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BOB DOWNES OPEN MUSIC - ELECTRIC CITY
STUNNING Original 1st UK pressing of BOB DOWNES OPEN MUSIC ELECTRIC CITY, on the VERTIGO labels with GREAT CLEAR AUDIO, Superb Ultra Rare Cover and ORIGINAL Inner. This is a great opportunity to own a classic rare piece of musical history, in stunning condition throughout, with a vinyl that looks and sounds Unplayed!

All COMPLETELY original, making this a true collectors item. From my own personal collection. 

CAT NO:....

6360 005 

LABEL PRESS DETAILS:

FIRST PRESS UK Black and white VERTIGO label with full size Vertigo swirl on side B.

MATRIX NOs. ON RUN-OUT GROOVE

SIDE A - 6360 005  - 1 Y  // 1      

SIDE B - 6360 005  - 2 Y  // 1     

 

MOTHER STAMPERS:

Side 1. '' 1 1 ''   (ultra rare low stampers )  

Side 2. '' 1 1 4 "

TRACK LISTING… 

SIDE 1

A1No Time Like The Present A2Keep Off The Glass A3Don't Let Tomorrow Get You Down A4Dawn Until Dawn A5 Go Find Me A6 Walking On

SIDE 2

B1Crush Hour B2 West II B3 In Your Eyes B4 Piccadilly Circles B5 Gonna Take A Journey

THIS IS A GENUINE RARE UK ORIGINAL, AND IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BUY AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF ONE OF THIS HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE VINYL, in GREAT CONDITION with truly REMARKABLE CLEAR BRIGHT AUDIO!

Robert George Downes (born 22 July 1937 in Plymouth) is an English avant-garde jazz flautist and saxophonist. He is known for his work with Mike Westbrook and for leading the Open Music Trio since 1968. Downes is also a composer, arranger, and singer of rock and blues.
His first album Electric City was released in 1969 on the Vertigo label. He was voted best jazz flautist and formed various ensembles. He started his own record label, Openinan. He played with the John Barry 7, pop singer Chris Andrews, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and the Jimmie Nicol Band.
In 1968 he formed the Open Music Trio. The trio included at bass Paul Bridge, Andrew Cleyndert, Jeff Clyne, Barry Guy, Mark Megiddo, Harry Miller, Glen Moore, Barre Phillips, and Daryl Runswick. Downes played and recorded with Ray Russell's Rock Workshop and singers Elke Brooks, Alex Harvey, and Julie Driscoll. In the 1970s he was a member of Barry Guy's London Jazz Composers Orchestra. He also played with the Mike Westbrook Band and the Keith Tippett Band.





Downes composed for modern dance with The Royal Ballet, The London Contemporary Dance Theatre (with whom he composed and played live with between 1972 and 1982), Ballet Rambert, Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Royal Canadian Ballet, Australian Dance Company, Miami World Ballet, Komische Oper Berlin, Staatstheater Stuttgart, and Hong Kong Ballet. He composed for and performed with the Swiss mime group Mummenschanz. Downes performed at a poetry festivals in Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome with William S. Burroughs, Gregory Corso, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
Released on the legendary Vertigo "swirl" label, Electric City was the first album by Bob Downes and one of the more obscure issues of the famous 6360 series. More accessible than his later works in the mid-70's, here the music fuses jazz, rock and brass rock, as the cast of guest on Bob's first album formed an impressive who's who of Phillips-related musicians (pictured assembled on the inner gatefold). The outer gatefold presents a collage electronic devices, with psychedelic colours and Downes playing.
Made of short tracks (except the closing opus), the album has brilliant up-tempo rhythms, horn arrangements, virtuoso musicianship and diverse vocals. Downes' wrote most of the vocals, except for the opening No Time like The Present, which is from poet Robert Cockburn, foreseeing their collaboration of Deep Down Heavy. Electric City is now an extremely rare vinyl, with 1st pressings becoming increasingly valuable. 

