Sold Date: February 5, 2016
Start Date: January 29, 2016
Final Price: £133.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 5
Seller Feedback: 4134
Buyer Feedback: 29

"LET IT GROW" (Eric Clapton, 1974)

Standing at the crossroads, trying to read the signs,
To tell me which way I should go to find the answer,
And all the time I know,
Plant your love and let it grow.

Let it grow, let it grow,
Let it blossom, let it flow.
In the sun, the rain, the snow,
Love is lovely, let it grow.

Looking for a reason to check out of my mind,
Trying hard to get a friend that I can count on,
But there's nothing left to show,
Plant your love and let it grow.

Let it grow, let it grow,
Let it blossom, let it flow.
In the sun, the rain, the snow,
Love is lovely, let it grow.

Time is getting shorter and there's much for you to do.
Only ask and you will get what you are needing,
The rest is up to you.
Plant your love and let it grow.

Let it grow, let it grow,
Let it blossom, let it flow.
In the sun, the rain, the snow,
Love is lovely, let it grow.
Let it grow, let it grow,
Let it blossom, let it flow.
In the sun, the rain, the snow,
Love is lovely, let it grow.
ERIC CLAPTON: "461 Ocean Boulevard" LP. UK FIRST PRESSING, 27th JULY, 1974.
 
RSO LABEL: RSO DELUXE 2479 - 118.

MAITRIX: 2479118   A // 3   420  03  1   /  2479118   B // 4  420  0 4
A first pressing, like all charting albums, the indexing  that began with 'A // 1   / B // 1'  had to and did increase during the
  pre-release manufacturing of this long waited for Eric Clapton album in the summer of 1974.  This had two increases on Side 1
  and three on Side 2, perfectly normal for Polydor records and all record companies in the  UK.  On the first pressings there
  was not a separation of the suffix, unlike the catalogue number, '2479 - 118', the maitrix was stamped as '2479118.'
 
  ALSO IN THE RUN-OUT GROOVES IS POLYDOR'S SOUND ENGINEER MASTERING LOGO; "Bilbo"
 

  ORIGINAL 1974 LINED POLYDOR / RSO INNER SLEEVE, IN UNUSED MINT- CONDITION.
  The minus is only for faint 'ageing' that is not even ageing, the glue fixing the poly-lining soaked into the very absorbent
  paper in1974, it looks like ageing so I am acknowledging that for an unused inner sleeve.
 
  VERY FIRST ISSUE, 'Robor Ltd.' PRINTED GATEFOLD COVER, MADE FROM HEAVYWEIGHT CARDBOARD WITH A LIGHTLY
TEXTURED TOP SURFACE OUTSIDE.  ANOTHER UNIQUE FEATURE IS THE FRONT FAR RIGHT SIDE WAS NOT FINISHED
ON THE EDGE, THE ARTWORK WAS CONTINUED OVER THE EDGE AND STUCK UNDER THE INSIDE LEFT PANEL'S EDGE.
In theory for a matt cover with a very large expanse of light grey/off white on the outside & inside, I should now be describing
  the degree of ageing, but there is none. All I can find to detail is the lightest possible corner pressure on the top  left of the
  back section only, most likely how it was factory assembled or just from a standing in storage trait after all those decades.
  Just a gentle record impression and a few related tiny paper edge lines that naturally form.   In fact, this amazing condition
  42 year old gatefold cover looks like it just left the factory!   There is no wear to detail, no scrapes or scuffs and positively
  no ring wear on the immaculate back panel, the spine is outstanding, a picture shows the full spine length with the titles in the
three positions, once again there is virtually no ageing to the white colour.
  I FEEL GUILTY ADDING A MINUS TO THE GRADING, THE COVER IS IN TRULY STUNNING MINT- CONDITION.

THE IMMACULATE LABELS ARE THICKLY TEXTURED ON THE FIRST PRESSINGS AND THAT MAKES IT SIMPLE TO
  STATE THERE ARE NO SPINDLE ALIGNMENT TRACES.   A STUNNING LOOKING RECORD WITHOUT ANY MARKS,
  THE RECORD IS IN UNPLAYED, MINT CONDITION.
SIDE 1
"Motherless Children" (Traditional, Arranged By Eric Clapton & Carl Radle)
"Give Me Strength" (Eric Clapton)
  "Willie And The Hand Jive" (Johnny Otis)
"Get Ready" (Eric Clapton & Yvonne Elliman)
  "I Shot The Sheriff" (Bob Marley)
 
