MusicStack has partnered with a vinyl to CD conversion service who will convert the LP Gatefold to recordable CD for you. It will sound great with no annoying clicks, pops or background noise. All recordable CDs come in a standard jewel case with artwork printed on glossy paper.
How does this service work?
The seller will ship the LP Gatefold to the digital conversion center in Arizona, USA where it will be format shifted onto a recordable CD directly from the LP Gatefold only for your ears. The LP Gatefold and the recordable CD will then be mailed to you. The digital conversion center will not retain any copies of the item.
What does it cost?
Price of the LP Gatefold + $35 USD for the conversion to recordable CD + cost of shipping of the LP Gatefold to Arizona + cost of shipping of the LP Gatefold from Arizona to your location paid in advance.
gimmick sleeve Co-produced by George Chkiantz and Family, 1971's "Fearless" was recorded with the band till recovering from their second North American tour. It also marked a new line-up with original bassist John Weider (off to form Stud) being replaced by former Mogul Thrush multi-instrumentalist John Wetton. Powered by Roger Chapman's unique voice, I wouldn't argue the album marked a major change in the sound, but at the same time, there was something different - something more open and commercial (I'm using the word in a broad sense), than on their previous four studio albums. That made this set a good starting point for anyone interested in checking the band out. Anchored by three of the band's prettiest melodies ('Between Blue and Me', 'Larf and Sing', and 'Spanish Tide') the album was highly diverse, including stabs at everything from a Faces-styled bar rocker ('Sat'd'y Barfly'), to a catchy jazz-rock instrumental ('Crinkly Grin'), and even an acoustic blues tune ('Children'). Chapman remained a unique singer and while there was no way he was going to appeal to all listeners, with the exception of the rocker 'Blind', his vocal excesses were kept in check this time around, possibly making the set a little more palatable to casual listeners. The album hit # 14 on the UK charts; making Family's first appearance on the US charts where the set peaked at # 177. "Fearless" track listing: (side 1) 1.) Between Blue and Me (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:59 rating: **** stars Roger Chapman's voice has always been an acquired taste and I typically have to get myself in the right mood before playing a Family album. The funny thing is I can remember the first time I heard 'Between Blue and Me' and wondering if I'd really put on a Family album. One of the prettiest ballads the group ever performed, Chapman started out singing without his usual wobbly phrasing ... his trademarked vocals kicked in as the song picked up speed and energy, but the first minute was totally unexpected. I seem to remember reading somewhere the song was intended as a tribute to guitarist John "Charley" Whitney's parents. Neither the sound, or video quality are very good, but YouTube has a 1971 performance on the English The Old Grey Whistles Test Series television show: YouTube also has a December, 2016 performance: Yeah, time had taken a bit of a toll on the survivors. 2.) Sat'd'y Barfly (John Whitney - Roger Chapman) - 4:02 rating: **** stars Powered by John "Poli" Palmer's barrelhouse piano, 'Sat'd'y Barfly' sounded like Family was trying to out-drink The Faces. It made for an awesome bar band track ... Easy to picture these guys getting trashed in a corner pub and how many can you think of that feature a funky tuba solo ? Reflecting surprisingly daring tastes, the track was tapped as a French single: - 1971's 'Sat'd'y Barfly' b/w 'Spanish Tide' (Reprise catalog number 14 143) 3.) Larf and Sing (Poli Palmer) - 2:45 rating: **** stars For folks who doubted Family found actually write and perform a song with a decent melody, I'd suggest checking out the breezy 'Larf and Song'. Keyboardist Palmer wrote it and handled the lead vocals. Worth hearing if only for Whitney's beautiful solo, the stunning a capella chorus, and (for a 50 something year old), the thought provoking lyrics "Life begins to write a book across my face; the stories that are me, the views I hold. Out years on earth begin to turn into a race and I resign myself to growing old ..." The song was released as a single in the UK and the US: UK release: - 1971's 'Larf and Sing' b/w 'Children' (Reprise catalog number SAM 1) US release: - 1971's 'Larf and Sing' b/w 'Between Blue and Me' (United Artists catalog number 50882) 4.) Spanish Tide (John Whitney - Roger Chapman)- 4:00 rating: **** sta
Payment Accepted: PayPal, Cash (USD - at your risk), Personal Check (USD made out to Scott Blackerby), Certified Check (USD made out to Scott Blackerby), Postal (USD made out to Scott Blackerby), PayPal (make payment to )
I've used the Goldmine Grading Guide in grading the collection. Most of the catalog is graded VG or slightly higher. To me that reflects an LP that's been played, but with care and attention. Neither the cover nor the vinyl are pristine, but the cover will be intact without substantial flaw and the vinyl will play without substantial hiss and without skips. Exceptions are noted for each offering. Since I buy music 'cause it's stuff I want to hear, virtually everything I sell is play graded - in other words, I've actually listened to the item. Finally, albums are graded cover first, vinyl second, i.e. VG/NM means a very good cover and near mint vinyl.
