Sold Date: March 14, 2016
Start Date: March 7, 2016
Final Price: £75.17 (GBP)
Bid Count: 7
Seller Feedback: 4157
Buyer Feedback: 72

"ITCHYCOO PARK" (Steve Marriott / Ronnie Lane,1967)
 
Over bridge of sighs,
To rest my eyes, in shades of green,
Under dreaming spires,
  To Itchycoo Park, that's where I've been.
 
What did you do there?
I got high....
What did you feel there?
Well, I cried....
But why the tears there?
I'll tell you why....
It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful.
 
I feel inclined to blow my mind,
Get hung up, feed the ducks with a bun,
They all come out to groove about,
Be nice, and have fun in the sun.
 
Tell you what I'll do,
  (What will you do?)
I'd like to go there now with you,
You can miss out school,
  (Won't that be cool...)
Why go to learn the words of fools?
  What will we do there?
We'll get high....
  What will we touch there?
We'll touch the sky....
But why the tears then?
I'll tell you why....
 
It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful.
 
  I feel inclined to blow my mind,
Get hung up, feed the ducks with a bun,
They all come out to groove about,
Be nice, and have fun in the sun.
 
It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful,
  It's all too beautiful.
  Huh! It's all too beautiful.
SMALL FACES: "Itchycoo Park" / "I'm Only Dreaming" 45 IN MONO, FIRST UK PRESSING, 4th AUGUST,1967.
A huge selling single that made No.3 in the UK charts in the glorious 'Summer Of Love", remaining there for 34 consecutive weeks.
I insist on Near Mint to Mint for Small Faces singles and in theory  "Itchycoo Park" in that condition should exist in reasonable
amounts but that is not the reality after 49 years. It has been three years since I last sold a copy, before that it was not long
after joining ebay in, way back in January,2002. T his is an 'all too beautiful' once played, totally unmarked record, complete
with a superb, unaged 1967 Immediate sleeve !


LILAC/GREY COLOUR IMMEDIATE LABEL: IM O57

PRESSED BY EMI, THE LABELS HAVE THE "Sold In UK" TEXT ON THE SOLID CENTRE

  THE UK TAX CODE 'K T' IS EMBOSSED ON THE CENTRE OF SIDE 2 .

EMI STAMPING CODES: RG 1 / GR 1

MAITRIX:  IM O57 - 1F / IM O57 - 2F  
The Immediate format for the very first pressing, combining with the above ultra low stamping codes, both sides were pressed from
  the first mothers per individual side.



ORIGINAL 1967 IMMEDIATE SLEEVE, WITH A FLUTED OR WAVY SHAPED TOP OPENING,  THEY ARE AMONG THE MOST
DIFFICULT 1960's SLEEVE TO FIND UNDAMAGED.  THIS IS MOSTLY DUE TO THE MOSTLY WHITE PAPER, I USUALLY
FEEL  DELIGHTED TO FIND AN EXCELLENT CONDITION, THIS IS A VERY RARE EXCEPTION TO EVEN ABOVE AVERAGE
ORIGINAL'S.  AN UNAGED, PERFECTLY CLEAN 1967 IMMEDIATE SLEEVE, WITHOUT ANY WEAR OR EVEN A PRICE
HANDWRITTEN OR ON A STICKER.  HOWEVER, THIS IS NEARLY 50 YEARS YEARS OLD, A LONG TIME TO HAVE A
HEAVYWEIGHT RECORD INSIDE THE THIN PAPER, SO I MUST STRESS THE OUTSTANDING CONDITION, ONLY A RECORD
  IMPRESSION AND THE LIGHTEST POSSIBLE RELATED STANDING PRESSURE CREASES.
Few exist like this, an original late 1967 Immediate sleeve and not a counterfeit, 100% authentic and I am delighted to offer
such fantastic condition for record and sleeve alike.
THE AUTHENTIC 1967 IMMEDIATE SLEEVES ARE IN  EMI'S DESIGN FOR THIS ERA,  A VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL
FLIPBACK EDGE ON ONE SIDE.  THEY HAVE ROUNDED ENDING'S AND IMMEDIATE'S FAMOUS TEXT IS PRINTED ON
THE HORIZONTAL OR BOTTOM EDGE;

"Happy to be a part of the industry of human happiness."

THE REVERSE SIDE'S BOTTOM RIM HAS:
"At better records shops everywhere."

THE SLEEVE IS IN EXCELLENT+++ / NEAR MINT-  CONDITION.
 