  SIDE 2
                "I Can't Hold Out" (Elmore James, Arranged By Eric Clapton)
  "Please Be With Me" (Charles Scott Boyer)
  "Let It Grow" (Eric Clapton)
"Steady Rollin' Man" (Robert Johnson, Arranged By Eric Clapton)
  "Mainline Florida" (George Terry)
 
  THE MUSICIANS:
Eric Clapton - guitar, dobro & vocals
  Yvonne Elliman - vocals & background vocals
George Terry - guitar & background vocals
Dick Sims - keyboards
Carl Radle - bass
Albhy Galuten - organ, synthesiser, piano, clavichord & electric piano
  Tom Bernfeld - vocals & background vocals
Jamie Oldaker - percussion & drums
  Al Jackson, Jr. - drums
  Jim Fox - drums

Recorded At Criteria Recording Studios, Miami, Florida, In April & May, 1974.
Produced By Tom Dowd
When we traded at record fairs I was often asked to recommend an Eric Clapton solo album by people yet to sample them, without
  hesitation, "461 Ocean Boulevard" was my immediate answer, this is ebay and I can fully expand on why this is such a masterpiece.
  Eric Clapton's recording career began with The Yardbirds and he took off on an extraordinary journey through the 1960's decade,
  next teaming up with John Mayall for the superb 1966 "Bluesbreakers" album.  Followed by the combustible Cream era that projected
Clapton's blues music and the decade itself towards the psychedelic period. After Cream came to a logical conclusion in 1968, his
  next alliance was with good friend Steve Winwood from Traffic, plus fellow ex-Cream Ginger Baker and ex-Family Rick Grech for
  one incredible "Blind Faith" LP in 1969.  Followed by a studio and live pairing with John Lennon in 1969, the very strong Beatles
  connection with George Harrison was heard on the "White Album" and George's first ever solo album, "Wonderwall Music" in 1968,
  not forgetting Cream's "Badge."  Next came the Delaney and Bonnie link up, before playing on all George Harrison's triple album,
"All Things Must Pass." In 1970 Eric Clapton began recording the "Derek & The Dominos" LP but after a great deal of time spent on
the sessions, it was left unfinished while Eric concentrated on making his first solo LP, released that same year. I deliberately
kept it as short as possible or there would have been volumes of text!  As one of the world's greatest blues guitarists and also
the innovator of psychedelia with Cream, he had performed at the cutting edge with all the excesses available in the late 1960's,
making his survival until the present day remarkable.  So many others from that era lost their sanity or their lives, the price
Clapton paid, was a life threatening heroin addiction, alcohol was another but heroin had become life threatening.  He finished
  the "Derek & The Dominos"album in Miami and it was released in November,1970 without his name appearing on the front cover,
a second LP was started in April 1971 but the heroin habit saw him retreating to his Surry home, now Eric Clapton was on the same
slippery slope so many never recovered from.  He was no longer able to record or tour, only managiing a few isolated sessions and
live appearances, they began to slow to a crawl as the addictions completely took over his life and threatened to end it.
     
    Eric Clapton would not return to making another studio album for four years, this second solo album, "461 Ocean Boulevard," was
not released until July,1974, his road to recovery began in January,1973, all thanks to Pete Towshend who organised the historic
Rainbow Concert in north London.  Pete Townshend coaxed him back onto a stage again and Eric's caring friends included an array
of astonishing talent, along with Townshend were, Steve Winwood, Ron Wood, Rick Grech, Jim Capaldi, Rebop and Jimmy Karstein.
  In September,1973 it was released as a live album, in the following November Eric began two months of acupuncture treatment to
finally kick a heroin habit that appeared to have ended his career.  In April,1974 Clapton contacted Robert Stigwood to announce
he was now ready to return to recording and make an album, the owner of RSO Records, Stigwood, laid on a celebration meal in a
Chinese restaurant, two years after Eric abandoned making the second "Derek & The Dominos" album.  Stigwood enrolled American
producer Tom Dowd who acted as the sound engineer for Cream's records, Eric headed to Miami, Florida and the Criteria Recording
Studios, staying at a house in Miami Beach the album was named after, located at '461 Ocean Boulevard.'