Goldmine Grading Standard:
Mint [M]: Absolutely perfect in every way - certainly never played, possibly even still sealed. (More on still sealed below). Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all.
------------------------------------------------------------ Near Mint [NM or M-]: A nearly perfect record. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record shows no obvious sign of wear. A 45 rpm sleeve has no more than the most minor defects, such as almost invisible ring wear or other signs of slight handling.
An LP jacket has no creases, folds, seam splits or any other noticeable similar defect. No cut-out holes, either. And of course, the same is true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, and the like. Basically, Near Mint looks as if you just got it home from a new record store and removed the shrink wrap.
------------------------------------------------------------ Very Good Plus [VG+]: Shows some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Record surfaces may show some slight signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experience. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are OK.
The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but is should be barely noticeable. The center hole is not misshapen by repeated play. Picture sleeves and LP inner sleeves will have some slight wear, lightly turn-up corners, or a slight seam-split. An LP jacket my have slight signs of wear also and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation or corner indicating it was taken out of print and sold at a discount.
In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. All but the most mint-crazy collectors will find a Very Good Plus record highly acceptable.
------------------------------------------------------------ Very Good [VG]: Many of the defects found in a VG+ record are more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise is evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during the song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as will light scratches deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time, only two or three of them.
------------------------------------------------------------ Good [G], Good Plus [G+]: Good does not mean bad! A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be put onto a turntable and will play through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise and scratches and visible groove wear.
A jacket or sleeve has seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear or other defects will start to overwhelm the object. If it's a common item, you'll probably find another copy in better shape eventually. Pass it up. But if it's something you have been seeking for years, and the price is right, get it.
------------------------------------------------------------- Poor [P], Fair [F]: The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and/or writing. The LP jacket barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully seam split, and written upon.
Except for impossibly rare records otherwise unattainable, records in this condition should be bought or sold for no more than a few cents each.
Payment Methods Accepted
PayPal, Cash (US Dollars - at your risk), Personal Check (US Dollars made out to Scott Blackerby), Certified Check (US Dollars made out to Scott Blackerby), Postal (US Dollars made out to Scott Blackerby), PayPal (make payment to )
Shipping Costs
I ship domestic orders via USPS media mail. Typical delivery is in 3 - 5 days.
I can usually pack 2 - 3 LPs into a mailer
Rates may change as USPS seems to modify their rate structure on a regular basis.
Currently I am limiting sales to the US.U
I ship via USPS media mail which has proven dependable and the most economical delivery for buyers
I can normally pack 1 to 3 LPs in an LP mailer $6.00. $1.00 for each additional LP.
Return Policy
Obviously, grading is subjective and there are bound to be cases where someone disagrees with the way we've graded an album. In cases where you feel I'm way off the mark, let me know and I'll work to reach a mutually agreeable solution. I've sold several hundred albums over the last couple of years, including many on eBay. During that timeframe I've run into two disagreements. I sold a Tommy Boyce solo album which noted the cover had a tiny tear where someone had taken a price sticker off. The buyer was upset since she had known Boyce and wanted to frame the LP for display purposes. Even though the description clearly noted the tiny tear (and it was visible in the picture we posted), I offered her a refund, or a price adjustment to what she thought was fair. I never got a response. I sold a Richard Wright LP. The buyer told me it was a misprint sporting the same track listing on both sides. I provided a full refund and let the buyer keep the LP (he was in South America and it wasn't worth the hassle to get the LP back). Curiously, as a Pink Floyd fan I'd listened to the LP a couple of times and had no recollection of the mispressing. Oh well ...
Seller Information
Reserving items: If you contact me in advance, I'll reserve items for up to 3 weeks. If I reserve something, make sure you honor your commitment to purchase the item, otherwise I'm unlikely to continue doing business with you. Packaging information: I pack items in new record mailers with filler pads for additional protection. So far I haven't had any problems ... Unless you're buying some exceedingly expensive items, or your order totals more than $100.00 I'd suggest not bothering with insurance. If you want insurance, let me know ...
Shipping to United States
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No Insurance, No Tracking, No Signature, - days Estimated Delivery