I AM NOT CONVINCED THIS RECORD WAS PLAYED, THE TEXTURED LABELS DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING POSITIVE,
BUT ONE POSSIBLE TRACE ON ONE SIDE GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY, HEAR AND DESCRIBE THIS
MUCH LOVED SMALL FACES SINGLE, ISSUED IN, AND REPRESENTING THE HIGH POINT OF THE LEGENDARY 1967,
"SUMMER OF LOVE" WITH THE PUREST PSYCHEDELIA OF ALL TIME.
August was the same month I met Marina in 1967, so that was literally a "Summer Of Love" for us and we have been together ever
since....yes, I still have my worn out original "Itchycoo Park" single in a ripped sleeve. Sitting alongside that is a Mint first
pressing, which explain why I simply had to hear this equally stunning condition very first pressing as my own upgrade, or this
would not be for sale.  I got into record selling when replacing my own originals' and catching up with the ones that 'got away.'

IF THE RECORD WAS ONLY PLAYED ONCE , IT WAS WITH THE GREATEST POSSIBLE CARE, LEAVING NO SCRATCHES
ON THE VINYL, ANY TINY FACTORY / RECORD SHOP HANDLING TRACES ARE FEATHER LIGHT TO NEAR INVISIBLE,
MORE INVISIBLE!THE LABELS ARE SUPERBLY CLEAN, THE RECORD IS IN MINT CONDITION.


If ever a track instantly transports me back to the greatest summer I ever experienced, "Itchycoo Park" also captured the very
  feel of the magical psychedelia of 1967.  From the heavily phased sounds on the original mono singles, to Steve and Ronnie's lyrics
that were full of joy, so full of joy, somehow the BBC completely missed the overtly drugs related lyrics.   I still find it very
strange there was not a ban slapped on radio and TV plays, the BBC had become so obsessive they even banned the Beatles album
only track, "A Day In The Life," a matter of weeks earlier, how could they miss this?
What will we do there?
We'll get high....
  What will we touch there?
We'll touch the sky....

"I feel inclined to blow my mind...."
It was not exactly whispered but sung out with Steve Marriott's powerful voice towering over the same psychedelic 'phasing' first
heard on "Sgt. Pepper."  A spaced out sound featuring the most elaborate Marriott / Lane production to date, maybe it was such a
happy feel, the lyrics were not inspected.  The Small Faces were only doing what we were all enjoying, laying around in parks and
"Having fun in the sun", as it happened, "Itchycoo Park" was only ten minutes away from where I lived and grew up, the nettles
gave it the nickname 'Itchycoo Park' but  the actual name was 'Little Ilford Park'.  Steve Marriott lived 10 minutes away in the
other direction at Manor Park, half way between East Ham and Ilford, I have forgotten all about my usual background and this is
a major Small faces record so I will ease away from happy memories of the 'Summer Of Love,' as I said it really was for us as I
met Marina in August, 1967 and here we still are.


The Small Faces experienced a restrictive lack of artistic freedom, with the pressures on to meet Decca's schedules, producing
Top Ten singles was Decca's priority.   Their immense talent was rapidly expanding, so were their minds with psychedelic drugs of
the era, they were being starved of studio time and experiment ion involved making another album after their 1966 Decca debut.
  Their ability to write and produce some of the greatest singles of all time had never diminished, given artistic freedom they would
create such stunning psychedelic singles, they became so definitive in 1967 -1969, you have to name all they recorded once signed
  to Immediate, as masterpieces beyond compare.  I am writing as a very proud fan right from their debut in 1965 and as great as all
the Decca Mod period singles unquestionably are, they were progressing so quickly, in 1967 only the Beatles were ahead of them.
Their ability was always as an ultra tight r&B band right from 1965 and in the middle of all the psychedelic Immediate recordings,
  they wrote, performed & recorded the most stunning, hard rocking r&b single in the whole of the late 60's decade..."Tin Soldier."
 