Like a man re-born, Eric Clapton's long lay off created an album of true greatness, so great, most fans would agree that it still
  remains as his finest solo album, in spite of how many superb recording's followed over the decades.   Musically this has it all,
Eric Clapton's most stunning composition "Let It Grow" is at least an equal to "Layla", but even "Let It Grow" did not stand out
on "461 Ocean Boulevard" because every track was major. Just about every musical style Eric loved is represented here, for blues
there are fantastic Clapton arrangements and performances of Elmore James' "I Can't Hold Out," from Eric's hero Robert Johnson,
  a superb reading of "Steady Rollin' Man."  Then "Let It Grow" epitomised Eric's recent past by these very telling opening lyrics;
"Standing at the crossroads, trying to read the signs, to tell me which way I should go to find the answer."
Reggae figured strongly with a definitive recording of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff," Eric was in such superb vocal form he
sounded like he was born to sing reggae.  Even more so for the incredible "Get Ready," written and sung with Yvonne Elliman,
it was a revelation in 1974 to hear the pair singing together, Eric had added a previously unknown sensual side to his vocals.
In sharp contrast there was a blistering guitar heavy "Motherless Children" opening the album, Eric was not only back, he was on
fire during that sensational track, the musicians listed above were absolutely perfect for such diverse variety of the material.
Dipping into rock & roll created a Clapton classic of all time,"Willie And The Hand Jive" written by Johnny Otis, for emotionally
charged songs, you need look further than another inspired Clapton composition,"Give Me Strength" contains a prayer like quality
that illustrates how low Eric had sunk in recent years, and his return from such deep, dark despair was expressed by the whole
range of human emotions. I would normally reserve such elaborate descriptive terms for writing a track by track description, as a
major Clapton fan since 1964, I'm delighted and proud to be listing a Mint, unplayed UK very first pressing, in a fantastic Mint-
first issue gatefold cover. With that is the frustration of knowing this has to be be offered without my usual extravagant length
  description, not that my input is really required for this masterpiece of an album.  "Slowhand"  was indeed inspired out of his
  skin after all the years spent away from making a record and if he never again rose to such heights, in 1974 we celebrated the
  return of who still is today, the world's greatest living guitarist.  All following great albums flowed after it, I'm sure nobody
  would argue that his finest hour as a solo artist was "461 Ocean Boulevard."  I am not just another ebay record seller looking
  for angles to attract buyers with, I followed Eric's every move from 1964, that included every session he played anonomously
  and in concert, especially those amazing annual events during the 1990's at London's Royal Albert Hall, in the same venue Cream
  played their historic final gig.

Some will no doubt think I'm making a lot of fuss over an album being in unplayed, Mint condition, that had great success when it
  was first issued, but then I never have and never will accept big selling records from as far back in time as "461 Ocean Boulevard"
  originated from, are readily available in top condition.  Great albums like this were played....and played....until their grooves
were worn smooth, then there is the matter of the unlaminated gatefold cover, which should in theory now have the light creamy
  background badly discoloured, with major wear to the edges, corners and the spine.  There is not a solitary scuff or any wear to
  to detail, 42 years of age first issue covers are not generally almost like brand new!  They are NOT impossible and do not belong
in a musums or vaults, only very careful handling and storage with a protective outer sleeve, treasured and fully enjoyed by an
Eric Clapton fan, not a museum curator.  Sure, a genuine Mint first issue "461 Ocean Boulevard" is really rare, there is nothing
  wrong with the term 'rare' in connection to records and the printed items if correctly used, I almost feel obliged to prove this
  is a first issue because of the rarity.  I seldom grade any cover 'Mint-,' there was nothing of any consequence to add a 'minus'
  for, it allows for standing unused all those years. My pictures demonstrate how stunning this cover is, especially the still pure
  off white background and perfect black printed titles etc. on a spine that is like brand new!  So is the original inner sleeve,
  the record and the very distinctively matt, textured RSO labels. They do not have any spindle traces and the record is gleaming
  like it was just pressed, without marks of any kind, not even any sign of Polydor's pressing plant or record shop handling.
  An unplayed, true Mint first pressing of "461 Ocean Boulevard."
{Roy}
  R & M RECORDS.

My lifetime's love of music and records began at a very young age, the arrival of the Beatles and the 1960's decade
  in general had a very profound effect. It was only natural to bring all my first hand experience of collecting vinyl
  into becoming a professional record seller.  Nearly thirty years ago we entered into the wonderful atmosphere
of record fairs with the highest possible standards set. When the Internet became the world's new market place for
  vinyl, in 2001 it was time to join ebay. Those standards were rigidly adhered to as they will always continue to be,
the basics of honesty and integrity were very much part of the era the music I love originated in, so here is our friendly
and very efficient service we are proud to provide;

EVERY RECORD IS FULLY PLAYED AND COMES WITH A 'NO ARGUMENT' MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.
  I USE GOOD OLD COMMON SENSE AS WELL AS A GLOBALLY ACCEPTED GRADING TERMINOLOGY
  FROM THE U.K. "RECORD COLLECTOR PRICE GUIDE" BOOK.
THERE IT CLEARLY STATES "Sound Quality" AFFECTS EVERY GRADING LEVEL AND THAT IS THE ONE
AND ONLY POSSIBLE WAY TO ACCURATELY GRADE RECORDS. i.e. COMBINING A STRICT VISUAL
INSPECTION WITH VERY CLOSELY LISTENING TO EVERY SECOND, UNLESS PERHAPS IN THE CASE
OF GENUINELY UNPLAYED VINYL.  EVEN THEN WE STILL TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR A RECORD
WHEN A CUSTOMER RECEIVES EITHER A SEALED OR AN UNPLAYED RECORD.
 

