Sold Date: May 1, 2016
Start Date: April 24, 2016
Final Price: £15.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 1
Seller Feedback: 400
Buyer Feedback: 24

Now I believe this one is quite rare.  A U.K. 1964 ‘Red Spot’ Grooved RCA Victor STEREO Dynagroove pressing of Odetta’s ‘Odetta Sings of Many Things’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: RCA Victor SF-7673).  This is the first U.K. issue Odetta L.P. I’ve seen and I think it is fair to say that this would have sold in miniscule quantities in 1964/65.  You’ll find other copies for sale out there but not U.K. issues (just the far more common American issue).  I assume (being on RCA) that the stereo issue was the standard issue and that a mono pressing is presumably rarer (although this would run contrary to virtually every other U.K. label of the time where obviously the stereo pressing is the rarer).  This is a stunning copy and in exceptional condition for it’s age (the sleeves on these DECCA-pressed LPs are so flimsy it is hard to believe that they were expected to last 5 years lot alone 50 years).  A bonus here is that the record is still stored inside the original ‘Stereophonic’ inner sleeve and it is perhaps hardly surprising that this survives as it is pretty obvious that this copy has seen very little handling or play.  I would be very surprised if this copy had been played more than a couple of times.  If you look really hard under an intense light (which I do) you’ll make out some very limited hairline marking (maybe a few each side).  The playing surfaces retain a like-new sheen to them.  The labels have one small spindle ‘drag’ each side (presumably evidence of the likely single play this copy has received) but crucially the labels are otherwise spotless.  These black RCA labels tends to show-up greasy fingerprints quite readily and there are none present here.  While the original ‘Stereophonic’ inner bag has collapsed in one corner it is still crisp.  The vinyl is graded as being in EXCELLENT+ condition.  Arguably, you’ll never find a superior copy.  As you can probably tell from my comments above – I’m not a massive fan of these DECCA sleeves because they’re just so damn flimsy in comparison to contemporary EMI sleeves.  When it came to cost-cutting DECCA clearly got there first!  However, while this copy isn’t perfect it is in pretty exceptional condition.  The first thing to say is that the laminate retains a certain ‘fresh’ appearance.  The laminate hasn’t been dulled through handling.  The edges of the rear of the sleeve have yellowed however, basically it is still white.  The sleeve has sustained some knocks and being as flimsy as it is these knocks have left a lasting impression.  The top left-hand corner has received a knock which has resulted in a crease in the laminate in the very corner on the front and a corresponding crease evident on the rear of the sleeve.  There is a crease to the top right-hand corner of the sleeve which follows the line of the record and which results from poor handling.  This crease has caused a laminate bubble to form however, aside from a slight bending is not evident on the rear of the sleeve.  The bottom left-hand corner has received a knock which has resulted in a crease running across the sleeve diagonally in this corner.  This crease has bubbled a little.  I note a ‘bend’ in the sleeve near the bottom edge.  I say ‘bend’ because it isn’t quite a crease and isn’t immediately obvious but again results from poor handling.  The colouring is still vivid however, I note tiny, isolated brown patches around the very edge of the sleeve.  Someone’s personal numbering system has resulted in the number ‘529’ in red ink in the top right-hand corner on the rear (above the RCA catalogue number).  This lengthy description of the sleeve might sound off-putting however, I would like to think that you can see from the attached images just what a nice copy this is.  I believe the sleeve is in too good a condition for a VG grade and therefore the sleeve is being graded as being in EXCELLENT condition.  I still believe you’d struggle to find better for such a vintage (and such a construction).

Condition

VINYL – EXCELLENT+

SLEEVE – EXCELLENT

Concluding Remarks

This is really rare on a U.K. press and a really lovely copy.  I cannot imagine you’d feel any burning need to upgrade this.  Please check my other auctions for a large run of Blues, Folk, Jazz, Pop, RnB, Rock and Soul collectables in similarly immaculate condition.  Please save me as a favourite seller as there is plenty more where this came from!

General Conditions & Information

I have been a collector for in excess of 15 years now and regard myself as a conservative grader.  I know from experience that there is nothing worse than buying an item which is described with superlatives only for it to arrive and look like it has been scrapped along the floor (!).  As a rule I don’t submit anything to auction which I wouldn’t be happy receiving myself.  I endeavour to be accurate with my grading and all items are graded under an intense light.  Please take a look through my feedback as I’d like to think it speaks for itself. 

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If you are not entirely happy with your purchase then please contact me within 7 days of receipt.  The buyer is expected to meet the return postage costs.

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Overseas Buyers

As noted above Overseas buyers are welcome.  If you want me to investigate potential postage costs in advance of the auction’s end then please feel free to contact me.