The Small Faces were singing about acid experiences on their 1966 debut album, the amazing "E To D" is still underrated, then in
  1967 they fully embraced  psychedelia when they left Decca, right from the moment they walked through the door into Immediate.
  Andrew Oldham threw off the shackles Decca placed on them, offering unlimited studio time, and did they take it!  The first/debut
  Immediate single, "Here Comes The Nice" was a celebration of psychedelic music but with such unveiled drugs references, another
miracle the record also escaped being banned from radio and TV, "The Nice" was a drugs dealer! A Marriott/Lane record production
was a long proven success at Decca, now they really found their creative juices and set about making some of the very greatest
records of all time.  The Steve Marriott / Ronnie Lane songwriting partnership was given a new lease of life, Steve and Ronnie
  were now able to extend their record production like never before.  Decca out-takes released on "From The Beginning" hinted at
a new direction, but they were starved of time and encouragement, in Andrew Oldham they had plenty of that!  In the heart of the
psychedelic era the timing could not have worked out any better.  Their inspirational music flourished and they produced no less  
than three astounding Immediate singles in 1967 alone.  Including all the B-sides, the six tracks recorded are beyond comparison,
the first "Here Comes The Nice," was paired with "Talk To You", followed by this glorious "Itchycoo Park"and "I'm Only Dreaming."
Both A-sides represented two of the greatest psychedelic songs and productions ever commited to the 45 mono format, it really was
  "All too beautiful," but the r&b side of their music was never far away, next came the staggering purely r&b "Tin Soldier," most
certainly Steve Marriott's greatest ever song and vocal performance.  When you stop to think the extraordinary level of composing
and record production, including songs and productions for other artists like Chris Farlowe, Billy Nicholls and & P.P. Arnold, the
1967 "The Small Faces" first Immediate album, they were one of the most creative bands outside of the Beatles during that 'year
of years.'  Not forgetting their creative juices never dried up on Immediate,"Lazy Sunday" became the fourth in a row of stunning
45's, issued in April, 1968, before the ground breaking "Ogdens Nut Gone Flake" album, still unsurpassed today. If I sound rather
proud of the Small Faces, I have every reason to be, it was a glorious journey to follow, record by record, right from their debut 45
"Whatcha Gonna Do 'Bout It " in 1965. Not just the incredible Immediate singles that followed, "Itchycoo Park" and "Tin Soldier"
were also a foretaste of their next two albums.  That sublime and highly revered 1967 first LP on Immediate, "The Small Faces,"
included one of the greatest psychedelic tracks ever recorded,"Green Circles".  An astonishing innovative use of phasing effects,
that track in particular had promised even greater things to come. The late 1960's decade was an extraordinary time for exciting
music, multi-coloured psychedelic sounds were not confined to a record's grooves. "Sgt. Pepper" blazed a trail for possibilities
of an album's cover artwork, all that was now needed was a vivid imagination and an obliging record company to pay the costs.
The Small Faces had developed a serious rift with their management, particularly Don Arden, and left the  confines Decca imposed,
  drawn to Oldham's Immediate label to drop back from the endless touring and spend time creating records reflecting fascinations
with psychedelic sounds.  Since 1966 they had been very heavily influenced by the acid freely circulating and found a sympathetic
like minded attitude from Oldham, even so, the incredible "Ogdens Nut Gone Flake" exceeded anyone's expectations.  The music was
seeped in superb psychedelic sounds/studio effects, music hit the very greatest peaks of inspiration in this era, the Small Faces
also generated fun and the sheer joy of laughing at not just the world, but themselves.  You cannot listen to their magnificent
records without finding yourself happy and smiling!  Often left on the records were the band giggling and messing around in the
  middle of creating complex arrangements, there had been nothing like them, previously or ever since.  Like so many they were the
originator's as Mods and then as a psychedelic force, given half a chance, they could rock as hard as anyone.

I played the record earlier and the center hole was so tight, I had to carefully wriggle it down my spindle to avoid widening it,
the mono sound was absolutely stunning on both sides!  Loud, powerful & 'all too beautiful' for audio clarity, only the original
1967 Mono singles have the full scale of phasing psychedelic effects, if ever a track became diluted down and lacking the magical
spell of it's own era in Stereo, "Itchycoo Park" was intended as a mono single only. The mono mix is a true work of art, as I am
completely biased towards the 45 Mono mix, it's probably best I decided against a second play to write a track description and I
have said more than enough about the contents of the A-side anyway!   Like all EMI first pressings of 60's singles, the sound is
indeed sheer perfection, that includes near silent run-in grooves before a wave of psychedelic sounds flood from the speakers.
I was particularly impressed how the smallest sound like the tambourine rings out individually, the effect on Kenney's drums are
astounding from a Mint first pressing, they were an era defining moment for psychedelia.


Turn it over and you find another colossal performance,"I'm Only Dreaming" was also a non-LP track, only available in mono in
1967 and there it should remain because that was how it was originally mixed.  Beginning as a slow dreamy, floaty song with Steve
singing in his softer voice against a minimalist instrumental backing, the tempo rises gradually and after Steve sings the title in
a heavily echoed voice, the track explodes into hard rocking r&b with that Marriott voice at full force.  Then back to the dreamy
laid back feel for one more verse and an amazing production hits a heavy Marriott guitar riff that includes brass, Ronnie's bass
is incredible!  Well, considering I was not going to describe either track, the epic length "I'm Only Dreaming" could not be left
without a few details, a firm favourite Small faces track was enjoyed in the same perfect sound quality.  A soulful Marriott has to
be heard in audio perfection, the quietest moments are ruined on the usual scratched and damaged first pressings.  Why I refuse
to sell records that are no longer able to give the same pleasure, as when they were first pressed and bought, a subject I'm more
than qualified to comment about.
{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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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
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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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