ALBUM PLAYED FOR GRADING:

It is hard to find any pressings of Electric City with this type of great audio. So many vinyls, even visually clean examples can play with a  lot of distortion and repetitive clicks, and this is a vinyl that was released in a  very small quantity. For such a varied album that is not surprising, but the mastering also meant that these vinyls were prone to dust penetration and surface noise, and there are a lot of quiet areas that can just sound terrible on worn copies. 

To give an example of how unusual this pressing is, there is a faint vocal echo on the quiet 'In Your Eyes' track. This can usually never be heard, it is so faint and the slightest vinyl wear will cover it up. On this press the vocal definition is extremely clear.

This is a great original Vertigo press example, with incredible strong, undistorted sound, and a minimum of any static or surface sound. The channels are clean and unstressed. The music jumps out, with great definition and clarity, particularly on the percussion instruments, and vocals which come through with tremendous power. All the instruments and every breath of singing is bright and clear. As with the bass and drums, whilst the flutes and guitars come through crisp and precise. I will give a detailed account below:

Electric City is a complex and varied collection of music, and hard to find in clear audio condition. Worn copies can have a lot of surface sound even on musically complex and busy tracks like 'Dawn until Dawn'. This pressing has unbelievable strong undistorted audio, with super clear strong sound. NO  interference, and NO loud pops or clicks or distortion. Any static is extremely low level, almost undetectable, and that is unusual for any vinyl. It really sounds great and plays with great sound separation and clarity!

The album starts with a 'No Time Like The Present', which plays with amazing power and clarity, a complex track with extremely complex audio layering, all crystal clear. No loud pops or clicks, virtually no static or surface sound at all, incredible near perfect audio, amazing for such a quiet track. A wonderful 'Keep Off The Glass' sounds like it has only ever been played once, its so clear. No light tics between tracks and then 'Don't Let Tomorrow Get You Down' plays superbly. So delicate, it plays beautifully. Incredible for such a quiet piece of vinyl recording, with absolutely minimal surface sound, superb. I can hear absolutely minimal static on this quiet track. Incredible. It would be hard to ever better. 'Dawn Until Dawn' plays superbly with minimal static for a track that is very paired down. Its so quiet, there are no light static tics, and that is amazing for this track. Rounding off side 1. 'Go Find Me' and 'Walking On' both play with incredible, clear audio.

'Crush Hour' brings in side 2. again with great clear audio. Virtually no light background static at the start, and no pops or clicks. 'West II, which plays with great clear sound, perfect separation and clarity. No pops, tics or static. Incredible. 'In Your Eyes' just sounds amazing. Virtually no static or surface sound detectable, just great clear audio, I heard no light tics between tracks, unbelievable.  'Piccadilly Circles' and 'Gonna Take A Journey' finishes off this great album, again with what can only be described as perfect audio, and I certainly don't use that term lightly.

I really enjoyed every second of this rare pressing. There are NO repeat tics, NO distortion, No loud pops or clicks, NO sticks or jumps what so ever. This pressing plays with crisp clear audio throughout, with no loss of audio performance what so ever. Truly unbelievable audio experience. 

I would give this a grading of NEAR MINT to MINT condition.

THE RECORD - Visual Grading 

A superb piece of glossy vinyl, and a really thick pressing. Deep clear grooves that can only be found on the original early pressings, this vinyl has been barely played. On first inspection in strong daylight both sides looks unmarked. Little difference when inspected under a powerful spot light, with the faintest sleeve removal marks only. This is a great vinyl.

Graded at NEAR MINT to MINT.

A great all round Complete and Rare example of this early BOB DOWNES MASTERPIECE

THE LABELS 

Famous VERTIGO labels are in SUPERB Condition, no marks or writing, no discernible  spindle wear.  Great all round examples, with only one of the lightest tiny, barley visible spindle traces only. 

These labels easily grade at NEAR MINT.

VINYL TESTED FOR ANY SIGNS OF WARPING:

Yes, NONE visible what so ever, when tested be sight and on a moving turntable.

THE COVER 

The unlaminated covers of Electric City are almost impossible to find in great condition. They are nearly always scuffed and creased to a large extent, if not heavily worn, with white specs where the colour has been worn off across the flat surfaces. I don't need to tell you how rare it is to have a pressing that is has a solid square spine and un worn edges. 