  We take 100% responsibility after an item has been posted and offer our fullest support in the event of any problems.
"There Are No Problems, Only Solutions" (John Lennon)
MY DESCRIPTIONS WILL ALWAYS BE 100% HONEST AND TOTALLY ACCURATE ON ALL GRADINGS
FROM 'V.G.' ( VERY GOOD), TO THE ULTIMATE 'MINT' CONDITION.


ANY QUESTIONS ON OUR ITEMS ARE WELCOMED AND WILL BE PROMPTLY REPLIED TO.
 

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RECORDS AND COVERS ETC.  WE WELCOME BIDDERS FROM ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

ALL RECORDS ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR SLEEVES AND PLACED INTO NEW PROTECTIVE CARD
SLEEVES AND THEN PLACED INTO NEW, HEAVYWEIGHT PLASTIC OUTER SLEEVES.
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EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE A SAFE DELIVERY AND WE ONLY USE THE VERY BEST
QUALITY PACKAGING MATERIALS, THE COST OF THE ITEM IS IMMATERIAL, EVERY RECORD IS
TREATED EXACTLY THE SAME.

WE DO NOT TREAT POSTAGE AS A MONEY MAKING PROJECT, POSTAGE IS LESS THAN COST, USING
ONLY PROFESSIONALLY PACKED BOXES WITH SUBSTANTIAL PROTECTIVE PACKAGING THAT DOES
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UNDER PAYPAL & EBAY'S GUIDELINES, ALL RECORDS WILL BE SENT VIA A FULLY INSURED TRACKABLE
SERVICE.


We have kept all our charges at the same level for years now, but due to the Post Office's new price increases, regretfully we
will have to increase the cost of LP's, however, singles will remain unchanged.  Ebay were aware of that happening and have
  increased their minimum postal cost for LP's to £7.00, that figure has been enforced by the UK Post Office and it will become
our UK First Class, Recorded Delivery cost for albums up to the value of £46.  A temporary reduction this week means we can
now post LP's for £5, but who knows how long before the Post Office return to £7?

For LP's valued above £46, the cost will be £9, we are unhappy about either increase but our high standard of packaging has meant
in 13 years of ebay trading, there has not been one record damaged, we are determined to maintain that in the present and future.

IN THE UK RECORDS UP TO THE VALUE OF £46 WILL BE SENT RECORDED DELIVERY, OVER £46 WILL BE
SENT SPECIAL DELIVERY.
  FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD ALL RECORDS WILL BE SENT VIA 'INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR.'

POSTAGE  COST FOR LP's
UK: UP TO VALUE OF £46, FIRST CLASS RECORDED DELIVERY  £5.00
UK: OVER VALUE OF £46, FULLY INSURED SPECIAL DELIVERY £9.00


EUROPE: FULLY INSURED VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR  £15.00


USA,JAPAN & REST OF THE WORLD FULLY INSURED VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR £20.00


POSTAGE COST FOR EP's & 7"
UK: UP TO THE VALUE OF £46 FIRST CLASS RECORDED DELIVERY £3.00
UK: OVER THE VALUE OF £46 FULLY INSURED SPECIAL DELIVERY £6.00
EUROPE: AIR MAIL VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR £10.00
USA, JAPAN ETC. AIRMAIL VIA INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR £12.00


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WE WILL SEND ALL WINNING BIDDERS AN INVOICE WITH THE FULL PAYMENT AND POSTAL DETAILS,
AS NEAR TO THE AUCTION ENDING AS POSSIBLE.

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FOR UK BUYERS;

WE ACCEPT:  PAYPAL, CHEQUES, POSTAL ORDERS & BANK WIRES.


FOR OVERSEAS BUYERS;

WE ACCEPT:  PAYPAL, INTERNATIONAL MONEY ORDERS IN POUNDS STERLING ONLY.
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AS MUCH AS WE SYMPATHISE WITH THE WAY SOME COUNTRIES CHARGE SUCH HEAVY IMPORT
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