I recently found an original 1st pressing in NM conditions in a second-hand box of ‘80s disco and other trashed, neglected discs… what such a masterpiece of folk-rock was doing in such a bad company is a sort-of mystery, yet… happy I grabbed it at the cost of a coffee… and I sure saved it from the oblivion, indeed.
The cover is made of a canvas-like, soft and textured carton and it’s a pleasure to handle.
This record sounds amazing, much, MUCH better than my trusty copy on Mooncrest label.
This disc has been (and still is) a personal fave of mine: Maddy Prior and Martin Carthy’s voices sound so fresh, yet dramatic and music flows effortlessly and never tiring.
An humble little masterpiece from 1971.
What a strange coincidence. Ialso found a 1st press on the B&C label recently -- the textured 'fabric-like' cover, but signed with a flourish by Martin Carthy, with some other gig fliers and promotional materials inside. Absolutely mint vinyl, GBP10.00. It replaced my Mooncrest copy bought in the very early 70s. I don't know how many decades I had had the Mooncrest version without realising that it isn't a first pressing.
ReplyDeleteI only bought the B&C copy because it was cheap and NM -- the seller didn't even mention it being signed -- and I was very surprised to hear how much better it does sound than the Mooncrest pressing. The cover is very slightly worn but I defy anyone to find a copy of the original 'soft/textured' cover variant where that isn't the case. As you say, a modest little marvel from 55 years ago, complete with paper insert -- and a glorious record from the heyday of British electric folk.
If you've never comes across it, the `Steeleye fan website has interesting coverage of that and all the other LPs:
https://steeleyespanfan.co.uk/the-music/please-to-see-the-king
Great site about SS I didn’t know! Thanks, Alun.
DeleteSerendipity 🥂 May I dare asking for a favor, Alun? My copy was missing all original inserts (as per Discogs) and apparently you have it all… could you please scan them and send as attachments to an email to stefanocello(AT)gmail(DOT)com? Thanks a lot and congratulations for the find 🥂
ReplyDeleteStefano, I have emailed you separately. AS
Delete