK winning bidders. I can accept PayPal from overseas bidders or direct payment into my bank account.

Potential Bidders: Please do not bid if you have negative feedback unless checking first, I will cancel any bids I feel are time-wasters. 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. I will not refund if any defect detail is clearly stated on the advert and missed by the buyer, so read the item description carefully. If any overseas collector does not understand anything in my listing, please email and ask me to help. Thank You.

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 necessarily 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’.