This great complete 1st press comes with the original unlaminated cover, which is a great example. The cover shows minimal handling wear, minimal creasing and corner wear, and has certainly no tears or serious defects. There is no feathering to the openings, which is very unusual, and virtually no indentations on the front or rear panel. The cover is square and un flattened and has not lost any of its shape. A great example. 

I would have to grade this at EXCELLENT PLUS to NEAR MINT.

THE INNER

Great Original 1st Press Poly lined Vertigo Swirl  inner sleeve in EXCELLENT PLUS condition. Nice example, with some light creases only, there are no tears to the die cut centres, and NO seem splits. There is some slight scuffing to the lower right cover on one side where it looks like the corner had become stuck to itself but it really is hard to notice. The sleeve is yellowed as these nearly always are, and the original print is slightly pale, as they came at times. This is a great fully intact example complete with its original poly liner.  

RARITY

Electric City is a highly collectable vinyl, reaching increasingly high prices. And there are a number of good reasons. It is a classic, ground breaking piece of music, and has a number of brilliantly designed components, all if which are prone to wear. A matt cover, which is nearly always heavily marked and scuffed, a black and white inner sleeve, that is usually stained and torn, and a great vinyl that was nearly always played into submission. It is also an extremely rare vinyl, produced originally in tiny quantities.

THIS IS A GREAT ALL ROUND 1ST PRESSING. FINDING AN ORIGINAL UK VERTGO STEREO PRESS IN STUNNING ALL ROUND CONDITION IS EXTREMELY RARE. 

THIS IS A GREAT PLAYING VINYL WITH SUPER BRIGHT CLEAR AUDIO, A SUPERB COVER AND INNER.  ALL MAKING THIS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AN EXTREMELY RARE PIECE OF MUSICAL HISTORY!

RARE COMPLETE CLASSIC ORIGINAL VINYLS WITH TOP AUDIO AND GREAT CONDITION THROUGHOUT

WE SPECIALISE IN RARE COLLECTABLE PRESSINGS - WITH GREAT SOUND UNINTERRUPTED BY INTERFERENCE. NO LOUD POPS OR CLICKS, JUMPS OR REPEATS - GUARANTEED!

GREAT ORIGINAL COVERS WITH NO SEAM SPLITS, TEARS, WRITING OR STICKERS!

VINYL

We sell the highest quality examples of Classic Vinyl. Large format art work covers with the original sound and mix unique to the best original pieces, giving the highest audio depth and performance. Vinyl prices have soared over the last ten years, making classic examples a great financial and cultural investment.  

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SCRUPULOUS EXAMINATION and TESTING:

All our records are play tested on highly sensitive equipment to ensure the sound quality and accuracy of description. We aim to give a precise and concise description of the sound, pointing out the slightest defect so that you know exactly what you are buying. We aim to describe all records as accurately as possible, and offer a full refund on return if for any reason you are not completely happy with the item description.

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VINYL SOUND - PLEASE NOTE:

Highest quality vinyl with clear sound is rare, and what we always aim for. We only sell records that play with TOP AUDIO performance; super clear sound uninterrupted by hiss or other interference. Even with the cleanest pressing you will find occasional static or occasional light tics during playback, caused by a build of dust in the grooves. This is clearly different from the distortion, loud pops, repeating tics or clicks that are found on heavily played and worn pieces of vinyl. Any static build up will reduce when played, and we advise a light clean between plays for optimal performance. 

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IMAGES and INFORMATION

We only use photographs of the item for sale taken with professional digital cameras. The images are designed to be as clear as possible, giving an exact representation of the item. We aim to give sufficient and accurate detail as possible, so that you know exactly what you are buying. Please let us know if you need any further information and we will be happy to oblige.

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY ASSURED. WE HAVE A 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK RATING.

SOME EXAMPLES OF FEEDBACK –

BRILLIANT LP MINT CONDITION, AWESOME SELLAR, 1ST CLASS PACKAGING, NO PROBLEMS A+

Absolutely fantastic! Worth every single penny! Trust you are in careful hands!

