GALLIARD - STRANGE PLEASURES

A truly outstanding condition copy of this extremely rare and highly sought after 1969 UK 1st press prog/psych classic, on the coveted DERAM Nova label, STEREO, SDN 4

The dead wax matrix numbers are :

Side 1   ZAL-9183.P-1W with stampers "1" and "U" at 8 o'clock and 2 o'clock respectively, and the "JT" tax code at 11 o'clock

Side 2   ZAL-9184.P-1W with stampers "1" and "U" at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock respectively, and the "JT" tax code at 11 o'clock

In normal daylight the appearance of the vinyl is near mint (NM). Gleaming, completely flat and heavy duty vinyl with jet black lacquering and a beautiful sheen. Close scrutiny under a bright light reveals just a few (and I really do mean just "a few") small wispiest of wispy hairlines and the lightest of small superficial paper scuffs...nothing really. Clearly this record has been carefully looked after and played sparingly. Overall I would grade the condition of the vinyl as excellent plus (EX+).

The labels are excellent plus. Beautiful labels with all text, all colouring, and the iconic sliver and red DERAM Nova logo all in wonderful condition. There are just a couple of small, barely discernible faint spindle trails adjacent to the centre hole on each label but apart from that perfect! 

The condition of the front side laminated outer sleeve is excellent plus (EX+). All edges remain firm with no scuffing, each corner remains a perfectly defined right angle with just the slightest of light rubbing on each of the spine corners, the opening sides are similarly firm with no fraying, the spine is rigid with all text perfectly intact and legible..brilliant! There is a very thin 6cm strip of laminate lifting adjacent to the spine and the occasional 1cm light surface laminate crease adjacent and perpendicular to the top and bottom edges and spine, but these really are trivial (and only noticeable when the sleeve is tilted at the right angle in a bright light) and do nothing to diminish the superb condition of the front side with vibrant and clear colours on the outstanding art work. Terrific condition, especially considering the 50 year antiquity of this sleeve. The reverse side is similarly impressive with no creasing, no writing or unwanted doodles, and all text, photos and artwork remaining in outstanding condition. Wonderful!

Finally, the quality of the audio is excellent plus (EX+). Deram Nova (a bit like Middle Earth) records are not renowned for their high quality audio reproduction. On this record there is great tone and clarity throughout (what an underrated album this is, by the way) even at higher volume and frequencies, but I cannot deny that there is the occasional light click and on side 2 just the hint of a little background crackle at the beginning of side 2 and during some of the quieter moments...these minor blemishes are not down to the condition of the record, which is virtually unmarked and clearly sparingly played, but can only be down to the manufacture of the record itself and the odd speck of dust in the grooves through decades of storage. Other Deram Nova records (Pacific Drift, Bulldog Breed, Sunforest and Jan Dukes de Grey each spring to mind) are exactly the same - I know because I have near mint copies of each. But I don't want to overstate this either...the stereo sound quality on this record is still a strong excellent and highly impressive with every track on this "under the radar" late 60's prog/psych gem still making for a great listen. I doubt that there are many UK 1st pressing copies of this record left in better condition than this.

The tracks are :

Side 1 :

1. SKILLET

2. A MODERN DAY FAIRY TALE

3. PASTORALE

4. I WRAPPED HER IN RIBBONS

5. CHILDREN OF THE SUN

Side 2 :

1. GOT TO MAKE IT

2. FROG GALLIARD

3. BLOOD

4. HEAR THE COLOURS

5. I WANNA BE BACK HOME

Comes with original blue and white STEREO Decca/DERAM Nova inner sleeve with no tears or splits, no fraying and no unwanted writing - just some mild creasing in one corner and remaining 100% functional. Note that I always post the vinyl in a new plain white inner sleeve in order to protect the original.

In summary a solid excellent plus condition copy of this extremely rare and highly sought after 1969 UK 1st press "under the radar" prog/psych classic - worthy of gracing any vinyl collection and only continuing to increase in value.

 If you require any further information, including photos, then let me know and I'll do my best to oblige. 

If this record interests you then take a look at my other 60's & 70's classic vinyl listings.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 49 years and have amassed a huge collection covering a varied genre, but mostly of 1960's and 70's origin. Most of my records were originally bought by myself for my own collection, but during the past 30 years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boot sales, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I am now retired and take great delight in being able to spend more time scouring the country and attending boot sales and auctions in the hope of unearthing more vinyl gems...I am 64 years of age now and am still discovering bands and music of the 60's and 70's that I have never come across before. Wonderful! Richard

My ebay feedback speaks for itself so rest assured that you are buying from a trusted seller and in the very unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase just e-mail me and I'll sort out the problem. I offer a "no quibble" refund policy. 

On the subject of postage, I take great care in the packaging of all items, using a proper vinyl thick cardboard "crucifix" style mailer along with at least two thick cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in separating the record from the outer sleeve in order to help prevent sleeve damage in transit and I always insert the vinyl, outer sleeve and inner into a clear plastic sleeve, thus adding further protection. 

For this item postage & packaging will be UK £5.00, Royal Mail special delivery; continental Europe £11 and Rest of the World £15, Royal Mail 1st class international Airmail, tracked and signed for.

 I DO discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. I do NOT profit from postage.

Good luck with your bidding!

NOTE : My vinyl descriptions comply with the official Record Collector vinyl grading guidelines :

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

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.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

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, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler