Beggars Opera

UK first press 1971. 114 matrix. Record plays with a light crackle in places. Sleeve once had tape along the sleeve so the old glue mark is there otherwise nice condition. No OG inner sleeve.
Scottish prog on the mighty Vertigo swirl, second album and easily their best. Mellotrons all over the shop, big symphonic sweeps, the odd medieval flourish and a fair bit of Hammond abuse. It’s lush, it’s over the top, and it’s got that full early 70s sense of “let’s throw everything in and see what sticks.” Surprisingly tuneful too, not just endless noodling. FFO: Yes if they were a bit thriftier, early Genesis before they got posh, King Crimson’s more melodic cousins.