ITEM RECEIVED.. AS DESCRIBED... PACKED GREAT...MANY THANKS..RECOMMENDED.. A*******

Great LP from a great seller. Thanks !! Very well packaged. AAA+++

Item arrived quickly, well packaged and in excellent condition. Very pleased.

fast delivery, superb communication, good item, great ebayer AAAAA+++++

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RETURN POLICY:

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ; - returns accepted with out question. If you are not happy then any item can be returned, we cant say fairer that that!

WE ONLY SELL RARE RECORDS THAT ARE IN GREAT CONDITION. IF THERE IS ANY SLIGHT DEFECT, IT WILL BE CLEARLY STATED.

If in the unlikely event that you may want to return an item, or that we have missed something in the listing, we offer a no quibble return policy. Items must be returned within 12 Days of receipt, and returned in the same condition that they were sent out in. Return postage must be paid by buyer, unless there is a particular fault with the item, and then we will pay the full postage costs!

RECORD GRADING SYSTEM IS AS FOLLOWS - ( BASED ON RECORD COLLECTOR MAGAZINE U.K. )

MINT: Virtually unplayed. The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. Cover is pristine.

EXCELLENT: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.

V.G PLUS: The record will still be nice and shiny, but may have a few light marks, and will play well. Slight wear and tear on the cover.

V.G: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items.

GOOD: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, etc.

FAIR: Fair. It is noticeable that the record has been played so much that the sound quality has deteriorated very noticeably. The cover and contents are showing signs of folding, scuffing of edges etc.

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POSTAGE AND PAYMENT DETAILS : -

Items will be extremely well sealed and securely wrapped using the best possible packaging for safe handling and delivery. We send items all round the globe with 100% success! We sell top quality rare records to discerning buyers. We do not make money from the postage costs and aim to keep the prices at a reasonable rate, while never offering a cheap or second rate service. 

IT IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY THAT THE RECORDS YOU BUY GET TO YOU IN PERFECT CONDITION. All RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR MAIN COVER AND PLACED IN A BRAND NEW REPLACEMENT INNER SLEEVES TO AVOID ANY CHANCE OF EDGE SPLITS OR KNIFING. THEY ARE HELD SAFELY IN EXTRA THICK PLASTIC SLEEVES, AND THEN SECURED WITH SEVERAL EXTRA LAYERS OF REINFORCED CARD BOARD AND PADDING, DOUBLE BOXED IN EXTRA STRONG PROFESSIONAL RECORD CONTAINERS TO ENSURE SAFE ARRIVAL. WE HAVE A 100% SUCCESS RATE AND AIM TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.

Example of packaging used

UK - First Class Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £5.00

UK Special Signed For Next Day Delivery with Insurance : = £8.90

EUROPE - International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £11.95

INTERNATIONAL, Non-Europe e.g. USA, Japan, Russia, Australia etc. International Airmail Signed For Recorded Delivery with Insurance : = £18.95

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MULTIPLE PURCHASE REDUCTION

Reduced postage for multiple records up to 30% off extra items.

POSTAGE WILL BE FIRST CLASS OR THE FASTEST AND SAFEST POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE, - RECORDED WITH TRACKING AND INSURANCE. ALL ITEMS ARE FULLY INSURED AND COVERED FOR THE SAFEST DELIVERY POSSIBLE, AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. GUARANTEED!

POSTAGE RECEIPTS AND PROOF OF POSTAGE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE. 

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PAYMENTS 

Payments must be made within 3 days of purchasing unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed upon. 

Pay Pal or bank transfers are accepted for International buyers. We accept Pay Pal, bank transfers or postal orders within the UK. Records will be sent out immediately on receipt of payment.

Please Note: If no contact is made by the winning bidder following the mandatory Ebay 3 days, we will reserve the right to offer the item to the next highest bidder, unless prior notice of any delay is arranged beforehand.  Any bidder who has missed the chance to purchase a record can still email to make a priority second chance offer.