Vinyl: CRESSIDA - ASYLUM scarce UK '71 1st press prog classic on Vertigo swirl, 6360025 Original, extremely rare UK prog rock gem - a classic!

CRESSIDA - ASYLUM

Rare and highly sought after 1971 UK 1st pressing progressive rock gem in overall very good condition (there are some blemishes - read below), on the coveted VERTIGO swirl record label, 6360 025

Matrix Numbers : Side 1 6360025 1Y//1 420 1 1 2Side 26360025 2Y//1 420 1 1 3 (I think it's a "3" - difficult to make out)

Both sides of the vinyl have retained much of their original sheen and have an excellent appearance in normal daylight. There are some blemishes, however : on side 1 there is a light 2cm scratch, some of which is just feelable, covering most of track 1 though I could not detect it impacting upon audio quality; there are also a few wispy hairlines/spider lines and some very light paper scuffs; on side 2 there are a few more wispy hairlines/spider lines, one of which is a little more obvious covering most of the final track (perpendicular to the centre hole) but which is surface only and non-feelable. There is a small scratch on side 2, track 1 which is feelable and results in 30 mild clicks on playback of this track.

Each label is excellent with no aberrations apart from just a couple of very, very light spindle traces adjacent to the centre hole.

The iconic gatefold outer sleeve is in very good condition , retaining most of it's original colour vibrancy. The corners and edges are still well defined though there is obvious scuffing on the bottom and top edges. There is also some rubbing on each of the corners. There is an obvious scuff mark on the front cover (see photo) where, presumably, a price sticker was once located and also a 2cm score mark just left of centre. On the reverse side there is obvious scuffing located at the bottom left hand corner, and a 15cm horizontal score mark close to the bottom edge (see photo). The spine remains solid and in overall very good condition with all writing perfectly legible.There are also just a few black dots on the front and reverse side. The inside of the gatefold is excellent with just the hint of a little age discolouration along the spine and top edges.

The quality of the audio ranges between good and excellent. There is mild crackle at the beginning and end of each side, 3 mild clicks on track 2 side 1, and 30 mild clicks on track 1 side 2. There is also some mild rotational background "fuzz" throughout most of the record, seemingly more intrusive during the first half of each of side 1 and side 2. Normally I would put this type of audio blemish down to warping of the record but this is not the case here - the record is completely flat, exactly as it should be. For much of the record you don't notice it because it's superseded by the music, and increasing the treble on my Pioneer system does diminish the impact of this background fuzziness. But during the quieter moments, and between tracks, and during the run-ins and run-outs it is noticeable. Very annoying because close inspection of each side of the vinyl reveals no obvious reason why this should occur. Finally there is also the occasional mild background click. But no loud nasty pops and certainly no skips. All of this is not to say that the record as a whole doesn't make for good listening - it does, with some great guitar and organ (especially) work throughout which makes for enthralling listening..

The tracks are :

Side 1

1. ASYLUM

2. MUNICH

3. GOODBYE POST OFFICE TOWER GOODBYE

4. SURVIVOR

5. REPRIEVED

Side 2

1. LISA

2. SUMMER WEEKEND OF A LIFETIME

3. LET THEM COME WHEN THEY WILL

Comes with original Vertigo swirl poly-lined inner which suffers from a little creasing, a little age discolouration, and two small tears on the front side emanating from the centre - no splits, however, and still fully functional.

In summary, a true prog rock rarity - with blemishes but still a worthy addition to any vinyl collection.

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 listings for more 50's, 60's and 70's classic vinyl.

A bit about myself : I have been collecting vinyl for more than 45 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 over the years I have embellished my collection by buying records from a variety of sources : friends/acquaintances, car boots, auctions, and even through putting up a "vinyl wanted" notice in my wife's shop! I never intended selling any of my records but now I am retired and a combination of space requirements (caused partly by duplication) and a need to help fund my retirement has prompted me to "rationalise" my record collection and sell many of my much loved gems. 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 cardboard mailer along with at least two cardboard stiffeners. I take great care in removing the record from the outer sleeve in order to prevent sleeve damage in transit. I do NOT profiteer from postage costs. I DO take great care in minimising all risk thereby ensuring, as far as possible, that your purchase reaches it's destination in exactly the same condition as when I post it. For this item postage & packaging will be Royal Mail1st class tracked and signed for : UK £8, continental Europe £14, and Rest of the World £19. I do discount post & packaging costs for multiple purchases. Good luck with your bidding. Richard

Descriptions of any records I sell comply with the Rare Record Price Guide grading guidelines :

Mint

Description: The record 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

Description: 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

Description: 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

Description: 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, discoloration, etc.

Fair

Description: 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 will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor

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

Bad

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