Sold Date: December 14, 2014
Start Date: December 7, 2014
Final Price: $28.29 (USD)
Bid Count: 1
Seller Feedback: 1653
Buyer Feedback: 71

SYNOPSIS

 was not only 's greatest moment, it was their most popular album, bringing them an unprecedented commercial breakthrough by going platinum and spawning a number one R&B smash in the title track. It was a landmark LP for the so-called "black rock" movement, best-typified in the statement of purpose "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!"; more than that, though, the whole album is full of fuzzed-out, -style guitar licks, even when the music is clearly meant for the dancefloor. This may not have been a new concept for , but it's executed here with the greatest clarity and accessibility in their catalog. Furthermore, out of 's many conceptual albums (serious and otherwise),  is the pinnacle of his political consciousness. It's unified by a refusal to acknowledge boundaries -- social, sexual, or musical -- and, by extension, the uptight society that created them. The tone is positive, not militant -- this funk is about community, freedom, and independence, and you can hear it in every cut (even the bizarre, outrageously scatological "P.E. Squad"). The title cut is one of funk's greatest anthems, and "Groovallegiance" and the terrific "Cholly" both dovetail nicely with its concerns. The aforementioned "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!" is a seamless hybrid that perfectly encapsulates the band's musical agenda, while "Into You" is one of their few truly successful slow numbers. The original LP included a three-song bonus EP featuring the heavy riff rock of "Lunchmeataphobia," an unnecessary instrumental version of "P.E. Squad," and a live "Maggot Brain"; these tracks were appended to the CD reissue. In any form,  is the best realization of 's ambitions, and one of the best funk albums ever released..*

* per AllMusic.com

PAYMENTS

Payment Process: Following auction's completion, eBay will forward a draft invoice to the buyer. If there is only one purchased item from this transaction then the buyer can make payment from this draft invoice. If there are multiple items purchased then the seller will need to initiate a revised invoice that will reflect the lower combined shipping costs for the buyer. The buyer should advise the seller of this situation so it is not inadvertently overlooked. 

Payment Method: PayPal is the required payment method as it is the quickest and most efficient process for both buyer and seller

Payment Deadline: Seller has thoughtfully committed to ship within one day following payment so it would be appreciated if buyer would reciprocate with payment by one day following receipt of invoice. A final payment deadline is 72 hours from delivery of invoice.

SHIPPING

Shipping & Handling (S&H) Fee Disclosure: A transaction fee of $1.40 is applied for the safe delivery of your purchase. It is solely for reimbursement for (1) specialized mailers, (2) polyurethane jacket sleeve and inner sleeve if needed and delivery confirmation. Please keep this in mind when considering the total shipping costs.  

Postal Calculation: I use the eBay/USPS postage calculator tool to determine postage costs. This tool determines postage based on destination, shipping type, weight, options, and S&H fee.

Packing Procedure & Precautions: Many buyers inquire about product packaging which is understandable. My process is as follows: (1) Remove vinyl and inner sleeve from jacket, (2) Insert jacket into polyurethane sleeve, (3) Insert inner sleeve with vinyl into the polyurethane sleeve outside of the jacket in order to prevent seam splits caused by movement in transit, (4) protected item is then packed & shipped in a 200 lb. test "bend resistant" corrugated cardboard mailer along with any material necessary to ensure that movement of record does not shift inside the mailer. 

Shipping options: Buyer decides which shipping method he desires. For domestic shipping it normally is either the less expensive media mail or the more dependable, quicker and traceable Priority Mail. In the situation of International shipping factors are still the same with the choices being the less expensive First Class International or the more dependable, quicker and traceable Priority International Mail. 

RETURNS

Buyers have fourteen (14) days, from delivery date, to exercise return option of a return. Vinyl collectors & enthusiasts are well aware that grading is an extremely subjective determination and in the end is simply just one persons opinion. A difference of opinion on a vinyl's "Proper" or "Correct" grade (e.g. a listed VG++ item thought to be a VG+ by the buyer) is a difficult to agree on. I make a concerted effort to avoid this situation, and grade conservatively in order to avoid this situation. I grade with absolutely NO intention of misleading or taking advantage of any buyer. 

That being the case, returns are normally accepted for objective reasons such as: (1) advertised as sealed but was received as an opened item or (2) advertised as original release yet identified as a reissue. For these provable claims I gladly accept returns. In a situation where the buyer believes that there was a grave error in the grading of an item, I am still open to an amicable resolution as we are all in this game together. 

For any return, as noted in the "Returns Policy", the buyer is responsible for the cost to return any item to to the seller with return being made in the same box that was used to ship to the buyer. After the product return is validated then I will initiate applicable refund.  

If an item is not received, please check with your local post office as in a majority of cases these items can be found there. If the item is delivered damaged, it is imperative that you address this issue with YOUR local postal service.

GRADING SCALE

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please remember that any record graded below a Mint, or Near Mint, will obviously have marks on the vinyl and/or jacket . otherwise they too would be graded Mint, or Near Mint. Marks on a piece of vinyl can be disturbing but on the other hand they can be unheard. If I see any marks that may impact a listeners sound quality I will play grade the vinyl to ensure that the marks do not result in any deterioration of the sound quality. My priority, for all buyers, is to ensure a pleasant listening experience and that you are content with your purchase. I will advise if there are marks that absolutely do not impact the sound quality so that you can rest assured when you open the album. Please keep in mind that I could also miss something but I surely will not leave you hanging. My feedback record obviously reflects that I work with everyone successfully. 

Vinyl is normally visually graded, except for above, primarily due to time constraints and the sheer volume (thousands) of records being graded. I am selling off my personal collection as this is NOT a business where I buy and sell. I use very bright lights & magnifiers to search for flaws ensuring that no over-grading occurs. The grading scale is as follows:

Mint (M): Still Sealed, if opened the grading should not reflect Mint.

Near Mint (NM):  Looks as though it just came from the retail store and was opened for the very first time (i.e. nearly perfect). Shiny vinyl with no visible defects such as writing, stickers, markings on either jacket or vinyl. Near Mint records do not have to be one that has never been played because used record that have been played multiple times can also be Near Mint providing that they have been properly cared for during its' life.  

Excellent (EX) Looks like a Near Mint at first glance but upon thorough exam a minimal blemish or mark may be noted. As a Near Mint is in perfect condition, this grade is just a small step down in the grading scale. An jacket saw cut. corner cut or punch hole will result in the nicest looking jacket having to be downgraded to Excellent due to these flaws.

Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of wear, including scuffs or light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound and minor signs of handling will fall into this category. Telltale marks around the center hole, from repeated playing may have enlarged or damaged the hole and may be visible. Light ring wear or discoloration, can be noted but should not be overwhelming. Very Good + jackets should have minor wear such as a very minor seam wear or split (less than 1"long) at one of the seams (normally the bottom seam which is most vulnerable. A Very Good + may have some jacket defacing such as cut-out markings which can be either a circular hole punch, a cut corner or a saw cut. 

Very Good (VG):  Shows more obvious flaws than the above. They may lack the original gloss found on factory fresh records, groove wear is evident as are light scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. The Very Good record could have minor surface noise and some scratches may be audible most likely in the intros and the empty space between songs but not at a level that would overpower the music. Minor writing, tape or sticker may exist on the jacket and/or label. These records will still remain a fine listening experience.